I picked this book for my book club, and I'm always nervous to pick a book I haven't previously read (as that has backfired) but this one certainly didn't! Everyone loved it and it lead to a fascinating discussion. Those two things don't always go together.

Virgil lives in what he calls a shack on a reservation in South Dakota, with his nephew, who he's raising since his sister's death. He works odd jobs but these days he's known as a guy you hire if someone needs a beat down. In particular, if someone has done something horrible and the police won't do anything about it. There's a terrible cycle on reservations where the reservation police are only allowed to deal with misdemeanors, and all felonies are handled by the federal government. Except the feds don't want to do anything about them. So basically, rapes, assaults, and murders on reservations aren't prosecuted or even investigated. And if something bad happens to you or someone you love, there's no justice. And that's where Virgil steps in. He was bullied as a kid but as an adult, he's bulked up and learned some techniques like how to break a thumb. And while he's paid, it's a pittance, and he mostly does these deeds for the common good. And a little revenge. It helps when the bad guy is someone he doesn't like. Such as when his ex-girlfriend's father, who is on the tribal council, comes to him to tell him the man his ex dated after him is now dealing drugs. That sounds right up Virgil's alley, to stop that. This is just the beginning, but I don't want to say more and give anything away.

This is a fast-paced and twisty story of revenge, love, and figuring out who you are. Virgil has a complicated relationship with the reservation and being Native, and has been more of a friend than a father to his nephew up to now. But when push comes to shove, Virgil does what he has to do for those he loves. Even if we might not all agree with his techniques. It's an occasionally violent thriller not for the faint of heart, but also it is filled with heart, and asks some heart-wrenching questions about family, duty, identity, and trust. A wonderful read.

I bought this book at my local independent bookstore, Main Street Books in Davidson, NC.