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Kendall O'Dell #3
Dark Moon Crossing
The third adventure in Sylvia Nobel's mystery series, based on actual newspaper articles, plunges reporter Kendall O'Dell into the center of the volatile and controversial issues surrounding ranchers and illegal immigrant crossings at the U.S./Mexican border. When she agrees to investigate the disappearance of a co-worker's relatives who mysteriously vanish after crossing into Arizona, and attempts to tie together frightening UFO sightings, mutilated cattle, and missing immigrants, Kendall's life hangs in the balance when she finally exposes the hideous secret.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
190 people are currently reading
715 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Nobel
9 books89 followersSylvia Nobel, a resident of Arizona since 1961, is the author of the best-selling Kendall O'Dell mystery series. She is also one of the producers of the new feature film Deadly Sanctuary, based on the first book in the series. The 5th book, Forbidden Entry has now been released. Her breathtaking descriptions of the Arizona desert illustrate her love affair with the state's unique beauty. Her main protagonist, feisty, flame-haired reporter Kendall O'Dell has been described by readers as a modern day grown up "Nancy Drew" or a younger Jessica Fletcher from "Murder She Wrote". Her books are available from Nite Owl Books as well as major booksellers worldwide. Readers can participate in an adventure that provides the true ambiance of the modern west with each based on actual cases gleaned from news articles. The attention to detail and the eloquence of the masterfully written stories, will give the reader a vivid picture as well as present great insight into these well researched contemporary tales. Best yet, her judicious use of language makes readers comfortable sharing these books with teens and seniors alike. She follows the same pattern with the film, Deadly Sanctuary, which has received a PG-13 rating making it suitable for just about everyone!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 7, 2024
This author is not well-known and I wish she wrote more books!! The reporter, Kendall agrees to help a friend find her relatives who vanished after they crossed the border.
This book is based on real news articles and the author did on-scene research.
This book is based on real news articles and the author did on-scene research.
November 17, 2015
Reporter Kendal O’Dell is looking forward to a much-needed vacation with her rancher boyfriend, Tally. Her chances of getting away dwindle, however, when coworker, Lupe, begins acting strangely and suggests that she might have to quit. Reluctantly, Lupe confesses that her uncle and brother, who’ve entered the U.S. illegally, have gone missing. Kendal volunteers to help learn what happened to them provided that Lupe doesn’t leave. The decision causes a rift between her and Tally, but it soon becomes clear that this isn’t Kendal’s biggest worry.
Set in Arizona, Dark Moon Crossing is an entertaining story that focuses on the illegal immigrant situation. Author Sylvia Noble does a great job of ramping up the tension and action, and her detailed descriptions of the landscape makes the area an enticing place to visit.
As is common for amateur sleuths, Kendal took too many risks. Although some of them made sense, others didn’t, especially near the end when Kendal knew she could be killed if caught spying on the guilty parties. When the protagonist is questioning her own sanity, I have to wonder if there was a better approach to the ending without diminishing respect for the heroine.
This is a fairly minor point, but the question mark was apparently missing from the typesetter’s keyboard. The lack of question marks throughout the entire book resulted in what I first thought were run-on sentences, which had to be reread to figure things out. The error should have been caught before publication. Having said that, though I still enjoyed the story.
Set in Arizona, Dark Moon Crossing is an entertaining story that focuses on the illegal immigrant situation. Author Sylvia Noble does a great job of ramping up the tension and action, and her detailed descriptions of the landscape makes the area an enticing place to visit.
As is common for amateur sleuths, Kendal took too many risks. Although some of them made sense, others didn’t, especially near the end when Kendal knew she could be killed if caught spying on the guilty parties. When the protagonist is questioning her own sanity, I have to wonder if there was a better approach to the ending without diminishing respect for the heroine.
This is a fairly minor point, but the question mark was apparently missing from the typesetter’s keyboard. The lack of question marks throughout the entire book resulted in what I first thought were run-on sentences, which had to be reread to figure things out. The error should have been caught before publication. Having said that, though I still enjoyed the story.
May 1, 2014
The third book in Sylvia Nobel's Kendall O'Dell series goes a little beyond the typical female murder mystery/romance genre. Since the series is set in Arizona, Nobel attacks the issue of illegal aliens coming from Mexico--and she presents both sides. It begins with Kendall wanting to help Lupe, an employee at the newspaper where Kendall is co-editor, find two of her relatives who have recently come to the US from Mexico. Lupe's relatives sneaked across the border with several other people and Lupe was supposed to pick them up. Instead, they, and the people with whom they were traveling, have disappeared.
