Coyote Wind

By: Peter Bowen

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Length: 4 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Montana, "the last best place" of the disappearing American West, is the setting of Peter Bowen's splendid first mystery novel in a series to feature Gabriel Du Pre. A cattle-brand inspector and occasional sheriff's deputy, Du Pre moves easily among the ranchers, cowboys, Native Americans, barflies, dreamers, and Eastern dudes who populate what's left of the frontier.

In the desolate hills of the Fascelli family ranch, a skeleton has been discovered. The sheriff needs Du Pre's long experience in Montana to identify the bones. What Du Pre finds leads him on a search through the history of a troubled family, a search that brings him closer to a secret from his own past. Along the way, Du Pre meets a range of interesting folk, some to his liking, some decidedly not.

©1994 Peter Bowen (P)2003 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Gabe's rhythmic, regional voice and his sly wit take the novel to another level....Let's hope Bowen...finds time to give us many more Gabe Du Pre adventures." (Booklist)
"The great story and narration make this a most enjoyable production." (Kliatt)

I love this

The plot was solid, the characters remarkable, but it was a joy just to listen to the words themselves! On more than one occasion I found myself literally laughing out loud at one comment or another. The resigned confusion of a good man dealing with two adult daughters, and a girl friend, all strong, unique women, all well crafted characters, was a joy to witness. And Christopher Lane's voice made the the characters live and breathe for me. It makes me want to go to Montana! Almost.

Very interesting book!

I'm not sure what I was expecting with this. Listened sort of experimentally, wondering if, being an eastern city slicker, I could relate to it. I'm so happy I took the chance! This book was a gem!

Gabriel Du Pre, part french, part Indian, knows Montana in his bones. He is a cattle-brand inspector, but occasionally reluctantly steps in as an extra hand in law enforcement. This story involves the mysterious (and old) plane wreck that is discovered, and how it brings Du Pre to solving a mystery surrounded with that, but also a surprising one about his own past.

Good mystery, but there are plenty of them around. This was at times very serious, as Du Pre contemplates his philosophy of life, and sometimes humorous as he lives by his own philosophy. He has wonderful relationships with his daughters and his girlfriend, and others, and they all love him in return.

I felt I had stepped into a mindset and lifestyle I understand little from my own perspective, but that felt so genuine, it almost made me wish that I could live with such simplicity, such authenticity of living, as Du Pre, who simply follows his own inner code of ethics throughout.

I felt this was a wonderful book, that does not completely yield to trying to explain its great appeal. I truly recommend it, and plan to download some more in the series.

I loved this book

Christopher Lane did a brilliant job narrating this story. I lived in the book for the 5 plus hours. This was a great story and performance. I will be working my way through the rest of the stories in this series.

Short but intriguing

I liked the down to earth observations of Du Pre as he moved through the story. I've met men like him, salt of the earth and no nonsense.

Great mix of dry humor and pathos

Reminiscent of Tony Hillerman. Dry wit with a rarely portrayed American Indian common sense and blunt profane reaction to human bullshit. The protagonist is a gentle thoughtful man with a profane response that I have encountered many times in my life. I'd like to see more of this character in literature.

Interesting Story

I'm not sure I would want to listen to very many of these but I did enjoy this one.

To many story lines

Not my style of book. To much cussing unimportant to the story. That all folks.

A foreign tongue

Takes a while to “get into.” Like listening to someone with a strong foreign accent. I am glad I persevered. I will research more about this history and people

Coyote Wind

This author had me captivated from the first line. The use of words to develop the simple mind set of the major characters, their family bonds and easy humor,is a gift.

—Hidden GEM!—

I’d never read anything from Peter Bowen, And obviously didn’t know if I would enjoy the story. But, it sounded somewhat interesting from the summary, I am SO glad I did. I don’t think I’ve listen to a narrator with such talent, hitting the nail on the head so perfectly the entire time! I’d give this more stars/a higher rating if I could!