This is a gripping tale of a 13 year old boy's experiences one year after he witnessed the traumatic death of his father. A role model walks into Foster's life on a remote farm that his widowed mom is gearing up to sell. There is a thoroughly bad man in her life and Foster's dog senses it. The threat of violence hangs over this story and I'm glad to say we are not witness to the gory violence but it is hard enough to read about the characters dealing with the consequences. This is the third work I've read by this author and he does a wonderful job of bringing young boys is tough outdoors circumstances to life. ( )

Foster's dad died in an accident about a year ago, and nothing has been the same since. He and his mom can't do the upkeep on the farm, and now his mom is dating someone Foster really doesn't like. When a stranger wanders down the road and offers to stay in the barn and do odd jobs to help them get the place ready for sale, Foster's mom accepts. Her boyfriend's response is beyond what anyone could have predicted. ( )

Still mourning the accidental death of his father a year ago, Foster (age 12) does not take a liking to his mother's new boyfriend Dax, whose intimidating, violent behavior means bad news. Enter onto the scene Gary, formerly Army Special Forces in Iraq, who appears one day on their Alabama farm offering to do various handiwork as Foster's mother gets ready to sell the property. Gary forms a strong bond with Foster, filling a void in Foster's life. Dax, who won't take no for an answer, is threatened by Gary, so much so, his violent nature soon escalates.

Very enjoyable, can't-put-down read with short, quick chapters that will appeal to reluctant middle-grade readers. This certainly will fill the need for more fiction aimed at boys with both strong plot and characterization. ( )

A great realistic guy story. More coming on the blog. ( )

Foster, 12, and his mom have been on their own on their farm since his dad died a year ago. Foster does not like his mom's boyfriend Dax. Gary, a hitchhiker, stops by their farm and offers to help them fix it up in exchange for a place to stay for a bit. Gary and Foster bond, especially because Gary does not seem to like Dax either, and Foster's mom starts to grow apart from Dax. ( )