Two brothers, thick as thieves, are shaken to the core after a gruesome event turns their world upside down. They must not only survive the brutal conditions of the Australian Outback during a devastating drought, but also grow up quickly enough to distinguish who can and cannot be trusted.
The boys are aided by a familiar face, Mr. Sullivan, who owns a large and prosperous plot of land next to their pathetic, arid property. However, he quickly becomes a wedge between Tommy and Billy. To one, he represents everything a strong, successful man should be. To the other, he seems ruthless, untrustworthy and dangerous.
This coming of age novel puts the reader in the center of the events and emotion – both brothers doing what they feel is right. How will they deal with this new adversity? Will they stick together? Or will they grow apart?
Only Killers and Thieves is a draconian 1800s western cut from the same cloth as Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian. While the story has its fair share of action and conflict, I enjoyed that the real focus was on relationships – between brothers, owner and laborer, rich and poor, law and lawless, white and black.
Howarth’s prose creates a very vivid scene, not just of scenery, but of personalities, tones and attitudes. The novel unfolded in front of me as if it were on the big screen. I felt a deep connection to Tommy who questions everything he has ever known – his family, his brother, his future, and himself.
Definitely pick up this intriguing period piece for your next “coming of age” novel!
Side note: if you enjoy westerns, I suggest checking out the series Godless on Netflix. Great plot, acting and cinematography!!
Verdict: Read it!! (5/5 Stars)
Pages: 341 pages
When/Where: For your next coming of age novel on a hot summer’s day (or if you enjoy westerns).
Favorite Quote: “These natives…they’ve the Devil in them, Tommy, they’re naught but killers and thieves.”
Also Try: Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
Buy Only Killers and Thieves HERE
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