Nebraska comes across as a harsh, desolate place in this debut novel and the residents of Pickard County are just as stark. Most of them have been here their whole lives and don't even bother to wonder why; they just keep trudging on, day after dismal day. Pam feels trapped by a small child she didn't really want and a husband with little ambition and a big, dark family history. Pam's brother-in-law, Paul, the local ne'er-do-well, grew up in the shadow of family tragedy and has been forever marred by it. Harley, the deputy sheriff, has his own bleak history and baggage, but thinks if he could just catch Paul at something, it might make a difference somehow. This story took a while to get rolling, but became more interesting as you realized the collision course where it was headed. All the key players thought they knew what was going on, but they were wrong. The sense of place is very well done and the writing is strong. Thornton may be one to watch.