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Copper Canyon #4
Falcon's Run
Thurlo takes readers on a thrilling ride through Copper Canyon.
Detective Preston Bowman had a Navajo gift for sensing danger. And the danger stalking Abby Langdon was undeniable. But nothing could force her off the Sitting Tall Ranch she'd built for disabled children, not even her own near-death experience.
Alone on her isolated ranch, she had no one to trust; no one but Preston. And as the risk intensified, so did her desire for the strong, silent lawman. But Preston was from a different world. Even if he could keep everyone on the ranch safe, she couldn't say the same for her heart.
Detective Preston Bowman had a Navajo gift for sensing danger. And the danger stalking Abby Langdon was undeniable. But nothing could force her off the Sitting Tall Ranch she'd built for disabled children, not even her own near-death experience.
Alone on her isolated ranch, she had no one to trust; no one but Preston. And as the risk intensified, so did her desire for the strong, silent lawman. But Preston was from a different world. Even if he could keep everyone on the ranch safe, she couldn't say the same for her heart.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
16 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Aimée Thurlo
98 books151 followersAimee and David Thurlo are the authors of the Ella Clah mysteries, the Sister Agatha mysteries, the Lee Nez vampire novels all set in New Mexico. David grew up on the Navajo Indian Nation, and Aimee, a native of Cuba, lived in the southwest for forty years.
Aimée passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of February 28, 2014, after a brief struggle with cancer and related complications. She was attended by her husband of 43 years, David. Aimée was 62 years old.
Aimée passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of February 28, 2014, after a brief struggle with cancer and related complications. She was attended by her husband of 43 years, David. Aimée was 62 years old.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 18, 2013
This book is the 4th in the Copper Canyon series and is centered on the 4th foster child of Hosteen Silver, Navajo non-reservation police detective Preston Bowman, and Abby Langdon, the owner of a horse therapy ranch.
The character interactions were well written and the Navajo traditions pertinent to the storyline were explained clearly. The dialogue was crisp, straightforward, non-profane and logical in relation to whatever scene was playing out at the time. The story progressed naturally without the use of coincidences that would push the reader into a suspension of belief in order to proceed. And, refreshingly, Preston and Abby were self-aware of their own flaws and accepting of the emotional roadblocks of each other, never trying to argue against those roadblocks or trying to forcibly change the other.
Overall, it was a well-done piece and a satisfying read, so why a 4 star rating instead of a 5?
First, the opening chapter introduced Abby immediately by way of the murder and an attack on her person with no reflection upon her personally. Then, after an exciting 2 pages, the second section of the chapter introduced Preston by way of a stilted, rambling, partially cryptic conversation with one of his brothers, which centered on his personality and no action. The two scenarios were not parallel in structure, felt unconnected and left me feeling confused. I don’t like that feeling only 6 pages into a book. Fortunately, the next chapter smoothed out and the book progressed in a more natural manner.
Secondly, in the last chapter, when the romantic conflict is resolved, the marriage proposal does not contain any mention of love, even though the internal monologues of both protagonists have mentioned their love for each other plenty of times. Preston only states that they are a family and thus should marry. Perhaps, calling a woman “family” is a Navajo way of declaring love, but that was not made clear. So, again, I was left feeling confused.
And thirdly, I was 99% sure who the perpetrator was at the conclusion of the scene, early in the story, where an attempt is made to repossess Abby’s ranch truck. As a former small business owner, I immediately spotted the major question that Abby, a conscientious and focused business owner, DID NOT ASK concerning the reason for the repossession. Since this book is taking place in the present day, the nature and procedures for foreclosures and repossessions are quite familiar to many readers, regardless of whether they own a business. If Abby had actually asked the most basic question about the paperwork required from a lender prior to repossession, the book would have been a short story instead of a novel. Perhaps, for that reason, the author decided to forsake reality.
Despite those glitches, the novel was well balanced between the mystery and the romance. Instead of being a love-at-first-sight grab-fest with a pesky dead body in the wings to vaguely establish genre, it was a story in which the love developed as a side effect of the efforts to solve the murder. And Preston’s declaration to Abby that his job as a homicide detective would destroy their relationship at some point came across as a heart-felt truth, rather than the pathetic, self-pitying, self-protecting excuse that authors seem to have their cops use in many novels.
I definitely recommend this book and the fact that I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway in no way affected my opinion of the book.
The character interactions were well written and the Navajo traditions pertinent to the storyline were explained clearly. The dialogue was crisp, straightforward, non-profane and logical in relation to whatever scene was playing out at the time. The story progressed naturally without the use of coincidences that would push the reader into a suspension of belief in order to proceed. And, refreshingly, Preston and Abby were self-aware of their own flaws and accepting of the emotional roadblocks of each other, never trying to argue against those roadblocks or trying to forcibly change the other.
Overall, it was a well-done piece and a satisfying read, so why a 4 star rating instead of a 5?
First, the opening chapter introduced Abby immediately by way of the murder and an attack on her person with no reflection upon her personally. Then, after an exciting 2 pages, the second section of the chapter introduced Preston by way of a stilted, rambling, partially cryptic conversation with one of his brothers, which centered on his personality and no action. The two scenarios were not parallel in structure, felt unconnected and left me feeling confused. I don’t like that feeling only 6 pages into a book. Fortunately, the next chapter smoothed out and the book progressed in a more natural manner.
Secondly, in the last chapter, when the romantic conflict is resolved, the marriage proposal does not contain any mention of love, even though the internal monologues of both protagonists have mentioned their love for each other plenty of times. Preston only states that they are a family and thus should marry. Perhaps, calling a woman “family” is a Navajo way of declaring love, but that was not made clear. So, again, I was left feeling confused.
And thirdly, I was 99% sure who the perpetrator was at the conclusion of the scene, early in the story, where an attempt is made to repossess Abby’s ranch truck. As a former small business owner, I immediately spotted the major question that Abby, a conscientious and focused business owner, DID NOT ASK concerning the reason for the repossession. Since this book is taking place in the present day, the nature and procedures for foreclosures and repossessions are quite familiar to many readers, regardless of whether they own a business. If Abby had actually asked the most basic question about the paperwork required from a lender prior to repossession, the book would have been a short story instead of a novel. Perhaps, for that reason, the author decided to forsake reality.
Despite those glitches, the novel was well balanced between the mystery and the romance. Instead of being a love-at-first-sight grab-fest with a pesky dead body in the wings to vaguely establish genre, it was a story in which the love developed as a side effect of the efforts to solve the murder. And Preston’s declaration to Abby that his job as a homicide detective would destroy their relationship at some point came across as a heart-felt truth, rather than the pathetic, self-pitying, self-protecting excuse that authors seem to have their cops use in many novels.
I definitely recommend this book and the fact that I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway in no way affected my opinion of the book.
October 6, 2014
Received this today (12/08/13) and I shall read it as soon as I've finished my current book!
Review (29/08/13)
I won't describe the plot or anything as other readers have already done so.
First of all, this isn't my 'kind' of book at all! If this was in the library for example, I wouldn't even bother to give it a second glance. So, when I won, I was surprised I'd even entered but I think the name intrigued me (I've always had a fascination with birds of prey).
I read it in a few hours in one sitting, sat outside with a gin and tonic as dusk was closing in. Poetic, eh? For the purpose of winding down and relaxing it was a good match because of it's length and easy going style.
The characters were nice, I liked the dynamic between the brothers, though how likely it is, or legal, that they were so heavily involved in the investigation is a bit suspect. Get it???
Anyway, I liked the attraction between the two main characters, it seemed to progress well, at a normal rate and then BAM. He throws the marriage card in. I mean, how long has it been? I always feel that part of my aversion towards romantic books is the suddenness the big old L and M words are tossed around, it could even be the fact that it's so cliche now.
Another pet hate is supposedly strong women breaking down onto/into strong men who then develop some nurturing feelings and now feel obliged to 'take care' of or to be the big man. Sometimes, life is a bitch and you can't help but feel overwhelmed. I'd be feeling overwhelmed too if my camels were screaming the place down.
My last irk is the fact that SO MANY guys gave her free stuff. This is not likely is it? She said herself that the economy was down the toilet and yet so many residents (men) are throwing their goods at her. I know she's a non-profit whatnot but still. Perhaps it's because she's so attractive and doesn't know it. Yawn.
The plot itself was an interesting one aswell, it was a bit of a whodunnit to be honest and I continued in one sitting for the very purpose of finding out who as behind such a dastardly scheme!
My favourite part, however, was Abby's ranch. I loved the animals and the teamwork dynamic. To be honest, I think I was jealous! I would love to be part of something like that. Or own camels, either way. Ohh I liked the fact that Preston had accepted his culture into his workplace - I liked the balance. I wish I had one of those spirit guides too.
All in all, if you're into the harlequin romance, person A meets person B don't really get on at first, fight off their feelings then get together in an explosion of testostrogen or Oestosterone then this book is right up your street and I recommend it to you.
Review (29/08/13)
I won't describe the plot or anything as other readers have already done so.
First of all, this isn't my 'kind' of book at all! If this was in the library for example, I wouldn't even bother to give it a second glance. So, when I won, I was surprised I'd even entered but I think the name intrigued me (I've always had a fascination with birds of prey).
I read it in a few hours in one sitting, sat outside with a gin and tonic as dusk was closing in. Poetic, eh? For the purpose of winding down and relaxing it was a good match because of it's length and easy going style.
The characters were nice, I liked the dynamic between the brothers, though how likely it is, or legal, that they were so heavily involved in the investigation is a bit suspect. Get it???
Anyway, I liked the attraction between the two main characters, it seemed to progress well, at a normal rate and then BAM. He throws the marriage card in. I mean, how long has it been? I always feel that part of my aversion towards romantic books is the suddenness the big old L and M words are tossed around, it could even be the fact that it's so cliche now.
Another pet hate is supposedly strong women breaking down onto/into strong men who then develop some nurturing feelings and now feel obliged to 'take care' of or to be the big man. Sometimes, life is a bitch and you can't help but feel overwhelmed. I'd be feeling overwhelmed too if my camels were screaming the place down.
My last irk is the fact that SO MANY guys gave her free stuff. This is not likely is it? She said herself that the economy was down the toilet and yet so many residents (men) are throwing their goods at her. I know she's a non-profit whatnot but still. Perhaps it's because she's so attractive and doesn't know it. Yawn.
The plot itself was an interesting one aswell, it was a bit of a whodunnit to be honest and I continued in one sitting for the very purpose of finding out who as behind such a dastardly scheme!
My favourite part, however, was Abby's ranch. I loved the animals and the teamwork dynamic. To be honest, I think I was jealous! I would love to be part of something like that. Or own camels, either way. Ohh I liked the fact that Preston had accepted his culture into his workplace - I liked the balance. I wish I had one of those spirit guides too.
All in all, if you're into the harlequin romance, person A meets person B don't really get on at first, fight off their feelings then get together in an explosion of testostrogen or Oestosterone then this book is right up your street and I recommend it to you.
August 1, 2013
In Thurlo’s romantic suspense novel, Detective Preston Bowman is of Navajo decent and possesses a special gift—he can sense danger before it strikes. Abby Langdon owns and operates the Sitting Tall Ranch, a special ranch dedicated to children. After her horse trainer is murdered and she is brutally attacked, the only people she can trust are a foster child and Preston. Preston will devote his life to protecting them both while trying to protect his heart.
A fast-paced, action-packed installment to the Copper Canyon series.
A fast-paced, action-packed installment to the Copper Canyon series.
April 10, 2022
Another fast-paced mystery from Aimée Thurlo!
No cliffhangers! Enough background is given in each novel of this series to allow them to be read in any order, though the 6th one would be best if read last. This adventurous Southwestern mystery has all the pluses…animals, kids and reluctant romance! Hosteen Silver’s foster sons back each other up to help to bring justice to a deserving person and her worthy project.
No cliffhangers! Enough background is given in each novel of this series to allow them to be read in any order, though the 6th one would be best if read last. This adventurous Southwestern mystery has all the pluses…animals, kids and reluctant romance! Hosteen Silver’s foster sons back each other up to help to bring justice to a deserving person and her worthy project.
August 24, 2013
Very good book. One of Abby's employees has been murdered and Abby herself was attacked. Preston is the detective who arrived in time to save her. Abby was very worried about the effect the murder would have on the ranch which she built to help disabled and at risk children. She immediately feels that she can trust Preston as he assures her that he won't give up until he's solved the murder. At the same time there is something about Abby that stays on Preston's mind.
I really liked both Abby and Preston. Abby has a great passion for the work she does with the children. She has made the ranch her whole life and the threat to it has her very worried. She really appreciates Preston's quiet confidence that he will find who is behind the murder. Abby trusts the people who work with her and can't believe one of them is behind the trouble. She is also a pretty optimistic person who tends to bring out the best in the people around her. I really enjoyed seeing the way that most people rallied around her to help keep the ranch going. She was also attracted to Preston. I really liked the way that she let him know how she felt but also that she didn't expect anything. I liked the way that she accepted Preston just the way he was and didn't try to change his attitude about her or anything they had together. I loved her independence and the way that she stayed involved in the investigation. I enjoyed her relationship with Bobby and the way that she understood Bobby's needs and fears.
Preston was an excellent detective. One of his abilities was to be able to focus on things that other people missed. He loved his work and devoted most of his time to it. He felt that because of the things he has seen and experienced that love is not in his future. He fears that the darkness he experiences would bleed over into any relationship. When he meets Abby he is struck by her beauty and also the lightness of her spirit. Although he always gives his cases his best effort he finds himself wanting to do even more for Abby. I loved his protectiveness and how he went the extra steps to help her, calling on his brothers' help in a way he usually doesn't with other cases. I also loved his way with Bobby and how he showed respect for the boy's abilities and desire to help. It was fun watching him fight his growing feelings for Abby, even as he tried to convince his brothers he was just doing his job. I loved the way that he shared things with her that he didn't talk about with anyone outside his family. I liked the way that he committed to both Abby and Bobby at the end, even though he never actually stated his love to her.
I liked the way that their love was a relatively slow development rather than an instant thing. It gave them a chance to actually get to know each other. It was also balanced well with the mystery of who was behind the murder. While I guessed part of it early on there was also a surprise element involved. As in the previous books I really liked the Native American information included. It felt like a natural part of the story not something that I was forced to read. I'm really looking forward to the stories for the last two brothers.
I really liked both Abby and Preston. Abby has a great passion for the work she does with the children. She has made the ranch her whole life and the threat to it has her very worried. She really appreciates Preston's quiet confidence that he will find who is behind the murder. Abby trusts the people who work with her and can't believe one of them is behind the trouble. She is also a pretty optimistic person who tends to bring out the best in the people around her. I really enjoyed seeing the way that most people rallied around her to help keep the ranch going. She was also attracted to Preston. I really liked the way that she let him know how she felt but also that she didn't expect anything. I liked the way that she accepted Preston just the way he was and didn't try to change his attitude about her or anything they had together. I loved her independence and the way that she stayed involved in the investigation. I enjoyed her relationship with Bobby and the way that she understood Bobby's needs and fears.
Preston was an excellent detective. One of his abilities was to be able to focus on things that other people missed. He loved his work and devoted most of his time to it. He felt that because of the things he has seen and experienced that love is not in his future. He fears that the darkness he experiences would bleed over into any relationship. When he meets Abby he is struck by her beauty and also the lightness of her spirit. Although he always gives his cases his best effort he finds himself wanting to do even more for Abby. I loved his protectiveness and how he went the extra steps to help her, calling on his brothers' help in a way he usually doesn't with other cases. I also loved his way with Bobby and how he showed respect for the boy's abilities and desire to help. It was fun watching him fight his growing feelings for Abby, even as he tried to convince his brothers he was just doing his job. I loved the way that he shared things with her that he didn't talk about with anyone outside his family. I liked the way that he committed to both Abby and Bobby at the end, even though he never actually stated his love to her.
I liked the way that their love was a relatively slow development rather than an instant thing. It gave them a chance to actually get to know each other. It was also balanced well with the mystery of who was behind the murder. While I guessed part of it early on there was also a surprise element involved. As in the previous books I really liked the Native American information included. It felt like a natural part of the story not something that I was forced to read. I'm really looking forward to the stories for the last two brothers.
January 1, 2016
Abby Langdon owns Sitting Tall Ranch. This is a ranch for special needs and foster children to come and ride and help feed and groom the animals, giving them something special to look forward to in their lives.
When a ranch employee is murdered it is investigated by Detective Preston Bowman. More problems arise at the ranch and someone is trying to get Abby to close it down. This means that the detective must be there even more. This works well for both Abby and Preston since they are attracted to each other. As they spend more time together, their love slowly grows. I like that aspect rather than have them immediately fall into bed.
Meanwhile, Preston is trying to figure out who murdered the employee and is causing the problems at the ranch. Preston was a foster child himself and knows he can count on his "brothers" to help him with the investigation.
Great story. I enjoyed the suspense and liked the gentle romance.
I won Falcon's Run in a Goodreads giveaway.
When a ranch employee is murdered it is investigated by Detective Preston Bowman. More problems arise at the ranch and someone is trying to get Abby to close it down. This means that the detective must be there even more. This works well for both Abby and Preston since they are attracted to each other. As they spend more time together, their love slowly grows. I like that aspect rather than have them immediately fall into bed.
Meanwhile, Preston is trying to figure out who murdered the employee and is causing the problems at the ranch. Preston was a foster child himself and knows he can count on his "brothers" to help him with the investigation.
Great story. I enjoyed the suspense and liked the gentle romance.
I won Falcon's Run in a Goodreads giveaway.
November 7, 2013
I'm continuing my exploration of the different types of Harlequins and this time I dove into the Harlequin Intrigue world where the stories are of suspense and fight for survival. That's not a super-Shannon kind of vibe, but I want to try them all and picked Falcon's Run which had a bit of a on-a-ranch feel which I can dig. The story opens with a murder, and I knew it would be an uphill battle on the enjoyment train for me. I will give it props for good main characters, and that the protagonists here were very different than the other Harlequins I've read but still are accessible and interesting. The focus of the book is strongly driven around solving the mysteries of the murder, and therefore I felt it was less emotional. Or, at least I connected to it less emotionally that I'd like to for a romance. I suspect that the Intrigue books aren't quite for me, although I may try them again after dipping in the other sets. I might keep it light and try some of the novellas next.
October 5, 2014
The story wasn't bad. But it wasn't one of those type of stories that so strongly grab your attention that you don't want to be put it down. The main thing that I found annoying was Bobby. I usually always like stories that have kids in them. But Bobby seemed to be everywhere, even when he didn't need to be or probably shouldn't have been since he was young. Maybe it was his dialogue that made him sound old. He's been through a lot, but even then, he sounded so different than the kids I work with who also have many problems to struggle with.
August 20, 2013
An employee of a ranch for children with special needs is found murdered.Abby Langdon must count on Detective Preston Bowman to help find the answers she needs to stop the attacks on her beloved ranch.Preston along with his brothers dig deep into the murdered mans history.Abby is a very trusting person and does not want to think the danger is from people she knows and trusts.Love takes hold in Abbys heart ,but will it be enough to hold on to Preston? Preston is "married" to his job.I love Native American elements in storys and this book contains them.Great Read!
February 2, 2014
I won this from a Goodreads giveaway! I hadn't read any books by Aimee Thurlo before but the story sounded like something I would enjoy. I was right, I really liked the characters in this book and although the storyline was quite simple I thought it read well and kept me guessing until the end. I would recommend this book if you haven't read any by this author before and will definitely be reading more.
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December 29, 2014"With the deft hand of a professional, Thurlo sprinkles Navajo tradition throughout the ongoing search for a murderer and art thief in this compelling story." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars
Miniseries: Copper Canyon
Category: Suspense
Miniseries: Copper Canyon
Category: Suspense
October 20, 2013
For writing this book is a four star book. The plot is pretty good too. The sheer idiocy of the law enforcement in the story would have knocked it down to a two otherwise. Seriously, the villain practically hands himself to them on a silver platter but nooooo *facepalm*
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December 29, 2014Miniseries: Copper Canyon
Category: Suspense
Received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Category: Suspense
Received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
September 14, 2013
A decent story. A little clunky in spots. Overall good though. If you want a quick, easy read then I'd recommend it.
November 24, 2013
As usual a great read.
July 2, 2015
this book was good
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June 12, 2017I enjoyed reading these book every much.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews