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James Pruett Mystery #2
Money Land
Money Land is the sequel to the bestselling and riveting, Blood Land, that introduced the Sheriff James Pruett Mystery/Thriller series. Big crime has come literally crashing down on the small town of Wind River, Wyoming.
When a small plane bound for the Canadian border carrying money for the Sustantivo Cartel smashes into the glacial Wind River Mountains, the event brings a heartless evil presence to one of the more remote places on earth.
The tail of the plane is discovered, empty. No drugs. No money. Shortly afterward, people start dying. When the cartel comes to town, Pruett will do anything within his power to save his town, his people, the land, and his family. Anything.
Once again in the sparse, gritty, starkly poetic styling of James Lee Burke, Tony Hillerman, and John D. MacDonald, R.S. Guthrie brings you his classic hero, at odds against the drug cartel, his own friends and citizens, and federal agencies that begin to sniff out a chance to attack an international crime organization.
When a small plane bound for the Canadian border carrying money for the Sustantivo Cartel smashes into the glacial Wind River Mountains, the event brings a heartless evil presence to one of the more remote places on earth.
The tail of the plane is discovered, empty. No drugs. No money. Shortly afterward, people start dying. When the cartel comes to town, Pruett will do anything within his power to save his town, his people, the land, and his family. Anything.
Once again in the sparse, gritty, starkly poetic styling of James Lee Burke, Tony Hillerman, and John D. MacDonald, R.S. Guthrie brings you his classic hero, at odds against the drug cartel, his own friends and citizens, and federal agencies that begin to sniff out a chance to attack an international crime organization.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2012
55 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
R.S. Guthrie
15 books319 followersR. S. Guthrie has been writing fiction for several years.
Black Beast
is the first in the series of Detective Bobby Mac Thriller books featuring Denver detective Bobby Mac.
L O S T is the second book in the popular Paranormal Mystery-Detective series; the third book, Reckoning, is now out that closes out the Detective Bobby Mac Thriller trilogy (though it is not the final Detective Bobby Mac book).
Guthrie finished his Mystery/Thriller novel set in Wyoming that has been beset by Big Oil, the millions of dollars that come with them, and the murder of a lawman's wife entitled Blood Land . The story takes place in a fictional town in his home state of Wyoming and was published in 2012. A pre-release excerpt was featured in the June 2011 issue of New West magazine. Money Land, second in the Sheriff James Pruett series, continued the saga of the Wyoming lawman and was published in late 2012; Honor Land, next in the series is scheduled for release is Summer of 2013.
The author currently lives in Colorado with his beautiful wife, Amy, three Australian Shepherds, and a Chihuahua who thinks she is a forty-pound Aussie. It is a widely known fact that the canines rule the Guthrie household.
L O S T is the second book in the popular Paranormal Mystery-Detective series; the third book, Reckoning, is now out that closes out the Detective Bobby Mac Thriller trilogy (though it is not the final Detective Bobby Mac book).
Guthrie finished his Mystery/Thriller novel set in Wyoming that has been beset by Big Oil, the millions of dollars that come with them, and the murder of a lawman's wife entitled Blood Land . The story takes place in a fictional town in his home state of Wyoming and was published in 2012. A pre-release excerpt was featured in the June 2011 issue of New West magazine. Money Land, second in the Sheriff James Pruett series, continued the saga of the Wyoming lawman and was published in late 2012; Honor Land, next in the series is scheduled for release is Summer of 2013.
The author currently lives in Colorado with his beautiful wife, Amy, three Australian Shepherds, and a Chihuahua who thinks she is a forty-pound Aussie. It is a widely known fact that the canines rule the Guthrie household.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 29, 2012
I began reading Money Land expecting the same gritty, hard action and descriptive writing as I found in Blood Land, the first volume in the Pruett Series. Money Land has gone there and beyond. R.S. Guthrie has brought in more characters, given more depth to the ones already existing and has added more history to the fictional town of Wind River, Wyoming.
Money Land delivers up mystery, romance, and drama with so many twists and turns that it should come with a warning: "Reduce Speed, Dangerous Curve Up Ahead". It opens with a dramatic scene and doesn't stop there. If you want to sit on the edge of your seat, if you want to laugh, to cry, to wonder "What would I have done", read Money Land. You've read other reviews where the commenter says you peel away the layers as you go in the story. R.S. Guthrie does the opposite. He keeps adding them on until the climactic ending where all is brought to a stunning conclusion. R.S. Guthrie’s books, all of them, are keepers. Once you read them, you will want to read them again, and again, and with reach read you’ll find a different nuance to the story. That’s the mark of a great storyteller; that’s the mark of a master wordsmith.
