Two battle-scarred private investigators, Sughrue and Milodragovitch, unite in El Paso to pursue separate vendettas that converge into a violent cross-country search for justice. Driven by personal loss and a desire for retribution, the protagonists navigate a landscape defined by moral ambiguity and physical danger. The narrative utilizes a gritty, hardboiled perspective, tracking their movements through the harsh terrain of Texas and the borderlands. As they hunt for the individuals who betrayed them, they are forced to confront the consequences of their past choices and the lethal nature of their current mission.

Bordersnakes is widely regarded as a quintessential example of the hardboiled crime genre, showcasing the author's signature style of blending dark humor with unflinching violence. Readers and critics frequently highlight the dynamic interplay between the two protagonists, noting how their shared weariness and mutual respect anchor the narrative. The prose is often praised for its evocative, rugged descriptions of the American landscape, which serve as a mirror for the characters' internal states. The book is frequently cited as a definitive entry in the author's body of work, solidifying his reputation for crafting complex, morally grey characters who operate on the fringes of society. This work remains a staple for those who appreciate the intersection of noir sensibilities and the expansive, unforgiving setting of the modern West.