Montana Blues is an unusual mystery-thriller, a story told from two points-of-view — a determined Black man and a spirited White woman who together face racial violence on a spectacular landscape.

“Dives into White nationalism that has been simmering in Montana and Idaho for decades … lots of ‘I didn’t see that coming’ moments …” — Mountain Journal

“Compulsively readable new thriller … Ring’s flair for fully-realized characters and smart dialog is on display here; combined with fast-paced action, this is propulsive storytelling that will keep you on the edge of your seat.” — The Arizona Daily Star

“An intriguing mystery … (with) two hearty characters … pulls right from the current headlines about race and human rights (and) hate against a backdrop of constant snowfall in a harsh Montana winter … vivid descriptions.” — Montana Quarterly

Dawson Koloko grew up playing football in a rough neighborhood of Long Beach, California. It helped him cope with a family tragedy and he’s tough enough to be recruited for the Montana State University team. He has culture shock landing in a place that’s very White and still wild.

Rose Fontaine grew up in Montana oilfields and, as she’s also wounded emotionally, she finds some relief making her living outdoors on horseback.

When a murder causes bad blood between Dawson and Rose, nevertheless they have to hunt the murderer together, dealing with White supremacists and biased cops. In the turmoil of shifting relationships, horse rides in stormy weather and an epic struggle on an almost-frozen lake, feels like everybody is on thin ice …

“Really outstanding fiction … a fast-moving, suspenseful story.” — Tom Zoellner, author of eight widely respected books and Editor-at-Large, Los Angeles Review of Books

“Plot-driven, character-driven novel, very spare, letting the raw scenes blaze on the page … really gives readers a sense of place.” — Novelist Spotlight podcast

Purchase the trade paperback edition of Montana Blues through your favorite bookstore … or through Bookshop.org … or on Amazon.

The ebook is available through Amazon/Kindle … or Barnes & Noble/Nook … or Kobo … or Google Play Books … or use the Apple Books app.