Colorado author Clinton McKinzie has done it again with his fifth novel, “Badwater.” He has written a story based on a real event, complicated the action and spiced up the characters. This creates a delightful and explosive story that captivated.
McKinzie’s main character and hero, Antonio Burns, a.k.a. Anton, is an agent of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). As “Badwater” opens, Anton’s life is at an all-time low. He is estranged from his ex-fiancée, Rebecca, the mother of his 6-month- old daughter Moriah, and making life even more difficult, Anton’s colorful boss and his ex-fiancée’s godfather, Ross McGee, has put Anton on a short leash.
As a result of events that took place in the previous book, “Crossing the Line,” Anton is no longer a lead investigator. For a year he has been reduced to merely being a scout for the state. As the action begins, Anton and his wolf dog, Mungo, are combing the remote areas of Wyoming looking for meth labs. In reality, “meth cooking” has become a huge problem in the American West. This potent and addicting drug is ruining the lives of all who are exposed to it.
As usual, this novel is set in Wyoming with a lot of the action taking place outdoors. The kick-off event for “Badwater” is the drowning of a 10-year-old boy. Anton arrives at Badwater River just after the boy falls off a cliff into an unseen and deadly whirlpool. At great risk to himself, Anton jumps in and manages to free the boy and bring him to shore. Anton’s efforts fail to save the boy’s life, and because the boy is a local who was pushed or fell because of the actions of a New York City punk rocker tourist, the area residents are out for blood.
Anton is grateful that for once he won’t be involved in a potentially explosive case, especially after he interviews the rocker, Jonah, and hears his side of the story. His relief is short-lived.
It seems that most of local law enforcement in Badwater is related to the victim, so the case is kicked over to DCI and McGee puts Anton on the case with the warning to just do the job, nothing more. As the evidence and charges mount against Jonah, Anton finds following company policy more and more difficult. Just as things look grimmest for the luckless Jonah, a media-hungry defense lawyer named William J. Bogey arrives on the scene to add to the already frantic atmosphere.
Anton is caught in a tough spot between the prosecution and the defense as each side tries to manipulate public opinion. Then when things couldn’t be more complex, Anton’s brother, Roberto, a convicted felon and drug addict, shows up to add to the fray. Roberto has severe injuries from a fall that occurred during a climbing accident, which include almost total paralysis of his legs. However his spirit is unbroken, and he senses he can help Anton despite his helpless appearance.
McKinzie’s ability to come up with a complex plot incorporating current legal dilemmas, human frailties and the potentially deadly hazards provided by Mother Nature has given readers a story that is sure to thrill and satisfy. McKinzie continues to use his experience as a deputy district attorney and committed climber to heighten tension in his thrillers.
Antonio continues his evolution as a contemporary character that surpasses the stereotypical western hero. His complex sense of morality sometimes puts him on the wrong side of the law he wishes to support. Anton has flaws that make him human, fallible and engaging. The potential for growth, especially in view of choices made as “Badwater” concludes, makes the reader look forward to Anton’s next adventure.
Leslie Doran is a freelance writer in Durango.
Badwater
By Clinton McKinzie
Delacorte, 368 pages, $23
