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Havoc

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In this tightly paced sequel to Redemption, Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran joins the Taos Pueblo tribal police department to uncover a member of her community’s murder…and the conspiracy behind it.

It’s been over a year since the case that almost broke her, but when Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran is called back to duty, she doesn’t hesitate to answer. A bank robbery has left an officer down and a suspect on the run. Law enforcement is in hot pursuit, and residents are on the lookout―but before anyone can catch the criminal, tragedy strikes.

A member of the Taos Pueblo tribe has been shot and killed. The culprit? An untraceable 3D-printed gun. With the support of fellow tribal cops, Eva breaks the news to the victim’s family and swears to find justice.

More violence follows, feeding the rising racial tensions between the Taos Pueblo people and the Hispanic community. New evidence forces Eva to consider the possibility that the bank robbery and 3D guns are related, but until she figures out how, there’s no telling how deep this crime ring goes…or how far its evasive ringleader will go to protect it.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2024

145 people are currently reading
3212 people want to read

About the author

Deborah J. Ledford

32 books223 followers
DEBORAH J LEDFORD is an Agatha Award winner and two-time nominee for the Anthony Award. REDEMPTION and HAVOC are from the Eva "Lightning Dance" Duran Native American suspense series.

Her first series, the Smoky Mountain Intrigue Native American police procedural series, includes the titles CAUSING CHAOS, CRESCENDO, STACCATO, and the Hillerman Sky Award Finalist and New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards Finalist, SNARE.

Three-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize, her award-winning stories appear in numerous print publications as well as literary and mystery anthologies.

She is also a former Arizona State University adjunct professor for The Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing. Ledford is President/Producer for the independent media company, IOF Productions Ltd. She produced the CAUSING CHAOS and CRESCENDO audiobooks as well as The Blind Eye.

Part Eastern Band Cherokee, Ledford spent her summers growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina, where her Smoky Mountain Inquest book series is set. She lives in the Phoenix, Arizona area with her extremely patient husband and their awesome Ausky.

She is a member of: International Thriller Writers Association (ITW), Sisters in Crime National (SinC), Crime Writers of Color (CWoC), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Past-President of Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths (AZ) Chapter.

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5 stars
246 (48%)
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205 (40%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
345 reviews44 followers
September 5, 2024
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 Stars

This is the second book in the series featuring Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran. However, it can be read as a standalone.
Strong depth of character.
Interesting story.
Native ceremony.
Words and story flowed well.
I enjoyed this novel even more than the first book of the series.
I highly recommend it!

I received this ARC from the author, Deborah
J. Ledford.
All opinions posted above are my own.
Havoc is supposed to be released on July 30, 2024.
It can be pre-ordered.

UPDATE: Havoc is NOW available 😊
Profile Image for John.
111 reviews18 followers
February 18, 2024
This was my first experience with author Ledford, and I'm happy to say it won't be my last. It takes a lot to hold my interest, yet this novel did so brilliantly. "Havoc" is the follow-up to "Redemption," and even though I didn't read the first book, it didn't affect my enjoyment of this sequel. Ledford gives enough background on previous events so that one doesn't have to read "Redemption" first in order to understand what's going on in the story.

I seek out stories featuring New Mexico because I live here in Northern NM, and oftentimes, they ring a bit inauthentic and stereotypical. Ledford portrayed Taos and Taos Pueblo realistically, along with Pueblo native culture and life. The story was fast-paced and had enough suspense to keep me reading long into the night. I will be looking to read "Redemption" and hope Ledford will continue this series.
4.5 stars

A special thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Profile Image for Christine.
1,956 reviews60 followers
July 27, 2024
4.25 stars
Eva "Lightning Dance" Duran is a Taos Pueblo tribal police officer and is called in to assist with a bank robbery in which a police officer from the town of Taos is shot and the robber gets away. This ends up being just one part of a complex case with multiple law enforcement officials working on it, including Eva's boyfriend Cruz Romero. The plot of the book is complicated and is told from multiple points-of-view. Eva is a strong female main character who is adjusting to her new role as a tribal police officer after previously being a deputy sheriff. She has her own way of doing things, but gets results!

This is the second book in the series, but important information from the first book is included. In addition to the interesting plot, the book has characters you care about. I will admit that sometimes the details about the 3D guns which play a large role in the book were confusing to me, but I still enjoyed the story. Everything that is included about Pueblo customs and traditions makes this book truly unique. Many parts of the story are sad, but the book ends on a hopeful note. I hope there are additional books in this special series.

Thank you to the author and to Amazon Publishing for the advance copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Profile Image for Valleri.
1,012 reviews43 followers
August 7, 2024
I very much enjoyed Redemption so it was a no-brainer I needed to get my hands on Havoc! Eva is such a strong literary character and I find it fascinating to read about the Taos Pueblo people. I still adore Kai, who is gentle and wise beyond his years.

It seemed as though there were more points of view in Havoc than there had been in Redemption. I appreciated that the chapter titles gave the name of the person speaking but I had a bit of trouble keeping track of the people who weren't main characters. (On the other hand, I've possibly reached the age of needing to make notes as I read! 😄) I'm eager to see what happens next in this series!!

#TaosPuebloPeople #DeborahJLedford
Profile Image for Nursebookie.
2,889 reviews453 followers
August 30, 2024
TITLE: HAVOC
AUTHOR: Deborah J Ledford
PUB DATE: 07.30.2024

In this tightly paced sequel to Redemption, Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran joins the Taos Pueblo tribal police department to uncover a member of her community’s murder…and the conspiracy behind it.

THOUGHTS:

I enjoy a gripping crime thriller / police procedural involving Native American characters - in Havoc by Ledford it’s about Taos Pueblo tribe officer Eva Duran, the second book in the series which I haven’t read but this book worked perfectly as a stand-alone. I enjoyed the pace and the writing was completely immersive - this was such a well written novel with great character development and solid plotting. Fantastic!
Profile Image for J Kromrie.
2,513 reviews49 followers
March 23, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"Havoc," the second book in the Eva "Lightning Dance" Duran series by Deborah J Ledford, is a riveting thriller that delves deep into the heart of Taos Pueblo. The protagonist, Eva Duran, returns to the tribal police force to investigate a murder that threatens to fracture her community. With a backdrop of rising racial tensions and the introduction of untraceable 3D-printed guns, the stakes are higher than ever.

Ledford's writing is sharp and immersive, capturing the essence of the Taos Pueblo with vivid descriptions and complex characters that bring the story to life. The novel's pacing is tight, with each chapter ratcheting up the tension as Eva uncovers layer after layer of conspiracy.

What sets "Havoc" apart is its authentic representation of Native American culture and the nuanced portrayal of community dynamics. The book doesn't shy away from addressing the challenges faced by the Taos Pueblo people, weaving social commentary into a fast-paced narrative.

Eva Duran is a compelling lead—resilient, determined, and deeply connected to her heritage. Her journey is not just one of solving a crime but also of personal redemption and growth. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, from fellow tribal cops to the victim's family, each adding depth to the unfolding drama.

In conclusion, "Havoc" is a must-read for fans of the genre. It's a thought-provoking thriller that combines cultural richness with a gripping plot. Deborah J Ledford has crafted a story that is both entertaining and enlightening, solidifying her place as a skilled storyteller in the realm of suspense fiction.
Profile Image for Robbin Stull.
43 reviews
April 6, 2024
I'm very pleased to offer my review of Havoc after receiving an Advance Reader's Copy. This is my first time reading a book by this author, and it won't be the last. The characters, the interwoven stories, and the location are truly amazing. I appreciate the clearly researched descriptions of the Native American Pueblo tribe, culture, practices, and daily challenges. My heart rate was elevated quite often. It's not a happily ever after, everything is fine kind of book. But there certainly is hope.
Profile Image for Elise Hart Kipness.
Author 3 books268 followers
May 14, 2024
Deb Ledford once again brings heart to the story of Eva "Lightning Dance" Duran. In Duran, Ledford has created an intriguing heroine who doesn't shy away from trouble as she investigates a crime in the Taos Pueblo community. Ledford's story is equal parts beautiful prose and character development, mixed with a compelling and twisty plot. Ledford ones again demonstrates why she is an author to be watched. This is a must read!!
Profile Image for Rudrashree Makwana.
Author 1 book71 followers
February 15, 2024
The book is emotional and it has multiple POVs. The characters were mysterious. The world building is perilous and full of conspiracies and mysteries. So many unthinkable things happens in the plot including bank robbery, killing people with 3d printed guns. Somehow robbery and Killing has some connection. The author has shared insight of the law enforcement. Eva gets tangled in murders, conspiracies and mystery of the 3D Printed Guns, Will she be able to find a way to stop all the unexpected happenings? Will she be able to find the killer?

Many Thanks to Author, Publisher and Netgalley.
Profile Image for Claire.
Author 17 books19 followers
August 17, 2024
In this second novel featuring Eva "Lightning Dance" Duran, Ledford pokes the bear again, delivering a rock-solid mystery based on situations and characters you know are fictional but wish were real. Havoc exposes issues from the viewpoint of the Native American community, yet they affect the daily lives of many cultures. It's a riveting tale that brings present-day reality into focus—the story is fiction, the reality behind it is true.
Profile Image for Kathy Martin.
4,158 reviews115 followers
June 28, 2024
The second Eva "Lightning Dance" Durand thriller deals with a bank robbery, 3D printed guns, and the death of a child who had one of those fake guns.

The story is told from multiple viewpoints and includes chapters from various characters in the book. The bank robber's point of view illustrates his complete lack of humanity. Other viewpoints include both Eva and her boyfriend/fellow police officer Cruz and young Kai Arrio who is a biology student training a Belgian Malinois. We hear from Tomas Salas who was Kai's favorite teacher in high school and who has big dreams for the Pueblo reservation but a horrible way of realizing them. We hear many other viewpoints too.

The viewpoints are all woven together into a fast-paced suspenseful story. It is also a story about grief and loss and life on the Pueblo reservation near Taos. I enjoyed it very much.
Profile Image for itsallaboutbooksandmacarons.
2,291 reviews48 followers
July 24, 2024
This story masterfully intertwines complexity and emotional depth, crafting a narrative that is as intricate as it is poignant. The plot unfolds with a nuanced approach, weaving together multiple layers of meaning that challenge the reader to engage deeply with the material. The characters are vividly portrayed, their journeys reflecting both the vibrant highs and the somber lows of their experiences. While the story is undeniably melancholic, it is this very sadness that infuses it with a profound sense of reality and relatability. Each moment feels alive, resonating with authenticity and depth. This tale stands out as a powerful testament to the beauty of well-crafted storytelling that, despite its sadness, leaves a lasting impression through its depth and vitality.
1 review
August 15, 2024
These two books were the best two books I have read in years! I read a book a day and am always so excited to try a new genre of books. These two books were sooooooo good and I loved every minute while reading your books. Please write more about this subject. It was so informative and I learned a lot about their culture. Please email when you write #3! I would be so happy!
Profile Image for Sarah Bowe.
2,044 reviews
July 24, 2024
This was my first book by Deborah and even though it's called a sequel to Redemption, I still enjoyed the book.

Eva is a great tribal officer and I liked to see how much she cared for Kai (whose mom was the subject of book 1, I think). The tension in finding a bank robber and a Pueblo boy who's shot and not knowing if one had to do with the other until you start to build clues along with Eva.

I love the representation of the Taos Pueblo people. I was really interested in their traditions for a funeral of one of their own (my sister dated a Navajo guy who died so it was a little bit personal to me... Even if it's not the exact traditions his people may have had).
Profile Image for Charlene (pageandplace).
315 reviews19 followers
July 18, 2024
Book 2 is a multicast/POV thriller novel, that follows Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran. Part police procedural, Eva is now a member of the Taos Pueblo tribal police. Her newest cases a bank robbery and crimes with 3D printed guns. Can Eva connect the cases?

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters more in the second book. Book 1, Redemption, was really good and introduced the cast but it was nice getting to know them more and see how Eva was growing in her new position as a tribal police officer.

Havoc could be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading Redemption first. Both gave you a small look into life on the reservation and the books should fair well with fans of Tony Hillerman!

Thank you to the author, Deborah J Ledford, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#Havoc #NetGalley
Profile Image for J Kromrie.
2,513 reviews49 followers
July 30, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

I absolutely LOVE this mystery series, the author made sure it has everything - a compelling mystery, suspense, and best of all, wonderfully multi-dimensional characters that are so well defined they rapidly feel like real-life friends and family.

In the gripping sequel to “Redemption,” Deborah J Ledford takes us back to the heart of the Taos Pueblo community in “Havoc.” Narrated by the talented Jennice Ontiveros, this audiobook weaves a tale of justice, conspiracy, and cultural tensions.

Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran, a tribal police officer, returns to duty after a year away. When a bank robbery leaves an officer wounded and a suspect on the run, Eva’s determination kicks in. But tragedy strikes when a member of the Taos Pueblo tribe is shot and killed by an untraceable 3D printed gun. Eva vows to find justice, even as violence escalates, fueling racial tensions between the Taos Pueblo people and the Hispanic community.

Ledford’s meticulous research shines through, painting a vivid portrait of contemporary crime-fighting in tribal communities. The characters—Eva, her fellow officers, and the community members—are multifaceted, balancing their duties with traditional obligations. As the mystery deepens, Eva must unravel the connection between the bank robbery and the elusive crime ring behind the 3D guns.

Jennice Ontiveros’s narration adds depth to the story, capturing the nuances of each character. Her expressive voice draws listeners into the unfolding drama, making “Havoc” an immersive experience.

 Why You Should Listen:

Engaging Characters: Eva Duran’s resilience and determination make her a compelling protagonist.

Thought-Provoking Themes: Ledford delves into cultural identity, justice, and the clash between tradition and modernity.

Taut Pacing: The plot keeps you on the edge, with twists and turns that surprise and captivate.

Whether you’re a fan of police procedurals, Native American literature, or thrillers, “Havoc” delivers a powerful narrative that lingers long after the final chapter. Ledford’s storytelling prowess shines, and Jennice Ontiveros’s narration brings it to life. 

This audiobook is stellar, and Ledford's series is a joy to read (or listen to).

Deborah J Ledford is an author that ALWAYS delivers top quality mysteries that you are sure to 💕 love. An author to watch, as she is sure to become a bestseller, the talent is definitely there!🌹
Profile Image for Linda.
1,653 reviews1,707 followers
June 11, 2024
The Universe moves mountains or it can destroy them into rubble. It's all in the intent.

People move in such a complicated way along the lines of good and bad. The gray areas run neither hot nor cold. And what sets thoughts into actions is always back to that element of intent.

Eva Durand is back again as a Taos Police tribal officer. She serves the Taos Pueblo community in Taos, New Mexico. Eva covers a wide range in her jurisdiction under quite the challenging circumstances. Her community knows one another with families established for eons. But what really is a thorn in the side is the constant upheaval in determining who is reliable and truthful during these unsettling times. People present themselves with open faces while hiding their questionable intent.

Eva reacts quickly to the call that comes in with a bank robbery in progress. The robber was masked and wearing a long wig. Two officers were down with one severely injured. Tracking this sly lawbreaker is going to be a challenge. He's slipped out of the bank and into the oncoming traffic like a phantom. Seems like this phantom had a well planned plan.

We'll also come upon a young Pueblo boy who got his hands on a 3-D Glock. It's not going to end well. It appears that someone is flooding the market with these 3-D replicas. Eva is going to go up against an unsuspecting purveyor of these weapons. And the damage inflicted upon this Pueblo community will be huge in loss of life.

Deborah J. Ledford presents a remarkable journey into the lives of the Taos Pueblo community. She respectfully relates the challenges of today's world seeping into reservation life. Keeping her people in check and being pro-active to their needs is an uphill battle for Eva. Havoc reads as a perfect standalone, but you may wish to pick up Redemption #1 to give yourself a feel for the character of Eva Durand. Ledford creates a wide circle with well developed characters and a timely storyline that all should take note of. Bravo, Deborah J. Ledford, just bravo.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Deborah J. Ledford for the opportunity.
Profile Image for M. Dobson.
Author 4 books21 followers
April 14, 2024
ARC reading; release date 7.30.24, pre-order now from Amazon or Thomas-Mercer
1st in the series available now: Redemption
Other series available now: Smokie Mountain Inquest Series

Havoc, book 2 of Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran Series
By Deborah J Ledford
“Urgent assistance requested by Taos PD … Robbery in progress. Shots fired. Taos PD officer down.” And Eva’s day as a reservation cop switches into high gear. Deborah J Ledford takes the reader on a wild ride from bank robbery, officer shot, and into an illicit untraceable 3D gun trade. In the process, a great toll is taken on the Taos Pueblo.
As in her first well-received book, Redemption, Havoc will guide you between touching, although complicated, tribal relationships. Although an excellent crime book, it is the tender care and authenticity of the Taos Pueblo people’s story weaved through the plot that shines. My favorite scene is when the damaged but healing Paloma “White Dove”, celebrated but tarnished hoop dancer from book one, gives honor to a community death with a classic ‘shawl dance’. Some will know it as a jingle bell dance. It was emotional and made me cry.
Her Native American characters are well rounded, never flat, individually crafted and deeply fascinating and authentic. Many scenes and the novel’s tribal chapters reminded me of Hillerman’s work and certainly reminiscent of the television series, Dark Winds.
Yes, it is a cop story, but the novel lifts the reader to far greater realms when she writes of people in situ, in relationship with each other, and in touch with their heritage.

Deborah J Ledford is an Agatha Award winner, three-time nominee for the Pushcart Price, two-time finalist for the Anthony Award, and the Hillerman Sky Award nominee for best mystery who captures the landscape of the Southwest. Part Eastern Bank Cherokee, she lives in Phoenix. With six novels and four short stories, Deborah is coming into her own with craft and storytelling skills that rival the best.
Profile Image for Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader.
2,785 reviews31.9k followers
July 26, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment in this series, Redemption, and shared my thoughts here. I was excited to see where Eva’s story would go next.

This one starts with a bang. There’s a bank robbery where an officer is injured. Things are extremely hot as the search ensues, but at the same time, a tragedy happens for the Taos Pueblo tribe when one member is killed. Violence is one the rise, racial tensions in the community are mounting.
Eva begins to wonder if the bank robbery and the murder are related.

Deborah J. Ledford is an award-winning author and scenic artist for motion pictures, and as ever, her writing is polished and leaps off the pages. Eva is a formidable and complex main character. She is always growing, and I feel like I’m learning right alongside her. If you are looking for a compelling crime thriller series, don’t miss out on this one. North Carolina readers may also want to check out Ledford’s Smoky Mountain Inquest books, set in Cherokee, North Carolina, where the author spent her summers growing up.

I received a gifted copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Profile Image for Megan.
981 reviews
September 9, 2024
I have been wanting to check out this series, so I was thrilled to win a copy of the second installment. While I normally prefer to read mystery series in order and I have a copy of the first one in my e-reader, I decided to dive into book #2 immediately, rather than reading the first book first. I probably missed out a little bit by making that choice but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book. I'm looking forward to getting caught up on the series soon and eager to find out what comes next based on my read of this one.

The location and characters drew me in right away, and will be sure to draw me back again. I enjoyed getting to know Eva "Lightning Dance" Duran, a member of the Taos Pueblo tribal police department, in particular, as I always like a strong female lead in my mystery series. Each chapter is told from a different character's perspective, which was an aspect that I really liked about the novel. A list of characters might help you keep track of all of the POVs. However, I felt like the fast-paced nature of the story made that unnecessary since I kept wanting to find out what came next and how the various plot elements would converge. There are a couple of threads being developed simultaneously, so I enjoyed seeing how they came together and were ultimately resolved at the end. The pacing and mounting tension were really well-done. I also appreciated the author's note at the end in which she talked about her research and the care she took with each detail of the story, including how she chose characters' names. It reinforced that this is a series that will undoubtedly become a must read for me.

Many thanks to Amazon Publishing for providing me with this Goodreads Giveaways win!

I used this as my pick for the 2024 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge prompt "A book set in a travel destination on your bucket list" since I'd like to visit New Mexico one day.
Profile Image for Stephanielikesbooks.
704 reviews79 followers
July 16, 2024
As part of @thrillerbookloversthepulse I was fortunate to get the chance to read Havoc by @djledford and I’m glad I did.

Havoc is an interesting Native American mystery read set in Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. Eva, a young, strong female officer in the tribal police department, is investigating a bank robbery and the death of a young Taos Pueblo tribe member. In both cases, a 3D printed gun was used.

As Eva investigates these crimes and how they are related, we meet the members of the tribe community who have been impacted by this violence and by past trauma. It was very interesting to read and learn about the tribe, its culture, rituals and traditions of which I knew nothing before. I found the characters and the setting to be just as interesting as the mystery elements.

The story is told from multiple perspectives, including the sociopathic bank robber, but it is easy to keep track of them. The pacing is steady with an ending that brings the various plot elements together. I also think that the issues raised by the author around technology, racism, sexism, culture and traditions were well woven into the story.

I enjoyed this read which I thought did a very good job of blending a compelling story about culture, family and a mystery. This novel is actually the follow-up to Redemption, the first story about Eva. I hadn’t read that novel but was able to read this as a standalone. I think though that reading Redemption first would help to better understand the references to past events and to learn more about Eva’s backstory.

Those looking for an interesting diverse mystery read should definitely check this one out.
Profile Image for Trudie Barreras.
105 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2024
This is the second book in the series of Eva (“Lightning Dance”) Duran mysteries. As I mentioned when I recently reviewed the first book in the series, “Redemption”, author Ledford has a keen and sensitive touch dealing with the Pueblo people of Taos, NM, which I find extremely engaging and worthwhile.

In this second novel in what hopefully will be an interesting ongoing series similar to the one which touches on a parallel circumstance with the Cherokee people of North Carolina (see the author’s website for further information), there is much concern with the interaction between the white or “Anglo” community with indigenous people and customs. The specific issue in “Havoc” is the problem of 3D printed “ghost guns” being distributed on the Taos Reservation in connection with the havoc already produced by the problems of drug addiction. There is a great deal of overlap between this novel and the first book in the series, “Redemption”. Kai, the son of the hoop dancer Paloma, whom Eva rescued in the prior book, is a young student of botany whose high school science teacher was his mentor. Kai becomes involved with the entire situation involving the 3D printing, in which, it turns out, said mentor was deeply entangled. Once again, it seems the teacher had been “just trying to help” the people on the Reservation by expanding the concept of 3D printing to encompass 3D printing of houses to ease the housing shortages on the reservation. Obviously, as the story focuses emphatically, greed and short sightedness allow the project to be completely derailed. Once again Ledford accomplishes a gripping and psychologically intense novel.
Profile Image for Alicia López Montero.
86 reviews9 followers
August 24, 2024
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange of my honest review.

My rating: 3 stars

My thoughts: the author is clearly talented and she knows how to build up an environment of constant rush and a perpetual sensation of not knowing the full truth at any moment.
The fact that all the events of this book take place in less than 5 days is proof of how the domino pieces can topple down in the blink of an eye and cause everything to implode.

This said, I am a bit underwhelmed with the development of the story and how each issue got solved. I don't think we ever got to feel the stakes to be high, or the tension to be unbearable.
We are told from the very first moment who the bad guys are and what's really happening, so it's just a question of waiting for all the pieces to align and for the FML to connect the dots.

Also, and while important for cultural representation purposes, I do think there were many scenes about the funeral that were dragged for too long and in the end contributed practically nothing to the main story.
But then, the two action scenes where things could've been explained and detailed a bit deeper, we see them solved in less than one and a half pages? As though the author was suddenly in a rush to finish and get over with them, or worse, didn't know how to make them believable and maintain a good pace.

I'm sad to say that for a mystery thriller, nothing was really that mysterious and the police presence and action was almost anecdotal.
Profile Image for Marcia.
548 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2024
When I read Redemption I was overwhelmed by the main character, Eva "Lightening Dance" Duran, a Taos County deputy. I could hardly wait for this book to arrive and I was so right! Eva has left the county sheriff's office and joined the Taos Pueblo Tribal Police, where she tries to help maintain peace amongst the members of her tribe. About a year after the case that brought her back to the tribal community, one of the members is killed because of a 3D printed gun. This is the second time one of these guns impacted Eva on the same day. The other incident involved a bank robbery in Taos where a friend and former coworker was shot. Eva is convinced the robbery and guns are connected. This is a fast paced story, moving and reading quickly. Chapters are short and each is written in the voice of a key character. Each voice is clear and distinctive, with each personality strongly on display for the reader.
There are several things about this series that I really appreciate, the characters are vibrant and engaging, even the "bad guys"; the setting is beautifully described and easy to picture and most especially, the culture and traditions of the Taos Pueblo people is honored and feels very authentic. I am not really sure I will be able to wait another year for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Chelsie.
1,467 reviews
April 21, 2024
The title of this one says it all, Havoc! If you are looking for a multicast thriller novel, then this is your series. Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran is back to duty and it is getting right back into the saddle for her. Now a member of the Taos Pueblo tribal police, she has her hands full with a bank robbery, a few murders and plastic 3D printed guns that keep turning up at the different scenes. But with there being other departments a part of these cases as well, she keeps getting pushed out but Eva is determined to connect the dots and bring justice for one of their own that was killed. Although there was a lot of characters and a few story lines going on, the novel flowed well and the author did an amazing job bringing it all together in a very realistic way. I also really enjoyed learning about some of the beliefs and rituals on the reservation as well as the everyday struggles they deal with. I will be looking forward to reading more in this series and now I need to go back and read the first book so I can learn more about Eva and her past. Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the complementary ebook. I am excited to be a part of show casing this novel with Thriller Book Lovers the Pulse this summer. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
1,391 reviews21 followers
June 25, 2024
🎧4.25⭐️

This is a sequel, however it’s the first book I’ve read. It reads well as a standalone

Narrated by Jennice Ontiveros who does a good job with the narration but I feel that her voice is too young for Kai.

Eva “Lightening Dance” Duran joins the Toas Pueblo tribal police department to help with a robbery at the New Mexico bank.

I found this a really easy enjoyable listen. I enjoyed the easy going writing style, I found the book engaging, the characters are well written, I just loved Eva and her relationship with people in the community, especially troublesome teenage brothers. Eva is really caring. Kai and Shadow were brilliant too, for quite awhile (due to the narration) I thought that Kai was a kid, but he is at college. His relationship with Shadow is adorable. I even had some sympathy for one of the antagonists, as we also hear from their pov.

The plot isn’t complex, but there’s enough going on to keep my interest. I liked the insight into problems faced by the Taos Pueublo, it’s something very different for me.

I am keen to catch up with the first book and look forward to more by this author.

I had this book for free
Profile Image for dianas_books_cars_coffee.
433 reviews14 followers
August 5, 2024
4.5⭐️

This is the 2nd book in the author's Eva "Lightning Dance" Duran series but can be read as a standalone. I will definitely be going back to read REDEMPTION, which is the 1st book.

A bank robbery calls Eva "Lightning Dance" Duran back to duty with the Taos Pueblo Tribal Police. The robbery has left a fellow law enforcement officer fighting for her life. Everyone is on high alert, keeping their eyes open to find the suspect. Meanwhile, tragedy strikes the tribe when one of their own is shot and killed because of an untraceable 3D-printed gun. Where did the gun come from? Who's making them, and who are they selling them to? Is it related to the bank robbery?

This crime thriller/police procedural was told in multiple POVs. It was very entertaining and definitely kept my attention. It was well-written with an interesting plot and great characters. I really enjoyed the inclusion of the Taos Pueblo culture. The author did an amazing job with the setting, and you actually feel like you're in NM. This book is full of emotion, mystery, and action. I would most definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Jo Anne.
946 reviews10 followers
August 6, 2024
This is book 2 and currently the only other book in the series. I hope for at least one more book since we need to find out who the true master criminal behind the 3D printed guns is.
Both books are so well written and very tense. I mentioned in my review for book 1 that Tony and Anne Hillerman fans will loves these books and I have to say Ms. Ledford jumped a little ahead of them with this book.
In this book there is a bank robbery, several shootings, betrayal and a redemption. I only have one complaint. Nathan "Little Bear" Trujillo, who I fell in love with in book 1, is on a class field trip. His best friend Betty is shoved by the class bully and Nathan goes to her defense. Of course the bully goes after Nathan. While Robby the bully is the catalyst for one of the events that take place in the book, he is not punished, even when Betty tells Cruz what has happened. With all the cruelty going on in the world today, I really would like to see kids get called out on their behavior. Robby is never brought up again.
695 reviews14 followers
March 16, 2024
The second in this series has Eva Duran in a new position with the tribal police. Eva is part of the Pueblo tribe in Taos New Mexico. She has family, friends and strong ties to the community, including some complicated relationships. 3D printed handguns are surfacing in the latest crimes. The resulting deaths will be needless, unfathomable and heartbreaking. I liked learning about the customs and burial rites of the tribe, even as the theme was solemn, emotional and difficult to think about. I enjoyed the setting and descriptive vistas. The characters are all distinct and unique. I’m happy to have discovered this author and look forward to reading more in the series.
An uncorrected advance reader copy of “Havoc” Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran Series #2, by Deborah J Ledford, Published by Thomas & Mercer, expected publication date 07/30/2024, was provided by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.
Profile Image for Juli.
257 reviews13 followers
July 29, 2024
Havoc has Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran on the job with the Taos Pueblo tribal police. There is alot of action, a bank robbery, the use of 3D printed guns, tension between the Hispanic and Taos Pubelo community, and the shooting and killing of an officer on the tribal police force. The story is told with multiple POVs.

Eva is determined to get to the bottom of it all. Is the bank robbery tied into the appearance of the 3D printed guns? Who is the person in charge? The story is fast paced and the author brings the different storylines to a satisfying conclusion.

This is a great followup to Redemption, the first book. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading Redemption because it is an excellent book. I enjoyed the author's incorporation of the Taos Pueblo culture into the story. I look forward to seeing more of Eva.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas & Mercer, for an ARC. The review is my own.

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