Native Blood

Zeb Hanks: Small Town Sheriff with Big Time Troubles Series, Book 1

By: Mark Reps

Narrated by: Malcolm Hillgartner

The ritual killing of a young Apache girl on a reservation in rural Arizona takes the listener through many complex layers of relationships between Apache and Anglo cultures. The myth and spiritual fabric of the Apache community pulls Zeb Hanks, a small town sheriff, through a personal journey, making the murder not just a crime to solve but a cathartic passage.

The dead never leave us but they do whisper ghost stories that bring the past back to life. Jake Dablo is a drunken, washed up lawman because of his inability to solve the murder of his only granddaughter. Seven years after her death the granddaughter of his lifelong friend, Medicine Man Jimmy Song Bird, is murdered in exactly the same ritualistic fashion. The pair join forces with the current sheriff's team to solve the murders. The closer to the truth they get the more each man grapples with his own conscience. Ultimately the intersection of two cultures and four men who are community pillars opens larger questions about the collision of the old and new west. When the dead are buried and the ghosts finally die, each character is not the same. For they have lived each day of their life knowing that a murderer and his mark opens as many doors as it closes.

©2012 Mark Reps (P)2018 Tantor

Entertaining story line, unexpected twist

I enjoy the southwestern sheriff mystery and Native American themed story lines and this was that in spades. A little repetitive in places on the native traditions but fine and interesting.

Strong start, but loses momentum

Zeb Hanks was a deputy when Sheriff Jake Dalbo's granddaughter was murdered. Now, seven years to the day, Zeb is the new sheriff and there is another young girl dead. This time the victim is the granddaughter of Apache Medicine Man Jimmy Song Bird. Just like the previous murder, the victim had her heart cut out of her body. Even though the Native American's have their own tribal police, they're asking for Zeb's help in finding the killer.

This story started off strong with the murder and the initial investigation. But it veered off into Zeb's dating life. His girlfriend Doreen flirts with everyone, calling them "Sugar Dumpling" in a heavy southern accent. I really didn't understand how she fit into the story (or how he could stand her). The investigation also took a turn when Zeb began having dreams that Jimmy Song Bird interpreted. Why Zeb would be having these dreams, I have no idea. My rating: 3 Stars.

confused

disliked weak character differences and lack of a smooth segue between majorscenes and scenarios. character development was weak as well

great book enjoyed

the book was a good mystery. I enjoyed the book. hard to put down. looking forward to book 2

This was a terrible book

It read like it was written for teenaged girls. It has every tired style ever used

4

Not a Tony Hillerman, not by a long shot (pardon the pun) but it is a pleasure to walk the rural town, sit at the town diner's counter for country potatoes, search the sandy desert for the smallest of clues leading to the murderer.

Not good

Same as above. Do not wast your time. Could not keep up with the vague plot.

The writers hatred for Indians.

Not even 5 chapters in the author goes to great pains to be a jerk and show a disrespect and disdain for Indians. Not even sure I will continue.