Wilder switches his plans and agrees to help Emilio track down the man who contacted him, hoping it will lead to answers about his family’s deaths. Now Wilder, with the help of Border Patrol Agent Max Montoya, is tracking his most dangerous prey across the U.S. border into Mexico, a quarry he learns is called el halcon “The Hawk.”

The Devil’s Hawk takes good advantage of the dusty, barren southwest desert as a setting. In addition, the fauna of the area plays several roles - from the evil Hawk to the jackrabbit that Wilder has been feeding outside of his rental house that he finds mutilated on his doorsteps. There is no clear reason why Wilder chooses to stay and put his life in danger other than his friend needs help, since he is portrayed as more of a loner than a tried and true friend.

There is plenty of action from readers looking for a fast paced story, but upon inspection there are a lot of coincidences that are relied on to move the plot along and even save Wilder in the end. Also, as skilled an observer as Wilder is with birds, some may think this skill would spill over into other areas of his life and would have served him well in this investigation. All the signs are there early on pointing Wilder in the right direction of the Hawk, but he always seems to be one step behind.

Fans of Southwest mysteries will enjoy the setting, as will birders who like their mysteries a little grittier.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry