Book Review: THE REVELATORS by Quinn Colson

THE REVELATORS by Ace Atkins (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, July 2020) Hardcover, 400 pages. ISBN #0525539492 / 9780525539490 Quinn Colson series #10

Summary on the Goodreads website . . . .

In this gripping new crime novel from the New York Times-bestselling author, Quinn Colson is about to find out whether his quest for justice can coexist with his loyalty to the law...

Shot up and left for dead, Sheriff Quinn Colson has revenge on his mind. With the help of his new wife Maggie, rehabilitation, and sheer force of will, he's walking again, eager to resume his work as a southern lawman and track down those responsible for his attempted murder. 

But someone is standing in his way: an interim sheriff, appointed by the newly elected Governor Vardaman, the man who Quinn knows ordered his murder. Vardaman sits at the top of the state's power structure--both legal and criminal--and little does he know, Quinn is still alive. And coming for him.

Quinn will enlist the help of his most trusted friends, including federal agent Jon Holliday, U.S. Marshal Lillie Virgil, and Donnie Varner, a childhood buddy now working for the Feds as an informant. Since Quinn's been gone, the criminal element in north Mississippi has flourished, with queenpin Fannie Hathcock enjoying unbridled freedom. As an ice storm bears down on north Mississippi and Memphis, and Tibbehah County is isolated from the outside world, the killers will return to finish the job.

But this time, Quinn Colson and company will be waiting, ready to bust apart a criminal empire running on a rigged system for far too long. This is the battle of Jericho, the epic showdown that's been years in the making. In the end, the war will end--for better or worse. 

My Four-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . 

     This is the first novel by Ace Atkins that I've read, and it won't be the last. I had heard of his growing reputation as a writer of gritty crime fiction, and it is well-earned. 

     The sad and seamy side of low-rent life in the Deep South, particularly rural Mississipi really comes to life. Atkin's descriptive abilities and rich characterization are on display in fine form. 

     I'll definitely read more of his novels featuring sheriff Quinn Colson. I was reminded of both the Walking Tall films and the Justified television series in both content and atmosphere. 

     I don't need to get into plot details as the Goodreads summary has done a bang-up job of it.