Let Him Go: A Novel [Paperback]

A retired sheriff and his wife go after their young grandson in a riveting tale of familial love and its unexpected consequences.Let Him Go, Larry Watson’s ninth book, returns to big sky country in mid-century America but, with the pervasive menace of a small town family gone wrong and a shocking and deadly ending, this novel charts new territory for the author and provides a powerful dose of suspense for the reader. It's been years since George and Margaret Blackledge lost their son James and months since his widow Lorna took off with their only grandson and married Donnie Weboy. Margaret is resolved to find and retrieve the boy — while George is none too eager to stir up trouble. Soon, the Blackledges find themselves entangled with the entire Weboy clan, who are determined not to give up the boy without a fight.

Let Him Gois as commanding as its title: you will be immediately gripped by the narrow-eyed, big-hearted pursuit of a child in danger. This is a literary thriller of the highest order — on par with Daniel Woodrell'sWinter's Bone— an unrelenting quest through an unforgiving landscape and deadly family web. — Benjamin Percy, author ofRed MoonandThe Wilding

I can’t remember the last time I rooted for two characters as much as I did the Blackledges. Wait, I do—it was the father and son in Cormac McCarthy’sThe Road. Watson’s book is more realistic and relatable, and perhaps even more powerful. It’s superbly done.
—James Crossley, Mercer Island Books

The author of many novels, includingMontana 1948andOrchard,Larry Watsonis the recipient of the Milkweed National Fiction Prize, among numerous other prizes and awards. He teaches writing and literature at Marquette University and lives in Milwaukee.