There are times when all I’m in the mood for is a simple story about “real” people; a story which includes a setting that is one more character -- something like Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson or Five Skies by Ron Carlson. Mark Spragg’s new novel, Bone Fire, fit the bill perfectly. After reading the first few chapters about three separate characters, I admit to wondering where the story was going and how these characters related to each other? Then I let the writing, the setting (rural Wyoming), and the memorable characters speak for themselves and just went along for the ride.

The novel begins with the murder of a 19-year-old boy found shot and burned in a meth lab. Crane, the sheriff, is called out to investigate and he is the first character we get to know. He is on his second marriage and finds plenty of excuses to stay away from home. He’s also experiencing some physical symptoms all too reminiscent of his childhood.

Then we meet Einar, an 80-year-old man who is learning to cope with the limitations his failing body is putting on him. His sister has moved back to the family ranch after losing her life-long partner; and his granddaughter, Griff, has left college to move back home and take care of him. Griff is a talented artist who sculpts and fires her own work consisting of sculptures which look like bones, which is where the novel’s title comes from.

Finally we meeting McEban, a rancher who is raising 10year-old Kenneth as his own son. Kenneth’s mother is following a spiritual journey which doesn’t include her son, but she occasionally drops in, mostly to wreck some havoc. The relationship between McEban and the wise and gentle Kenneth is something special. And through these characters, we get to know Wyoming -- the big spaces and the lifestyles they engender. I loved this book and, even though I know the characters are fictional, I still wonder how Einar is doing and if Kenneth is living up to the promise I witnessed in his story. ~Patti