Damning Firefly

Gabriel Hawke #11

by Paty Jager

Book 11 in the Gabriel Hawke SeriesA church fire.An unconscious woman on Starvation Ridge.Gabriel Hawke, fish and wildlife officer with the Oregon State Police, helps with a fire at the Lighted Path church before heading out to check turkey hunters. He discovers a car wedged between two trees and a woman with a head injury reeking of smoke. Is she the arsonist?Hawke encounters the county midwife gloating over the burnt church and learns she and the victim in the car know one another.Two seemingly separate events lead Hawke to a serial rapist and a county full of secrets.

Genres: Mystery

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2023

About the author

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 55+ novels, novellas, and short stories of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure.
All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

Reviews

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, despite it being on the difficult subject matter of child abuse. Like Hawke the author covers it with the dignity that victims are owed, there is no details and even I (who still cries at Disney films) got through it with no sign of tears, mostly because most of the victims Hawke spoke to had grown up. There was a lot going on in this book with so many victims and as a consequence suspects, so the book was all about the investigation and very little time out in the wilderness with dog. Although missing the time spent with dog and the horses it did mean Hawke got to show his softer side and just how good he is at his job. I liked the characters, even the suspects, so like Hawke I was hoping that they weren't involved. I had my suspicions but with all the twist and turns the story took I wasn't sure. I can't wait for the next book.
The local church is set on fire and the dead body of the local pastor is found. At the same time State Trooper Gabriel Hawke discovers a woman trapped in her car, smelling of smoke and no memory of how she got there. The local midwife seems to increase w what is going on and why somebody would kill the pastor but would Hawke believe her? The more Hawke looks into the death he wonders why no body in authority shut the man down or why non of the young women came forward. The woman didn't come forward when it happened but can be get them to come forward now? Especially as doing so will put them on the suspects list.
I like the narrator. He puts in a good performance that is entertaining and pleasant to listen too. I could listen to him for hours oh wait I just did.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series by Paty Jager, set in Oregon; its main character is Gabriel Hawke, a Fish and Wildlife Trooper with the State Police. Hawke has an American Indian heritage and can track people across the often hostile places he covers.

In book 11 of this series, Hawke is the first on scene of a fire at a church; then he comes across an unconscious woman trapped in a car not too far from the fire - are the 2 incidents related? What he uncovers is a story that goes back 30 or so years of an egotistical preacher using his status for nefarious means. It also shows the State Police force in a not so good light!

The books in this 'hard to put down' mystery series are all standalone stories, however they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

I really enjoy reading books by this author. The books are thoroughly researched, and facts about the indigenous people of the area are in each book. If you enjoyed this book, the Shandra Higheagle and Spotted Pony Casino series by the same author are equally as good.

I highly recommend that you put this book on your must-read list, especially if you like the mystery genre.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman came to town to see her estranged grandparents and wound up in fire-tinged clothing, a bash to the head, and her car in a precarious place. This and the arson to a church building with a dead man inside became Hawke's latest investigation. There's the local midwife who has been dissed by local law enforcement and any number of parishioners who have notably assaulted by the now dead pastor. A very timely message wrapped up with an excellent investigation. Hawke is one of my favorite lawmen.
There is a great campaign in Canada by The First Nations women who have launched a class action against Ottawa alleging widespread systemic racism in various federal Indigenous agencies and departments. (9-14-2021), in the US there is the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women's (also the MMIPersons) movement, the DOJ for the Not Invisible Act, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign against human trafficking. I do not apologize for the rant.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another exciting mystery by Ms. Jager! Hawke gets caught up in another murder and a horrible secret that was kept for years. Hawke is the first officer at the scene of the Lighted House church that was on fire. Not only was there a fire, but the pastor was found dead. I enjoy watching how Hawke always get pulled in the investigation of something that is not exactly under his duties. I could understand someone wanting to get rid of the pastor, after the horrible things he did. The story had so many suspects and ups and downs. Just when Hawke would find a clue, it would lead to something else or a dead end. I was so surprised at the end when I found out who did it. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve often heard it said that the female of any species is the most dangerous. Now, that’s a bit of a spoiler for the story, but not much of one since the victim was a monster who used his position of power to abuse the females under his care. That meant that Hawke had more suspects than he knew what to do with. But, as with every puzzle his brain won’t let go of, he applied his methodical tenacity to follow where the clues lead him. This time, they lead him through some of the darkest things one human being can do to another. Even though I hate that this book is over already, I can’t wait to see what trail he’ll be on to next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[kathleen dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed every book of this series. Ms. Jager’s storylines provide insight into the history and struggles of the Native Americans in this country while weaving intriguing mysteries into the plots. Loved all the characters, especially, of course, Hawke. Book 11 was one of my favorites. Ms. Jager writes in this book of the abuse women suffer at the hands of predators (men) and what women are faced with when victimized by these individuals. It’s an issue too often ignored. I appreciate Ms. Jager bringing many issues to the forefront in her books while providing an extremely entertaining read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: This eleventh book of the "Gabriel Hawke Novel" series was a fascinating and convoluted mystery. There was a fire at the "Lighted Path" church which began State Trooper Hawke's investigation into a very complicated case. There were times when the audiobook was hard to listen to due to the subject matter, but the author treated the subject with thoughtfulness and care. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Larry Gorman's narration was skillful, and his performance reflected the seriousness of the prose. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review which included my opinions.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Paty Jager read. Trooper Gabriel Hawke is first on the scene of a burning church and in short order finds a young women in a wrecked car. This is how he gets involved in not only investigating current crimes but finding ones dating back 30 years. This like other books in the Gabriel Hawke series draws you further and further into the investigation. So many suspects, so many motives. Once you start reading, you can't stop until the conclusion. I can't wait to see where the next book takes Hawke. I received a copy of this book and the views and opinions are my own.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was filled with twists and turns, so many terrible secrets were kept and truths that were not accepted. This turn families against each other and caused mayhem. The person who was killed deserved it but the author throws in so many suspects that you aren’t sure till the end who did it. There are a few surprises thrown in too. I always enjoy reading Hawke’s mysteries and love how his mind works, or should I say how the author’s mind works! Great reading, I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own.

[Tracey Tranter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great new Gabriel Hawke story from Ms Jager.

The pace of the mystery moves is quite rapid, allowing for well-placed red herrings to add more suspense and suspects to the storyline.

The Native American aspect of the story adds interest to the story line

This is a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The books in this 'hard to put down' mystery series are all standalone, however they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

I cannot wait to read her next story.

Highly recommend.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fruits of Sin

If this is the first Hawke novel you have read, you will find a thoughtfully researched story following the evidence in a long-term horrendous crime, with a few surprise twists. If you've been reading the series for a while, you will also enjoy the ongoing interplay among some of the characters as relationships develop. Even reading for the first time you will enjoy getting to know each of them. (And then you might want to go back to the beginning and start reading the whole series.) Wonderful story either way.

[Rose Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series and this story did not disappoint. The subject matter was extremely sensitive since it deals with rape, but the story was well written. Patty Jager did a great job the storyline. Makes you think why people turn a blind eye to such horror; I don't understand. However, as always Gabriel Hawke uncovers all the dirty secrets to solve the murder of the disgusting rapist pastor. It was such a good mystery. I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator, Larry Gorman as always, was fantastic. I am loving this series and can't wait for the next book.

[Gail Tavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Really enjoyed the book, each book seems to get better and better.
This story was about rape and sexual assault.I worked at a Rape Crisis here in Northern California and what I read about in the book was what I also learned. I feel Patty did a great job exploring into rape and sexual assault. If there is someone who reads this book and remembers things that happened to her please get help so you can have a better life.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawke finds a unconscious woman in a car wedge between some trees and her clothes smelled of smoke. When she regains consciousness she can’t remember anything after entering a church earlier, the same church that burnt down with the preacher inside. Hawke doesn’t believe the women set the fire because the evidence doesn’t fit. During his investigation he uncovers a lot of secrets about the preacher, secrets that someone wanted to may wanted to avenge.

This is a well written book about some heavy topics like grooming and S.A. Hawke is a smart, observant, intuitive, and yet compassionate male protagonist. The mystery kept me guessing until the end. Just when I’d think I had it figured out there would be more evidence and I’ve change my mind.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable series, although I prefer stories that feature more of Hawke's native abilities, tracking, etc. I hope future stories concentrate on the Indian reservation and Hawke's mother and sister.

[Martha Pinckney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relevant

Each of the eleven books in this Hawke series has been both entertaining and relevant. The characters are well drawn and the plots are intriguing. Hope there will be more in this series!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book handling a very tricky topic, which is very relevant and prevalent today. Hawke has a very different way of looking at life and his investigations, which sometimes causes frustration. He shows a greater sensitivity to people and the environment which helps him.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written, entertaining book. It was suspenseful, held my interest and kept me reading to find out what was going to happen next. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as other books by this author.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 11th Gabriel Hawke. They get better and he is a wonderful human being. I thoroughly enjoyed Damning Firefly. Thank you to Amazon for recommending this author. It is so hard for new authors to get a break.

[James W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great “whodunnit” series

One of the more psychologically twisted plots in the series. You are left with the belief the “bad guy” got off too easy and that his killers deserved medals far more than prison.

[beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

This entire series is very good, never disappointing. Each story is so well thought out and characters well done. Write faster.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual another great Gabriel Hawke mystery from this author. I have never discovered "who done it" before the end of the book...never. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Virginia Adi · Rating 4 out of 5]

always enjoy the characters

[Ty Starks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best of the series. Such a compelling story!

[Marlyn Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story.

This is a fantastic series. I have read all of them and loved each one. Strong characters, current topics, great story line.