Death in the Holler (A Luke Ryder Book 1) by John G Bluck; Troubled Alcoholic Protagonist is the Highlight of Somewhat Muddled Murder Mystery

 

Death in the Holler (A Luke Ryder Book 1) by John G Bluck; Troubled Alcoholic Protagonist is the Highlight of Somewhat Muddled Murder Mystery

By Julie Sara Porter

Bookworm Reviews 

Spoilers: 2024 so far looks to be the year of the “Troubled Mystery Investigator.” Between the friendship of cop/criminal duo, Vincent Bayonne and Kane Kulpa unraveling  in Journeyman by Indy Perro and the team of Ingrid Barker and Miles McCleod surrounded by an abusive husband, a dysfunctional family, and their own mental health issues in What Happened at the Abbey by Isobel Blackthorn, it seems that solving mysteries is the least of their problems. Instead, they could use some of that time investigating themselves rather than crime. We can now add Luke Ryder to that list. He is the protagonist of John G. Bluck’s Death in the Holler, a mystery that takes an intense look at its problematic perplexing protagonist.

Luke Ryder is a former Game Warden whose frequent alcoholism cost him his job. His sympathetic friend, Sheriff Jim Pike recruits him to lend his expertise to a murder investigation. Farmer Joe Ford has found an unknown dead body. Since it's muzzleloader deer hunting season and Ryder had previously investigated an incident in which a doe was killed on Ford’s property during the off season, Ryder is called to offer his expert advice on the murder weapon, potential identity of the victim, and identity and motive of the killer. As Ryder peers into the questions, he discovers that the case is wider than he thought. He comes face to face with drug dealers, organized crime, street gangs, a local psychopath, and his own addictions and tormented past. 

Bluck has a strong understanding towards his lead character and the conflicts and struggles that surround him. His past with parents who succumbed to their own dependencies reveals an inherited addictive personality which makes him susceptible to following his parent's path towards potential self-destruction. He destroyed relationships, friendships, and a career that he worked hard to obtain. This is a man who is stumbling towards rock bottom. In fact, Pike reveals that he wanted Ryder's help not necessarily as an expert but out of loyalty to give his oldest and best friend one final chance to turn his life around before it's too late.

Despite his addiction, Ryder proves his ability as an investigator. He has a good sense of how the criminal mind works as he develops an acquaintenceship with a gang member. He shows a protective side towards a prostitute and her child. He follows various leads to their conclusions. Perhaps his desire to solve this case is a barrier from his addiction. As long as there is a problem to solve or a mystery to investigate, he doesn't have to look at the mess that his personal life is in.

Ryder stands out from the somewhat muddled mystery. It is incredibly convoluted and sometimes difficult to follow. Many of the leads are arbitrary and have a very tangible connection to the initial investigation. Some subplots such as that of the young psychopath could be promising but aren’t as compelling as they could be. It is more interesting to see Ryder interact with the suspects than figuring out what they have to do with the murder. 

Luke Ryder is the most important aspect of this book and it shows in the writing. Bluck appears not as interested in the mystery than he is about Ryder's personal journey from debilitating addiction to a second chance to help others and save himself.