Because of the other deaths, the locals, both civilians and law enforcement officials alike, feel that the manner of Lacy’s death may have some symbolic significance. The Lacy family is one of the few wealthy ranching families in the area, and some people feel their wealth was ill-gotten. Claude and Carla are at a disadvantage not knowing the history of family relationships, and are under additional pressure from the victim’s father, Walter Lacy, to resolve the crime.

The situation becomes increasingly complex when Claude and Carla search Danny’s house, unbeknown to the local authorities, and discover an elaborate set up for the manufacture of methamphetamine. Returning to the house with local and federal authorities in tow, they are met with a volley of gunfire. Someone, presumably Danny’s killer, has arrived ahead of them.

The gunman, obviously a local, gets away through the rough terrain in his four wheel vehicle, leaving the Rangers with another crime scene. Upon entering the house, they discover the still warm body of Danny’s girlfriend, Donna Monroe, on the kitchen floor, with most of the drug equipment missing.

Though facing a daunting task of unraveling a local mystery perpetrated by locals, who offer little cooperation to outsiders especially those involved in law enforcement, Claude and Carla are only more determined to find the various puzzle pieces and put them together to solve the crime. Though Walter Lacy is threatening to bring in his own private investigator, Carla is convinced she can solve the problem herself.

In The Hangman’s Tree Frederic Bean clearly demonstrates his strengths and weaknesses. He has created some engaging characters in Claude Groves and Carla Jenkins. Claude, a veteran of many years with the Rangers, has a facile mind, allowing him to still be a step or two ahead of the average criminal, despite an aging body that doesn’t move as quickly or nimbly as it once did. It is easy to sympathize with the man who is decidedly not perfect. Carla, fresh out of training, is up on all the latest electronic technology, and is not at all squeamish or fearful in unpleasant or dangerous situations, earning the grudging respect of her male colleagues. Claude and Carla seem to complement each other nicely.

The rest of the cast of characters is not as carefully fleshed out, and come dangerously close to fitting a stereotype. The local law enforcement officers are not particularly bright, and are not at all pleased with the intervention of the Rangers. Walter Lacy fits the stereotype of the rich rancher perfectly. The women are all subservient to their male counterparts, and the Mexicans are loyal employees though their reasons for loyalty may vary.

The plot, at first glance, though improbable holds some promise. Unfortunately, the promise is never fulfilled. As the plot unfolds, there are more and more complications which are resolved by a series of coincidences. On more than one occasion someone just happens to be in the right place at the right time, or is willing to disclose information that decides the course of events. In fact, the key to Carla’s correct analysis of the crime depends on a conversation which I have a hard time believing would take place.

In addition, the author allows the maldrone tree its own voice in the story. I assume these asides by the tree were used to add a mystical or profound touch. If so, it was either too profound for my mind to comprehend or it was just a bizarre sidelight.

There are portions of the book where Mr. Bean describes the barren, unfriendly West Texas land. I quite enjoyed learning about a part of the United States with which I have little familiarity. I wish he had gone into greater detail in this aspect of the book, as his description is quite vivid.

--Andy Plonka