In her debut novel, Sherry Rankin delivers a meticulously crafted crime thriller that delves deep into the complexities of small-town dynamics and family relationships. Set against the stark backdrop of West Texas, The Killing Plains introduces us to Detective Colly Newland, who must navigate personal trauma and professional challenges while investigating a murder that eerily mirrors a twenty-year-old case.
Plot and Narrative Structure
The story begins with a chilling prologue set in 1998, establishing the dark tone that permeates the novel. When thirteen-year-old Denny Knox is found dead at a stock pond on the Newland Ranch in 2018, with a rabbit’s face mask placed in his hand, the similarities to a decades-old murder become impossible to ignore. The plot unfolds through multiple timelines and perspectives, with Rankin skillfully weaving together past and present events.
The narrative’s strength lies in its careful balance of police procedural elements with deeply personal stakes. Colly Newland’s investigation is complicated by her connection to the Newland family and her own tragic past, adding layers of emotional complexity to the central mystery.
Character Development
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its rich character development. Rankin has created a diverse cast of complex individuals, each harboring their own secrets and motivations:
- Colly Newland: A compelling protagonist whose professional expertise is tested by personal trauma. Her relationship with her grandson Satchel adds depth to her character and raises the stakes of the investigation.
- The Newland Family: Each member is distinctly drawn, from the manipulative matriarch Iris to the troubled Lowell and the more sympathetic Russ.
- Brenda Newland: A particularly well-crafted character whose layers are gradually revealed throughout the story.
Writing Style and Atmosphere
Rankin’s prose is lean and effective, with a strong sense of place. Her descriptions of the West Texas landscape are vivid without being overwrought:
“The sun had vanished behind the bluffs, and the light was fading fast. With a sigh, he clambered to his feet and walked quickly away through the waving grass. The hiss and squabble of the birds began almost at once behind him, but he kept his eyes fixed on the path ahead. A few minutes later, as he stepped onto the road, he heard a distant coyote begin to wail.”
The author demonstrates particular skill in building tension through atmospheric details and carefully paced revelations. The oppressive heat, the isolation of the ranch, and the claustrophobic nature of small-town relationships all contribute to a palpable sense of unease.
Themes and Subtext
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- The weight of family legacy and obligation
- The impact of trauma across generations
- The moral complexities of justice and revenge
- The power of secrets in small communities
- The relationship between mental illness and violence
Critical Analysis
Strengths
- Complex Mystery Plot: The central mystery is well-constructed, with carefully placed clues and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the end.
- Character Relationships: The interactions between characters are nuanced and believable, particularly the family dynamics within the Newland clan.
- Sense of Place: The West Texas setting is vividly realized and integral to the story rather than mere backdrop.
- Psychological Depth: The exploration of trauma, both personal and communal, adds significant depth to the narrative.
Areas for Improvement
- Pacing: While generally well-managed, there are moments in the middle section where the narrative momentum slightly lags.
- Secondary Character Development: Some supporting characters could have been more fully developed, particularly peripheral figures in the investigation.
- Resolution Pacing: The final revelations, while satisfying, feel somewhat rushed in their delivery.
Technical Elements
The novel demonstrates strong technical craftsmanship in several areas:
- Dialogue: Natural and revealing, effectively distinguishing different characters
- Scene Structure: Well-constructed scenes that build tension and reveal character
- Point of View: Skillful handling of perspective shifts
- Timeline Management: Complex chronology handled with clarity
Impact and Relevance
The Killing Plains resonates particularly strongly in our current cultural moment, addressing issues of justice, mental health, and family responsibility. The novel’s exploration of how communities handle suspicion and judgment feels especially relevant.
Comparison to Similar Works
While the novel shows influences from crime writers like Tana French and Jane Harper, particularly in its emphasis on place and psychology, Rankin brings her own distinct voice to the genre. The combination of procedural detail with family drama recalls Laura Lippman’s work, while the Texas setting and family dynamics might remind readers of Attica Locke’s Highway 59 series.
Final Verdict
The Killing Plains is an impressive debut that marks Rankin as an author to watch in the crime fiction genre. Despite some minor pacing issues, the novel succeeds in delivering both a compelling mystery and a thoughtful exploration of family dynamics and personal trauma.
Recommendations
This book would appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Character-driven crime fiction
- Small-town mysteries
- Family dramas with criminal elements
- Psychological thrillers
- Stories with strong sense of place
About the Author
Sherry Rankin, who has taught creative writing and literature in West Texas since 1997, brings her intimate knowledge of the region to her fiction. Her background in education and her experience with the landscape and culture of West Texas clearly inform the authentic details throughout the novel.
Reading Experience and Value
The Killing Plains offers more than just entertainment; it provides insights into human nature and the complexities of family relationships. The book rewards careful reading with its layered plot and character development, making it a satisfying choice for both genre fans and literary fiction readers.
While some aspects of the novel could be tightened, particularly in terms of pacing and secondary character development, these minor issues don’t significantly detract from the overall reading experience. The strength of the central mystery, the depth of character development, and the vivid sense of place more than compensate for these occasional weaknesses.
Conclusion
The Killing Plains is a compelling debut that successfully blends elements of crime fiction, family drama, and psychological thriller. Rankin’s careful attention to character development and setting, combined with her skillful plotting, creates an engaging and thoughtful exploration of family, justice, and the weight of the past. Despite some minor flaws, this is a strong entry in the crime fiction genre and suggests great potential for future works from this author.
The novel’s greatest achievement lies in its ability to transcend genre conventions while still delivering a satisfying mystery. It’s not just about solving a crime; it’s about understanding the complex web of relationships, responsibilities, and consequences that bind small communities together. This depth, combined with strong technical execution, makes The Killing Plains a noteworthy addition to contemporary crime fiction.
