Twenty-one year old Bryar and his twin brother Tommy run Purgatory Ranch in the Texas Hill Country just outside of San Marcos. With over three hundred acres to manage, finding a dead body isn’t all that unusual. That is until the facts begin to unravel.
Bryar is two minutes older than his twin brother. The other difference is Tommy has downs syndrome. Bryar promises his parents at their grave to take care of his brother. He lets nothing get in his way.
With the discovery of the dead body, the two brothers are forced to coordinate with the San Marcos PD investigating the crime.
In this second book from the Texas Hill Country Mystery Novels, the author provides the reader with an escape to far off places, sometimes in combat zones like Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan. Enjoy a story of relationship building in the midst a mystery with an unpredictable ending.
Reviews for Purgatory Ranch
5.0 out of 5 stars
Author Jon Swank has produced another novel well worth reading for gay and straight readers. This mystery story unfolds in the hill country of Texas. Besides the story itself, the reader is enriched with interesting information regarding the history of Texas hill country, ranch routine, and the care and riding of horses. It is clear that the author is no stranger to the setting he is has created for his novel. At first the author weaves a seemingly simple description of life on the ranch for Bryar and his brother Tommy who has Downs Syndrome. Gradually, this life becomes intertwined with a growing, intimate relationship between the main characters. A more complex story of murder and suspense soon develops. And just when the reader thinks the plot has played itself out and the mystery solved, a surprise twist brings the story to a totally unforeseen ending. This novel is a suspenseful and satisfying read.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great summer read!
In the midst of all the sad news this summer: Covid19, police brutality, systemic racial oppression and economic hardship for most of us, I found this book a refreshing and enjoyable escape. I have enjoyed all of Jon Swank's novels because he creates such likeable characters. These books transcend their "gay romance" category and offers the reader really engaging stories. I thought his portrayal of a brother's love for his brother with Down's Syndrome was particularly sensitive and moving.