Moonshine Messiah was fun. It didn't blow my socks off, but it also didn't fall into the traps it could have, with possible cliches everywhere. Instead the characters seem real and interesting, and I hope this is the first in a series. The West Virginia setting was great, as it's an area I don't know much about. It reminded me a lot of Chris Offutts' Killing Hills series, with a little bit of a lighter tone. Great popcorn thriller, recommended.

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher and author. Set in West Virginia, this novel displays some of the negative aspects of the culture in the state. The characters are not likable, but often that is the norm for intrigue and mystery. The language did not add to the story at all and could be left out. That being said, this talented author has written a tale of intrigue that is fiction but reads like nonfiction at times. It is a page turner…I had a difficult time discerning the ending and kept wondering what might happen. I wish this author luck in his writing.

Welcome to West-by God- Virginia!

I had mixed expectations going into this book since so many things could have gone wrong. You are talking about a strong feminist sheriff Mary Beth, her sociopathic cult leader brother Sawyer, her narcissistic brothel-owning drug-dealing mother Mamie, and assistant attorney general/old flame Patrick. This is a mixed bag of characters who when you throw in a showdown of Waco proportions, you are in for a wild ride!

Mary Beth is not a woman (or a sheriff) that you want to mess with. While making some dubious legal decisions, she knows her role and how to play the game. She is fiercely loyal to her hometown and the community that she was elected to protect and will do almost anything for them. However, when the love for her family comes in direct conflict with the community she is sworn to protect, Mary Beth has to make some challenging decisions.

Does she always do the right thing? No.

The Moonshine Messiah was a fast and enjoyable read. Would I follow the Moonshine Messiah? No, but I sure would love to have a Mary Beth to back me up when the going gets rough!

West Virginia coal country may be the star of this book as its people are as crooked as the roads passing through the hills and hollers. The sheriff isn’t much better than her crooked family as she tends to bend rules to get the result she wants. Add in lots of bikers, an attorney general ex-boyfriend, and feds stirring things up and you get an enjoyable read.