Showdown City

In this terrific debut novel, Huey Palmer, a helicopter pilot and admitted bad father, signs a nondisclosure agreement%E2%80%94as do Dr. Douglas Rainey and his research assistant, Valerie Trujillo%E2%80%94before helping rich eccentric Ernie Swords recover a rare Special Edition Colt Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver. Flying into restricted airspace, the foursome crash land in New Roux City, "a thriving town straight out of the Old West" that has been isolated, unchanging, since 1878. In this lawless land, everyone must carry a gun and showdowns are the means of settling scores. When an incident at a dinner prompts a showdown between Miller Roux, who runs the town with an iron fist, and Huey, the various characters all scheme in their own best interests. Berger creates a tale with vivid characters and along the way makes clever points about anti-gun advocates and cultural tourism. This enjoyable comic novel is a crackerjack read. (June)