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Saving Laura: A Novel
Twenty-one-year-old Shelby Lee plunges into dangerous terrain when blatantly -- and very foolishly --he robs Aspen, Colorado's most notorious cocaine dealer, fleeing the scene with five kilos of Peruvian flake and $75,000.
Shelby escapes to the sagebrush hills of southwestern Wyoming, hoping to disappear into the wilderness until after the furor dies down. Then he plans to return and wrest his old girlfriend, Laura, from the dealer's clutches. Shelby's half-baked scheme goes awry when a chance encounter with a teenage Bonnie and Clyde puts him in the middle of a shootout with two highway patrolmen, intensifying his challenge to stay hidden off the grid.
Using his cache of survival skills, Shelby evades local and state police and returns to Aspen only weeks after the robbery. He finds Laura, herself on the run after a brutal assault at the hands of her captor.
To make things worse, Shelby encounters an unscrupulous DEA agent, willing to sacrifice Laura to make his case. At the core of the chase and the unending physical challenges is the love of a man for a woman. Pure, not simple, but complicated.
Shelby escapes to the sagebrush hills of southwestern Wyoming, hoping to disappear into the wilderness until after the furor dies down. Then he plans to return and wrest his old girlfriend, Laura, from the dealer's clutches. Shelby's half-baked scheme goes awry when a chance encounter with a teenage Bonnie and Clyde puts him in the middle of a shootout with two highway patrolmen, intensifying his challenge to stay hidden off the grid.
Using his cache of survival skills, Shelby evades local and state police and returns to Aspen only weeks after the robbery. He finds Laura, herself on the run after a brutal assault at the hands of her captor.
To make things worse, Shelby encounters an unscrupulous DEA agent, willing to sacrifice Laura to make his case. At the core of the chase and the unending physical challenges is the love of a man for a woman. Pure, not simple, but complicated.
- GenresMystery
300 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2013
2 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 10, 2019
I received a free copy from NetGalley. Not very often does the title character not show up in the novel until after the mid point. While the main character is fairly well developed, I thought most of the other characters where rather flat. Pretty predictable in plot. If you read a lot, this one will read quickly and keep you entertained, but if you only read a few a year, skip this one.
December 12, 2012
Wow! Author Jim Satterfield has created a thriller, filled with adventure, danger, and multi-dimensional characters you can care about!
I loved this book!
I loved this book!
March 4, 2017
Something different, a little far fetched but lots of action, scenery and colorful characters
July 16, 2013
If you are, like me, on the lookout for a fresh voice in the thriller genre, clear out your schedule for a few days and pick up a copy of Jim Satterfield’s Saving Laura. Set in Wyoming and Colorado—a region Satterfield knows like his backyard—Saving Laura is the tale of a young man willing to risk everything to save the girl he loves from an unscrupulous drug dealer. It is a common theme, yes, but Satterfield does it with uncommon style: in the smooth and easy prose that flows like the waters of the Roaring Fork River, in the characters as real as the Rockies themselves, and in the use of the setting—described beautifully—as a character unto itself. So well does Satterfield know the terrain and understand its denizens, that the reader is much like a movie-goer, watching the story unfold amid the snow-tinged peaks and aspen-covered hills.
But there is more to Saving Laura than beautiful scenery, much more. In classic thriller fashion, there is never really any doubt as to how the story will end, but it is the getting there that drives the story, the reader’s desire to see how it all goes down. It is a testament to Satterfield’s ability to create sympathetic characters that we yearn to see the protagonist (twenty-one-year-old Lee Shelby) succeed despite watching him commit grand larceny in the opening scene. We allow it because we understand Shelby is desperate to save Laura from cocaine addiction and from the man who enabled her addiction, an easy-to-hate drug peddler that Satterfield draws up in grand fashion.
But the author’s talent for characterization is perhaps best seen in the many supporting characters: in the renegade mountain dweller who helps Shelby escape from the police who are looking for him for a murder he didn’t commit; in the beautiful and flawed Laura for whom Shelby is willing to risk his life; and in the maverick author (a doppleganger of Satterfield himself?) who comes to Shelby’s aid when he needs it most.
So, pull up a beach chair, brew up a large pitcher of iced tea or mix a Tanqueray and Tonic (don’t forget the lime so you can count it as a fruit serving), and crack open a copy of Saving Laura by Jim Satterfield. Just make sure the lawn is already mowed!
But there is more to Saving Laura than beautiful scenery, much more. In classic thriller fashion, there is never really any doubt as to how the story will end, but it is the getting there that drives the story, the reader’s desire to see how it all goes down. It is a testament to Satterfield’s ability to create sympathetic characters that we yearn to see the protagonist (twenty-one-year-old Lee Shelby) succeed despite watching him commit grand larceny in the opening scene. We allow it because we understand Shelby is desperate to save Laura from cocaine addiction and from the man who enabled her addiction, an easy-to-hate drug peddler that Satterfield draws up in grand fashion.
But the author’s talent for characterization is perhaps best seen in the many supporting characters: in the renegade mountain dweller who helps Shelby escape from the police who are looking for him for a murder he didn’t commit; in the beautiful and flawed Laura for whom Shelby is willing to risk his life; and in the maverick author (a doppleganger of Satterfield himself?) who comes to Shelby’s aid when he needs it most.
So, pull up a beach chair, brew up a large pitcher of iced tea or mix a Tanqueray and Tonic (don’t forget the lime so you can count it as a fruit serving), and crack open a copy of Saving Laura by Jim Satterfield. Just make sure the lawn is already mowed!
May 7, 2014
Saving Laura is a tight and gripping read – with the feel of a classic Western but set in the 1970s – where the hero is a young and capable loaner going up against drug dealers, dirty cops, and a harsh landscape to rescue the woman he never should have left behind. It’s a man’s man novel, with a strong narrative, vivid outdoorsy pacing, and authentically-realized characters. In a time and place when the law wasn’t necessarily on the side of justice, 21 year-old Lee Shelby sets out to bring down a drug kingpin in Aspen Colorado, the man who has turned Shelby’s ex-girlfriend, Laura, into a cocaine addict. In a crazy feat, he steals the drug lord’s money and product, and barely escapes with his life into the wilds of Wyoming. His survivalist skills are put to the ultimate test when he is chased by the police as well as local vigilantes as he struggles to survive, lie low, and eventually make his way back save Laura.
Along the way, Shelby finds new allies, smart people living off the grid with questionable lifestyles. Probably my favorite scene in the book is Shelby’s first time on an airplane, in an attempt to make it past roadblocks with several thousand dollars of dirty money and several million dollars-worth of cocaine: “It sounded damned risky. A cross-eyed unlicensed pilot in a plane so small that two skinny passengers and forty pounds of rucksack might overload it . . .” But he also finds a new enemy, a powerful enemy, with nearly limitless resources. Shelby has to think on his feet, never quite knowing whom to trust, where to lay his head down to sleep, or where his next meal might come from.
When finally reunited with Laura, he has to nurse her back to health and sanity, for not only is she an addict, she’s a victim of gang rape. Shelby has to throw in with a corrupt DEA agent to bring down the kingpin who has given his beloved these horrendous physical and emotional scars.
Author Jim Satterfield weaves together a nature novel, a thriller, a love story, with a wild-west quest for justice. It’s a gritty tale, a man-against-the-world kind of tale, but I think readers will be satisfied with Saving Laura, and want to read more from Jim Satterfield.
Along the way, Shelby finds new allies, smart people living off the grid with questionable lifestyles. Probably my favorite scene in the book is Shelby’s first time on an airplane, in an attempt to make it past roadblocks with several thousand dollars of dirty money and several million dollars-worth of cocaine: “It sounded damned risky. A cross-eyed unlicensed pilot in a plane so small that two skinny passengers and forty pounds of rucksack might overload it . . .” But he also finds a new enemy, a powerful enemy, with nearly limitless resources. Shelby has to think on his feet, never quite knowing whom to trust, where to lay his head down to sleep, or where his next meal might come from.
When finally reunited with Laura, he has to nurse her back to health and sanity, for not only is she an addict, she’s a victim of gang rape. Shelby has to throw in with a corrupt DEA agent to bring down the kingpin who has given his beloved these horrendous physical and emotional scars.
Author Jim Satterfield weaves together a nature novel, a thriller, a love story, with a wild-west quest for justice. It’s a gritty tale, a man-against-the-world kind of tale, but I think readers will be satisfied with Saving Laura, and want to read more from Jim Satterfield.
July 7, 2014
A smart and exciting read from Jim Satterfield. This novel is a perfect example of the modern thriller, quick paced, full of action, layered, and delivers all the way to the end. A great summer read, or just a plain awesome read any time you’re looking for page turning entertainment that will keep you hooked from the beginning to the last.
I think it’s fair to view the book in two main parts. In the first, Satterfield crafts a classic western. Even though the novel is set in the late 1970s, the feel to the writing and style is crisp and driven, just like you’d expect from the best of the Old Western thrillers. There’s a whole art and genre to this type of work, and Satterfield sets out with a strong example of wilderness survival and crime novel rolled into one package. For those trying to imagine it, think No Country for Old Men.
But it’s clear that Satterfield is just getting started, and as Shelby makes his way back to civilization with unexpected plot twists to his escape, we arrive at a completely different novel. The book seamlessly transforms into a revenge novel as the narrator’s true intentions and back-story come into full play. Not only is Shelby thrust against the elements of nature, but as the plot unfolds he is brought into direct conflict with a notorious drug dealer and a scheming and ambitious DEA agent. Even with the help of an unexpected savior, Shelby soon realizes he bit off way more than he could handle in his attempt to save Laura, the perfect girl he let slide through this grasp. With the title of the novel we have a fairly good idea of how the ending will play out, but Satterfield still leaves us guessing all the way until the dust settles. And what an ending…
I’ll be sure to invest in more Satterfield’s as they arrive. Couldn’t think of a better way to pass my reading time than flying though the pages until I finally force myself to turn off the lights and go to bed! Pick it up—you won’t be disappointed. The only thing you’ll have to lose is a bit of sleep.
I think it’s fair to view the book in two main parts. In the first, Satterfield crafts a classic western. Even though the novel is set in the late 1970s, the feel to the writing and style is crisp and driven, just like you’d expect from the best of the Old Western thrillers. There’s a whole art and genre to this type of work, and Satterfield sets out with a strong example of wilderness survival and crime novel rolled into one package. For those trying to imagine it, think No Country for Old Men.
But it’s clear that Satterfield is just getting started, and as Shelby makes his way back to civilization with unexpected plot twists to his escape, we arrive at a completely different novel. The book seamlessly transforms into a revenge novel as the narrator’s true intentions and back-story come into full play. Not only is Shelby thrust against the elements of nature, but as the plot unfolds he is brought into direct conflict with a notorious drug dealer and a scheming and ambitious DEA agent. Even with the help of an unexpected savior, Shelby soon realizes he bit off way more than he could handle in his attempt to save Laura, the perfect girl he let slide through this grasp. With the title of the novel we have a fairly good idea of how the ending will play out, but Satterfield still leaves us guessing all the way until the dust settles. And what an ending…
I’ll be sure to invest in more Satterfield’s as they arrive. Couldn’t think of a better way to pass my reading time than flying though the pages until I finally force myself to turn off the lights and go to bed! Pick it up—you won’t be disappointed. The only thing you’ll have to lose is a bit of sleep.
May 21, 2013
It's 1979 and Shelby and Laura are dating and in love. When his grandfather dies, Shelby needs his space and breaks up with Laura. Laura starts dating Tom Tucker, a coke dealer, who turns her onto coke, gets her addicted and doesn't treat her very well. Thinking it was his fault this all happened, Shelby robs Tucker of coke and drugs, with the intent of exchanging them for Laura.
Needing to lay low for a while, Shelby hitchhikes to his grandfather's hunting cabin. That's when things start to go wrong. He gets a ride from a young couple who are on the run. After a police chase, one cop is dead, the couple steal the cruiser and Shelby stays to take care of the other cop until he knows help will be arriving. But now he has the cops looking for him. He eventually heads back to Aspen, discovers Laura has escaped from Tucker and takes care of her. He is then forced to help a DEA agent bring Tucker down (the DEA were in the process of this until Shelby unwittingly interfered).
This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it.
I liked the writing style. It was action-packed and there was always something going on. It is written in first person, from Shelby's point of view. As a head's up, the language at times is for mature readers.
I liked the characters. Shelby is just trying to right the wrong that has happened to Laura. He's a good guy and has loyal friends (who are colourful characters) who are willing to help him out no matter what. Had Laura not become involved with Tucker and let him get her addicted to coke, none of this would have happened ... there is a lot of emphasis on the fact that she had alcoholic father, thus making it easy for her to become an addict herself. Just say "no", kids! I loved Jaws, the dog!
I'd recommend this book.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/05...
Needing to lay low for a while, Shelby hitchhikes to his grandfather's hunting cabin. That's when things start to go wrong. He gets a ride from a young couple who are on the run. After a police chase, one cop is dead, the couple steal the cruiser and Shelby stays to take care of the other cop until he knows help will be arriving. But now he has the cops looking for him. He eventually heads back to Aspen, discovers Laura has escaped from Tucker and takes care of her. He is then forced to help a DEA agent bring Tucker down (the DEA were in the process of this until Shelby unwittingly interfered).
This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it.
I liked the writing style. It was action-packed and there was always something going on. It is written in first person, from Shelby's point of view. As a head's up, the language at times is for mature readers.
I liked the characters. Shelby is just trying to right the wrong that has happened to Laura. He's a good guy and has loyal friends (who are colourful characters) who are willing to help him out no matter what. Had Laura not become involved with Tucker and let him get her addicted to coke, none of this would have happened ... there is a lot of emphasis on the fact that she had alcoholic father, thus making it easy for her to become an addict herself. Just say "no", kids! I loved Jaws, the dog!
I'd recommend this book.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/05...
June 6, 2013
TITLE: SAVING LAURA
AUTHOR: JIM SATTERFIELD
PUBLICATION DATE: JUNE 25, 2013
At the heart of it, there's a good guy (Shelby Lee) who robs some bad guys in order to save his girlfriend (Laura) and get the bad guys caught and out of her life for good. Or that's the plan. This being a criminal business has a lot more to it than Shelby had prepared for!
NOTE: RICK-LIT! (Instead of Chick-lit for gals, guys get Rick-Lit in my world)
This is a great book for a guy outdoorsman to enjoy. Make no mistake, any who enjoy a good read can enjoy it, too, but in the world of thrillers, this one is definitely one with a wealth of details about everything outdoorsman: Fishing, hunting, self-protection, even flying in good detail that shows a lot of specialized knowledge.
END: Solid; well wrapped up.
TAGS: Guy-Read, RICK-LIT, Criminal activity, Police chase, Wilderness survival, fishing, hunting, shooting, guns, guns, more guns, Flying, Cocaine trafficking, addiction, Love, Dog, Famous Author, friendship, DEA, survival.
PERMALINK: http://martysreads.blogspot.com/2013/...
AUTHOR: JIM SATTERFIELD
PUBLICATION DATE: JUNE 25, 2013
At the heart of it, there's a good guy (Shelby Lee) who robs some bad guys in order to save his girlfriend (Laura) and get the bad guys caught and out of her life for good. Or that's the plan. This being a criminal business has a lot more to it than Shelby had prepared for!
NOTE: RICK-LIT! (Instead of Chick-lit for gals, guys get Rick-Lit in my world)
This is a great book for a guy outdoorsman to enjoy. Make no mistake, any who enjoy a good read can enjoy it, too, but in the world of thrillers, this one is definitely one with a wealth of details about everything outdoorsman: Fishing, hunting, self-protection, even flying in good detail that shows a lot of specialized knowledge.
END: Solid; well wrapped up.
TAGS: Guy-Read, RICK-LIT, Criminal activity, Police chase, Wilderness survival, fishing, hunting, shooting, guns, guns, more guns, Flying, Cocaine trafficking, addiction, Love, Dog, Famous Author, friendship, DEA, survival.
PERMALINK: http://martysreads.blogspot.com/2013/...
July 3, 2013
Book Review & Giveaway: I debated about whether to publish a review of Saving Laura by Jim Satterfield. We publish books about a lot of hard subjects but generally steer away from situations like this one. Every once in a while I make an exception and this is one of those times. I decided to review Saving Laura because it’s really the story of a young man who would do anything to save the woman he loves from the biggest drug dealer in Aspen, even if it means committing a crime to do it. I wouldn’t recommend that anyone try what Lee Shelby tried in this novel.
Saving Laura is a different kind of a beach read; however, it definitely falls into the summer read category. It’s a historical crime action/adventure filled with suspense and it’s a morality tale. And, last but not least, you could win a copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6192.
Saving Laura is a different kind of a beach read; however, it definitely falls into the summer read category. It’s a historical crime action/adventure filled with suspense and it’s a morality tale. And, last but not least, you could win a copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6192.
August 3, 2016
Even though this is not a genre of book I normally read, I did enjoy it. It was listed as a thriller/suspense, to me it read more as an adventure/survival story. It was well researched, and well written. I personally would have liked a little more back story, a little more history on the two main characters. We don't know the main characters name until we are well past half way through the book. But he is a good guy, trying to get his friend out of a very bad situation. He spends most of the book, on the run, evading law enforcement from several jurisdictions, and two states. Not knowing who to trust, which cops are the good guys and which are in the pockets of the drug dealer.
If you like a book with police chases, wild plane rides, wilderness survival skills where, in the end the good guys win this is the perfect book for you.
If you like a book with police chases, wild plane rides, wilderness survival skills where, in the end the good guys win this is the perfect book for you.
August 18, 2014
Talk about a main character getting into hot water and the screws tightened at every turn! I kept thinking, doesn't this guy ever catch a break? But he does, in the form of some cool, quirky, salt-of-the-earth guys willing to help him when the situation becomes impossible. Only gave it three stars because too many times the description was overboard for me, which slowed down the story. I also couldn't connect with Laura and her plight. Considering what she went through, I felt like a cold-hearted wench, then realized the author short-shrifted her, especially since her name is in the title. Extraneous description should have been deleted and more development of Laura's character would have rounded out the story better. Overall, a decent summer's read.
July 29, 2016
I received Saving Laura by Jim Satterfield as a Goodreads First-reads giveaway winner. The author was nice enough to sign the book & included a bookmark, as well. Saving Laura was a wild ride & I could not put it down. It had plenty of twists and turns which kept me interested. The main character was a genuine nice guy who was easy to cheer for. This was the first book I've read by this author, but I will definitely read others. I highly recommend Saving Laura and actually would have liked to rate it a 4.5 if that had been possible within Goodreads rating system.
August 6, 2013
Saving Laura tells the story of a young man that risks everything to save the one he loves. Satterfield puts a fresh and interesting spin on a theme that has been visited by authors before. His attention to detail and ability to describe Wyoming and Colorado makes this book a fast and fun read.
July 26, 2014
**First Read**
I enjoyed this book it's what I call an easy read, take it to the beach or just on the front porch. You slowly get sucked into this book. And before you know it you'll be on the last page, the author does and incredible job on the characters and the details which help you get more involved.
I enjoyed this book it's what I call an easy read, take it to the beach or just on the front porch. You slowly get sucked into this book. And before you know it you'll be on the last page, the author does and incredible job on the characters and the details which help you get more involved.
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June 27, 2013Be sure and stop by The Reading Frenzy to see an exclusive interview with Jim and enter to win a free autographed copy of his new novel Saving Laura
http://thereadingfrenzy.blogspot.com/...
http://thereadingfrenzy.blogspot.com/...
March 29, 2013
I received this book from Net Galley. A poorly written story which was predictable and juvenile. It started out promising and then went down hill. I give this 2 stars.
June 21, 2013
The prose is quite elegant but the plot is very thin.
http://opionator.wordpress.com/2013/0...
http://opionator.wordpress.com/2013/0...
September 11, 2016
Great read! Kept me turning each page with anticipation. Highly recommend.
July 24, 2015
A simple read, mediocre writing, and not very compelling.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews