This is Clinton McKinzie's first novel but it reads as if written by an seasoned author. Anton Burns is a Special Agent who's tracking down the details on an apparent climbing accident victim. But, Anton is working in the shadow of his own demons from a bust gone bad. This is nearly more of a novel about rock climbing than anything else but it is a story that grabs you and holds on. The author notes say he's working on a prequel. ( )

Started off a little slow, but once it got going I couldn't put it down! ( )

This police procedural has a slow start but picks up after a couple of chapters. Features a police officer who loves to "chase the rat" meaning he loves mountain climbing. His brother is in prison which makes their relationship interesting in the eyes of the police department who eventually use that relationship later in the series. There are a total of four books + a prequel in the series and while the author didn't get to conclude it the way he would have liked it ends in a good place.

The Edge of Justice features Antonio "Ant" Burns who goes by the unflattering nickname of "Quickdraw" given to him by a journalist. It relates to Burns being trigger happy and in a case where he is being sued and is eventually exiled. Once in Wyoming he is handed a conflict of interest case that involves the mountain climbing community. About 20% of the book involves that mountain climbing community and Burns' hobby is to "chase the rat" during his off time from being a police officer.

The characters were fleshed out well and the story picks up pace. Thought this book was a breath of fresh air because I got tired of reading about all of these super heroic cops. With Burns he is a more realistically drawn cop who didn't win every battle he was in. Recommend. ( )

Set in Wyoming, The Edge of Justice, prominently features mountain climb. The lead character, Antonio Burns, is a special agent who lives for climbing mountains. Burns is facing a multitude of problems including trouble for shooting three drug dealers in self-defense, his brother who is in jail, and protecting a couple of innocent people from receiving the death penalty. All of this leads to the son of the DA, who enjoys the party life a bit too much and likes to surround himself with drugs and pretty women.

If you’re really into mountain climbing, this novel might work for you. As for me, I didn’t much care for it. The plot was thin. The characterization was weak, and the action is overly melodramatic. I was never able to get into the novel. I would advise passing on this.

Carl Alves – author of Blood Street ( )

A great first book. A story with intrigue, a feel for the west...you know you are in the mountains, really takes you into the world of rock climbing. Has a great hero, interesting support characters- a nice lady friend and interesting mentor...the main character Special Agent Antonio Burns has an interesting family and backgroud... the story has monstrous villians and a fun plot. A man who has been nicknamed "quick draw". I look forward to reading the rest! Its always nice to discover someone new! 10-20-2008 ( )