Time and events have turned Hubert James
Champion III into a morose man trying for the last year to escape into
California’s Mojave Desert—somewhere a little north of Route 66 on the way
to Arizona. No longer a practicing psychologist and FBI collaborator, Hugh
now owns Joey’s mini-mart, a half-defunct gas station with no gas, no supplies,
and little food for customers. Opening hours variable.
He has become a man hiding out from the
world, and himself—trying to seek redemption among the creosote and Palo Verde
trees. His main companions these days are an aged desert dog, and the
unkindness of sometimes raucous, but usually reticent ravens.
But Hugh soon senses that he can’t
escape—especially when a “special” young woman with red Medusa-like hair, and
covered in her father’s blood is brought to him one Sunday evening. Turner
Jackson has been murdered, and LoraLee Jackson is the main suspect. In quick
order Hugh is drawn into proving LoraLee’s innocence by both locals and
unwanted East Coast intruders. Add the sudden appearance of LoraLee’s
previously unknown brother, a bulldog FBI agent with an agenda of his own, and
Hugh’s cousin Della’s love-sick ex-husband—not to mention multiple shootings, exploding drug-labs, and most
importantly, Hugh’s past demons rearing their ugly heads once again.
No, Hugh cannot escape having to find a
murderer—or his own past.
Reticence of Ravens
Reading Group Discussion Points:
1. Characters:
- Did you like Hugh? Or was his personality too morose?
- What supporting characters did you like? Or dislike?
- Did Hugh come across as a crazy man, or obsessed, or depressed?
- Where you able to visualize Hugh? Or the other characters?
- Does the Mojave desert seem like a place to "escape" to?
2. Atmosphere:
- Did you get a feel for the Mojave Desert from author's description?
- What about Joey's?
- Was the desert made real by the author? Could you smell, taste, and feel the heat and sand?
- If you already live in the High-Desert, did you find the descriptions accurate?
- Did references to local places appeal to you?
3. Story:
- Was Hugh's story intriguing?
- Were the clues there throughout the story for you to figure out “who done it?”
- Were you satisfied with the ending?
When you finished the story and said goodbye to Hugh, were you left with further thoughts pertaining to your own life?