McPartland is near the top of his game in this one. As usual, there is plenty of man against man physical violence, described in painful detail as only McPartland can. The protagonist travels from California to the Ozarks at the request of his business partner, who hints of millions in riches. Pretty soon, things have taken a very drastic turn for the worse. And it gets worse from there. After that, McPartland succeeds in keeping you in suspense the rest of the way. On a couple of occasions, it appears the story may return to normal--but appearances are deceiving. McPartland, who died far too young, was one of the great writers of pulp novels. In his hands, even the cliches (the beautiful woman, the corrupt lawman) take on new life. He deserves some sort or resurrection, perhaps in one of those Stark House omnibus volumes. In the meantime, some of his novels can be found gratis on munseys.com. ( )