A Gripping Mystery in Big Sky Country

Kit Karson's fifth book in The Anderson Chronicles, “Savage Malice,” A Sheriff Elliot Mystery is a mystery thriller that blends a classic crime investigation with eerie, almost supernatural, undertones. Set in the quiet, expansive landscape of a small Montana town, the novel is a perfect read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted plot, a steady build of suspense, and characters that feel genuinely real.

The story drops us right into Anderson, Montana, where Sheriff Peter Elliott is faced with a baffling case: a ranch hand, Kenny Skinner, has been brutally murdered, and a local man, Andrew Geary, has vanished. The initial investigation focuses on Andrew, who is described as a harmless eccentric with a strange obsession for cattle mutilations. As Sheriff Peter Elliott delves into Andrew's research, hoping to find a clue to his disappearance, the case quickly becomes personal when a member of his team, Deputy Helen, suffers a heart attack.

Peter and his team uncover increasingly disturbing evidence. The helicopter search that revealed the chilling scene at the Geary homestead—mutilated animals and bizarre cult symbols, leads to a more mystery to solve. With the help of his brother, a pastor, Peter identifies the symbols and begins to suspect a connection between the cattle mutilations, Kenny's murder, and a local UFO cult led by a figure named Pharaoh. The investigation gains momentum with the addition of a new deputy, Nancy May, and a specialist in cults and animal torture, undercover investigator Marty Briscoe.

The climax is a thrilling and intense sequence of events as the team raids a location known as Rustler's Roost. They discover secret tunnels and uncover evidence of a massive cattle rustling and meth production operation. The arrest of a local butcher and a twisted veterinarian, Garrett Thomas, brings a shocking resolution to the murders and the gruesome mutilations. Though the primary mystery is solved, the story leaves a final poignant twist: Andrew is found wandering the streets, but he's suffering from a complete psychotic break. The book concludes by bringing justice to the victims and a measure of peace back to the community, while leaving a lasting, emotional impact on the characters.

“Savage Malice” is more than just a crime story; it's a deep dive into themes of justice, community, and how the past can haunt the present. The intricate plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the character-driven narrative ensures you're invested in the personal journeys of Peter and his team. This is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense who are looking for a story with both thrills and heart.