Invaders of the Heartland

Invaders of the Heartland by James Bultema interweaves the story of LAPD detective Jake Dalton, who faces the consequences of a fierce bank robbery turned deadly, with the escalating tension of a Chinese drug operation infiltrating rural Oklahoma. The plot peaks when Dalton resigns from the police force under scrutiny yet seeks peace and purpose back in his hometown. In Fairview, his hometown, he is convinced that he has left the big crime scenes behind. That is, until the Chinese Mafia shows up, creating a booming marijuana business. The narrative intricately unfolds the illegal workings of Green Horizon Cultivation and its links to the Cheng Syndicate, presenting multifaceted characters driven by fear, ambition, and moral dilemmas as they cross paths. The FBI doesn’t take Dalton seriously, and everyone else seems to turn a blind eye. Can he take on the ruthless Chinese?  

Bultema excels at characterization, providing a rich selection of characters from varying backgrounds. Jake emerges as a principled yet conflicted lawman, struggling with the duality of right and wrong in a bureaucratic system that prizes political maneuvers over integrity. Mei Zhao, the enigmatic leader of the illegal marijuana operation, exhibits a complex blend of determination and pragmatism. She navigates the pressures of her syndicate while trying to maintain a façade of legality. Meanwhile, supporting characters enrich the story, such as the new Fairview officers and the Boss Men of the Gangsters Motorcycle Club. The Midwestern setting contrasts sharply with the urban backdrop of Los Angeles. Once a haven of simplicity, Fairview becomes a battleground between local law enforcement and organized crime. The conflict is between Jake and the crime syndicate and within the community, as residents become unwillingly embroiled in criminal undertakings. The rural landscape that once defined Fairview is now altered by the looming presence of criminality, marked by the illegal operations of the Cheng Syndicate.  

Suspense build-up scenes, such as the bank robbery and the impending threats surrounding the drug operation, highlight Bultema’s skill in maintaining tension throughout the plot. Encounters between law enforcement and criminals create high stakes, making readers wonder whom to trust. Invaders of the Heartland offers a gripping exploration of crime and morality set against the backdrop of a metamorphosing heartland community. Through vivid characterization, a compelling setting, and an escalating conflict, Bultema crafts a narrative that examines honor, loyalty, and the invasive threats looming over a rural community's life. It is a gutting, magnificent crime thriller that you can’t put down.