South California Purples

Set in 1973, this fast-moving series launch from Birtcher (Hard Latitudes and three other Mike Travis novels) perfectly captures its era. Vietnam vets are coming home to a mixed reception, the American Indian Movement is standing off the government at Wounded Knee, and in Meriwether County, Ore., something unexplainable is killing rancher Tyler Dawson’s cattle. Neighboring rancher Teresa Pineu, incensed that the government is rounding up wild horses to be slaughtered, has put the word out, and a group of activists, hippies, and motorcycle gang members are camping out on her spread. Sheriff Lloyd Skadden deputizes Ty to keep things under control, but events rapidly get out of hand. One of Ty’s ranch hands is murdered, the bikers shoot up a bar, and Lloyd seems otherwise occupied. More mayhem ensues, including a deadly standoff between the bikers and Ty’s people. Birtcher takes readers on an exciting ride that more than makes up for the surfeit of detail and a somewhat forced denouement. (Apr.)