What Matters Most Review

What Matters Most

By Helen Bea Kirk

Meagan Morris has lost everything. Her family is dead, and all that remains of them, all that was endowed to her, has been stolen. Desperate to retrieve her legacy, she attempts to rob King of her grandmother’s pearls at gunpoint. Set among the cattle ranches of America’s Southeast, What Matters Most delivers steady suspense and savory romance as Meagan and King’s worlds collide!

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MY REVIEW

Meagan lost her parents in a plane crash and her husband died in Afghanistan. The only family she has left is her cousin Agnes and Agnes’ son Andrew. She treasures the heirlooms she owns from all her deceased relatives, since that is all she owns. After she falls on hard times, Meagan has to move in with Agnes. But before that, Meagan’s home is burglarized and she loses all her treasured heirlooms. Meagan is determined to find them and take them back. She starts by canvassing the local pawn shops. And that is when she catches the eye of King Pullman, the pawn shop owner who turns out to be more than she bargained for.

I absolutely loved this story. It grabbed my attention from page one and continued all the way to the end. The tension created between each character builds up and has you turning the pages as fast as you can. But even so, you also want it to slow down and last longer. The character development and plot was well thought out and transitioned smoothly throughout. I don’t usually read books twice, but I would definitely read this one again. It was that good. This author is well worth taking another look at.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

The Million Dollar Idea Review

The Million Dollar Idea: Where the F**k Do I Start!?!?! (A One Chapter Book)

By W.T. Hamilton

Everyone has a Million Dollar Idea but most ideas never become anything more than a great thought. It's not because the idea wasn't good enough, it is because the idea didn't have enough details to make it become something more. The problem is, most people don't know where the F**k to start! This book is about giving your Million Dollar Idea a good F**Kin' start! It's the story about an ambitious entrepreneur who was ready to run but had no idea in which direction to run or if running was even the best place to begin. Anyone can start the wrong way but not very many start the right way. If you have a great idea, a spectacular idea or a really F**kin' Awesome idea then read this book so you can give it the right F**Kin' start it deserves. And if you don't have any ideas, read this book and you will soon find yourself with a head full of Million Dollar Ideas!

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MY REVIEW

W.T. Hamilton has come up with the idea of writing a one chapter book. This in turn started a series of one chapter books. I think it’s a brilliant idea. Each book is short, to the point, and informative. I like that. It’s so much more satisfying than having to read a book that repeats and becomes so wordy as to take forever to read. I read his first book which explains this concept.

Hamilton is a life coach and mentor, so this book delves more into that aspect. He explains how to take your own business idea and run with it. He specifically talks about the things you need to think about before jumping in. I think that’s something we all need to learn. I like that the entire book used the example of one of his clients. That helped me to also see the entire picture of what I would need to run with my own million dollar idea. I like the way Hamilton expresses himself in his writings. He makes it fun to read. That, along with the shortness of the information you are reading makes for a very enjoyable learning experience. It makes me want to learn more from him.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

Wizardry Goes Wild Review

Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions: Book 2: Wizardry Goes Wild

By Sunayna Prasad

After months of living a normal life, thirteen-year-old Alyssa McCarthy faces magic again. Only this time, though, she is cursed with it, thanks to an old depressed skeleton named Errol. Alyssa's time with her godfather, Alex, will never be the same again, as she can perform sorcery, but never control it. From letting out enchantments at school to creating outdoor disasters, Alyssa is bound to face consequences. She can only get rid of her powers if she can boost her confidence levels and improve her bravery. But it's not as easy as it sounds. She must measure those abilities with a special device called a skillometer. Will she be able to get rid of her unwanted wizardry?

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MY REVIEW

Alyssa McCarthy had defeated an evil wizard six months ago. Now, all of a sudden, another wizard has found her and is creating problems for her. This wizard has enchanted Alyssa, causing her to do uncontrollable magic in order to resurrect the Master wizard. When chaos ensues, Alyssa vows to do whatever it takes to defeat the wizard and hopefully never do magic again.

This was book two of the Alyssa McCarthy series. I must say, I did not enjoy it as much as the first one. It was written from the perspective of a preteen, but there were parts that were beyond what a preteen would think to do or say. I liked that the protagonist was a young girl, and even that age group was fine, but the plot was too far fetched as to be believable. Even the humorous parts missed the mark. The conversations between Alyssa and her guardian would all of a sudden turn explosive for no good reason. I think the author was trying to evoke it as a preteen’s volatile personality but it didn’t quite hit the mark. The conversations also would feel stilted and rushed. I believe the story could greatly improve with a little warmth added in.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

From Frights to Flaws by Sunayna Prasad 1

Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions: Book 1: From Frights to Flaws

By Sunayna Prasad

Twelve-year-old Alyssa McCarthy is sick of her uncle's unfair rules and longs for a better life. After discovering the existence of magic, she finds out about a dark wizard hunting her down. An unforgettable storm occurs in Alyssa's ordinary New Jersey town before the sorcerer kidnaps her to the Fiji Islands.

On the enchanted island of Yanowic, Alyssa learns that she is unable to get out of the country due to a giant shield. She must defeat some dangerous creatures and the evil wizard in order to leave. But with sorcerers and magical technology getting in her way, can Alyssa succeed?

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MY REVIEW

After Alyssa’s parents died, she went to live with her aunt and uncle, and her younger cousin Hailie. Things were fine until her aunt dies, leaving her uncle to raise both girls. After that, things went downhill. Uncle Bruce became withdrawn. The girls started homeschooling and their days consisted of endless chores. And to top that off, they had the meanest babysitter ever. A few weeks before her thirteenth birthday, things around Alyssa start getting weird. Magical things. She soon discovers that a mean wizard is planning to kill her and he is the one causing trouble for her. But how can she make everyone understand what is going on if they don’t believe that magic is even real?

What pre-teen wouldn’t enjoy this story? It has magic, fantasy characters, and of course, suspense. I started off feeling sorry for Alyssa and Hailie, but then, the adventure kicked in, making me forget to feel the pity. Through it all, though, I shared the excitement of the adventure. I think the story and characters could have had more depth though. There should have been more on the reasoning for the wizard to target Alyssa. The reason given was basically a misguided blame that doesn’t really add up.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

Perception Review

PERCEPTION: The Death of Liam Vanderveen (The Perception Trilogy Book 1)

By Lee Strauss

 

PERCEPTION is a near-future mystery that can be read alone (no cliffhanger!)

ETERNAL LIFE IS TO DIE FOR

Seventeen-year-old Zoe Vanderveen is a GAP—a genetically altered person. She lives in the security of a walled city on prime water-front property along side other equally beautiful people with extended life spans.

Zoe’s carefree life takes a traumatic turn when her brother Liam is murdered.
The only one who can help her find out what happened is Noah Brody, the last guy on earth she should trust.

Noah Brody is a natural who lives on the outside. He leads protests against the GAPs and detests the widening chasm they’ve created between those who have and those who don’t. He doesn’t like girls like Zoe and he has good reason not to like her specifically. He's not sure why he's agreed to help her, but what he finds out when he does, will change his life forever.

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MY REVIEW

Zoe Vanderveen is a genetically altered person, and her life is close to perfect. All GAPs live in Sol City which has the best of everything. When her brother Liam goes missing, Zoe is determined to find him. Even if it takes her outside of Sol City and into the slums of LA where she has never gone before. Her only ally on the outside is Noah Brody, her household maid’s son. Noah despises GAPs, so it won’t be easy winning him over.

This was a nice futuristic read that makes you explore our future possibilities. And of course the greed that goes along with it. I liked the plot and characters. I look forward to reading more of Zoe and Noah’s journey.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

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The Ravine Review

The Ravine

By Robert Pascuzzi

Are you ready to explore your own views on faith, hope, forgiveness and the afterlife? 

On a weekday morning in a peaceful suburb of Akron, Ohio, the town awakens to discover that Rachel Turner and her son, Evan, have been brutally murdered during the night. A short while later, Danny Turner is found in his car at the bottom of a ravine, after having taken his own life. Any explanation as to why a loving father and husband would suddenly commit a series of such heinous crimes has gone to the grave with the accused. The mystery only deepens as the details of the murders emerge, and evidence of premeditation as well as Danny’s hidden past are revealed. Through Joanna Larson, a fascinating woman who possesses extraordinary spiritual gifts, the truth about the events that took place the night of the murders is unveiled. 

Inspired by true events, *The Ravine* is a story of faith, forgiveness, and most of all, the restoration of hope- even for the most seemingly unredeemable among us.

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MY REVIEW

This was a powerful story that took me by surprise. The story is about the consequences faced when you allow evil and darkness to permeate and control your thoughts and your actions. But the story dwells more on how these consequences in turn affect others.

I can’t say I enjoyed the story, mainly because of its tragic content. But, it truly is a 5 star read. It was expertly written, in that you were given bits of information, and characters introduced and slowly developed, giving the story credence. You will feel this story for a long time, and it’s one that you will never forget.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

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Ask for the Money Review

Ask For The Money: A One Chapter Book

By W.T. Hamilton

This is a real life story of how a reluctant man became a salesman. How through bumps, bruises and verbal abuse he fell in love with the sales process. Surviving the struggles of making major mistakes the lessons soon shown the way to create an expert in selling and a future entrepreneur. From employee to living the laptop lifestyle the key to it all was learning how to Ask For The Money!

This book is going to do one thing for you. Show you how to build skills in sales. As you will soon find out, it is one of the most important skills to have in life. This is why it is the first book in the series. 

Without this skill and knowledge you’ll struggle to really build success in your life. It will always be a struggle until you master the content in this book. No Bull Shit. Take this shit seriously. Read the chapter then implement it into your business right away. 

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MY REVIEW

I love the writing style of this author. Believe me when I say he is full of attitude and exudes the confidence needed to win customers over. He states that he wasn’t always that way and then shows the steps that got him there. Personally, I think he was there all along. That type of attitude and personality can’t be learned. I believe he was born with it. He just needed a little push. And basically that is the point he is trying to get across.

Ask for the Money is actually about not asking for the money. It’s a change in your presentation, correcting your attitude in the way to sell. It teaches how to approach the potential customer correctly and create a personal rapport with them. You don’t sell them, you show the customer that it’s an experience worthy of them. The book is filled with humor. As I said, his personality will crack you up. The things he said made sense to me, but my own attitude is that if I want it, I will buy it, and if I don’t, I won’t. A salesman won’t change that.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

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Opera Review

Opera

By Meri Reiza

An arts patron receives a wrongly delivered letter at her secret address in Kensington. Her therapist recognises the intended recipient immediately, leading her into the hands of a defeated composer she will, together with her sweetest accomplice, help back into music. A passionate rendition of human resilience.

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MY REVIEW

Ivanka was once one of Russia’s wealthiest and most influential theatre and song promoters. She was a genius at finding talent. But now…she is just a shell of the person she was. She hasn’t told her husband that she is dying. He would look at her differently and she couldn’t handle that. By chance, an errant letter introduces Ivanka to Maria, a recluse, a man with a tragic past. Feeling a connection, Ivanka and Maria eventually become close and work on an operetta together. It has given them both a renewed vigor, something that makes each of them look forward to their tomorrows again.

This was a short read that held my interest most of the time. I felt like I got lost in the Italian diatribe too much and it took away from the story. I liked the tragic plot and the characters well enough. I just didn’t like how the conversations were a bit nilly willy. And I definitely did not like how the story was building up to a climax that never happened. The ending felt rushed and lacking. It made me feel like I had struggled through all the trite stuff only to have missed out on the show that the story was building up to.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

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The Party - Diversity is Fun Review

The Party: Diversity is fun (Little Peach Pit Adventures)

By Grace Nava

 

Little Peach Pit started to feel that life would be easier if its friends were not so different, so much that it wished all of them looked like peach pits too. Find out what happens when its wish is granted in "The Party," Pit's newest adventure.

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MY REVIEW

Peach Pit was having a great day on the farm. Everything was in bloom, and all the animals were happy and fed. So, he had the idea of giving a party. He made hats for everyone, but didn’t take into account their various shapes and sizes. Millet and Pinto Bean were swallowed up by their hats. As the party turned into a disaster, Peach Pit wished that all his friends were like him. When his wish comes true, Pit is happy again. But the change caused many problems and Pit realizes that there are reasons why everyone is different.

I liked this story and thought it was a clever attempt at teaching diversity. The characters were so cute and interesting. I could see many lessons taught in this story. First and foremost is how much diversity is needed. Then, of course, there’s working together and not trying to change your friends. It also introduced the child to the workings of a farm. I loved everything about the story. This author has a great imagination, as well as storytelling skills. The illustrations were perfect and the story was the right length for a bedtime read in my opinion. I would definitely keep this one. 

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

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Sonny from Outer Space Review

Sonny from Outer Space (Sonny the Wonder Dog) (Volume 1)

By Pamela Foland

 

The first book in the Sonny the Wonder Dog series is Sonny from Outer Space. Coming to Amazon on June 21, 2018!! Aliens from the planet Dogstar send Zonny to Earth to scope out food and fuel supplies. While on Earth, Zonny takes the form of a Shih Tzu dog named Sonny. He is accepted into a young girl’s home. However, not being able to say anything but ‘woof’ is a challenge for him. Will his true plan and identity be revealed?

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MY REVIEW

Zork and Zonny had been watching Earth for a while. They were low on provisions and fuel. So Zonny volunteered to go to Earth disguised as one of the furry creatures that Earthlings were so enamored with. Upon arriving, Zonny was taken in by a little girl named Pamela, who assumed that his name was Sonny, by the tag on his collar. Even though he had been observing the Earthlings, Sonny was very surprised of some of their customs. But Sonny became a quick learner and soon discovers just how much he wants to stay.

This was a cute little bedtime story. It was just the right length and could easily hold the interest of a child. I loved the illustrations. They practically told the entire story. The story was upbeat, with a smidgen of humor mixed in. I love the way this author tells a story. She is very thorough and seems to put herself in the age bracket that she is writing for. That’s how spot on her writing is. It easily can hold a child’s interest, with plenty of opportunity for discussion throughout the story. I know her stories always put me in a cheerful mood.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

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Preordained Review

Preordained

By David L. Wallace

Preordained is a supernatural mystery thriller about a cop in Murrell’s Inlet, SC who’s seeking to solve a serial murder case that has biblical undertones.

Operating under his self-appointed moniker, the Star of David Killer taunts lead detective Art Somers, the Georgetown County Sherriff’s Office, and the FBI, who are all attempting to solve the serial case. In the killer’s mind, his father preordained the abductions and murders. They are his way of fulfilling prophecy.

Detective Art Somers has never given much credence to the local superstitious or religious beliefs in his county, but while working to solve the case, he starts to have paranormal visions that compel him to question his own sanity. It’s as if something or someone in the spirit world is attempting to communicate with him.

His partner and love interest, detective Angela Hunter, sees things differently. She believes deeply in the supernatural, just like many in their county. As unexplained paranormal events and missing timeframes invade Art’s life, Angela helps him deal with the unthinkable reality that the serial killer they’re looking for could be Art himself.

Who’s the killer? Art? Someone else? Join Art and Angela in this mind-bending whodunit and uncover an irrefutable truth that neither of them wanted to face.

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MY REVIEW

Someone is killing young 12 year old boys in Georgetown County, South Carolina. Detective Art Sommers’ son Ben could be next, so Art is taking precautions to protect him. This serial killer is meticulous with his crime scenes. With no evidence, there’s no trail to follow. The FBI is no help either. Art seems to find more leads than they do. When Art starts having visions of unexplainable events, he wonders if he is going crazy. He never believed in the superstitious mumbo jumbo that so many in that area did, but for some reason, something or someone is trying to communicate with him.

This was the classic good vs evil story. I could feel the stress and anxiety that Art was going through, and it had me on pins and needles waiting to see how it turned out. I liked the main character of Art, but not many others, as I was suspicious from the beginning. That’s what made this story so interesting to me, not being able to figure the true killer out, or what will happen next. This version of biblical prophecy was a believable rendition of how it could happen. I like this author’s writing style and hope to read more from him.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

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Mastering Stocks: Strategies for Day Trading Review

Mastering Stocks: Strategies for Day Trading, Options Trading, Dividend Investing and Making a Living from the Stock Market

By Michael K. Brown

 

Master the Stock Market.
There is no doubt that many have become wealthy by trading alone. However, the stock market can be risky if you do not know what you are doing. This book is designed to give you in-depth knowledge and guidance so that you can avoid the pitfalls and reap the benefits of the stock market.

Topics Covered in this book:

- Day Trading
- Penny Stocks
- Options Trading
- Dividend Investing
- Report Analysis including 10-K, 10-Q and 8-k Reports
- Identifying Patterns
- Long vs Short Trades
- Identifying Trades During the First Hour
- When to Buy Long and When to Sell Short
- Planning Limit or Stop Orders
- Buying Stocks on Margin
- How to Identify Bad Stock News
- Signs that You Should Avoid a Stock
- False Signals and How to Recognize Them
- Strategies for IPOs
- What Determines the Values of Options?
- Covered or Uncovered Options Calls
- Bull and Bear Spreads For Options
- Analyzing the History of a Dividend Stock
- Understanding the Dividend Totals In Stocks
- Analyzing the Doji
- And Various Other Topics

If you are motivated to change your life for the better, this book will definitely guide you in the right direction!

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MY REVIEW

I would be considered a newbie in the world of stock trading, as I have very little knowledge concerning the stock market. After reading Mastering Stocks, I understand considerable more than before. This guide explains how the stock market works and how to identify stocks of value. The author admitted that you should expect losses, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing anything wrong, just be persistent and stay focused. Stock trading and options are among the best investment opportunities available. Some topics touched on were pros and cons of day trading, identifying patterns, formulas, values, timing, and strategies.

You should recognize that it’s not just about the stocks. It is critical that you know everything you can about the company. It was stressed to always research, and then research some more. One thing I thought was interesting, was the fact that you could be the buyer and the seller at the same time. I enjoyed the knowledge I gained reading this guide, but after a while, it all started running together and my interest waned. It did give me the courage though, to possibly delve into this type of venture. As the author stated, I will use due diligence and get as much data as possible before committing.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

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The Winning Habits of Steve Jobs Review

The Winning Habits of Steve Jobs

By Robert Toguchi

The Winning Habits of Steve Jobs provides a glimpse into the successful attributes of this remarkable icon of the technology industry. Often characterized as one of the founders of the personal-computer revolution, Steve Jobs displayed distinct habits and behaviors of entrepreneurship that were the foundations of his success. Of note, the vast majority of books that describe Jobss success emphasize what he did in terms of dates, events, start-ups, and product launches.

Other books discuss lessons learned, but they rarely address the approach of how to apply these insights. This book is different. Rather than focusing on a chronology of biographical events, Winning Habits will delve into an exploration of the how behind Jobss remarkable success. It provides the perspective that Steve designed his personal life to optimize many aspects of entrepreneurship by creating and sustaining successful habits that were aligned with his core values. These core habits supported his long-term goal of becoming the preeminent technology entrepreneur of his time.

Beyond the habits of Steve Jobs, this book also innovates by comparing these remarkable habits with those of entrepreneurs Jeff Bezos, Mark Cuban, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Warren Buffett, and Larry Ellison.

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MY REVIEW

Steve Jobs is an undeniably recognizable name. You don’t have to be tech savvy to know of this man’s accomplishments to the modern world. The author was fascinated by people who made a difference in history, and Steve Jobs definitely topped that list. I admit that I knew who Steve was, but I was unaware of just how many accomplishments he made. After reading this book, I have a better understanding of the quirky personality that he was so famous for.

Steve Jobs unmistakably revolutionized the twenty-first century. He proved that a disadvantaged youth from a middle class family could emerge as a world class leader. That is an accomplishment in itself. That gives hope to all that weren’t born into influence and wealth. I feel that to be the most important point to take away from this read. He proved that key elements can bring you success. A few of those were: forming the right habits, staying focused, always having goals, and networking. Steve inspired everyone around him, and he knew the true value of having a mentor. I liked the fact that most successful leaders attributed reading to their success. That gives me hope, as I read as much as I can too.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

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Shadow Dancer Review

Shadow Dancer: A John Treehorn Mystery (Book 1)

By Dinah Miller

 

A victim never forgets. 

John Treehorn is an FBI Agent stationed in Washington DC. When new evidence surfaces of a long since forgotten federal crime, he’s the bureau’s first choice to lead the investigation at the Land of his People, the Navajo Indian Reservation. 

But, for this Special Agent, his nightmare; a murder, fifteen years earlier, brought this now decorated agent to his knees. A killing that was committed by the same Indian myth called, ‘Shadow Dancer’. 

A prep school leader is missing, myths don’t commit murder, and the truth is buried on the reservation. 

Agent Treehorn and local FBI Agent Raven Shelley weave the clues together one strand at a time like an old Navajo rug, from the grave of a corpse intentionally hidden to the unspoken crimes targeted against members of a prestigious law firm. A stranger, who wove the motive, once walked amongst their People and left an indelible mark of a shattered dream that bled into its desert sands. 

The FBI agent and the killer face off as the laws of two lands collide. One stands with a badge, the other with tradition; but they understand the word of their elders, not all killers are born to kill, some are justified to kill.

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MY REVIEW

John Treehorn left the Navajo reservation many years ago to become a special agent for the FBI in Washington. Even though he left the reservation, he couldn’t forget the trauma he experienced there so long ago. But now he has been called in on an unsolved cold case that will take him back to the rez. Treehorn will have to investigate why a man has been missing for fifteen years, and his rented SUV has never been found, even though it never left the reservation. But Treehorn didn’t realize how much the case will parallel what happened to him in the past, forcing him to resolve what has haunted him for so long.

I loved the character of John Treehorn. He had a bold, well-rounded, no-nonsense personality. This story reminded me of the Longmire television show and their conflict between the white man’s law and the laws of the Indian reservation. Even though the story involved several serious issues, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked learning about the Indian traditions, and especially about the Shadow Dancer. I think the author did a great job in creating a fair rendition of a complex character navigating between two worlds. I can’t wait to read more of this series.

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.

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