Synopsis
Cowboy drifter Rick Cooper is on the run in the California desert when he meeds Gladys Ryan, an eccentric widow who offers him a ride in her classing 1970 Mustang. Before long, she convinces him to accompany her to Northern Ontario to help refurbish her hunting lodge, promising him a share of the upcoming season's profits and hinting at more. The offer is too good to pass up. Rick takes to life in the bush, working hard to make the lodge successful. In his free hours he hunts birds, reluctantly taking Bucky, Glady's ancient Golden Retriever along with him.
But when the lucrative season comes to an end, Gladys refuses to share the profits, instead offerin gthe hired man a few thousand dollars in wages. In the middle of a drinking bout, an argument ensues. Rick shoves Gladys and she falls and hits her head and dies. He takes her body into the remote bush and disposes of her trademark Mustang, telling anyone who asks that she has gone off on her annual snowbird vacation. No one seems suspicious and it looks like the perfect crime. Rick seems to have it all figured out, except what to do with Bucky....
Review
"Allin... unveils a noir staccato to bring this little story to life. It really works. A cowboy drifter on the lam in the desert meets a widow who convinces him to come with her to Northern Ontario to do work on her hunting lodge. Since the classic noir voice is long on pathos but short on syllables, Allin's simply told tale works in the Rapid Reads format. That Dog Won't Hunt is good Storytelling in a tiny Package"- January Magazine
"Cooper is a thoroughly unlikeable narrator, but readers who are comfortable with antiheroes may find his unabashed opportunism intriguing, and the grisly conclusion to this tense thriller brings a satisfying comeuppance.... With rare voices and taut suspense, these titles provide accessible choices for struggling and strong readers alike" - Booklist
About the Author
Lou Allin is the author of the Belle Palmer mysteries set in Northern Ontario. Now living on Vancouver Island with her Border Colliges and Mini-Poodle, she is working on a new series. That Dog Won't Hunt is her first title in the Rapid Read Series.
About the Series
Rapid Reads is a new line of short novels for new young adult and adult readers. Rapid Reads are intended for a diverse audience, including ESL students, reluctant readers, adults who struggle with literacy and anyone who wants and enjoys high-interest short novels. The plots are contemporary and entertaining, with adult language and themes.
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