Rough Riders    by Charlie Stella Order:  USA  Can Stark House, 2012 (2012) Softcover      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth In 2001, author Charlie Stella's first book, Eddie's World, was a surefire hit. His fans have had to wait eleven years for the sequel, with eight acclaimed novels between the first and this one. Rough Riders is well worth the wait. Stella pulls no punches and tells it like it is. The action has moved from the New York City of Eddie's World to the cold prairie state of North Dakota. The most pressing business seems to be about being careful enough not to freeze to death when on surveillance. The feds appear to be running the action. And, boy, is there plenty of action! Enough to suit any taste. We become acquainted with FBI agents who seem to have a habit of using the Witness Protection Program to manipulate the ease with which those witnesses can squeal on their contemporaries. However, this also leaves these dangerous criminals to manipulate their FBI keepers any which way that suits them – even to allow them to get away, literally, with murder. Local police forces take a dim view of this. Rough Riders has a plethora of characters, many of whom you won't want to like but just might. What seems like true dialogue spews from mouths, FBI and locals alike. I found it very hard to put this book down, even to eat a meal. Author Charlie Stella has a way with words that makes him a master at his craft. Don't miss this one. 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