Clinton McKinzie: Trial by Ice and Fire

Dell (Paperback), ISBN 0-385-33735-3

Author Clinton McKinzie, a former Colorado peace officer and deputy district attorney, confesses his passion for high mountains and the thrill of climbing up or roaring down their steep inclines with wild abandon. He couples his experiences in each endeavor with a flair for writing and a quirky protagonist to produce a series of action packed mysteries featuring officer Antonio Burns of Wyoming’s Division of Criminal Investigation.

In this episode Burns, chafing from the unwanted and unwarranted nickname QuickDraw, finds himself acting as bodyguard and protector of Wyoming prosecutor Cali Morrow, the daughter of movie queen Alana Reese. Burns meets Morrow after she escapes from a kidnapping attempt by a possible stalker. Burns must prevent another occurrence and ferret out the stalker. He and Cali form an edgy bond based on a mutual but suppressed sexual attraction and their common love of mountain sports. However, Burns quickly alienates the movie star, the social circle which surrounds her, and important members of the local police.

Despite Burn’s best efforts, a second attempt on Cali’s life comes perilously close to success. Seeking a temporary safe haven for his charge, Burns and Cali retreat to a rented cabin in the secluded hills outside of town. With his domesticated wolf Mungo providing early warning protection, Burns takes time to reflect upon the case, analyze his near failure to protect Cali and worry about his deteriorating relationship with his true love, girlfriend newspaper reporter Rebecca Hersh. A clandestine visit from his brother Roberto, a fugitive from the law, tests Burns’s loyalties and adds additional stress to his assignment.

Crudely written letters point to a prime suspect known to frequent the wooded area near the town. But is it possible that the real stalker and his motives have yet to be uncovered? The follow-up forces an unwelcome alliance with Cali’s former boyfriend, Sergeant Charles Wokowski. Burns and Wokowski reluctantly join forces to begin a manhunt which leads them to an unexpected suspect. Along the way, they must contend with a spectacular and adrenaline-laced series of adventures including avalanches, jumps from low flying airplanes and a harrowing out-of-control forest fire.

McKinzie crafts a winning combination of unique characters, a magnificent setting, and a story line that roars to a climax with breathtaking speed and unexpected revelations. This is an exciting novel which spectacularly delivers on its early promise of an enjoyable page-turning reading experience.

Clint Hunter

Clint Hunter lives on the Texas gulf coast with his wife and a pedigree-challenged dog. His writing has appeared in a variety of print and online publications including The Wall Street Journal, Grit Magazine, FabJob.com, and Senior Living Newspapers.