Scared Money    by James Hime Order:  USA  Can Minotaur, 2004 (2004) Hardcover     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Scared Money is the sequel to James Hime's The Night of the Dance, which was an Edgar Award Finalist. Again we meet ex-Texas Ranger Jeremiah Spur, who agrees to help the CIA in a missing persons case. Deputy Sheriff Clyde Thomas gets into the act investigating drug-related shootings. The dialogue seesaws back and forth between black jive talk and Texas good ole' boy rhetoric. At first, that confused me but I soon got in the swing of it and marveled at the author's ability not only to keep the plot straight but also to track who's speaking what dialect. Add in a Hungarian back story and you've got the makings of an intricate plot - also an exciting one, fast-paced with tight writing. Several of the characters visit Vienna. Excellent descriptions had me wishing I was a part of the story. Haven't been there - yet - but would sure like to go. Speaking of characters, Scared Money is full of fast-talking dangerous people, as well as the sensitive ex-ranger who turns down a romp in the hay with several women at different times because he still loves his wife of thirty-eight years! Hime's one-liners are priceless: 'would have thought he had enough money to burn a wet mule'; 'most of them would rather peel and eat a skunk than truck with cops'; 'flawless teeth so bright they look like they could cause skin cancer'. His view on mortality is beautifully written and one I tend to agree with. Scared Money is a well-written book that picks up speed as the pages are turned 'til the reader is breathless. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews