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Tall Pines Mystery #3
Sanctuary
The safest place they know is about to become the most dangerous… Marcella’s husband, Quinn “Black Eagle” Hollister, severed ties to his family and friends on the Seneca reservation years ago. He rarely mentions his past—until his young cousin Kitty collapses on the couple’s doorstep in the dead of a rainswept night. After two Seneca men break into their home with intent to kill, the Hollisters flee with the mute and injured girl to Tall Pines, their cabin in the Adirondacks. Marcella, unable to bear a child of her own, unleashes her motherly instincts caring for Kitty. As the girl slowly recovers, they start to piece together who wants them dead, and why. But their pursuers are canny and relentless. The next attack drives the trio from the sanctuary of Tall Pines, deep into the mountain wilderness. In spite of their best efforts, the unthinkable happens and Kitty is kidnapped. Marcella and Quinn track her back to Tall Pines--where they find themselves facing an army of murderous Seneca who'll stop at nothing to protect their dark secret.
- GenresMystery
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2014
24 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Paul Lazar
42 books188 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. Author of 28 books, including three addictive mystery series, writing books, a romantic suspense series, and a new love story series, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com. Aaron has won 21 book awards for his novels and finds writing to be his form of "cheap therapy." Feel free to network with him on Facebook or his website; he loves to connect with readers!
Visit his website at www.lazarbooks.com.
more about the author:
Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written eleven LeGarde mysteries.
One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLY MOORE; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, and FOR KEEPS) Lazar intends to continue both series, in addition to three contemporary new series including Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Paines Creek love stories series, set on Cape Cod, and Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense series, set in Vermont.
Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
“It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
Lazar lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, beloved Cavi-poo, Balto, Cavi-bichon, Amber, and four cats. He and his wife, Dale, now have seven grandchildren to spoil and they enjoy every second of it!
Visit his website at www.lazarbooks.com.
more about the author:
Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written eleven LeGarde mysteries.
One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLY MOORE; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, and FOR KEEPS) Lazar intends to continue both series, in addition to three contemporary new series including Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Paines Creek love stories series, set on Cape Cod, and Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense series, set in Vermont.
Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
“It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
Lazar lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, beloved Cavi-poo, Balto, Cavi-bichon, Amber, and four cats. He and his wife, Dale, now have seven grandchildren to spoil and they enjoy every second of it!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 28, 2019
Fantastic Suspense With LOTS Of Twists & Turns…
Sanctuary by Aaron Paul Lazar is the third in the Tall Pines Mystery Series. It can definitely be read as a standalone and gives you an insightful look at spiritual and Seneca traditions, which greatly enhances the mysterious storyline.
Spanning years and touching on the past, this family mystery is a beautiful and emotionally riveting tale that will hook you from the start and make you believe in happily ever after.
Marcella’s been married to Quinn "Black Eagle" Hollister for eight years and they’re very much in love. But Marcella isn’t quite happy to learn there are events that have happened in his past that he's never told her about, along with the existence of many relatives he’s never bothered to mention.
Quinn doesn’t have much choice but to reveal his past, when his cousin Kitty shows up at their door. Kitty’s been injured, rather severely, and she’s running for her life. But Marcella needs to know why, because Kitty isn’t talking. So, while they are attempting their escape from danger, Quinn begins explaining why he left the reservation.
The story proceeds quickly, and as the girl slowly recovers at Marcella and Quinn’s mountain cabin, they start to piece together who wants them dead, and why. But their pursuers are shrewd, never giving up, so another attack drives the three of them from the sanctuary of Tall Pines, deep into the mountain wilderness.
With well-developed characters, and several twists and turns, it was difficult putting this book down once I began reading. Also, the story was incredibly romantic, not only because of the love Marcella and Quinn have for each other, but because of the love and respect they have for their family and friends.
Not only was the plot fast-paced, but the descriptive imagery was so well done, I could actually envision the mountains and beautiful backdrop. Add in the kids, mother-in-law, pets and humor, an additional plus is the family element the author writes into his stories.
And don’t discount the healing power of essential oils!! I’ve just discovered them myself, and there’s some interesting and informative information revealed throughout the story.
My only advice? At the end of the book, the author has included an excerpt from the next in the series, and WHOA does it begin with a BANG!! I was like OH, NO. So, don’t begin reading those chapters until you have time to read straight through the next book!!
LOVED IT!!
I GIVE THIS FABULOUS STORY (AND SERIES) 5 STARS!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sanctuary by Aaron Paul Lazar is the third in the Tall Pines Mystery Series. It can definitely be read as a standalone and gives you an insightful look at spiritual and Seneca traditions, which greatly enhances the mysterious storyline.
Spanning years and touching on the past, this family mystery is a beautiful and emotionally riveting tale that will hook you from the start and make you believe in happily ever after.
Marcella’s been married to Quinn "Black Eagle" Hollister for eight years and they’re very much in love. But Marcella isn’t quite happy to learn there are events that have happened in his past that he's never told her about, along with the existence of many relatives he’s never bothered to mention.
