Weldon Burge's Reviews > I HEARD YOU PAINT COWBOYS

So, where do I begin? In this novel, Chris Bauer has successfully juggled many seemingly disparate themes, notably gun control, art forgery and theft, transgenderism, and presidential politics.

And his cast of characters is equally diverse and interesting. The lead character, bounty hunter Counsel Fungo, manages her Tourette syndrome (sometimes not well) and has two incredible dogs (that you don't want to mess with). Add a master conman and art forger who tends to be surprisingly creative and elusive. A CEO who brokers illegal guns and is also an art connoisseur who can't wait to get his hands on W.C. Wyeth's famous painting, Wild Bill Hickok at Cards. A transgender man who, after being falsely imprisoned, was just released after 30 years and now has issues with the color gray. A presidential candidate who just might be targeted for assassination. Plus many other fascinating characters to round out the story.

Confused yet? Don't be. Grab a copy of the book. Read it.

I've always enjoyed Bauer's work, especially the Blessid Trauma Crime Scene Cleaners series. But I believe I Heard You Paint Cowboys is his most enjoyable, complex, and satisfying novel. I might just read it again, this time from a writer's perspective, to catch all the nuances and admire Bauer's skills in character development and plotting. I might have to read it a third time.

Bravo, Chris! Keep up the superb work.