Back of Beyond by C J Box 9780312385745

Cody Hoyt is a recovering alcoholic and a good detective. When his mentor and AA sponsor, Hank is killed Cody refuses to accept the accidental death verdict. Especially since it would mean that Hank had fallen off the wagon and died drunk. As he digs further, he suspects that the murderer has joined a back to nature horseback riding vacation group. A group that includes his estranged son and his ex-wife's fiancee. There are several likely suspects in the group. Even the camp leader seems highly suspicious. There are several "hits" in this book and a likable young heroine. I have not read many Western mysteries, but this is one I'm buying for my Western lovin' dad. I listened to the audio version, read by Holter Graham and it was mighty entertaining. 4 spur rating