Since I enjoyed Scott Bell’s Sam Cable novels so much, I figured I’d try his Abel Yeager series as well. I did enjoy Yeager’s Law, though I’m less wholehearted in recommending it to you.

Abel Yeager is an independent Texas trucker, down on his luck and scrambling for loads. When somebody tries to hijack his truck at a rest stop near St. Louis, things escalate quickly. Turns out a simple hijacking isn’t the object – somebody wants to kill him. Only the unlikely appearance of “Charlie” Buchanan (a beautiful woman) with a big handgun saves his life. She’s a Texan too, and a bookstore owner. He gives her his card, and not long after that she calls him to ask him to pick up a couple pallets of books from a distributor. Neither of them know that her sleazy ex-husband has concealed a large sum of drug cartel cash among the books. Even worse, he’s trying to double-cross the cartel, which puts Sam and Charlie right in the crosshairs.

Fortunately, Abel is no ordinary trucker. He’s a seasoned combat veteran from Afghanistan, an experienced and ruthless hunter of men when he needs to be.

The story goes on into kidnapping, torture, and big gunfights and explosions.

As you’re aware, I’m a timid soul, and my taste for extreme violence has faded. I enjoyed the book mainly for the developing romance between Abel and Charlie, and for the camaraderie Abel shares with the old army buddies who come to back him up. Also the fact that Abel is a genuine working-class hero, something you don’t see often.

This book was a little rougher than the Sam Cable books. There’s a romantic sex scene, and also several rapes. Some of it got a little more explicit than I care for. As in so many thrillers, the main characters’ survival depends on sheer luck in a couple places, which always gives me pause.

Recommended with reservations.