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Gabriel Du Pre #5
La terre écorchée
Lire le résumé du livre d'occasion La terre écorchée de Peter Bowen À Toussaint, dans le Montana, lieu paisible où vit Gabriel Du Pré, métis inspecteur du bétail au quotidien et fin limier à l’occasion, un tremblement de terre et la mise au jour d’une très ancienne sépulture vont mettre la ville sens dessus dessous. Indiens, entrepreneurs et archéologues sont prêts à se disputer âprement le site mais lorsqu’un archéologue est assassiné, le shérif fait appel à Gabriel pour l’aider à arrêter le tueur. Entouré de ses amis et de Benetsee, ce vieux farceur d’homme médecine, il devra débrouiller une affaire où l’on croise une dent de tyrannosaure très convoitée, un peuple oublié, des Japonais et plusieurs millions de dollars… Entre deux rasades de whisky et quelques bagarres homériques, Gabriel Du Pré et sa fine équipe de durs à cuire suivent avec ténacité la piste de l’assassin dans les plaines du Grand Ouest américain.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Peter Bowen
44 books75 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 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 20, 2024
When we first met Gabriel Du Pré he was working as a cattle brand inspector. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... (Coyote Wind) He doesn’t do much of that now, but he still can play the fiddle better than anyone else in the area.
"“There isn’t any reason for them (a group of Japanese) to be building this resort here,” said Bart. “None of it makes any sense. So, I want to know why they are building it anyway.”
First comes a surprise earthquake; then, a surprise death; then, the other issues: "“So,” said Du Pré.
“We maybe go and talk, them Crows,” said Benetsee.
“Why I got to talk to Crows, I talk to you?” said Du Pré.
“I maybe go and talk to Crows,” said Benetsee. “You talk, whoever you want.”…
"“Seven million dollars, lot of money,” said Du Pré.
“Yah,” said Benetsee.
“So this is not about money.”
Benetsee looked at Du Pré a long time. “I don’t know what it is about,” said Benetsee, “but it is not about money. Them Crows maybe know.”"
The book is full of commentary on life from the rural West perspective:
"Du Pré went to his old cruiser, all covered in mud. The rest of the lot was filled with the silly four-wheel station wagons the yuppies liked to get stuck in."
and
"A bald eagle sat on a deer carcass, so stuffed with meat it couldn’t fly. It flapped its wings and tried to take off. “Downright noble,” said Booger Tom. “I like a country has that for the national bird.” The eagle ran a few feet flapping its wings and it fell on its face."
and
"“I need this damn weather,” said the hand who had mopped, “like I need another damn armpit.”
Madelaine drew two beers and she poured two shots of whiskey.
She set them at the stools next to Du Pré. The hands drank gratefully.
“Calves don’t come ’cept in weather like this,” said one of the hands.
“Sheep,” said Du Pré, “them you got to have a blizzard for.” The hands nodded."
This is a book about dinosaurs; and humans, not quite as old; and, people in the Montana wilderness that are seen as dinosaurs because they are disappearing, a family at a time, as their way of life – ranching or farming – is failing. Of course there are the dead and Du Pré’s curiosity to move this story along. Bowen knows how to make it local and make it real.
4*
"“There isn’t any reason for them (a group of Japanese) to be building this resort here,” said Bart. “None of it makes any sense. So, I want to know why they are building it anyway.”
First comes a surprise earthquake; then, a surprise death; then, the other issues: "“So,” said Du Pré.
“We maybe go and talk, them Crows,” said Benetsee.
“Why I got to talk to Crows, I talk to you?” said Du Pré.
“I maybe go and talk to Crows,” said Benetsee. “You talk, whoever you want.”…
"“Seven million dollars, lot of money,” said Du Pré.
“Yah,” said Benetsee.
“So this is not about money.”
Benetsee looked at Du Pré a long time. “I don’t know what it is about,” said Benetsee, “but it is not about money. Them Crows maybe know.”"
The book is full of commentary on life from the rural West perspective:
"Du Pré went to his old cruiser, all covered in mud. The rest of the lot was filled with the silly four-wheel station wagons the yuppies liked to get stuck in."
and
"A bald eagle sat on a deer carcass, so stuffed with meat it couldn’t fly. It flapped its wings and tried to take off. “Downright noble,” said Booger Tom. “I like a country has that for the national bird.” The eagle ran a few feet flapping its wings and it fell on its face."
and
"“I need this damn weather,” said the hand who had mopped, “like I need another damn armpit.”
Madelaine drew two beers and she poured two shots of whiskey.
She set them at the stools next to Du Pré. The hands drank gratefully.
“Calves don’t come ’cept in weather like this,” said one of the hands.
“Sheep,” said Du Pré, “them you got to have a blizzard for.” The hands nodded."
This is a book about dinosaurs; and humans, not quite as old; and, people in the Montana wilderness that are seen as dinosaurs because they are disappearing, a family at a time, as their way of life – ranching or farming – is failing. Of course there are the dead and Du Pré’s curiosity to move this story along. Bowen knows how to make it local and make it real.
4*
June 11, 2019
A bit of a letdown in this series. After 4 books it feels as if the author has hit a bit a wall in this book. We have our well known characters, and a plot that includes T-Rex, earthquakes, Japanese buyers of land for trout farms, and the list goes on. All the elements are there for a good book but the plot just goes nowhere, the ending is convoluted and it just did not seem overly realistic. Anyhow, I still like the series and will move on to Book 6 in the near future.
July 30, 2025
My first exposure to this author. DuPre is a cattle brand inspector/part time deputy, alcoholic Métsi in Toussaint, Montana.
After an earthquake exposes some 15,000+ year old remains it brings some attention to the small town. Then an archeologist is found murdered, in possession of a T-Rex tooth.
A very interesting character, with some likewise interesting supporting characters leads to a good story. This is book 5 of a series and can definitely be read as a standalone.
After an earthquake exposes some 15,000+ year old remains it brings some attention to the small town. Then an archeologist is found murdered, in possession of a T-Rex tooth.
A very interesting character, with some likewise interesting supporting characters leads to a good story. This is book 5 of a series and can definitely be read as a standalone.
August 8, 2021
Not a stand-alone due to recurring characters, events, and story arc
If you haven’t yet read the Amazon synopsis, I recommend you do so. I also recommend Christopher Lane’s stellar narration of the Audible version of Thunder Horse. I enjoy reading Peter Bowen’s books for the interesting characters, culture, and settings.
If you’re a newbie to this series, I suggest reading previous books to acquaint yourself with the characters: Gabriel Du Pré, Madeline Placquemines, Shaman Benetsee; billionaire Bart & Popsicle; Booger Tom, etc. Many characters are Métis—people of indigenous and European ancestry, mainly French—who live in Canada and the northern US. The Métis speak a regional dialect—a patois, to use the French term. It reminds me of some iterations of Pidgin, and when listening to Audible narrators, I find Métis easier to understand than Scottish-English.
The complex mystery is solid—with mysterious murders, theft of dinosaur bones, aftermath of earthquakes; 15,000 yr-old preserved bodies; shady archeologists; much mysticism, and paranormal incidents. There’s more violence than usual, fights and beatings, kneecapping, plus softball bats, shotguns, knives, and even assault weapons.
4.5-5 stars.
If you haven’t yet read the Amazon synopsis, I recommend you do so. I also recommend Christopher Lane’s stellar narration of the Audible version of Thunder Horse. I enjoy reading Peter Bowen’s books for the interesting characters, culture, and settings.
If you’re a newbie to this series, I suggest reading previous books to acquaint yourself with the characters: Gabriel Du Pré, Madeline Placquemines, Shaman Benetsee; billionaire Bart & Popsicle; Booger Tom, etc. Many characters are Métis—people of indigenous and European ancestry, mainly French—who live in Canada and the northern US. The Métis speak a regional dialect—a patois, to use the French term. It reminds me of some iterations of Pidgin, and when listening to Audible narrators, I find Métis easier to understand than Scottish-English.
The complex mystery is solid—with mysterious murders, theft of dinosaur bones, aftermath of earthquakes; 15,000 yr-old preserved bodies; shady archeologists; much mysticism, and paranormal incidents. There’s more violence than usual, fights and beatings, kneecapping, plus softball bats, shotguns, knives, and even assault weapons.
4.5-5 stars.
May 7, 2017
PROTAGONIST: Gabriel Du Pre
SETTING: Montana
SERIES: #5 of 13
RATING: 3.75
WHY: Toussaint, Montana, is a very remote area, so it's puzzling to all why a group of Japanese would be interested in building trout ponds on Le Doux Springs. An earthquake reveals part of the answer when remnants of a T Rex are found. The plot is rather slow moving and not particularly engrossing. However, the regular cast of characters--Madelaine, Benetsee, Bart, Booger Tom--are there, and they are wonderful as usual.
SETTING: Montana
SERIES: #5 of 13
RATING: 3.75
WHY: Toussaint, Montana, is a very remote area, so it's puzzling to all why a group of Japanese would be interested in building trout ponds on Le Doux Springs. An earthquake reveals part of the answer when remnants of a T Rex are found. The plot is rather slow moving and not particularly engrossing. However, the regular cast of characters--Madelaine, Benetsee, Bart, Booger Tom--are there, and they are wonderful as usual.
September 4, 2020
I couldn’t get passed the syntax of the sentences or the feeling I needed to read the previous books. I think I got the gist of the plot but there was a lot I just didn’t understand.
November 30, 2021
I relish every Gabriel DuPre novel by Peter Bowen. I love the characters - DuPre, his partner Madelaine, his daughters and twelve (he claims not to know the exact number) grandchildren, the ancient Benetsee. The integrity of the characters is one reason I find them so compelling. Bowen obviously respects the Metis people, their history and traditions. Each mystery teaches me something about the indigenous people of Montana. The supporting cast - among them billionaire Bart, his helper Booger Tom, bar owners Susan and Benny Klein - are brilliantly drawn . Tiny Toussaint, Montana comes alive in these books. Days after I read one of this series, I find myself thinking about the characters and wondering what they're up to! I recommend the mysteries wholeheartedly.
May 3, 2022
A subtle and humorous mystery
Peter Bowen maintains the authentic voices of his characters throughout the story. If you are looking for rapid action and violence, look elsewhere. You can spot the twists if you pay attention, but they are intentionally subtle. The humor is between friends.
Peter Bowen maintains the authentic voices of his characters throughout the story. If you are looking for rapid action and violence, look elsewhere. You can spot the twists if you pay attention, but they are intentionally subtle. The humor is between friends.
July 22, 2013
eccentric characters. Ah! Mr. DuPre....I knew men like him as a child. Part French Canadian , part native...at home hunting, fishing...this is a marvelous story about nature and history. Read and enjoy! Re-read in August of 2020.
May 25, 2015
Excellent read. Contemporary and fast moving. Well written and the characters are well drawn and you clearly hear their voices.
May 7, 2020
A consortium of Japanese investors is buying a tract of land with historic springs, intending to develop a trout farm. It is curious – there are no nearby attractions, no airport or hotels, no shopping, no other draw to attract visitors, but they area adamant and unwilling to sell to Bart Fascelli and other locals who want to preserve the springs.
