Fort Moody Blues is the poignant if somewhat irreverent tale of a small Oklahoma town back in the early 70’s, the simple folk who live there and their doggedness when forced to deal with pain and uncertainty. While Sheriff Cobb, Bobby Lee, Rhonda and Dwayne might drive the story, it actually revolves around others, particularly an abusive father and an old bluesman. The novel is a moving testimony to life in middle America. It explores the prevalent attitudes and the ways in which people interact in a small community when faced with hardship. The story is thought-provoking with just enough loose ends to make the novel satisfying, not contrived.