Boasting a crisp, tense, multi-character narrative, Gunbarrel Highway delves deep into the motivations of each character, from police detectives to lovers to journalists hungry for a big story, suggesting the ways that tragedy touches many lives—and how many are eager to exploit or avenge it. While such a breadth of character exploration complicates the narrative, this makes for a fuller, richer story, and Bridges still keeps the gas pedal floored, with each perspective section and chapter moving things forward. In Daniel, Bridges skillfully depicts the dilemmas one must face when pushed to one’s worst—neither a bad guy nor a criminal, Daniel is a relatable man, down on his luck,caught up by chance in deadly circumstances. However, when push comes to shove, he turns every bit the criminal the media portrays him to be, taking hostages, evading the police, and more. Much of the suspense comes from the question of just how far he will go.
While the sometimes trite language can take away from this nuanced narrative, Bridges has nevertheless crafted a deeply compelling story. Set over the course of one day, this fast-paced thriller, packed with action, not only presents an engaging but also a pained investigation of human behavior. Both dark and human, this novel will resonate with readers who appreciate a nuanced take on the thriller genre.
Takeaway: Gripping on-the-run thriller of moral complexity and desperation.
Comparable Titles: Charles Salzberg’s Man on the Run, Scott Von Doviak’s Lowdown Road.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
