THE LAST RANGER

The highly accomplished Mark Deakins delivers this novel about the life of a park ranger in Yellowstone National Park. In a voice that is natural and easygoing, Deakins narrates Captain Ren Hopper's encounters with idiotic tourists, endangered wildlife, poachers, and the few scientists and park officials who interact with him. While much of the audiobook is a lyrical celebration of the natural world, there is also violence--both human and nonhuman. The lawman Deakins portrays is courageous, conscientious, and compassionate. He controls his emotions, although he has personal demons. The characters who interact with Ren are distinctive and wholly believable. Part mystery, part meditation, this audiobook will appeal to many. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2023]