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Gabriel Du Pre #9
Ash Child
It's dry season in Montana, and fires blazing west of Touissant have spread to the Wolf Mountains. Métis-Indian fiddler, tracker, and reluctant sleuth Gabriel Du Pré suspects the fires have been intentionally set and are linked to the recent murder of Old Maddy Collins, an eccentric woman found in her living room, her head beaten in with a cast-iron hatchet. Du Pré's suspicions are heightened when two teenagers snooping around Maddy's house turn up dead in the mountains, buried beneath ash and riddled with bullet wounds.
With its sly wit and comic touches, combined with colorful characters and lyrical prose evocative of Montana, Peter Bowen's Ash Child makes for an exceptionally rich and deeply satisfying novel.
With its sly wit and comic touches, combined with colorful characters and lyrical prose evocative of Montana, Peter Bowen's Ash Child makes for an exceptionally rich and deeply satisfying novel.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 5, 2002
81 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Peter Bowen
50 books74 followersPeter Bowen (b. 1945) is an author best known for mystery novels set in the modern American West. When he was ten, Bowen’s family moved to Bozeman, Montana, where a paper route introduced him to the grizzled old cowboys who frequented a bar called The Oaks. Listening to their stories, some of which stretched back to the 1870s, Bowen found inspiration for his later fiction.
Following time at the University of Michigan and the University of Montana, Bowen published his first novel, Yellowstone Kelly, in 1987. After two more novels featuring the real-life Western hero, Bowen published Coyote Wind (1994), which introduced Gabriel Du Pré, a mixed-race lawman living in fictional Toussaint, Montana. Bowen has written thirteen novels in the series, in which Du Pré gets tangled up in everything from cold-blooded murder to the hunt for rare fossils. Bowen continues to live and write in Livingston, Montana.
Following time at the University of Michigan and the University of Montana, Bowen published his first novel, Yellowstone Kelly, in 1987. After two more novels featuring the real-life Western hero, Bowen published Coyote Wind (1994), which introduced Gabriel Du Pré, a mixed-race lawman living in fictional Toussaint, Montana. Bowen has written thirteen novels in the series, in which Du Pré gets tangled up in everything from cold-blooded murder to the hunt for rare fossils. Bowen continues to live and write in Livingston, Montana.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 11, 2025
A fine installment in the Gabriel Du Pré series starting with him in the hospital recovering from a burst appendix. While he's there a local woman is murdered.
lt's the dryest summer in over 90 years, when the forest on the Wolf Mountains burned. When fires start no one is terribly surprised.
This series is a lot of fun to read. The locals don't take any shit from authorities who seem to think the locals are a bunch of ignorant bumpkins.
lt's the dryest summer in over 90 years, when the forest on the Wolf Mountains burned. When fires start no one is terribly surprised.
This series is a lot of fun to read. The locals don't take any shit from authorities who seem to think the locals are a bunch of ignorant bumpkins.
October 7, 2018
Found a new author-thank you Goodreads Community! Fictional Montana town, murders, mystery, and very dry mountains, and a down home investigator! Cannot wait for my next adventure.
March 4, 2017
I am a fan of Peter Bowen's Montana Mysteries, with (now retired) brand inspector and Metis musician Gabriel du Pre and his community. Du Pre is a simple man in the best sense of the word – the best and quickest way to get to the heart of a situation (or of a person) is to look past the extraneous stuff and concentrate on the basics.
In Ash Child, du Pre must deal with the driest weather conditions that his community has faced in 100 years, and with the inevitable wildfires that come with it. He must also deal with some unexplained deaths, including an elderly woman on the edges of the community and of a pair of high school sweethearts who will never know if their relationship would last past graduation. Who is killing these people – is it an outsider, or a local, or is it the result of multiple murders for multiple causes? And just how IS the government's efforts to fight the wildfires going, and will it interfere with the murder investigation?
Not my favorite book in the series to date – but close. Highly recommended.
RATING: 5 stars.
In Ash Child, du Pre must deal with the driest weather conditions that his community has faced in 100 years, and with the inevitable wildfires that come with it. He must also deal with some unexplained deaths, including an elderly woman on the edges of the community and of a pair of high school sweethearts who will never know if their relationship would last past graduation. Who is killing these people – is it an outsider, or a local, or is it the result of multiple murders for multiple causes? And just how IS the government's efforts to fight the wildfires going, and will it interfere with the murder investigation?
Not my favorite book in the series to date – but close. Highly recommended.
RATING: 5 stars.
October 5, 2013
Peter Bowen's Gabriel Du Pre books are always a good read. Wildfires and arson are the setting for this story, in a very hot dry, and windy year.
As usual, it is Gabriel's passion for justice that solves the mystery. I like Bowen's underlying compassion for his characters - for the sorrows and sins of mankind. That compassion always takes second seat to the spirit of the law, if not the letter. The contrasts between government (forest and park services) and the locals regarding the handling of wildfirs are treated humorously, but the bite is there. Another story line is the problem of drugs in the western lands. Music doesn't play as large a role in this novel, but the Metis culture and dialect are always
evident. I recommend these books to anyone who likes modern western stories.
As usual, it is Gabriel's passion for justice that solves the mystery. I like Bowen's underlying compassion for his characters - for the sorrows and sins of mankind. That compassion always takes second seat to the spirit of the law, if not the letter. The contrasts between government (forest and park services) and the locals regarding the handling of wildfirs are treated humorously, but the bite is there. Another story line is the problem of drugs in the western lands. Music doesn't play as large a role in this novel, but the Metis culture and dialect are always
evident. I recommend these books to anyone who likes modern western stories.
July 12, 2021
Cultural (and paranormal) drama with a serial murder subplot
I enjoyed this book, reading it as a Métis Indian cultural, domestic drama with interesting paranormal events. The paranormal edges toward the supernatural, but I accepted that in view of the Métis culture. Yes, there’s an accompanying murder mystery, but that storyline is shaky, even becoming problematic at times. There are several believability issues, including protagonist Gabriel Du Pré managing to survive several, serious attempts on his life.
It was an interesting change to read more about Du Pré’s partner, Madeline Placquemines, who has a more prominent role in this mystery. Shaman Benetsee complicates the murder investigation by almost whimsically choosing Madeline to decipher his “dreams”—instead of selecting Du Pré, as usual.
3.5 stars, bumped up to 4 stars.
I enjoyed this book, reading it as a Métis Indian cultural, domestic drama with interesting paranormal events. The paranormal edges toward the supernatural, but I accepted that in view of the Métis culture. Yes, there’s an accompanying murder mystery, but that storyline is shaky, even becoming problematic at times. There are several believability issues, including protagonist Gabriel Du Pré managing to survive several, serious attempts on his life.
It was an interesting change to read more about Du Pré’s partner, Madeline Placquemines, who has a more prominent role in this mystery. Shaman Benetsee complicates the murder investigation by almost whimsically choosing Madeline to decipher his “dreams”—instead of selecting Du Pré, as usual.
3.5 stars, bumped up to 4 stars.
April 7, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It introduces main character Gabriel Du Pre, a Metis Indian from Montana in his 60's. The the relationships between him and his friends and especially his main squeeze is fun and interesting. He is a very brave and resourceful as is she . There is a shaman , sweat lodge and some mystical experiences. Th story takes place in the Montana mountains during fire season.
The thing I didn't like was the ending didn't clear up all the questions asked. Many, but not the definite cause of the actions of the bad guys. It is suggested that you may want to read these in order. Perhaps the answers are in the next book.
The thing I didn't like was the ending didn't clear up all the questions asked. Many, but not the definite cause of the actions of the bad guys. It is suggested that you may want to read these in order. Perhaps the answers are in the next book.
January 4, 2020
An absolutely wild series
I can't say enough about this series. The characters are so real. They make you laugh and cry. You hate to see each novel end. This time Madelaine, Du Pre's girlfriend, is the heroine of the story and Du Pre spends most of his time being beaten up, hit on the head, and trying to avoid being in the hospital. Someone has killed an old woman and the Wolf Mountains are engulfed in forest fires in the summer heat. You can smell, see, and hear Montana's rural people in this great series.
I can't say enough about this series. The characters are so real. They make you laugh and cry. You hate to see each novel end. This time Madelaine, Du Pre's girlfriend, is the heroine of the story and Du Pre spends most of his time being beaten up, hit on the head, and trying to avoid being in the hospital. Someone has killed an old woman and the Wolf Mountains are engulfed in forest fires in the summer heat. You can smell, see, and hear Montana's rural people in this great series.
July 16, 2021
Magnificent!!
Another great book! Lots of forest burning in this book. Just so sad ... all those trees, wildlife, some cabins. Madeleine takes the lead that duPre` normally takes, so this had a different feel to it. She's fantastic, of course, ha ha! She makes me laugh out loud. As I read each book a little movie plays in my mind, but I know that no movie could do these books justice. Thank you, Peter Bowen, I can see you in my thoughts telling stories in the afterlife. All these books are a treasure. 🙏
Another great book! Lots of forest burning in this book. Just so sad ... all those trees, wildlife, some cabins. Madeleine takes the lead that duPre` normally takes, so this had a different feel to it. She's fantastic, of course, ha ha! She makes me laugh out loud. As I read each book a little movie plays in my mind, but I know that no movie could do these books justice. Thank you, Peter Bowen, I can see you in my thoughts telling stories in the afterlife. All these books are a treasure. 🙏
March 25, 2023
Another gem of a story by Bowen. Gabriel DuPre must find the fire setter before the country he loves is incinerated. His woman Madelaine Plaquemines is not content to let him search alone. Together they confront a horror that only the wisdom of the ancients can guide them through. I love these stories because they are about good people struggling against forces of nature and forces of evil to survive and to love each other, their families, their neighbors and their heritage.
October 9, 2021
Love Dunger Pr'e
Peter Bows. Is a great read . You are challenged to adapt to the metis still of speaking english.
Them the story itself is a great blend of Native American ways and values and those of the folks around them. I am soon going to read number 10. I have really liked them all
Peter Bows. Is a great read . You are challenged to adapt to the metis still of speaking english.
Them the story itself is a great blend of Native American ways and values and those of the folks around them. I am soon going to read number 10. I have really liked them all
July 3, 2024
I just reread this great mystery. From the first page I am hooked and of course in the style of Author Bowen, the real answer to the puzzle is at the very ending. I have been reading Peter Bowen's books for 10 years and am always watching for new Bowen books.
Kenalea Johnson
Kenalea Johnson
September 18, 2017
Good, quick read. Really enjoying this series.
July 25, 2020
A quick read, although this one was not as strong as usual, could be the subject matter for me.
November 9, 2020
Du Pre got beat up more than usual.
January 28, 2021
"The book" "It is pret' good."
Having googled Metis fiddling, culture, beading, Red River, dancing etc. I am enjoying this series of books even more.
Having googled Metis fiddling, culture, beading, Red River, dancing etc. I am enjoying this series of books even more.
December 11, 2022
Madelaine, this time. That damn Benetsee. Fire.
December 14, 2014
This book picked me up by helicopter and dropped me into the wilds of Montana to ride on the shoulder of Gabriel Du Pre, described as a Metis fiddler, tracker and reluctant sleuth.
The Metis are descendants of the union of Native American Indians and French and English fur traders of Canada and the parts of the Northern United States. I was unaware of their existence in the modern world, but I'm grateful to Peter Bowan for correcting that oversight. The Metis speak in a lyrical cadence of French and English which Bowen deftly captures along with their independent, Western spirit.
Unlike Holmes, Du Pre uses his knowledge of the rhythms of nature and his quiet intuition to solve mysteries in a way that can only be described as spiritual. Du Pre's clues are felt - delivered to him while he is sitting in the woods, walking deer trails and gazing into pools. "The earth remembers, screams and blood."
The small town fellowship between Du Pre, his girlfriend Madeline, Booger Tom, Susan, McPhie and the other citizens of the Wolf Mountains is comfortable, often hilarious, loving and familiar. It's a fun place to park for a drink of pink wine and Old Ditch whiskey.
I like this world. I like these people. They remind me of home. They speak to my heart. This book is the reason I am playing this library game with myself. I believe I will park on this shelf a bit longer.
The Metis are descendants of the union of Native American Indians and French and English fur traders of Canada and the parts of the Northern United States. I was unaware of their existence in the modern world, but I'm grateful to Peter Bowan for correcting that oversight. The Metis speak in a lyrical cadence of French and English which Bowen deftly captures along with their independent, Western spirit.
Unlike Holmes, Du Pre uses his knowledge of the rhythms of nature and his quiet intuition to solve mysteries in a way that can only be described as spiritual. Du Pre's clues are felt - delivered to him while he is sitting in the woods, walking deer trails and gazing into pools. "The earth remembers, screams and blood."
The small town fellowship between Du Pre, his girlfriend Madeline, Booger Tom, Susan, McPhie and the other citizens of the Wolf Mountains is comfortable, often hilarious, loving and familiar. It's a fun place to park for a drink of pink wine and Old Ditch whiskey.
I like this world. I like these people. They remind me of home. They speak to my heart. This book is the reason I am playing this library game with myself. I believe I will park on this shelf a bit longer.
December 26, 2015
I'm a bit disapointed in this book. I like the main characters and their dialect but I thought the ending didn't make sense. Why did Madelaine get involved? Why did anybody did anything in this book? Chances plays too big a role.
Maybe I just didn't get it and should read another of Gabriel Du Pré's story? Maybe I would have understood the story better if I had read the previous book in the series. It's just too many maybes.
Maybe I just didn't get it and should read another of Gabriel Du Pré's story? Maybe I would have understood the story better if I had read the previous book in the series. It's just too many maybes.
October 25, 2012
The death of an old woman during the height of fire season seems to spark more murders and more fires. This time it is Madelaine's responsibility to figure things out, and Gabriel Du Pre is not comfortable playing second fiddle. As with all of these Montana mysteries, the bittersweet story is eloquently told.
October 14, 2025
Another good re-read. Lots to think about in this one.
March 31, 2011
more Du Pre poetry with extra Madeleine
July 22, 2013
is there an arsonist involved?
December 27, 2015
The pidgin bothered me.
March 30, 2016
Love the Metis in their lore and language, especially the badinage between Gabriel and his woman. Shamanic influences add a special dimension (!) to these modern Westerns.
August 22, 2022
Audible Audiobook
October 2020
August 2022
October 2020
August 2022
December 18, 2015
I loved this book.
March 27, 2017
Read his entire series and found them all very good. Highly recommend. Hope author writes more.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews