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Jemez
Ancient pueblo artifacts, including the mythical “Black Heart of God” have been stolen from the ruins of Astialakwa in the Jemez Mountains. The theft sets off a cascade of crime, including murder. Deputy Sheriff Matt Bertram, who has been assigned to the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico, has become accustomed to his routine of writing speeding tickets and investigating minor crimes in the small village of Jemez Springs. With the theft of the artifacts, he finds himself engulfed in an investigation which will risk his own life and the lives of his closest friends.
In his fourth novel, author Mark David Albertson brings you a tale which will take you on an adventure in the heart of the beautiful Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico, as he paints a vivid picture of the land, mountains, and diverse people who live in the Jemez. Mark’s vivid imagination brings the reader a cast of characters who are odd, quirky, noble and brave. It is a novel with humor and adventure, filled with mystery wrapped in the supernatural, danger, suspense, comedy and tragedy. Mark’s humorous writing style will keep you entertained, laughing and on the edge of your seat to the very last word.
If you enjoy Tony Hillerman, Carl Hiassen or Christopher Moore, you'll no doubt enjoy Mark David Albertson!
In his fourth novel, author Mark David Albertson brings you a tale which will take you on an adventure in the heart of the beautiful Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico, as he paints a vivid picture of the land, mountains, and diverse people who live in the Jemez. Mark’s vivid imagination brings the reader a cast of characters who are odd, quirky, noble and brave. It is a novel with humor and adventure, filled with mystery wrapped in the supernatural, danger, suspense, comedy and tragedy. Mark’s humorous writing style will keep you entertained, laughing and on the edge of your seat to the very last word.
If you enjoy Tony Hillerman, Carl Hiassen or Christopher Moore, you'll no doubt enjoy Mark David Albertson!
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
About the author
Mark David Albertson
17 books5 followersMark David Albertson was born and raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico, "The Atomic City." Upon graduation from High School, he joined the US Navy, looking for adventure around the globe. Following a 30 year legal career, Mark retired and started writing. His three previous novels have been highly praised, mostly by his wife and mother. He is currently in the process of writing a book entitled, "Jemez." This book will take his hero to the Jemez mountains of Northern New Mexico where he takes a job as a Sandoval County Deputy Sheriff and finds himself embroiled in murder, theft and more.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 4, 2024
An enjoyable read set in the most beautiful place in New Mexico. Nicely paced. We have a sheriff's deputy in a tourist town dealing with a crime wave caused by an unlikely couple who later links up with some local thugs. Artifact theft, burglary, and murder as well as some believable supernatural intervention involved. Ready to read the three previous books about the character's Navy career as well as book five when it's out.
July 18, 2023
Matt Bertram just retired from a 24-year career with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. He thinks that by transitioning to a role as a small-town cop in New Mexico, he will be taking things more slowly. But while he isn’t messing with high-profile international criminals anymore, he finds out that he will still have his hands full. When an archaeology professor and a few students make their way through his jurisdiction, seeking the famed Jemez “Black Heart of God,” and two “accidental” deaths occur one after the other, Matt knows something is up. But he has a few things distracting him from his investigation: an old woman that keeps showing up and then disappearing, and the persistent voice of his recently deceased partner inexplicably ringing through his head.
This book is an interesting mix of Native American (Jemez Pueblo) spirituality, telepathy, and astral projection, as well as a chase after treasure with fame-seeking bad guys. “Jemez” is the fourth Matt Bertram book by Mark David Albertson. Matt’s prior books feature his NCIS adventures, but this is the first book where Matt branches away from his NCIS career. Though Matt is the star of the show, there is so much happening with the other characters and the plot that the reader doesn’t spend an overwhelming amount of time with him.
“Jemez” is definitely an unusual thriller, but it is highly interesting. It is obvious that Mark David Albertson puts a lot of thought into his characters, making sure to give each their own history. The dialogue segments do often have an unnatural feel, especially when it comes to Naomi, one of the book’s villains. However, Mark David Albertson has developed quite an unusual and abrasive character for her, so it could be intentional to add to her uniqueness. One compelling and intriguing aspect of this novel is the introduction. Mark David Albertson chooses to open “Jemez” with a glimpse of history before jumping into the present, and it pulls the reader in, as they know that the historic scene will bear significance for the story. Overall, “Jemez” is not your average cop thriller, but that’s a good thing.
This book is an interesting mix of Native American (Jemez Pueblo) spirituality, telepathy, and astral projection, as well as a chase after treasure with fame-seeking bad guys. “Jemez” is the fourth Matt Bertram book by Mark David Albertson. Matt’s prior books feature his NCIS adventures, but this is the first book where Matt branches away from his NCIS career. Though Matt is the star of the show, there is so much happening with the other characters and the plot that the reader doesn’t spend an overwhelming amount of time with him.
“Jemez” is definitely an unusual thriller, but it is highly interesting. It is obvious that Mark David Albertson puts a lot of thought into his characters, making sure to give each their own history. The dialogue segments do often have an unnatural feel, especially when it comes to Naomi, one of the book’s villains. However, Mark David Albertson has developed quite an unusual and abrasive character for her, so it could be intentional to add to her uniqueness. One compelling and intriguing aspect of this novel is the introduction. Mark David Albertson chooses to open “Jemez” with a glimpse of history before jumping into the present, and it pulls the reader in, as they know that the historic scene will bear significance for the story. Overall, “Jemez” is not your average cop thriller, but that’s a good thing.
January 31, 2024
Great book! Really enjoyed it, looking forward to the next one.
Mark David Albertson has had such an interesting life as a Navy
NCIS Officer, (I plan to read the books about those years too!).
Enjoyed the Bonalillo/Taos/Albuquerque/Santa Fe area references.
Loved Detective Matt and his interaction with the local Indian tribe
(I grew up on several Indian Reservations--parents in Indian Public
Health Service--even in Barrow, Alaska!), so enjoyed that aspect of
the book). Appreciated his bow to the "other-worldly-ness" of having
the conversations with his ex-partner. The Archeologist angle was
great--the young grad student and her potty mouth were just perfect,
and I enjoyed the two "Funking Funk brothers" as characters. They
were the icing on the cake. Thanks so much Mr. Albertson, can't wait for
the next one. Telling all my friends & book club about this book! Keep writing!
Mark David Albertson has had such an interesting life as a Navy
NCIS Officer, (I plan to read the books about those years too!).
Enjoyed the Bonalillo/Taos/Albuquerque/Santa Fe area references.
Loved Detective Matt and his interaction with the local Indian tribe
(I grew up on several Indian Reservations--parents in Indian Public
Health Service--even in Barrow, Alaska!), so enjoyed that aspect of
the book). Appreciated his bow to the "other-worldly-ness" of having
the conversations with his ex-partner. The Archeologist angle was
great--the young grad student and her potty mouth were just perfect,
and I enjoyed the two "Funking Funk brothers" as characters. They
were the icing on the cake. Thanks so much Mr. Albertson, can't wait for
the next one. Telling all my friends & book club about this book! Keep writing!
February 3, 2024
Something for everybody…
Great story line, characters abound, and a fav cattle dog. Insightful with soul and humor, compassion and friendship. Some quotes I had to write down.
Recommend this with a lighter step and some much needed reinforcement of the good in us.
Great story line, characters abound, and a fav cattle dog. Insightful with soul and humor, compassion and friendship. Some quotes I had to write down.
Recommend this with a lighter step and some much needed reinforcement of the good in us.
May 21, 2023
Great read!
This is the 2nd book I've read that Mark has wriiten . This one kept me spellbound! Can't wait for the next one Mark!
This is the 2nd book I've read that Mark has wriiten . This one kept me spellbound! Can't wait for the next one Mark!
May 1, 2023
This novel surprised me as it blends classic American southwestern settings with a modern veneer.
There’s a lawman and his loyal dog, his Indian Forest Service officer friends, townspeople, shamans and voices, blundering local bad guys and archeologists, pulled into an Indian artifact theft scheme.
It’s well written and complex enough to hold the reader’s interest while weaving the tale to conclusion.
There’s a lawman and his loyal dog, his Indian Forest Service officer friends, townspeople, shamans and voices, blundering local bad guys and archeologists, pulled into an Indian artifact theft scheme.
It’s well written and complex enough to hold the reader’s interest while weaving the tale to conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews