Outstanding. Yes, there are a few too many overwrought descriptions of atmospheric conditions. [It seems most of the narration takes place at dusk or dawn (invariably with sundry hues of red) or with dark, impenetrable clouds pregnant with electricity - if it actually rained this much in southwest Texas, the armadillos would need water wings.) Yes, we could do with a few less versions of Sheriff Holland wrestling with his personal demons. And, yes, the romantic link between the octogenarian sheriff and his deputy is a bit disquieting. But these are mere quibbles. Preacher Jack Collins is one of the most interesting characters I have encountered in a long time. Most (but not quite all) of the dramatis personae, no matter how black/white they may seem at first encounter, show lots of shades of grey; they are not as bleak as most James Ellroy characters, nor as fairy tale white as in lesser fiction. Another commentator disliked the dialogue, but I loved it. Granted, it was not the conversation likely to be heard in the "real world" (hey, this is fiction, remember?), but it was both pithy and witty. How could you not smile when Preacher Jack explained to one of his henchmen what a metaphor was? I am not giving out any spoilers when I say that there are plenty of loose ends, leaving ample room for a sequel. I look forward to it.