Author: Kent F. Frates:

ISBN: 1933538899

In Western Oklahoma, Ken ‘Snake’ Frasier, operates as a Deputy Sheriff, dealing with a variety of criminals and losers as Deputy Sheriffs generally have to do. Western Oklahoma appears to be some kind of a wasteland, according to author Kent F Frates (whose name suggests a great deal of identification with the principal protagonist), ruined by the greed of an exploitative and unrestricted capitalist class and menaced by the anarchist ‘libertarians’ who seem to be so numerous in the USA. Frasier, or ‘Snake’ as he is more commonly known, was formerly a star player in a leading American football team and had a father who owned his own bank. Alas, these extraordinary advantages in life, including his own career as a highly-paid financier, seem to have been squandered somewhere and Snake must lead a humble life, although one that seems to appeal to his rural sentiment. Just as important, he has been most cruelly treated by his former wife, who is portrayed as an entirely egotistic, ruthlessly careerist and dominating figure. Indeed, so unpleasant is this woman that it seems she has poisoned the entire narrative, which is pervaded by a sense of misogyny and alienation.

Within this faintly sterile environment, Snake pursues his job, chasing libertarians and unworthy although innocent individuals as required. That the environment is sterile is demonstrated every time Snake ventures outside, perhaps for exercise or else to drive his car somewhere. Not only do there appear to be few if any other people on the roads of Western Oklahoma but there is neither flora nor fauna. This is a western set in a land without myth, ghosts or history. It is hardly surprising that the various criminals behave so badly, given the difficulty in connecting to society in a wasteland like this. Perhaps it also explains some of Snake’s odder beliefs and opinions.

Anyway, the plot unfolds with its two dynamic elements the quests to have the anarchists forced off the land (a house has been repossessed by the bank once Snake’s silver spoon but now the possession of the chief capitalist and all-round bad guy) and to clear the name of a wronged man. The characters race around the landscape, climbing mountains and offering to shoot people and there are various twists and turns to bring a sense of moral appropriateness to the action, at least according to Snake’s worldview. Along the way, there are various spelling mistakes (or perhaps just typos) and some of the worst poetry I have ever had to read.

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The above review was contributed by:  John Walsh PhD:  Professor at Shinawatra International University CLICK TO VIEW John Walsh's Reviews