And the Hills Opened Up

Life in the small 1890 Wyoming mining town of Red Earth revolves around plundering the copper seam and the weekly stagecoach that brings payroll from the Dennison mining company. When opening a new section of the mine frees a monster known only as “the Charred Man,” everyone in the town must choose how to make their stand, and who they’ll protect. A feverish foreman, an inexperienced sheriff, a widowed whore, and a kindly outlaw are just some of the engrossing characters in Oppegaard’s page-turner. The narrative is subtle and lovely, contrasting with a creepy, believable monster. The two combine in a story that’s horrific, thrilling, touching, and unflinchingly satisfying to the last page. Agent: Jonathan Lyons, Curtis Brown Ltd. (May)