Money Land delivers up mystery, romance, and drama with so many twists and turns that it should come with a warning: "Reduce Speed, Dangerous Curve Up Ahead". It opens with a dramatic scene and doesn't stop there. If you want to sit on the edge of your seat, if you want to laugh, to cry, to wonder "What would I have done", read Money Land. You've read other reviews where the commenter says you peel away the layers as you go in the story. R.S. Guthrie does the opposite. He keeps adding them on until the climactic ending where all is brought to a stunning conclusion. R.S. Guthrie’s books, all of them, are keepers. Once you read them, you will want to read them again, and again, and with reach read you’ll find a different nuance to the story. That’s the mark of a great storyteller; that’s the mark of a master wordsmith.
June 15, 2014
After reading some of the glowing reviews penned by others I wondered if I'd read the same book. In fact, I've probably over scored this book, it's really more like a two and a half.
In trying to assess why I didn't love it the way others have I think it boils down to dialogue, or rather the lack of it. There's lots of descriptive stuff here, and that's all very fine and dandy, but where's the conversation! In case you're still wondering, I like conversation. I love sharp repartee and there's precious little of it here. And here's another thing: the story just doesn't stack up:
1. The crash (I'll be obscure as I can to protect the plot) is just too neat, too perfect and in my view just not credible.
2. The means by which our hero addresses the threat is just so OTT as to be almost laughable.
But... and here's where the two and a half stars come in... I kept reading and where there is dialogue it aint bad and though the descriptions are too lengthy, too voluminous, a decent picture is painted and the setting and make-up of the people involved is well portrayed.
All in all it's just ok - it's short and there's plenty going on but there's also plenty better out there.
In trying to assess why I didn't love it the way others have I think it boils down to dialogue, or rather the lack of it. There's lots of descriptive stuff here, and that's all very fine and dandy, but where's the conversation! In case you're still wondering, I like conversation. I love sharp repartee and there's precious little of it here. And here's another thing: the story just doesn't stack up:
1. The crash (I'll be obscure as I can to protect the plot) is just too neat, too perfect and in my view just not credible.
2. The means by which our hero addresses the threat is just so OTT as to be almost laughable.
But... and here's where the two and a half stars come in... I kept reading and where there is dialogue it aint bad and though the descriptions are too lengthy, too voluminous, a decent picture is painted and the setting and make-up of the people involved is well portrayed.
All in all it's just ok - it's short and there's plenty going on but there's also plenty better out there.
February 26, 2013
Guthrie's Blood Land was one of the best books of 2012 - a completely unexpected surprise. Money Land, the sequel to that novel, picks up where it left off, and follows the trials and tribulations of a small town cop who has to battle his own demons while grappling with impossible moral choices in a shifting landscape of greed, retribution, brutality and honor. A shorter and more accessible work than the masterfully-crafted Blood Land, Money Land is sure to delight fans of R.S. Guthrie's evocative storytelling and efficient prose. At times haunting and at others fast-paced and gritty, it's a fine sequel in what should develop into a considerable series. One word of caution: readers would do well to read Blood Land first, as even though Money Land can stand on its own, it will be more satisfying if the books are read in order.
July 17, 2015
This was a shorter, tighter book than Blood Land, Guthrie’s first James Pruett novel and equally good. It also was a gorier book with torture and several murders happening onstage. And it was more of a thriller than a mystery, since we know the bad guys right from the start.
Guthrie fills many pages with Pruett’s introspection, slowing the headlong rush to the climax. Breathers like that are good; they allow the reader’s heart rate to slow down. But some of these sections dragged on a little too long, making me think, “Enough already!”
Since this is a book about a sheriff, I would have liked to have seen Pruett's deputies play a larger role in the story, instead of being the 'window dressing' they are here.
This book, like the first one, merited 3 stars, but 2½ would be a more honest rating.
Guthrie fills many pages with Pruett’s introspection, slowing the headlong rush to the climax. Breathers like that are good; they allow the reader’s heart rate to slow down. But some of these sections dragged on a little too long, making me think, “Enough already!”
Since this is a book about a sheriff, I would have liked to have seen Pruett's deputies play a larger role in the story, instead of being the 'window dressing' they are here.
This book, like the first one, merited 3 stars, but 2½ would be a more honest rating.
January 1, 2013
Being a big fan, I was really looking forward to his latest work. This book reunites us with some of the characters from Blood Land and once again the author paints them beautifully. That book was supposed to be his Magnum Opus, but I think Guthrie has created something equally impressive.
The latest story involves a drug-smuggling ring who lose a massive amount of money in Sheriff Pruett's territory, and its up to our hero to prevent the town being decimated as the cartel seeks its return.
I won't go any further into the story, but I will say that Guthrie has created some fantastic characters, believable in every way, and this story carries you along at a cracking pace.
Can't recommend this enough.
The latest story involves a drug-smuggling ring who lose a massive amount of money in Sheriff Pruett's territory, and its up to our hero to prevent the town being decimated as the cartel seeks its return.
I won't go any further into the story, but I will say that Guthrie has created some fantastic characters, believable in every way, and this story carries you along at a cracking pace.
Can't recommend this enough.
July 20, 2015
What small town can do.
Beautiful Wyoming and small town sheriff can do protect the ones he cares and loves. Greed, Mexican cartels, violence, murder without much description. Humor also but ending will shock you.
Beautiful Wyoming and small town sheriff can do protect the ones he cares and loves. Greed, Mexican cartels, violence, murder without much description. Humor also but ending will shock you.
July 14, 2018
Money land by R.S. Gutherie.
When a small plane bound for the Canadian border carrying money for the Sustantivo Cartel smashes into the glacial Wind River Mountains, the event brings a heartless evil presence to one of the more remote places on earth.
The tail of the plane is discovered, empty. No drugs. No money. Shortly afterward, people start dying. When the cartel comes to town, Pruett will do anything within his power to save his town, his people, the land, and his family. Anything.
This was a very enjoyable read with likeable characters. I didn't like the cartel. I liked the ending too. 4*.
When a small plane bound for the Canadian border carrying money for the Sustantivo Cartel smashes into the glacial Wind River Mountains, the event brings a heartless evil presence to one of the more remote places on earth.
The tail of the plane is discovered, empty. No drugs. No money. Shortly afterward, people start dying. When the cartel comes to town, Pruett will do anything within his power to save his town, his people, the land, and his family. Anything.
This was a very enjoyable read with likeable characters. I didn't like the cartel. I liked the ending too. 4*.
February 11, 2018
Another sheriff in a Wyoming county, a la Longmire, or Bo Tully, with grizzled friends, and Indians off and on the reservation. Throw in a Mexican drug cartel and you have a real mystery.
It all gets wrapped up explosively, but what happened to all the bodies?
It all gets wrapped up explosively, but what happened to all the bodies?
December 12, 2020
A good read.
January 20, 2025
This one was a disappointment to me. I rate it 3 stars.
May 22, 2013
How do you follow up a magnum opus?
With the best story you can tell, exploring new literary grounds.
Money Land is the sequel to RS Guthrie’s Blood Land, which was originally titled Dark Prairies. Guthrie himself called it his magnum opus, and any reader can see that the author had poured his heart, soul and sweat into it. It was an ambitious novel that successfully combined a western murder mystery with a deep human tragedy. Between the virtual covers of that one novel, Guthrie took on alcoholism, family estrangement, racism, government corruption, big money, the oil industry and unconstrained greed. He successfully portrayed the character of the independent Wyoming spirit and even managed to evoke old-time Western movies and the very real, if poorly understood Johnson County War.
Money Land picks up three years later, with the protanoist, Sheriff James Pruett of Wind River, Wyoming, having come to terms with his wife’s murder. He has been clean and sober since and has been rebuilding his relationship with his daughter, Wendy.
Guthrie has labelled this novel “A James Pruett Mystery.” It’s not as personal for the author as Blood Land or even as his paranormal/occult horror/mystery-thriller novels featuring Bobby Mac: Black Beast and LOST. Money Land is more of a straightforward mystery, and Guthrie succeeds in keeping his readers turning the pages (or flicking the screens of their e-readers).
Guthrie knows how to create deep, realistic characters that have many sides to them. There are aspects of his heroes that enrage me, and sides to the villains that could make me cry. Even the tertiary characters, like the dirtbags who mostly annoy and distract the Sheriff, have nuances that I admire. Creating a novel filled with complex characters takes a writer of skill and subtlety.
There are a few passages where the story drags: the back-story— or maybe it’s mid-story — where the author fills in the three years between Dark Prairies/Blood Land and Money Land. They’re few, and we can and should forgive Guthrie for these. They don’t detract from a gripping and rewarding novel. Guthrie skillfully juxtaposes the ugliness of the worst of human behaviour against inspiring and tender relationships and the spectacular backdrop of Wyoming’s plains and mountains.
5 stars
With the best story you can tell, exploring new literary grounds.
Money Land is the sequel to RS Guthrie’s Blood Land, which was originally titled Dark Prairies. Guthrie himself called it his magnum opus, and any reader can see that the author had poured his heart, soul and sweat into it. It was an ambitious novel that successfully combined a western murder mystery with a deep human tragedy. Between the virtual covers of that one novel, Guthrie took on alcoholism, family estrangement, racism, government corruption, big money, the oil industry and unconstrained greed. He successfully portrayed the character of the independent Wyoming spirit and even managed to evoke old-time Western movies and the very real, if poorly understood Johnson County War.
Money Land picks up three years later, with the protanoist, Sheriff James Pruett of Wind River, Wyoming, having come to terms with his wife’s murder. He has been clean and sober since and has been rebuilding his relationship with his daughter, Wendy.
Guthrie has labelled this novel “A James Pruett Mystery.” It’s not as personal for the author as Blood Land or even as his paranormal/occult horror/mystery-thriller novels featuring Bobby Mac: Black Beast and LOST. Money Land is more of a straightforward mystery, and Guthrie succeeds in keeping his readers turning the pages (or flicking the screens of their e-readers).
Guthrie knows how to create deep, realistic characters that have many sides to them. There are aspects of his heroes that enrage me, and sides to the villains that could make me cry. Even the tertiary characters, like the dirtbags who mostly annoy and distract the Sheriff, have nuances that I admire. Creating a novel filled with complex characters takes a writer of skill and subtlety.
There are a few passages where the story drags: the back-story— or maybe it’s mid-story — where the author fills in the three years between Dark Prairies/Blood Land and Money Land. They’re few, and we can and should forgive Guthrie for these. They don’t detract from a gripping and rewarding novel. Guthrie skillfully juxtaposes the ugliness of the worst of human behaviour against inspiring and tender relationships and the spectacular backdrop of Wyoming’s plains and mountains.
5 stars
October 30, 2013
Money Land by R.S. Guthrie is the 2nd book in the James Pruett mystery/suspense series. It will run chills up your spine when Guthrie shares the heinous murders and torture the Sustantivo drug cartel will impose on anyone interfering with their illegal goods or money.
Mark Coulee's distinctions professionally would be overshadowed by his lay off, leaving him empty both inside and in the natural. The heart of man, you will discover, can succumb to many temptations when circumstances look bleak. Such was the case with Coulee. His dangerous acceptance of an opportunity flying illegal drugs would begin with one murder and spiral to Wyoming's Wind River where Sheriff Pruitt would lead a dangerous mission.
Millions of dollars and 8 duffel bags would invoke Omar and the cartel to town where killing was carried out as "business". Pruitt's daughter's kidnapping and request for the money would follow an ingenious plan met on Wyoming soil with nearly the town aboard. Its action and cooperation with Wind River's residents will settle a deep bond that has been established over the years for one another and one's town. Indeed you will find there is strength in numbers.
A striking twist in the end will paint a reality check on who really is free, if true peace can reside, and just how the quest for money can turn sour. Talented Author Guthrie, in each of his books, understands how to wheel in the reader one way and sneak a twist out the other. The old saying "It ain't over until it's over" will best exemplify this 2nd book in the series.
I recommend this mystery thriller along with Blood Land, the first in the series. The wild West, you will discover, can be quite wild-and brutal!
Mark Coulee's distinctions professionally would be overshadowed by his lay off, leaving him empty both inside and in the natural. The heart of man, you will discover, can succumb to many temptations when circumstances look bleak. Such was the case with Coulee. His dangerous acceptance of an opportunity flying illegal drugs would begin with one murder and spiral to Wyoming's Wind River where Sheriff Pruitt would lead a dangerous mission.
Millions of dollars and 8 duffel bags would invoke Omar and the cartel to town where killing was carried out as "business". Pruitt's daughter's kidnapping and request for the money would follow an ingenious plan met on Wyoming soil with nearly the town aboard. Its action and cooperation with Wind River's residents will settle a deep bond that has been established over the years for one another and one's town. Indeed you will find there is strength in numbers.
A striking twist in the end will paint a reality check on who really is free, if true peace can reside, and just how the quest for money can turn sour. Talented Author Guthrie, in each of his books, understands how to wheel in the reader one way and sneak a twist out the other. The old saying "It ain't over until it's over" will best exemplify this 2nd book in the series.
I recommend this mystery thriller along with Blood Land, the first in the series. The wild West, you will discover, can be quite wild-and brutal!
December 31, 2012
In the opening pages of this fantastic novel you will find the line that sums up (at least to this reader) the entire story: "Greed. There is nothing more poisonous, more insidious, and more merciless than greed."
No truer words have ever been written, and Mr. Guthrie takes the above stance on the source of true evil and paints, in vivid, dark detail, just what deplorable depths human beings are capable of sinking to in their never-ending quest for MORE.
On the flip side of this beautifully spun second novel in the Sheriff James Pruett series, you find yourself immersed inside the painful, sad world of the seriously flawed hero, Sheriff Pruett. A damaged man from the ravages of war. A man struggling to contain the monster that resides in his soul from clawing its way out, forcing his hand to snatch up the nearest bottle and drink the poison. A man learning to cope with being alone in the world after the death of his soul-mate and best friend three years prior.
A man struggling, minute by minute, to keep from burying his wounded spirit inside a bottle of Heaven Hills bourbon.
When the temptation to give is nearly consumes him, the Sheriff is given a chance at salvation, and a test of his true inner strength, when the murderous drug cartel descends upon his small town, bringing hell and all its fury with them.
A spine-tingling read that keeps you turning the pages until the very end! Bravo, Mr. Guthrie, BRAVO!
No truer words have ever been written, and Mr. Guthrie takes the above stance on the source of true evil and paints, in vivid, dark detail, just what deplorable depths human beings are capable of sinking to in their never-ending quest for MORE.
On the flip side of this beautifully spun second novel in the Sheriff James Pruett series, you find yourself immersed inside the painful, sad world of the seriously flawed hero, Sheriff Pruett. A damaged man from the ravages of war. A man struggling to contain the monster that resides in his soul from clawing its way out, forcing his hand to snatch up the nearest bottle and drink the poison. A man learning to cope with being alone in the world after the death of his soul-mate and best friend three years prior.
A man struggling, minute by minute, to keep from burying his wounded spirit inside a bottle of Heaven Hills bourbon.
When the temptation to give is nearly consumes him, the Sheriff is given a chance at salvation, and a test of his true inner strength, when the murderous drug cartel descends upon his small town, bringing hell and all its fury with them.
A spine-tingling read that keeps you turning the pages until the very end! Bravo, Mr. Guthrie, BRAVO!
August 4, 2014
"...a mind to see the plan and a will to do what one must..."
This is the second book I've read by author Guthrie. The first was "Blood Land" aka DARK PRAIRIES - the first in the Sheriff James Pruett series. I recommend reading BLOOD LAND before diving into MONEY LAND. You would probably understand what was going on in BLOOD LAND but why miss out on another stellar book?
The s*** has hit the fan for Sheriff Pruett's county. A Mexican cartel plane carrying millions of dollars heading to Canada to be laundered crashes in the high country and the cartel wants their money back - no matter what.
Brutal, twisty, turny, rather unbelievable at times (but this is fiction) - author Guthrie continues the adventures of Pruett and his constituents who won't give up and will do anything to protect their homes and ways of life.
Super characterization (I feel like I know these characters personally); spot-on dialogue; a fast paced, exciting storyline - all come together in this winner of Guthrie's.
I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series - HONOR LAND. I hope it will be out soon.
This is the second book I've read by author Guthrie. The first was "Blood Land" aka DARK PRAIRIES - the first in the Sheriff James Pruett series. I recommend reading BLOOD LAND before diving into MONEY LAND. You would probably understand what was going on in BLOOD LAND but why miss out on another stellar book?
The s*** has hit the fan for Sheriff Pruett's county. A Mexican cartel plane carrying millions of dollars heading to Canada to be laundered crashes in the high country and the cartel wants their money back - no matter what.
Brutal, twisty, turny, rather unbelievable at times (but this is fiction) - author Guthrie continues the adventures of Pruett and his constituents who won't give up and will do anything to protect their homes and ways of life.
Super characterization (I feel like I know these characters personally); spot-on dialogue; a fast paced, exciting storyline - all come together in this winner of Guthrie's.
I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series - HONOR LAND. I hope it will be out soon.
June 13, 2015
When a small plane crashes near the town of Wind River, Wyoming, Sheriff James Pruett finds himself up against a blood thirsty Mexican drug cartel, the bigotry of many of the residents of his county, and the murky agendas of some federal agencies. Pruett, however, will do whatever it takes to save his town, and when his daughter Wendy is kidnapped by the cartel, it becomes personal.
I received a free copy of Money Land by R.S. Guthrie, the second in the James Pruett mystery series, and was not disappointed. Guthrie writes with a deft hand, weaving the thrills of high crimes and misdemeanors in with the gritty, no-nonsense culture of the west in a way that keeps you turning pages. His characters are all a bit flawed, but in a way that makes them endearing—even the villains are first and foremost, human. The land in Guthrie’s stories is also a part of the story, and he paints a picture that ranges from stark to majestic—you see, hear, feel, and smell it.
This is a story that will suck you in, chew you up, and spit you out totally satiated, but wanting more, more, more!
I received a free copy of Money Land by R.S. Guthrie, the second in the James Pruett mystery series, and was not disappointed. Guthrie writes with a deft hand, weaving the thrills of high crimes and misdemeanors in with the gritty, no-nonsense culture of the west in a way that keeps you turning pages. His characters are all a bit flawed, but in a way that makes them endearing—even the villains are first and foremost, human. The land in Guthrie’s stories is also a part of the story, and he paints a picture that ranges from stark to majestic—you see, hear, feel, and smell it.
This is a story that will suck you in, chew you up, and spit you out totally satiated, but wanting more, more, more!
July 27, 2015
This book will definitely keep you reading, no doubt about it. There is a lot of violence, some warranted--some not. James Pruitt is the Sheriff in this small Wyoming town and when a murderous Mexican cartel ends up "picking on and occasionally murdering" several town residents--all because LOTS of money was lost in a plane crash--James has to revert to his Vietnam Days mind set to save the town and to prove that the people of Wyoming can not be terrorized!! Then it becomes personal---I didn't really expect the ending, but then in a way I did. This is the second book in this series. I did not read the first one and it can definitely be read as a stand alone. That doesn't mean I am not going to go back and get the first in the series. This is a seriously great writer!!
Money Land
Money Land
February 13, 2015
On my long orthopedic adventure I tuck a book into my purse for the inevitable waiting room time. I usually leave whatever book fits in the purse there between appointments. After reading four chapters during waiting time at PT this morning and another two during the resolving electro-stim, I took the dang book back inside and did indeed forego the requisite afternoon post-PT nap to finish "Money Land", the daring sequel to "Blood Land", the story of gritty Sheriff James Pruett and the contemporary smalltown Wyoming life, this time accosted by a Mexican drug cartel. The weary Sheriff's horrific solution to this invasion might cost him his soul, or save it...please, Rob, tell me that this isn't the last of this series! Definitely worth tucking into for virtually a whole day without coming up for air! And the ending did leave me gasping, what a twist!
January 27, 2015
You know when you're in the hands of a multi-talented writer when you make a mental and physical connection with a book. It's as if you are not reading at all but watching a film onscreen in your mind's eye. Money Land opens with a bang. The excitement and explosions of imagination continue with firecracker rapidity. The plot twists and turns right up to the very last words when Rob (RS) Guthrie deftly pulls the outstanding story strands together. The reader momentarily wears a quizzical expression quickly followed a 'Aah - I get it' when the final penny drops. Superb. And superbly crafted characters. For me, the oustanding element of this book was the clear evidence that this writer has lived life to the max and we are all sharers in that authentic experience. I'm now going to read Blood Land as soon as my blood pressure gets back to normal.
February 14, 2015
I was immediately pulled into this story of a drug cartel operations gone bad. Guthrie sets up the dilemma of someone whose life has spun out of control and must now make decisions that could spin it the rest of the way toward disaster. We don't know the outcome of that decision until near the end of the story, which shifts to the main point-of-view character, James Pruett. Pruett is a crusty, no-nonsense black sheriff of a small Wyoming mountain town that must now deal with the dangerous mess he's been handed. Money Land almost had the feel of an old Zane Grey range-war saga, where the stakes were high, the bullets were flying, and you weren't sure who was left standing until the dust settled. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers in scenic locales, you may want to give this a try. Be advised, the violence level of Guthrie's story is intense and not for the faint-hearted.
December 22, 2015
I'm only on page 24, so take what I say with that in mind. Having said that…
The writing is so stilted and painful, I'm not sure how much further I'll make it. I'm positive I could never write a book worth reading. I'm not sure this guy can either. Here's an example of what I'm talking about:
“It clawed at Pruett’s conscience but he’d learned decades before that unless he was in the middle of true war, and under command, a man had a choice which battles to fight, and there were some that could not be won and, even if they could, would reopen dangerous wounds that had finally closed if not completely healed.”
Update: I think I finished the book. I can't remember now. The writing is so contrived that it's hard to believe another reviewer refers to the author as a master wordsmith. He certainly uses every word in the thesaurus, but that's not exactly the same thing.
The writing is so stilted and painful, I'm not sure how much further I'll make it. I'm positive I could never write a book worth reading. I'm not sure this guy can either. Here's an example of what I'm talking about:
“It clawed at Pruett’s conscience but he’d learned decades before that unless he was in the middle of true war, and under command, a man had a choice which battles to fight, and there were some that could not be won and, even if they could, would reopen dangerous wounds that had finally closed if not completely healed.”
Update: I think I finished the book. I can't remember now. The writing is so contrived that it's hard to believe another reviewer refers to the author as a master wordsmith. He certainly uses every word in the thesaurus, but that's not exactly the same thing.
December 31, 2012
Fasten your seatbelts, children—from the first, startling page MONEYLAND propels the reader on a suspense thrill ride filled with brutal twists and stunning turns. This second gem in the Sheriff James Pruett series will have you rooting for the good guys as they lock and load, and take on the most vicious drug lord imaginable.
With hauntingly beautiful prose, Guthrie propels the reader across an unforgiving Wyoming after the Sustantivo Cartel’s small plane crashes with millions in drug money on board. What follows is part Hollywood blockbuster, part morality play blended in a skillfully crafted plot.
MONEYLAND is sure to establish Guthrie as a master of the suspense genre. I dare you to pick this novel up, and try to put it down.
With hauntingly beautiful prose, Guthrie propels the reader across an unforgiving Wyoming after the Sustantivo Cartel’s small plane crashes with millions in drug money on board. What follows is part Hollywood blockbuster, part morality play blended in a skillfully crafted plot.
MONEYLAND is sure to establish Guthrie as a master of the suspense genre. I dare you to pick this novel up, and try to put it down.
May 20, 2013
Money Land is the sequel to Blood land that first introduced us to Sheriff James Pruett. When a small plane bound for the Canadian border crashes into the Glacial Wind River Mountains. The event brings a heartless evil presense to Wind River. After the tail of the plane is discovered empty. No money, No drugs people start dying shortly after ward.When the Sustantivo Cartel comes to town its up to Pruett to save his town, his people, land, and family. Pruett is at at odds against the drug cartel, his friends and citizens the federal agencies that begin to sniff out a chance to attack an international crime organization. A truly fantastic read full of mystery drama and romance with many twists and turns.I look forward to reading more books by R.S.Guthrie
July 26, 2015
This was a pretty good (and fast) read. It is the 2nd book about sheriff James Preuitt. I didn't read the 1st one and it didn't seem to matter much. The author said in the foreword that he intends for you not to have to read them in order.
The story moved pretty quickly, beginning with a man who was a gifted pilot but due to closings found himself out of a job, a friend talked him into flying drug money to Canada from Mexico to be laundered.
Then you are in Wyoming with the sheriff who starts out investigating a torture/murder and the chase is on.
Well written, concise (it's a short book only 153 pages I believe) but the story is still well fleshed out.
I got this book for free on bookbub.
The story moved pretty quickly, beginning with a man who was a gifted pilot but due to closings found himself out of a job, a friend talked him into flying drug money to Canada from Mexico to be laundered.
Then you are in Wyoming with the sheriff who starts out investigating a torture/murder and the chase is on.
Well written, concise (it's a short book only 153 pages I believe) but the story is still well fleshed out.
I got this book for free on bookbub.
January 22, 2016
This book was riveting from the beginning to the end. James Pruett is a small town Sheriff. Nothing really notable happens in his town until a plane crashes in the mountains bringing the drug cartel looking for its contents. Sheriff Pruett must find the contents and return it to the cartel if he wants to keep his town from being burnt down to the ground. The story unfolds when people are murdered while the sheriff try's to find the drugs. When his daughter is kidnapped it gets personal. Now the drug cartel will learn that they have chosen the wrong sheriff and town to mess with. Well written story that is gripping and full of surprises to the very end. Thank you R.S. Guthrie for a great book.
This book was a gift from the author without the requirement of giving a review.
This book was a gift from the author without the requirement of giving a review.
July 2, 2017
Three years after the events of Blood Land, Sheriff Pruett has to deal with another catastrophic issue when a small plane filled with drug money crashes in the nearby mountains. Tragedy strikes the town as the Mexican cartel sends vicious thugs to find and recover the money. Once again Pruett has to deal with his innate morality as he struggles to deal with the evil incarnate brought to town by the cartel. This story is every bit as exciting as the first, but dramatically different from the family and land issues of the first book. Suspense builds from page to page as Pruett's daughter and local young people are kidnapped and tortured by the cartel. If the first book didn't convince you of man's capacity for cruelty and evil, this one will.
April 14, 2013
Where as the first book, Blood Land, started off slow this one starts off with a bang. Once again we are in the town of Wind River, Wyoming and Sheriff James Pruett, where this time he is fighting the Sustantivo Mexican Cartel.
When a small plane heading for the Canadian border carrying drug money loses altitude and crashes into Wind River Mountains, it brings very bad men to town who will stop at nothing to recover what belongs to the cartel.
This book is such a fast read there is actually no good place to stop, not that you would want to. Back with the sheriff are all the people we loved in the first book and then some. I love this series and highly recommend it.
When a small plane heading for the Canadian border carrying drug money loses altitude and crashes into Wind River Mountains, it brings very bad men to town who will stop at nothing to recover what belongs to the cartel.
This book is such a fast read there is actually no good place to stop, not that you would want to. Back with the sheriff are all the people we loved in the first book and then some. I love this series and highly recommend it.
February 15, 2015
I found the name Money Land: A Hard Boiled Murder Mystery misleading because, to me, this novel reads more like a cross between a thriller and a western. It’s the story of the escalating confrontation between a small town Wyoming sheriff and enforcers from a Mexican drug cartel. It starts when a small plane carrying twenty million dollars of drug money in need of laundering crashes into the Wyoming countryside, and someone steals the loot. The book is well written, the setting is detailed, and the characters well defined. Considering the subject matter, expect violence. There’s a lot of bloodshed, but it serves the story and carries the plot. In all—a very satisfying read.
March 4, 2015
James Pruett is a conflicted man. His wife died two years ago. He is a county sheriff in Wyoming, a father, and a Vietnam vet whose thinking is colored by his experiences in the war. When the wreckage of a private plane carrying millions of dollars in drug money is found near Wind River the cartel shows up. But the money is gone—a sure recipe for disaster.
Guthrie captures the independence and harsh beauty of life in Wyoming, the perfect setting for the story. The characters are believable, the action is non-stop. Money Land is a real good vs. evil story even when the good guys aren’t sure themselves if they are on the side of right.
Guthrie captures the independence and harsh beauty of life in Wyoming, the perfect setting for the story. The characters are believable, the action is non-stop. Money Land is a real good vs. evil story even when the good guys aren’t sure themselves if they are on the side of right.
March 24, 2015
Money Land is the second book in the James Pruett Mystery Suspense Series (the first being Blood Land).
R S Guthrie’s recipe for a modern western: take one grizzled, hard-bitten alcoholic sheriff (who’s replaced whiskey by panning for salvation in the murky waters of his life choices); a drug cartel (a whole bunch of ‘very-bad-men’); a ‘mess of useless teenagers’; and a brew-up of Wyoming locals. The result is a fast read: gunfights; an endless cache of efficient killers for every eventuality and a spiky plot that keeps you guessing right to the end. My favourite line: ‘The cross of David in scorpion blood at his feet…’
R S Guthrie’s recipe for a modern western: take one grizzled, hard-bitten alcoholic sheriff (who’s replaced whiskey by panning for salvation in the murky waters of his life choices); a drug cartel (a whole bunch of ‘very-bad-men’); a ‘mess of useless teenagers’; and a brew-up of Wyoming locals. The result is a fast read: gunfights; an endless cache of efficient killers for every eventuality and a spiky plot that keeps you guessing right to the end. My favourite line: ‘The cross of David in scorpion blood at his feet…’
September 9, 2015
This is the second in the James Pruett mysteries so you may want to read "Blood Land" first but you don't have to. Mr. Guthrie is kind enough to let you know all of this in his forward so you can read it in the book. I liked "Blood Land" better but this was still a very good book. It has a Charles Bronson/Clint Eastwood feel to it with a town taking on a drug cartel. If you like those types of scenarios then you will really like this book. I only like the first one better because I got a deeper feel of Pruett wrestling with his demons. As for story, action and characters (both main and secondary)...both books are great. And what an ending! You will just have to check out yourself.
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