The Last Ranger
By Peter Heller
Vintage, July 2024, 304 pp.
The Short of It:
There needs to be a new genre to categorize Heller’s work. It’s outdoorsy, environmentally aware, and somehow a mystery all at the same time. In other words, a lot to love.
The Rest of It:
Officer Ren Hopper is an enforcement ranger with the National Park Service, tasked with duties both mundane and thrilling: Breaking up fights at campgrounds, saving clueless tourists from moose attacks, and attempting to broker an uneasy peace between the wealthy vacationers who tromp through the park with cameras, and the residents of hardscrabble Cooke City who want to carve out a meaningful living. ~ the publisher
Ren’s exposure to wealthy vacationers puts a damper on an otherwise perfect job. Being outside and getting to work in such a beautiful place is the thing of dreams, but as good as that is, when the wildlife, mainly the wolves and local bears are targeted for their pelts, Ren finds himself in a range war. The animals are protected to a degree but when they cross boundaries, as animals do, their lives are not guaranteed and hunters looking to profit off those expensive pelts suddenly become the hunted.
When one of Ren’s closest friends, a scientist studying the wolf pack, finds herself targeted by a local hunter, Ren vows to protect her. Especially since Ren already lost the love of his life to a terminal illness. Can he afford to lose someone close to him again?
Ren is the kind of guy you want in your corner. He’s rugged, but also tender in all the right places. Reasonable, until he’s not. He loves hard and protects his people, the best way he can. I really enjoyed my time with Ren and this rambunctious cast of characters. The Last Ranger possesses the charm of a small town but the looming threat of the outside world and with it, the reminder that at any second all can be lost.
The Last Ranger is a treat for anyone who appreciates the beauty of wide, open land. It’s a little bit of a mystery and there is a little love tossed in there too but I would not call this a romance by any means unless you consider this a love letter to nature and all it contains.
Highly recommend.
Source: Borrowed
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Book Chatter 
I want to read more by this author. I’ve only read The Dog Stars and The River, both of which I enjoyed immensely.
I thought I replied to this but just in case… his books are always great but in a quiet way. Not too much action but usually very thought provoking.
I usually don’t read this genre but your review makes me want to get a copy so I put it on my “To Get” list.
I put lit fiction, mystery, environmentalism, nature into ChatGPT and it came up with EcoMystic Fiction. LOL. Also, Otter Pup is still with us! She has recently gotten a tad more active.
That’s funny! I’ve never tried Chat GPT, I’ll try it soon.
I’m so happy to hear that about Otter Pup! I’ve been thinking about her wondering how she’s doing. I wouldn’t be opposed to you posting a video of her since I’ve never seen one. Give her a belly rub for me please.
I will see about the video. I have lots of her when she was well but these days she just sleeps. When she is active she is pacing. Doesn’t make for a happy video anyway. I will find an opportunity!
If you can’t, that’s ok. It’s so sad when our pets get sick or older. My Patches was never sick a day in her life until right before she passed. She was my baby. I always said that I couldn’t lover her more if I’d birthed her.
Just for you. My fave video of her but from years ago. Personality is the same, energy level is not.
I love all of Hellers work. Amazing author, great review!
Yes!! I have been super happy with Heller’s books.
This sounds like a good one, with a mix of genres and a great main character!
Yep. The main character is great and I love the outdoorsy aspect.
I don’t think I’ve read this author since reading The Dog Stars and The River.