Gun Shy

by: Ben Rehder

Published by: St. Martin's Minotaur

Reviewed by Alex McGilvery

Gun Shy by Ben Rehder is a crime novel with a bit of a difference. He is merciless in his satire of both sides of the gun debate. He manages to weave a tale that is both a mystery and very funny.

The author uses character to drive the humor. You are introduced to a menagerie of oddball characters ranging from two authentic rednecks to a would-be governor of Texas. They are brought together by the impending rally of the NWA, a pro-gun lobby group. The highlight of the rally is to be the performance of County and Western singer Mitch Campbell. Unfortunately Mitch is not all he seems, and the rally is put in jeopardy by his actions.

The protagonist is a game warden named John Marlin. When a body of an illegal immigrant turns up, he is asked to help with the investigation. The more he learns about the case, the more complicated it gets. Meanwhile more and more people are drawn into the maelstrom as another mystery unfolds. There are a lot of characters, and it takes while to see how they are brought together, but it is worth it. Everything comes together in an unforgettable climax.

Rehder makes fun of everyone in Gun Shy. The epigrams at the beginning of each section are well chosen to set the scene for both sides. What he lampoons most sharply are the people on both sides of the gun issue who have no time to hear anything of their opponents' arguments. Yet, while Rehder makes fun of his characters, he doesn't allow his satire to get in the way of telling a very good story. The book never detours just for the sake of a joke.

Armchair Interviews says: You will enjoy this terrific read by Ben Rehder.

Author's Web site: http://www.BenRehder.com