Leaves. St Columba Falls, Pyngana, Tasmania. July 2021.
Montana by Gwen Florio
Hard-boiled private dick combat veteran cop foreign correspondent Lola Wicks finds herself thrust back into civilian life only to discover that her oldest (only?) friend has been brutally and mysteriously murdered in the lonely Montana Badlands.
Far be it from me to suggest that Gwen Florio’s Montana is formulaic, but it treads familiar ground. While I enjoyed the remote setting, the story felt rushed, and many of the characters insufficiently fleshed out.
Most apparent is the subplot involving the Johnny Running Wolf, which seems incredibly implausible and emphasised the casual treatment of the Blackfoot, who appeared more as props than authentic and substantive people.
Still, if you are prepared to go with the flow and not dwell on the many implausible facets, it is a pacey read and does not outstay its welcome. I will no doubt give the follow-up a read, which says enough, I suppose.
⭐ ⭐ 1/2
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