When Kendall and Lupe drive to the town where Lupe's relatives were supposed to have arrived, Kendall meets some of the ranchers who live in that area and Kendall is an eyewitness to some of the serious problems that the illegal aliens cause for property owners. Kendall's boyfriend is close to the owner of one of the larger ranches and she mentions to him that she notices that he and the other ranchers have Mexicans working on their ranches. He tells her that they are happy to employ people who come to this country legally.
An interesting presentation of both sides of a serious issue facing our country, particularly the border states, with a little mystery (Kendall's discoveries are gruesome) and romance added.
When Kendall and Lupe drive to the town where Lupe's relatives were supposed to have arrived, Kendall meets some of the ranchers who live in that area and Kendall is an eyewitness to some of the serious problems that the illegal aliens cause for property owners. Kendall's boyfriend is close to the owner of one of the larger ranches and she mentions to him that she notices that he and the other ranchers have Mexicans working on their ranches. He tells her that they are happy to employ people who come to this country legally.
An interesting presentation of both sides of a serious issue facing our country, particularly the border states, with a little mystery (Kendall's discoveries are gruesome) and romance added.
October 25, 2012
This is the 3rd book in the Kendall O'Dell series. I really hate reading a series out of order but I had to order this through interlibrary loan (thank you Luke Air Force Base library) so I read Seeds of Vengeance, the 4th book, before Dark Moon Crossing. So I knew some of the things that were going to happen in this book but that didn't take away from the story line. I can say that this is a very complex (one might even say convoluted) story. I don't want to give away any spoilers but I will say that it deals with the illegal alien problem in Arizona. I can say the one thing that I really enjoyed was that Kendall rescues Tally for a change (okay, that might be considered a spoiler). Oh, and those of you that like UFO stories, well that is in this book too.
The bad guy's identity might surprise you. I figured it out but not too much before the reveal.
I like this series set in Arizona by a Phoenix AZ author. I know that Sylvia is working on #5 but as yet there is no publication date set. So--hurry up Sylvia, I want to see what Kendall and Tally get into next.
The bad guy's identity might surprise you. I figured it out but not too much before the reveal.
I like this series set in Arizona by a Phoenix AZ author. I know that Sylvia is working on #5 but as yet there is no publication date set. So--hurry up Sylvia, I want to see what Kendall and Tally get into next.
May 29, 2012
I was really annoyed by the politics in this book. The character's inner monologue and the diatribes by the ranchers seemed to be the author's own platforms, as I certainly don't know a southern Arizona rancher that believes for a second that illegals are coming over 'to illegally vote and influence our elections.' That sentence not only turned me off the book, but turned me off the author. If that were true, politicians would be welcoming them over in droves. Very one sided view of the immigration debate, and makes it hard to continue reading this series.
May 31, 2017
At first I wasn't sure how well I would like this book. I haven't read the first two in the series, so I felt like I was missing out on some things. But by the middle of the book, I was liking it better. The storyline was actually really interesting and towards the end it was a page turner. I'm not sure how much I really like Kendall or Tally, but I would be interested in reading some of the other books in the series.
January 23, 2011
Well, if this wasn't the biggest shock in the series, I don't know what was. WOW! I really do just love this series, it's sad to know there is only one left. Luckily, I can't afford it this week, so the sad end to my enjoyment of this series will be prolonged I suppose. It's depressing to know it will be over after one more book. Like so many other series I have enjoyed they seem to be cut too short.
The description of the book tells you that the story is taken from headlines at the time. In the early 2000's I believe, I should probably check that. Anyway, how topical it is in today's world, and probably will continue to be, depicting the growing "pressure-cooker" like atmosphere in Arizona, over the growing illegal alien (p.c. version:illegally documented or undocumented workers) problem. The story shows both sides of the issue pretty well, though I don't know how anyone can come to any conclusion other than this illegal border crossing needs to end. The twists and turns the story takes as it weaves familiar characters into what seems like an increasingly explosive and unbelievable situation are gripping and thrilling. Your heart pounds as you read the last 80 or so pages. I want to say that I didn't guess the ending, but I did guess most of it, I just didn't want to think it would take that turn, because its such a ghoulish turn, but it did, and as horrifying as it was to read, it was an absolutely satisfying and thrilling read.
The description of the book tells you that the story is taken from headlines at the time. In the early 2000's I believe, I should probably check that. Anyway, how topical it is in today's world, and probably will continue to be, depicting the growing "pressure-cooker" like atmosphere in Arizona, over the growing illegal alien (p.c. version:illegally documented or undocumented workers) problem. The story shows both sides of the issue pretty well, though I don't know how anyone can come to any conclusion other than this illegal border crossing needs to end. The twists and turns the story takes as it weaves familiar characters into what seems like an increasingly explosive and unbelievable situation are gripping and thrilling. Your heart pounds as you read the last 80 or so pages. I want to say that I didn't guess the ending, but I did guess most of it, I just didn't want to think it would take that turn, because its such a ghoulish turn, but it did, and as horrifying as it was to read, it was an absolutely satisfying and thrilling read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2012
This was a quick read, good storyline with some interesting twists and turns (some that you can't see coming). I enjoyed the first two books in the series so bought this one and gulped it down.
The heroine is still getting into trouble because she acts without thinking, usually acting on her "gut" feeling more than any true evidence. Of course, the authorities wouldn't believe her gut so she does what she feels she "needs" to to solve the mystery and get the story. This gets her into some very scary, dangerous situations.
The part of the storyline, throughout the series, that I don't understand is why she is so in love with her rancher. He has no understanding of her having a career. I understand him worrying about her getting into situations but he seems to want a stay-at-home wife not an equal partner. (this is my feministic streak showing).
The heroine is still getting into trouble because she acts without thinking, usually acting on her "gut" feeling more than any true evidence. Of course, the authorities wouldn't believe her gut so she does what she feels she "needs" to to solve the mystery and get the story. This gets her into some very scary, dangerous situations.
The part of the storyline, throughout the series, that I don't understand is why she is so in love with her rancher. He has no understanding of her having a career. I understand him worrying about her getting into situations but he seems to want a stay-at-home wife not an equal partner. (this is my feministic streak showing).
February 11, 2016
About average for a romantic-suspense/mystery novel but not quite as good as the first two entries in the series.
Nobel put enough twists in to elevate this story from run-of-the-mill status. I would have liked to have seen more of what Kendall discovered revealed over the course of the story instead of in an ‘info dump’ chapter after the climax.
On the downside, Nobel spent too many words detailing Kendall’s confusion/doubts/angst over her relationship with Tally. She spent almost as many words describing Arizona sunrises and sunsets. Both could have been trimmed drastically without destroying the story.
Nobel put enough twists in to elevate this story from run-of-the-mill status. I would have liked to have seen more of what Kendall discovered revealed over the course of the story instead of in an ‘info dump’ chapter after the climax.
On the downside, Nobel spent too many words detailing Kendall’s confusion/doubts/angst over her relationship with Tally. She spent almost as many words describing Arizona sunrises and sunsets. Both could have been trimmed drastically without destroying the story.
February 27, 2017
At first I thought this novel was about the poor immigrants just trying to make a better life for themselves and how they were abused. And then it was a space alien abduction. Or maybe it was about the plight of the ranchers suffering under the onslaught of illegal aliens invading from Mexico.
This is the second "Kendall O'Dell" story I've read. These stories are OK, just OK. One of the problem with this story was the absolutely horrible editing job. There were many sentences without periods or question marks throughout the story.
This is the second "Kendall O'Dell" story I've read. These stories are OK, just OK. One of the problem with this story was the absolutely horrible editing job. There were many sentences without periods or question marks throughout the story.
October 3, 2018
I enjoyed this Kendall O'Dell entry even though I occasionally found myself nodding knowingly. The ending was shocking and not at all a happy one for all. Overall, I thought it was a quite good book and am looking forward to Ms. Nobel's next Kendall O'Dell story.
March 4, 2013
I really liked this book. This is the 3rd book in the series and I believe it is the best so far. Very quick read that really held my interest. Had quite a suprise ending. Thought I had it all figured out, boy was I wrong.
July 15, 2014
this book is about illegal aliens crossing from mexico into arizona. it involves a felon posing as nun feeding the people, extraterrestrial sighting which turn out to be lights in a cave, a little romance, a little mystery and 400 plus pages.
June 21, 2011
It was okay. I thought with all the current immigration news that it was very thought provoking. For some reason there were no question marks in the e-version so that made it a challenging read.
September 21, 2012
Ms. Nobel's writing just keeps getting better and better.
August 22, 2018
Good plot and storyline. The characters are largely one dimensional. The main character Kendal is smart and tenacious - good things. She’s also confused about what it means to be good at something and follow the path before her to accomplish what she sets out to do. She undercuts herself and worries constantly about her boyfriend Tally’s negative reactions and judgments and refusal to take her seriously and treat her with respect. The boyfriend comes across as controlling, somewhat hostile, and at times just plain mean. He also whines and is punitive emotionally toward Kendal. She plans apologies to give him whenever he’s not present with her and sometimes even when they’re together. This guy suddenly turns all soft and supportive after she saves his life. So, while the plot was good and the mystery unfolded at a nice pace and the descriptions of the landscape were nice, it was quite disappointing and distracting that the dysfunctional Tally and Kendal relationship was omnipresent. It felt like it took up about a third of the book. I won’t read any more of these books. I hope the writer grows to trust the crime/mystery stories of she’s telling without continuing the awful “romance” elements.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2024
I have not read any of the other books in this series so had no background information for the characters. I found Kendall to be a self-centered person who consistently dismissed her boyfriend's feelings and put her work/self-interest in mysteries first. Again, not knowing their background, it could very well be what attracted him to her. Beyond that, I found the story interesting and compelling. It was a unique, well thought out plot with a startling conclusion. I would likely read more of Ms. Nobel's work.
November 2, 2018
Romantic yet Tantalizing Mystery
A fun mystery with romance and intrigue. A well written story with hot topics and colorful characters. A must read if you like mystery, romance, and drama.
A fun mystery with romance and intrigue. A well written story with hot topics and colorful characters. A must read if you like mystery, romance, and drama.
April 8, 2019
Not only a good mystery but a deeper perspective into illegal immigration from Mexico with an even-handed view - Border Patrol, local ranchers, immigrants and their families, and the legal and support ministries.
June 21, 2020
This one hit on a current problem at the border and did a very good job of covering both viewpoints, that is pretty complicated subject. I was in the ballpark on who the bad guy was but outcome was very disturbing, more than I had anticipated. She writes well but lowered my rating due to subject.
September 6, 2020
Its a fantastic book. I couldn’t put it down when I started to read it. I also just met her in person and she is so sweet and kind. I look forward to reading all the others books that I just purchased!
March 30, 2021
Do u believe in UFOs
Had a difficult time getting into the first half of this story. Almost quit. But then, without expecting it the story jumped to life. Intrigued with Kendalls addiction to knowing all the answers, I kept reading and I'm glad I did.
On to the book. Enjoy!!
Had a difficult time getting into the first half of this story. Almost quit. But then, without expecting it the story jumped to life. Intrigued with Kendalls addiction to knowing all the answers, I kept reading and I'm glad I did.
On to the book. Enjoy!!
July 17, 2017
As usual another good read. Love Kendall O'Dell...she is feisty..loves her man and is like a dog with a bone. Once she gets hold of something, she does not let go!
November 11, 2017
This is the best Kendall O’Dell series book yet (and I enjoyed them all). Doesn’t have to be read in order so pick up a copy and go for it.
December 17, 2018
Shocking......
This is a 5 star because all of my emotions were engaged. I cried for the people coming from Mexico. I was shocked at the outcome. I will read more of her books.
This is a 5 star because all of my emotions were engaged. I cried for the people coming from Mexico. I was shocked at the outcome. I will read more of her books.
May 26, 2019
#3 in the Kendall O'Dell series. The basic story was good. About illegal mexicans crossing the border. But the story drug on and I got so bored. I feel like she must be paid by the word and not the story, because it sure could use some editing.
March 9, 2020
3.5 the end was disturbing
April 26, 2020
Thriller
Suspense and compassion in a thriller. Can’t beat it! Can’t wait to read Kendall’s next adventure and this book makes me want to explore more of AZ
Suspense and compassion in a thriller. Can’t beat it! Can’t wait to read Kendall’s next adventure and this book makes me want to explore more of AZ
October 16, 2024
I am enjoying the Kendall O’Dell stories.However, the boyfriend, Tally, is an overbearing ass! His mother isn’t any better and the books would have been better without them.
August 18, 2025
Romance, mystery, UFO's, country life ---- it has it all
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews