Mystery and romance mix well in reading material. Add a taste of murder and suspense, and I am hooked. I wanted to read and review Far from Montana because it had “Montana” in the title, since Montana brings images of cowboys and adventure. I finished reading it, even though it literally was far from Montana, because the characters drew me into their situation.

After being falsely accused and convicted of a murder he didn’t commit and finally found innocent, Dell Blackfeather returns home long enough to get his pickup from his cousin, and get as far from Montana as possible, to forget that he once trusted Wilson Long and thought him a friend.

Alison Taylor leaves her husband, a wealthy attorney, after finding him in bed with an actress. No longer a part of a high society lifestyle, she wants to start a new life. However, she discovers in the middle of the Arizona desert that life has some strange and dangerous twists.

The couple first noticed each other when they stop in Flagstaff to fuel their cars. They trade glances, a smile, and then continue on their way, Alison leaving before Dell. When Alison’s car catches fire and explodes, Dell comes to her aid and offers her a ride as far as Albuquerque.

A stop for lunch at the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert Visitor’s Center sends Dell pushing Alison back to the pickup after spying the person who had him arrested, who “set” him up, the killer. As they continue their journey together, their attraction for each other grows, and so does the danger they didn’t realize exists.

The offer for a ride may give them both a chance of a life together, if they live long enough.

Overall, I enjoyed Far from Montana, but I thought it had some places that could use more action, even if mental, and showing, with less telling us what happened. The work is a good example of this genre.

Reviewed by Vivian Zabel
© January 2008