One Ranger, a Memoir.

ONE RANGER, A MEMOIR. H. Joaquin Jackson & David MarionWilkinson. 2005. Read by Rex Linn. 9 cds. 11.5 hrs. Blackstone Audiobooks. 07861-7948-1. $81.00.Vinyl; content, author, reader notes. SA

When H. Joaquin Jackson was accepted as a Texas Ranger in 1966, he was exhilarated, and that feeling for the job never left him. Throughout his career, he was a hands-on law enforcement officer, among those called on when dangerous and often sensitive matters needed to be resolved. He helped defuse a jail riot, identified four Mexican teens who had used tourist river rafters as shooting targets, arrested a version of the BTK killer, and brought to justice hundreds of garden-variety criminals. Jackson has a rambling style; his detailed stories abound with local color and vivid characterization. He understands sympathetically the social milieu that surrounds the Rio Grande. He evokes the language, the personalities and culture of the Rangers with phrases such as "Rangers stay in the saddle until the job's done." Around the time of his 1993 retirement, he saw major changes within the Ranger culture, and he enjoyed a brief stint in the movies. He has complaints and regrets, some of which come across as self-serving, but these are not his focus.

Linn's reading, his drawl and vocal manner, is perfect for the part. Men and male teens will especially enjoy this memoir. Edna Boardman, Libn., Bismarck, ND