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Zeb Hanks Mystery #2
Holes In the Sky
Who owns what is traditionally considered sacred? Can the Catholic Church legally conspire with the federal government to steal the most sacrosanct of Native American holy places? Holes in the Sky, the second in the series Small Town Sheriff: Big Time Trouble explores these questions in a clash of cultures mixed with mysterious deaths.
In the middle of the night a priest sits in a rocking chair on a dip in the highway at the foot of Mount Graham. His fate is death when the driver of a semi-truck barreling down the road on an overnight haul sends him to his maker. Sheriff Zeb Hanks is certain that Father McNamara’s death is a suicide. Mounting evidence begins to tell him otherwise. Former sheriff, Jake Dablo, in his role as county commissioner, senses that potentially unscrupulous land deals are occurring on Mount Graham. Sheriff Hanks reluctantly agrees to help. Jake uncovers a dummy corporation that is purchasing very specific properties on Mount Graham. Eskadi Black Robes, tribal chairman of the San Carlos Reservation, discovers that these properties are among the holiest places in Apache religion. Eskadi is certain they are being foreclosed upon and confiscated by the federal government.
On the San Carlos Reservation a tribal gathering is called by Medicine Man, Jimmy Song Bird. Song Bird has had a vision that great harm will come to the Apache people if they fail to pay heed to the Gods that inhabit Mount Graham. His vision is interpreted as a call for action. Meanwhile, Sheriff Hanks and his team must unravel the complex weave of sacred holy places, land rights and the ever increasing body count which means big time trouble for the small town sheriff.
The story is a fictionalized tale set in a real place (Mount Graham, Safford, Arizona) around a real event (a joint venture involving the Vatican, University of Arizona, the German Government, Max Planck Institute and the United States Government) in the building of a telescope on sacred Apache land using eminent domain.
SMALL TOWN SHERIFF: BIG TIME TROUBLE SERIES
NATIVE BLOOD
HOLES IN THE SKY
In the middle of the night a priest sits in a rocking chair on a dip in the highway at the foot of Mount Graham. His fate is death when the driver of a semi-truck barreling down the road on an overnight haul sends him to his maker. Sheriff Zeb Hanks is certain that Father McNamara’s death is a suicide. Mounting evidence begins to tell him otherwise. Former sheriff, Jake Dablo, in his role as county commissioner, senses that potentially unscrupulous land deals are occurring on Mount Graham. Sheriff Hanks reluctantly agrees to help. Jake uncovers a dummy corporation that is purchasing very specific properties on Mount Graham. Eskadi Black Robes, tribal chairman of the San Carlos Reservation, discovers that these properties are among the holiest places in Apache religion. Eskadi is certain they are being foreclosed upon and confiscated by the federal government.
On the San Carlos Reservation a tribal gathering is called by Medicine Man, Jimmy Song Bird. Song Bird has had a vision that great harm will come to the Apache people if they fail to pay heed to the Gods that inhabit Mount Graham. His vision is interpreted as a call for action. Meanwhile, Sheriff Hanks and his team must unravel the complex weave of sacred holy places, land rights and the ever increasing body count which means big time trouble for the small town sheriff.
The story is a fictionalized tale set in a real place (Mount Graham, Safford, Arizona) around a real event (a joint venture involving the Vatican, University of Arizona, the German Government, Max Planck Institute and the United States Government) in the building of a telescope on sacred Apache land using eminent domain.
SMALL TOWN SHERIFF: BIG TIME TROUBLE SERIES
NATIVE BLOOD
HOLES IN THE SKY
- GenresMystery
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2013
397 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Mark Reps
38 books48 followersMark Reps has been a writer and storyteller his whole life. Born in small town southeastern Minnesota, he trained as a mathematician and chiropractor but never lost his love of telling or writing a good story. As an avid desert wilderness hiker Mark spends a great deal of time roaming the desert and other terrains of southeastern Arizona from December to May. A chance meeting with an old time colorful sheriff led him to develop the Zeb Hanks character and the world that surrounds him. Mark returns often to SE Arizona for inspiration, information and to maintain the general feel of the area, learn its history and understand the local residents.
When Mark started writing he became pen pals with Tony Hillerman who offered up tips, criticism and ideas on some of his early novels. His books are often compared with the Longmire television series and books by Craig Johnson.
Mark’s most recent project is the eighth installment of the ZEB HANKS series, NATIVE DESTINY which launched in the spring of 2018. He is working on a Zeb Hanks Novella which will be distributed free to subscribers. Books nine and ten (and likely beyond) are planned at a pace of one per year through 2020. Welcome to the series!
Signup for new releases and free content: http://eepurl.com/b6_7m-/
Find out more at:
facebook.com/ZebHanks
www.markreps.com
@markreps1
Many thanks to the many wonderful, loyal readers out there! Feedback is always welcome and Mark tries to respond to every request and question. If you read and enjoy the books, please review them on Amazon and Goodreads.
When Mark started writing he became pen pals with Tony Hillerman who offered up tips, criticism and ideas on some of his early novels. His books are often compared with the Longmire television series and books by Craig Johnson.
Mark’s most recent project is the eighth installment of the ZEB HANKS series, NATIVE DESTINY which launched in the spring of 2018. He is working on a Zeb Hanks Novella which will be distributed free to subscribers. Books nine and ten (and likely beyond) are planned at a pace of one per year through 2020. Welcome to the series!
Signup for new releases and free content: http://eepurl.com/b6_7m-/
Find out more at:
facebook.com/ZebHanks
www.markreps.com
@markreps1
Many thanks to the many wonderful, loyal readers out there! Feedback is always welcome and Mark tries to respond to every request and question. If you read and enjoy the books, please review them on Amazon and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 12, 2018
Holes In the Sky - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Set in the Grand Canyon State's Graham County, a crazed killer hides in plain sight on the Apache Reservation, fooling victims, (whose deaths he stages to look like suicide or accidental) and those he encounters with his fake pleasant and hospitable ways. When new young Deputy Delbert Funke is killed and others, including Zeb are hurt in a school's boiler-room explosion, [staged by the killer to throw the lawmen off the scent], Zeb is ever more determined they must be caught before more lives are lost!
Who else is murdered by the killer? Where did the killer find the means to do so? How do Zeb, Jake and Delbert narrowly miss becoming victims themselves?
Why was Father McNamara killed and how? Who was the second victim? Why is Mount Graham considered sacred ? How does the killer meet his fate?
Mark Reps tells another fascinating tale of murder, revenge and Apache legends in Holes in the Sky. Grab your copy to find out how the case is finally solved! A crazed killer hides in plain sight on the Rez, fooling victims, (whose deaths he stages to look like suicide or accidental) and those he encounters with his pleasant and hospitable ways. When new young Deputy Delbert Funke is killed and others, including Zeb are hurt in a school's boiler-room explosion, [staged by the killer to throw the lawmen off the scent], Zeb is ever more determined they must be caught before more lives are lost!
Who else is murdered by the killer? Where did the killer find the means to do so? How do Zeb, Jake and Delbert narrowly miss becoming victims themselves?
Why was Father McNamara killed and how? Who was the second victim? Why is Mount Graham considered sacred ? How does the killer meet his fate?
Mark Reps tells another fascinating tale of murder, revenge and Apache legends in Holes in the Sky. Grab your copy to find out how the case is finally solved!
Set in the Grand Canyon State's Graham County, a crazed killer hides in plain sight on the Apache Reservation, fooling victims, (whose deaths he stages to look like suicide or accidental) and those he encounters with his fake pleasant and hospitable ways. When new young Deputy Delbert Funke is killed and others, including Zeb are hurt in a school's boiler-room explosion, [staged by the killer to throw the lawmen off the scent], Zeb is ever more determined they must be caught before more lives are lost!
Who else is murdered by the killer? Where did the killer find the means to do so? How do Zeb, Jake and Delbert narrowly miss becoming victims themselves?
Why was Father McNamara killed and how? Who was the second victim? Why is Mount Graham considered sacred ? How does the killer meet his fate?
Mark Reps tells another fascinating tale of murder, revenge and Apache legends in Holes in the Sky. Grab your copy to find out how the case is finally solved! A crazed killer hides in plain sight on the Rez, fooling victims, (whose deaths he stages to look like suicide or accidental) and those he encounters with his pleasant and hospitable ways. When new young Deputy Delbert Funke is killed and others, including Zeb are hurt in a school's boiler-room explosion, [staged by the killer to throw the lawmen off the scent], Zeb is ever more determined they must be caught before more lives are lost!
Who else is murdered by the killer? Where did the killer find the means to do so? How do Zeb, Jake and Delbert narrowly miss becoming victims themselves?
Why was Father McNamara killed and how? Who was the second victim? Why is Mount Graham considered sacred ? How does the killer meet his fate?
Mark Reps tells another fascinating tale of murder, revenge and Apache legends in Holes in the Sky. Grab your copy to find out how the case is finally solved!
July 18, 2019
Nice enough story about the Apache and their sacred mountain. Funny townspeople and their stories. However, the blatant misconceptions that were perpetuated throughout this book made it really hard to read, especially about the Apaches and the ‘Mormons’. If you want to include a certain faith in your book you should check your background. Members of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints do not drink coffee or alcohol, nor do they smoke yet the ‘Mormons’ of this story reportingly did all those but were still in good standing. Any legal action from our government that involves a resident on tribal land must go through the law enforcement of the reservation, but their tribal police are strangely absent. These things may not bother others but it just goes to show how lazy this author is. I will definitely not be reading any more of this tripe.
March 23, 2024
In the middle of the night a priest sits in a rocking chair on a dip in the highway at the foot of Mount Graham. His fate is death when the driver of a semi-truck barreling down the road on an overnight haul sends him to his maker. Sheriff Zeb Hanks is certain that Father McNamara’s death is a suicide. Mounting evidence begins to tell him otherwise. Former sheriff, Jake Dablo, in his role as county commissioner, senses that potentially unscrupulous land deals are occurring on Mount Graham. Sheriff Hanks reluctantly agrees to help. Jake uncovers a dummy corporation that is purchasing very specific properties on Mount Graham. Eskadi Black Robes, tribal chairman of the San Carlos Reservation, discovers that these properties are among the holiest places in Apache religion. Eskadi is certain they are being foreclosed upon and confiscated by the federal government.
September 14, 2017
Tries hard but misses
This had all the potential of being a very good mystery. One major problem for me is that the author continually rambled when things could have been set out in a more concise manner. Perhaps he was doing this to make a longer book ? ALso a main character, the sheriff, comes across as a dimwitted idiot who cannot see clues unless somebody else explains it to him. The author claims he was influenced by the writings of Tony Hillerman. Unfortunately, he does not capture the grace of that writer. If you have Kindle Unlimited and have nothing better to read, go for it.
This had all the potential of being a very good mystery. One major problem for me is that the author continually rambled when things could have been set out in a more concise manner. Perhaps he was doing this to make a longer book ? ALso a main character, the sheriff, comes across as a dimwitted idiot who cannot see clues unless somebody else explains it to him. The author claims he was influenced by the writings of Tony Hillerman. Unfortunately, he does not capture the grace of that writer. If you have Kindle Unlimited and have nothing better to read, go for it.
January 20, 2021
Holes in The Sky, the second novel in the Zeb Hanks: Small Town Sheriff Big Time Trouble series, is a good mystery thriller. In this story, we get a glimpse at Apache beliefs and traditions which makes this tale even more interesting. Suicides, or are they murders, are happening in the small town of Safford, Arizona. Sheriff Hanks will have his hands full trying to solve these odd murders. Along with these killings, we find out about unscrupulous land deals which involve the Catholic Church and the sacred lands of the Native Americans. All in all, an exciting read with great characters and interesting twists and turns.
February 3, 2021
eh.
This is the second Zeb Hanks Mystery I have read, and it will be the last. Why? The plot is too predictable, the characters are shallow and the setting is barely sketched out with pencil. This book was heavily referenced in the other Zeb Hanks Mystery I read, Native Destiny. The later book was much better. I say, it is an interesting way to become a writer, turning out low quality work but getting real customer reviews. To Mark Reps: Keep writing. It will get easier and better.
This is the second Zeb Hanks Mystery I have read, and it will be the last. Why? The plot is too predictable, the characters are shallow and the setting is barely sketched out with pencil. This book was heavily referenced in the other Zeb Hanks Mystery I read, Native Destiny. The later book was much better. I say, it is an interesting way to become a writer, turning out low quality work but getting real customer reviews. To Mark Reps: Keep writing. It will get easier and better.
May 21, 2020
It's odd, this is my fourth or fifth in the series, now the cliffhanger mysteries, though excellent, are beginning to take a backseat to the lore, mythology, beliefs and description of the landscape. I am also a devotee of the writings of Tony Hillerman (RIP) and a similar thing happened though a little earlier because of his amazing talent for depicting the amazing landscapes in the Four Corners. Still, I really like Reps' work and will continue to follow as he is very, very good.
May 23, 2021
Mr Reps books always grab my attention and won't let go. I live very close to the are in his Zeb Hanks books so that always adds to the enjoyment. When I went to college I toke all the anthropology classes featuring American natives so that again peeks my interest. The continuing characters in his stories always bring back the stories in the past and want me to read more in the future. Highly recommend his work.
May 3, 2018
Great Entertainment
Love the Apache characters on 3 I have read so far.
Like old sheriff working with new. Like Hanks very much. He
Seems to fit what I would imagine a county sheriff could be like. Can't picture him with Doreen. She's too 'over the top' for me. Read a newer book 1st, so like new gal later very much. Plan to read books on Sheriff Hanks.
Love the Apache characters on 3 I have read so far.
Like old sheriff working with new. Like Hanks very much. He
Seems to fit what I would imagine a county sheriff could be like. Can't picture him with Doreen. She's too 'over the top' for me. Read a newer book 1st, so like new gal later very much. Plan to read books on Sheriff Hanks.
June 24, 2018
Not bad for first book. Formatting errors were plentiful. There were some parts of the book I thought were unbelievable. I had a major problem with Doreen. I think he was going for bigger than life, but got dumb and loud. I enjoy reading anything anything about Native American culture.
February 26, 2022
Poorly constructed
I was excited to begin this series as it contains 12 novels. The first novel was excellent, but this one, yikes. The last 2 chapters were improbable and the ending was hokey and rushed.
I was excited to begin this series as it contains 12 novels. The first novel was excellent, but this one, yikes. The last 2 chapters were improbable and the ending was hokey and rushed.
March 12, 2022
A decent storyline.
I don't know that this book had a ending, yes the bad guy was taken care of, but it just left the verdict out on what happened to the mountain. Perhaps another coming book will finish the story.
I don't know that this book had a ending, yes the bad guy was taken care of, but it just left the verdict out on what happened to the mountain. Perhaps another coming book will finish the story.
January 13, 2023
Struggling with a rating of between 2 & 3 stars. The story was good for a while but the 'bad guy' was easily discernable about 1/2 way through the book. And the character Jake spewed so many corn similies as to seem a caricature of a real person.
May 15, 2024
A really good story
This book tells a really good story surrounding Mount Graham and the Apache Nation. It is interesting and educational while telling the background history of how the Government has taken land from the Apache.
This book tells a really good story surrounding Mount Graham and the Apache Nation. It is interesting and educational while telling the background history of how the Government has taken land from the Apache.
December 13, 2025
Quick easy read
I enjoy this series because of the culture aspects of the storyline. The language is clean and respectful. Relaxing read. I hope we learn more about Doreen's background and the culture of the Apache nation in the following books.
I enjoy this series because of the culture aspects of the storyline. The language is clean and respectful. Relaxing read. I hope we learn more about Doreen's background and the culture of the Apache nation in the following books.
May 7, 2018
Easy reading and good native stories
Good fast and moving and great
Indian lore. I will read more of his stories because I enjoy his characters.
Good fast and moving and great
Indian lore. I will read more of his stories because I enjoy his characters.
July 24, 2018
Holes in the Sky a little dim.
It was a little slow in places and the villain was obvious a few chapters in. I liked the background of the Apache culture the best.
It was a little slow in places and the villain was obvious a few chapters in. I liked the background of the Apache culture the best.
March 1, 2025
Kindle Unlimited, The Zeb Hanks Mystery Series Books 1-3.
Book #2 of the Zeb Hanks Mysteries, Holes in the Sky is an excellent addition to this series, with poetic descriptions of this beautiful country, an intriguing mystery, and quite entertaining characters involved, both on the reservation and in the cop shop at Safford, AZ. We can't go wrong with Mark Reps. He has a fine tale to tell us.
Reviewed on February 16, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub.
Book #2 of the Zeb Hanks Mysteries, Holes in the Sky is an excellent addition to this series, with poetic descriptions of this beautiful country, an intriguing mystery, and quite entertaining characters involved, both on the reservation and in the cop shop at Safford, AZ. We can't go wrong with Mark Reps. He has a fine tale to tell us.
Reviewed on February 16, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub.
February 3, 2017
Good book...
Another good look into the beautiful state of Arizona and the fascinating world of the Apache Nation. The Apaches have some beautiful Creation stories and ceremonies. Their Apache Crown Dance is gorgeous. The dancers wear a black hood over their heads and a tall elaborately painted crown. How they manage to preform this very athletic dance with their head covered and wearing that heavy crown I'll never know but they make it look easy. Maybe Mr. Reps will write a story with this ceremony in it and let us in on they train for it. The characters were the same crazy loveable crew as in the previous books/ Zeb, Doreen, Jake and the rest of the gang, and let us not forget Jimmy Song Bird and the rest of the San Carlos Apache Nation. The writing was superb and the beautiful landscape of the Arizona desert was portrayed beautifully. Some of the twists and turns were unexpected but isn't that what we expect in a mystery thriller? The action took off on the first page and ever slowed down. Just an altogether enjoyable read from cover to cover.
Another good look into the beautiful state of Arizona and the fascinating world of the Apache Nation. The Apaches have some beautiful Creation stories and ceremonies. Their Apache Crown Dance is gorgeous. The dancers wear a black hood over their heads and a tall elaborately painted crown. How they manage to preform this very athletic dance with their head covered and wearing that heavy crown I'll never know but they make it look easy. Maybe Mr. Reps will write a story with this ceremony in it and let us in on they train for it. The characters were the same crazy loveable crew as in the previous books/ Zeb, Doreen, Jake and the rest of the gang, and let us not forget Jimmy Song Bird and the rest of the San Carlos Apache Nation. The writing was superb and the beautiful landscape of the Arizona desert was portrayed beautifully. Some of the twists and turns were unexpected but isn't that what we expect in a mystery thriller? The action took off on the first page and ever slowed down. Just an altogether enjoyable read from cover to cover.
November 25, 2013
When I got to the end of this book, I thought "Wow, this can't be the end." It seemed to me that the story could have been developed more and that there was much more to tell. The book just sort of withered and died just as the villain did in the end. In the beginning, I had high hopes of learning some more about Apache Indian history, culture, and spirituality but these subjects were touched upon only superficially. Many of the relationships among characters alluded to in the text were left hanging at the end in my opinion. To top it off, one of the main characters, the sheriff's girl friend and local café owner Doreen reminded me a lot of "Flo" on the old Alice TV show. I kept waiting for her to say "kiss my grits" and for her gum to snap. She got on my nerves.
All in all, not one of my favorite books.
All in all, not one of my favorite books.
June 24, 2016
This is the second book in the series about Zeb Hanks, a small town sheriff who has more than enough trouble on his hands. The book is rooted in a true story about the Vatican and others building a telescope on top of Mount Graham in an area considered holy by the Apaches. The story has so many great characters who truly seem real. I was so intrigued by the book that I looked up the controversy about the telescope and Mount Graham. Fascinating! I guess you could say this is historical murder mystery!
March 11, 2014
This review is based on the entire sample offered through Amazon. I enjoyed the sample and might purchase or at least put it on my wish list. The only reason I did not give four stars and purchase immediately was the formatting. It was very distracting.
March 30, 2014
Great
this book was full of mystery and also the faith of the Indian tribes culture.also the Catholic region that unveiled many different organizations that were unethical.
this book was full of mystery and also the faith of the Indian tribes culture.also the Catholic region that unveiled many different organizations that were unethical.
November 23, 2014
had potential but didn't quite get there.
March 11, 2015
Good read
The second book by this author found to have been a fairly good and entertaining enjoyable experience to spend some time with.
The second book by this author found to have been a fairly good and entertaining enjoyable experience to spend some time with.
August 15, 2015
Don't waste your time reading
August 17, 2021
I'm hooked on Mark Reps' Zeb Hanks series. They are the adult version of my beloved Hardy Boys books with a mix of Mark Twain.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews