An anonymous phone call leads Hackberry Holland, a Korean vet who survived a POW camp, to the
massacre site of nine Asian women near the Mexican border. The bodies had been bulldozed into a
shallow grave behind an abandoned church. The anonymous caller is Pete Flores, an alcoholic Iraq
War veteran who has witnessed the massacre. He flees the area with his folk singer girl friend,
Vicki Gaddis, to avoid being found by the killers, who are targeting them.
The crime brings in the FBI and Immigration Enforcement, who want to take over even though the
crime is in Hack's jurisdiction. The FBI wants to use Flores and Vicki as bait to capture the
killers. It becomes up to Holland to protect them, as a battle of wits develops between Holland
and Collins, the brutal leader of the corrupt gang.
Rain Gods is a beautifully written, powerful novel. It is fast-paced with brutal and
violent action. The characters are compelling explorations of human flaws. Hackberry is complex
and likable with problems caused by his service in Korea. To appreciate these it would be advisable
to read its predecessor Lay
Down My Sword and Shield. Burke’s female characters are strong. Deputy Pam Tibbs adds
tension but also tenderness to Hack's life.
Burke shows a deep regard for the part of the country portrayed. The reader is given a great
sense of place. Burke is an eloquent and articulate writer. This is a highly recommended,
tension-filled novel.