The Trials of Solomon Parker

In 1900s Montana, Solomon Parker lives an uneasy life. He’s in debt to the wrong people, has an unstable wife, and is eking out a living in the dangerous mines and drinking himself to sleep. Until a young man he’s taken under his wing introduces some supernatural chaos into his life. For the Above Ones, eldritch gods of the People, have grown bored with humanity. A servant of theirs named Marked Face hunts down Solomon and offers him a wager. Using a set of unusual dice, Marked Face gambles with Solomon for the fate of humanity, the People, and even the Above Gods in the balance.

The Trials of Solomon Parker is a difficult book to categorize as it’s a rather unique blend of mythology, western, drama, and thriller. However, it does each insanely well. The mythology is grounded without being specific. The characters are incredibly drawn, even the minor ones. The dialogue is snappy and realistic. Solomon’s trials and tribulations drive the story, obviously, but smaller characters like the Irish thug-turned-kingpin nearly steal the show. All of the elements lend the story a surreal realism that’s at odds with the supernatural aspects.