Montana Blues is an unusual mystery-thriller, a story told from two points-of-view - a determined Black man and a spirited White woman who together face racial violence on a spectacular landscape.
Dawson Koloko grew up playing football in a rough neighborhood of Long Beach, California. It helped him cope with a family tragedy and he's tough enough to be recruited for the Montana State University team. He has culture shock landing in a place that's very White and still wild.
Rose Fontaine grew up in Montana oilfields and, as she's also wounded emotionally, she finds some relief making her living outdoors on horseback.
When a murder causes bad blood between Dawson and Rose, nevertheless they have to hunt the murderer together, dealing with White supremacists and biased cops. In the turmoil of shifting relationships, horse rides in stormy weather and an epic struggle on an almost-frozen lake, feels like everybody is on thin ice ...
"Compulsively readable new thriller ... Ring's flair for fully-realized characters and smart dialog is on display here; combined with fast-paced action, this is propulsive storytelling that will keep you on the edge of your seat." - The Arizona Daily Star
"Dives into White nationalism that has been simmering in Montana and Idaho for decades ... lots of 'I didn't see that coming' moments ... the story stays with you." - Todd Wilkinson, founder of Mountain Journal
"A real page-turner." - Scott McMillion, editor of Montana Quarterly