Then an earthquake causes major earth movement – the springs disappear. After the upheaval, a murdered stranger is found carrying a T Rex tooth of unknown origin encased in what looks to be a uranium deposit. So is the Japanese group really hunting dinosaurs, uranium or something else altogether? Fascelli, doing some excavating, turns up a group of ancient bodies, buried together, probably 10,000 years ago. The bones seem to be Caucasian, perhaps the mysterious Horned Star people of ancient legend. Protecting this find from theft and exploitation becomes a priority in addition to solving the murder and finding the origins of the dinosaur tooth.
There is fascinating geology and history here. Bowen’s descriptive talent makes the movement of the layers of the earth over centuries vivid and excitingly dramatic. I have never thought of geology as a dramatic element until reading these books, but here it is.
Then an earthquake causes major earth movement – the springs disappear. After the upheaval, a murdered stranger is found carrying a T Rex tooth of unknown origin encased in what looks to be a uranium deposit. So is the Japanese group really hunting dinosaurs, uranium or something else altogether? Fascelli, doing some excavating, turns up a group of ancient bodies, buried together, probably 10,000 years ago. The bones seem to be Caucasian, perhaps the mysterious Horned Star people of ancient legend. Protecting this find from theft and exploitation becomes a priority in addition to solving the murder and finding the origins of the dinosaur tooth.
There is fascinating geology and history here. Bowen’s descriptive talent makes the movement of the layers of the earth over centuries vivid and excitingly dramatic. I have never thought of geology as a dramatic element until reading these books, but here it is.
August 1, 2022
Montana lore
These are an acquired taste, but I have enjoyed every one. You need to understand Montana, and Native Americans and the Wild West. But DuPre is an authentic character. So many parts made me laugh out loud. I do recommend reading in order, as the characters are the most important part of the story. Their development and shenanigans/ high jinks are wonderful, and I can almost hear the fiddle music. The reader needs to pay attention, as the clues are there but the mystery is seldom blatant. But while I am confused by the ‘English’ the west, and multiple story lines, it all adds up to a very enjoyable read. This is number 5, of 15 or more, and I will read them all. I love the Longmire series as well.
These are an acquired taste, but I have enjoyed every one. You need to understand Montana, and Native Americans and the Wild West. But DuPre is an authentic character. So many parts made me laugh out loud. I do recommend reading in order, as the characters are the most important part of the story. Their development and shenanigans/ high jinks are wonderful, and I can almost hear the fiddle music. The reader needs to pay attention, as the clues are there but the mystery is seldom blatant. But while I am confused by the ‘English’ the west, and multiple story lines, it all adds up to a very enjoyable read. This is number 5, of 15 or more, and I will read them all. I love the Longmire series as well.
October 20, 2022
It seemed as though there was a lot more pidgin English/French to get thru than in previous Gabriel Du Pre novels. I haven't read them all, but I have read a few and have mostly enjoyed the characters, backgrounds, environments, stories, etc. I am Metis so I enjoy these background stories and historical references, as well as the spiritual and inexplicable supernatural events/beliefs.
I have often wished that Goodreads would introduce a half star rating, as I would have rated the book 3.5 stars rather than 4 stars, but Peter Bowen deserves the benefit of the doubt in this case. I will certainly read more Montana Mysteries given the opportunity.
I have often wished that Goodreads would introduce a half star rating, as I would have rated the book 3.5 stars rather than 4 stars, but Peter Bowen deserves the benefit of the doubt in this case. I will certainly read more Montana Mysteries given the opportunity.
June 25, 2022
Gabriel DuPré loves finding answers even though his credentials as a lawman center around validating brands on cattle. When a scientist dies in the wastelands of Montana, the mystery draws him in. Soon the search for answers unveil long dead explorers, a dinosaur tooth, and violence in the present.
The grammar and syntax of the narration seem completely different when the focus is on DuPré, which is most of the time. It may make the story harder to follow, but it lends authenticity to his ties to his roots and his home.
The grammar and syntax of the narration seem completely different when the focus is on DuPré, which is most of the time. It may make the story harder to follow, but it lends authenticity to his ties to his roots and his home.
