Victor Gischler -- The Deputy

The title character of The Deputy is Toby Sawyer, a guy who left Coyote Crossing, Oklahoma, and made the mistake of coming back. He pretty much had to, however, as his life was going nowhere. He's not the smartest person in town, even though it's a small town, and he's not even really a deputy, just a part-timer. He's a good old boy, though, and he has a good heart. He loves his kid, and he wants to do the right thing. Too bad he's a screw-up and can't even manage to watch a dead body without its disappearing.

And when the body disappears, Toby's long night begins. The book takes place during that one night, with more action, deaths, explosions, car chases, sex, and beatings in that short timespan than some lawmen (Sheriff Dan Rhodes, take note) experience in their entire lengthy careers.

Toby can't quite figure out what the hell is going on, and the question is, will he survive all the attempts on his life and blunder through, or will someone kill him before morning? I'm certainly not going to tell you. It all makes for entertaining reading, and the pace never slows. The book is short, just the right length, sort of a Gold Medal book for the 21st century. Grab a copy and see for yourself.