Like Lions

Clayton Burroughs serves as sheriff of McFalls County, Georgia, struggling to maintain order in a region long controlled by his family's criminal empire. After a devastating personal loss, he must confront both his own demons and external threats to his community. A rival criminal organization sees an opportunity to move in on Bull Mountain territory, forcing Clayton to make difficult choices between his badge and his blood. The conflict draws in multiple factions including local criminals, out-of-state organizations, and law enforcement agencies at various levels. As violence escalates across the county, Clayton faces mounting pressure to either uphold the law or protect what remains of his family's legacy. His choices will determine not only his own future but the fate of Bull Mountain and its inhabitants. The novel explores themes of family loyalty, the weight of inherited burdens, and the complex relationship between justice and power in rural America. Through its portrait of a changing criminal landscape, it examines how the past continues to shape present-day conflicts.

Readers praise the atmospheric rural Georgia setting and the compelling continuation of Clayton Burroughs' story from Bull Mountain. Many note the strong sense of place and authentic dialog, with one reviewer calling it "Southern noir at its finest." The complex family dynamics and exploration of loyalty resonate with fans of the first book. Common criticisms include a slower pace compared to Bull Mountain and less action in the first half. Some readers mention difficulty keeping track of the large cast of characters and multiple timelines. A few note it works better as a character study than a crime thriller. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (280+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (50+ ratings) "The prose is sharp as a knife," writes one Amazon reviewer, while another notes "it lacks the raw intensity of the first book." Several readers recommend starting with Bull Mountain to fully appreciate the character relationships and backstory.

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Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich A Georgia sheriff faces his family's criminal empire in a tale of generational violence and mountain justice.

Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell A teenage girl navigates criminal family networks in the Ozarks to find her missing father.

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Dry County by Jake Hinkson A small-town Arkansas preacher becomes entangled in crime and corruption while protecting dark secrets.

🔹 "Like Lions" is the sequel to Brian Panowich's debut novel "Bull Mountain," which won the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel. 🔹 The book continues the saga of Clayton Burroughs, a sheriff in Georgia who must balance his family's criminal legacy with his duty to uphold the law. 🔹 Author Brian Panowich worked as a firefighter in Georgia for over 20 years while developing his writing career. 🔹 The novel draws heavily from Southern Gothic traditions, blending elements of crime fiction with family drama in the tradition of writers like William Faulkner and Flannery O'Connor. 🔹 The book's title comes from the biblical quote "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1).