Risky Chances, the eighth installment of The Beadle Files, opens with LC Beadle in Buffalo meeting with a supposed informant, but soon enough determines that he’s been snookered. A pair of ruffians warn him that Cody Fralick will very shortly be greeted by the Grim Reaper, then they proceed to beat the journalist until he is smothered into unconsciousness.

The narrative is crisp and fast-paced, set mostly in Buffalo, New York—there are twists and turns that take the reader on a train trip from Colorado to the Queen City. A pair of mysterious female characters bring vivid memories from the past that in different ways rattle both Avis Lahay and Tatiyana Baglio.

Meanwhile Jack Whistler continues to be the sly and crafty master of information, even as he is visited by shadowy wheelers and dealers. Ziggy Alder and Sara Mulder continue their adventurous escapades on the trail to Creede, where he hopes to find a kinsman’s grave, as well as yearns to meet anyone who knew him who could tell some Uncle Whitey stories.

Ziggy chatters constantly, regaling Sara with tall tales from his past, which are so entertaining that she seems to always want to hear another one. .