Jack Dancer’s American Picts bursts onto the scene with high-octane energy and intrigue, immediately immersing readers in a whirlwind of action and conspiracy. The novel opens with Tucker Blue’s dramatic arrival at the Rattler Cafe on his Ducati, where an enigmatic metallic dragonfly heralds a cascade of events. The story quickly accelerates as Tucker is thrust into chaos when a mysterious woman named Penelope commandeers his bike, leading him away from an attack by slaughterbots—deadly drones designed by the sinister Blackhardt corporation. This gripping introduction sets the stage for a riveting adventure, blending futuristic technology with a palpable sense of danger. As Tucker delves deeper, the stakes heighten with every revelation. Penelope and her brother Bubba unveil a darker layer of Blackhardt’s operations, revealing not just a penchant for advanced surveillance but a larger, more insidious agenda. Tucker’s initial visit, which was meant to be a simple familial gesture, spirals into a dangerous quest that intertwines personal stakes with a broader conspiracy.

Jack Dancer’s writing excels in creating a sense of urgency and excitement, drawing readers into a world where technology and human lives are intricately entwined. The action skillfully balanced with suspense crafts a narrative that is as fast-paced as it is intricate. The dynamic between Tucker, Penelope, and Bubba provides a solid emotional core amidst the relentless tension. The interplay between personal motives and corporate malevolence adds depth to the plot, making American Picts a compelling read for fans of conspiracy thrillers and high-stakes drama. With its relentless pace and complex characters, Jack Dancer’s latest work is a must-read for those craving a thrilling dive into a world of espionage and technological dystopia.

American Picts by Jack Dancer is a genuinely funny and touching thriller that gently pokes fun at the “hillbillies” of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. McKinnon County in North Carolina is the surprising source of 90% of the world’s high-quality quartz, the backbone of the semiconductor industry. This discovery should have been a boon for the county and the state as a whole but it seems the McKinnon County residents have received little to no real benefit from this exploitation of their precious resource. Blackhardt Mining, with the connivance of the county commissioners, has ensured that almost all the unbelievable wealth from the high-quality quartz is taken out of McKinnon County, and even worse, their environmental practices are destroying the pristine beauty of this unique area. When Tucker Blue arrives to visit an uncle whom he hasn’t seen since he was a child, he walks into a maelstrom of death and destruction caused by Blackhardt Mining’s lethal Slaughterbots. With his instant attraction to his distant cousin, the Reverend Penny Sacred, Blue is going nowhere and joins the locals to bring down the arrogant and evil Julian Blackhardt, as well as the corrupt local officials. Led by Penny, Blue, and Bubba, these descendants of the legendary Scottish Picts will seek to right the wrongs of hundreds of years of exploitation and racism in this isolated community.

American Picts is the third Tucker Blue book in this series. Having read Harald’s Gold, book two, I am beginning to appreciate the clever literary abilities of author Jack Dancer. Steeped in Scottish folklore, these books are a clever use of the wacky and the outlandish to subtly highlight many of the problems, attitudes, and conflicts in modern-day society. Just the names of these hillbillies alone are enough to bring a smile; Chauncey Goodnight, Cletus Musselwhite, Buster Lickskillet, Skeeter Utterback, and many more. The twists and turns of the plot will keep readers riveted as the evil Julian Blackhardt schemes to retain his ill-gotten gains. The subject of systemic racism in society is addressed head-on because all blacks were driven out of McKinnon County in the early twentieth century after a false accusation of rape was made against a member of the black community. The idea that McKinnon County was the result of one Scottish man’s efforts to procreate and populate the county with his four wives and fifty-two children goes a long way to explaining why it seems everyone in the county is related to everyone else. Blue, as an outsider to the community, is viewed with suspicion initially but his instant attraction to Reverend Penny quickly makes him a key element in the fight for some degree of autonomy and financial return for their community’s untold wealth. With the use of extreme characters and humor, the author wonderfully highlights the dangers of unfettered and unregulated capitalism, as well as systemic racism in today’s society. I have thoroughly enjoyed this author’s work so far and look forward to many more chuckles from him. This is a wonderful read that I highly recommend.

For years, the residents of McKinnon County and the Blackhardt Mining Corporation have maintained an uneasy truce. Blackhardt's quartz mines have made the company filthy rich, but little of that wealth has trickled down to its host community. Matters reach boiling point when three residents die under suspicious circumstances while at a bar. Tucker Blue gets caught up in this fracas when he rides into town on his motorbike to visit his family but ends up planning a funeral. Tucker vows to bring his uncle's killers to justice but finds himself up against Julian Blackhardt, the ruthless and slippery head of Blackhardt Mining. It may look like a tall order, but with the aid of his friend Speed, Tucker may have the trump card needed to beat the odds in Jack Dancer's American Picts.

Jack Dancer crafts an intriguing tale that dispenses with finding the culprit of a crime but focuses instead on proving the antagonist is guilty. There is an odd mix of characters with unique origin stories. Dancer depicts the novel's backwater community with their eccentric behavior and unusual habits. The dialogue is particularly impressive, as the author seamlessly blends mundane pub discussions with detailed banter involving technological advancements and the creative ways in which Julian Blackhardt and Speed use it to their advantage in the subplots. The pace is frenetic, blending in perfectly with a narrative where a lot is happening simultaneously and immersing the discerning reader in following the clues Dancer places strategically. Dancer's captivating storytelling style creates a one-of-a-kind adventure that will appeal to mystery and action enthusiasts.

American Picts is a work of fiction in the conspiracy thriller, suspense, and action genres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to the presence of strong language and sexual situations throughout. Penned by author Jack Dancer, the story unfolds in McKinnon County, North Carolina, where ancient secrets and modern greed collide. The story centers on the descendants of the American Picts, a fierce lineage tracing back to ancient Caledonian warriors. The region is rich in high-purity quartz, critical for the global tech industry. Julian Blackhardt, a ruthless billionaire, aims to exploit this resource, manipulating a vulnerable heiress. Tucker Blue, visiting his uncle, unwittingly becomes entangled in a web of high-tech murder, political intrigue, and deep-rooted racial tensions. As Tucker uncovers dark truths, a battle for the soul of McKinnon County ensues.

Author Jack Dancer never fails to craft a gripping and immersive read, and this tale has a unique blend of history, technology, and the complexities of human nature. I was immediately impressed by the detailed portrayal of McKinnon County, with its ancient Pictish lineage in stark contrast to the modern-day struggles of the cast, which created a vivid and haunting atmosphere of legacy and mystique. The tension between past and present is well-paced to offer a lot of exciting moments of discovery, interlocking different story elements in unexpected and satisfying ways. Tucker Blue's journey from a simple visit to a full-blown fight for survival was both thrilling and poignant, with some explosive action moments that cut through the tension in sudden atmospheric bursts. The exploration of racial tensions and the hidden injustices in McKinnon County also offered depth to underpin the narrative, with poignant messages about the unseen forces that shape communities. Overall, I would certainly recommend American Picts as a unique work of thriller fiction not to be missed.