July 26, 2021
To much background and explaining what happen
This could be a great book if it weren't for all the information that is included. I do not think k you need to go into detail explaining when a person goes from on room to the next. He reached for the door knob, twisting it, he pu t one foot into the room.... why not just say he went from 9nr room to the next? I had the thought perhaps he was being paid by the word.
This could be a great book if it weren't for all the information that is included. I do not think k you need to go into detail explaining when a person goes from on room to the next. He reached for the door knob, twisting it, he pu t one foot into the room.... why not just say he went from 9nr room to the next? I had the thought perhaps he was being paid by the word.
June 15, 2020
This is the 5th in the Gabriel Du Pre series which gets better and better with each new book. This one is about an earthquake that opens up a crack in the earth that reveals a primitive people that were buried in an ancient burial ground. The next scene we have an archeologist found with a bullet in his back and a dinosaur tooth in his pocket.
January 24, 2021
The first five hours of the book discussed everyone driving around while drinking. The last two hours about archaeological digs in Montana was interesting. The tone of the book came off as “drunk Indians”, something the characters in previous editions weren’t.
July 8, 2021
Old bones from long, long ago ...
Outstanding! An earthquake, old bones and reverence. Another great book. Thank you, Peter Bowen, for this magnificent series. It is greatly appreciated. 🙏
Outstanding! An earthquake, old bones and reverence. Another great book. Thank you, Peter Bowen, for this magnificent series. It is greatly appreciated. 🙏
July 15, 2024
Do you have a old comfortable voice you like to turn to sometimes when you read? Yeah, I do and it's Peter Bowen writing about Gabriel Du Pre, one of my favorite characters.
Yeah, A comfortable voice, a shot of whiskey on a cold night, always welcomed.
Yeah, A comfortable voice, a shot of whiskey on a cold night, always welcomed.
July 28, 2025
Worse book I’ve ever read..thot it was about Native American Indians, the sentence structure was terrible, part Cajun I think, part I don’t know what…couldn’t understand a word I was reading…I kept up reading for about a third of this book, then I gave up…dnf
June 25, 2026
Some interesting and eccentric characters populate a fascinating Montana landscape. Old bones, prehistoric lore and Native American culture collide. The style of dialogue mixed with internal thoughts can be difficult to negotiate, but hang with it-it soon becomes second nature.
August 31, 2020
Always great reads
At least I've never read a bad Peter Bowen novel. DuPre is sort of a metis Columbo, seems to fumble around but gets the truth
At least I've never read a bad Peter Bowen novel. DuPre is sort of a metis Columbo, seems to fumble around but gets the truth
May 2, 2021
A GOOD TALE
This book told a subtle story about greed, false assumptions, and redemption. The characters all played their usual predictable roles.
This book told a subtle story about greed, false assumptions, and redemption. The characters all played their usual predictable roles.
June 26, 2021
Difficult to read
I would have enjoyed the book more if I could understand it. The effort to sound like native Americans is overdone
I would have enjoyed the book more if I could understand it. The effort to sound like native Americans is overdone
July 14, 2022
Good read
This was a very interesting story. Loved the historical background of the long ago natives and how they lived and travel.
This was a very interesting story. Loved the historical background of the long ago natives and how they lived and travel.
August 31, 2022
Earthquakes and dinosaurs in Bowen's unique style.
Read
November 6, 2023Outstanding
Truly appreciate a novel that teaches. Being a city boy the appeal of the wide open spaces is magnetic. Bowen spins a great story with enjoyable characters. Thanks
Truly appreciate a novel that teaches. Being a city boy the appeal of the wide open spaces is magnetic. Bowen spins a great story with enjoyable characters. Thanks
October 9, 2025
Ended a bit abruptly, but very good.
November 7, 2025
It was okay.
June 22, 2026
a darn good modern western yarn with lots of information about geology, archaeology, and research
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews