Book Review Texas Ranger Thriller Book 1 by James Patterson and Andrew Bourelle

If you like watching “Walker, Texas Ranger” with Jared Padalecki, you’ll be excited about reading this two-book (so far) series from the master of thrillers, James Patterson.

Texas Ranger By James Patterson, Amazon CoverPhoto bythe author using PowerPoint Design Creations.

Although the TV series is not based on the book or vice versa, a Texas Ranger is a Texas Ranger, and Rory Yates is every bit a Ranger as Padalecki is a Winchester…oops, wrong story.

WALKER Official Trailer (2021) Walker Texas Ranger Reboot, Action Series HD

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Introduction

"Texas Ranger" is a high-octane thriller by James Patterson and Andrew Bourelle — Texas, where justice and duty clash with blood and passion on a daily basis.

The novel thrusts readers into the complex life of a Texas Ranger, exploring the dichotomy of law enforcement in a land where tradition and change are in constant conflict and open carry is a way of life.

Summary

In this version of the "Texas Ranger," the story unfurls with the exploits of Rory Yates, whose skill with a gun and dedication to the law are renowned. Patterson and Bourelle construct a narrative that combines a family tragedy with a taut investigation.

"Evil exists," Yates muses, "I've seen it. Our job is to protect the innocent." This reflection sets the tone for a tale that probes the morality of justice.

Narration

The story is narrated mostly in the first person, from the mind of Rory Yates, giving us an intimate view of Rory Yates' mind and world. However, later in the book, it shifts back and forth from Rory to Cal Richards, the trucker Rory suspects of killing his ex-wife.

Setting

The book is set in the modern-day Lone Star State, Texas.

Rory states, "Texas isn't just a place on a map. It's an idea in the heart of its people." This sentiment reflects how the setting is more than a backdrop; it’s a cultural force that shapes the characters and their actions.

Theme

At its core, "Texas Ranger" delves into themes of loyalty, justice, and the haunting specter of personal demons.

Genre

This work is a crime thriller, filled with the twists and pulse-pounding pace characteristic of Patterson's style.

Author

James Patterson is a household name in the thriller genre, often teaming up with co-authors like Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Andrew Bourelle to keep his many series fresh and engaging.

Patterson’s Alex Cross books, set against the political backdrop of liberal Washington, D.C., contrast greatly with the rugged Texas setting of "Texas Ranger," yet both series grapple with the complexities of law enforcement and morality.

Plot

Rory Yates's reputation as one of the youngest Texas Rangers is not just for his sharpshooting but for his keen sense of justice. When a dreadful crime strikes close to home, Yates finds himself wrestling with the demands of his job and the impulses of his heart.

As he seeks answers, he's drawn into a maze of family secrets and local corruption, where the law is both his greatest ally and a formidable foe. The investigation tests Yates's resolve and pushes him to confront his ethics in a world where the line between right and wrong often blurs.

Book Recommendation

"Texas Ranger" will appeal to readers who relish a gritty crime narrative with a strong sense of place. Suitable for adults, the book should particularly resonate with fans of procedural dramas and readers who enjoy tales of the American Southwest.

I didn’t love this book like “Along Came a Spider,” “Kiss the Girls,” “Jack and Jill,” “The President Is Missing,” or “Run, Rose, Run,” but I enjoyed reading it.

It’s a murder mystery with a Texas Ranger who has a rivalry with a trucker and is in love with a C&W singer. What more could you ask for? Yeah, I guess they could’ve given Rory a dog.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on a link and buy the product, I make a small commission, which does not change your price.

“In James Patterson's #1 New York Times bestselling thriller, a Texas Ranger fights for his life, his freedom, and the town he loves as he investigates his ex-wife's murder.” — Amazon blurb.

Of the 12,368 verified Amazon buyers who rated the book, 82% gave it four or five stars, with an overall rating of 4.3 stars.

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About the author

Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.