Quinn doesn’t have much choice but to reveal his past, when his cousin Kitty shows up at their door. Kitty’s been injured, rather severely, and she’s running for her life. But Marcella needs to know why, because Kitty isn’t talking. So, while they are attempting their escape from danger, Quinn begins explaining why he left the reservation.
The story proceeds quickly, and as the girl slowly recovers at Marcella and Quinn’s mountain cabin, they start to piece together who wants them dead, and why. But their pursuers are shrewd, never giving up, so another attack drives the three of them from the sanctuary of Tall Pines, deep into the mountain wilderness.
With well-developed characters, and several twists and turns, it was difficult putting this book down once I began reading. Also, the story was incredibly romantic, not only because of the love Marcella and Quinn have for each other, but because of the love and respect they have for their family and friends.
Not only was the plot fast-paced, but the descriptive imagery was so well done, I could actually envision the mountains and beautiful backdrop. Add in the kids, mother-in-law, pets and humor, an additional plus is the family element the author writes into his stories.
And don’t discount the healing power of essential oils!! I’ve just discovered them myself, and there’s some interesting and informative information revealed throughout the story.
My only advice? At the end of the book, the author has included an excerpt from the next in the series, and WHOA does it begin with a BANG!! I was like OH, NO. So, don’t begin reading those chapters until you have time to read straight through the next book!!
LOVED IT!!
I GIVE THIS FABULOUS STORY (AND SERIES) 5 STARS!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 5, 2015
SANCTUARY (A TALL PINES MYSTERY #3) AARON PAUL LAZAR
It is the fall. Marcella Quinn and Thelma are at home for the evening when they hear noises out front. Marcel goes out to investigate only to find a girl soaking wet covering in the corner. She breezed her inside in Quinn discovers it’s his cousin, Catori or Kitty as they called her on the reservation. Soon after glass breaks and shots are fired. Someone is after her but why. Kitty has a secret that she can’t tell for one she can’t talk for another the secret is logged in her head. What caused it?
Sanctuary is the tale of what went on at the reservation when Kitty was younger. Kitty secret is revealed through a ceremony but that doesn’t stop the bad guys from wanting to do something about her as she knows too much. The book takes us on a chase through the woods where the group of friends around Marcella in Quinn do their best to keep Kitty safe. There are a few surprises through this book that will alarm the reader. Sanctuary is a page turner and full of suspense. Mr. Lazar has done himself proud by this book and I highly recommend it as a five star read.
It is the fall. Marcella Quinn and Thelma are at home for the evening when they hear noises out front. Marcel goes out to investigate only to find a girl soaking wet covering in the corner. She breezed her inside in Quinn discovers it’s his cousin, Catori or Kitty as they called her on the reservation. Soon after glass breaks and shots are fired. Someone is after her but why. Kitty has a secret that she can’t tell for one she can’t talk for another the secret is logged in her head. What caused it?
Sanctuary is the tale of what went on at the reservation when Kitty was younger. Kitty secret is revealed through a ceremony but that doesn’t stop the bad guys from wanting to do something about her as she knows too much. The book takes us on a chase through the woods where the group of friends around Marcella in Quinn do their best to keep Kitty safe. There are a few surprises through this book that will alarm the reader. Sanctuary is a page turner and full of suspense. Mr. Lazar has done himself proud by this book and I highly recommend it as a five star read.
December 18, 2014
Sanctuary by Aaron Paul Lazar is a terrific addition to the Tall Pines Mystery Series. This book defines the term 'happily ever after.' It includes an in depth look at some spiritual and Seneca traditions that just emphasize the story line. The plot is a mystery, a family mystery that spans years and lost touch relatives. Keep the tissues handy, this book is as emotional as it is gripping. I was hooked from the first page and remained there until the end. I absolutely love this family and their unconditional love and respect.
October 9, 2015
What would you do if an injured girl, who happened to be your cousin, showed up on your front porch one day? She’s not only been beat up, but the bad guys are after her and likely followed her to your house.
If you’re Marcella and Quinn Hollister in Award Winning Author Aaron Paul Lazar’s novel Sanctuary, you take the girl to a place where you hope she’ll be safe and try to solve the mystery she brings with her. As Marcella and Quinn learn more about his cousin, Kitty, and the men that are after her, their lives become endangered too. Why are the guys after Kitty? Why are they trying to kill her? Marcella gets clues through visions of what happened to Kitty and actually feels like she’s experiencing the scenes from Kitty’s viewpoint.
Aaron Paul Lazar has written a story that will keep you wondering who’s guilty and what Kitty, a young girl, has to do with the events as they unfold. At least it did me. A variety of characters keeps the action moving. One of my favorites is Roberta. Now there’s a lady you don’t want to mess with. Thelma, Marcella’s mother is also a unique lady. As for Kitty, she’s so broken and vulnerable that I wanted her problems to be solved so she could live a normal life.
Bad guys, action, romance and family loyalty make SANCTUARY an adventure you don’t want to miss.
###
If you’re Marcella and Quinn Hollister in Award Winning Author Aaron Paul Lazar’s novel Sanctuary, you take the girl to a place where you hope she’ll be safe and try to solve the mystery she brings with her. As Marcella and Quinn learn more about his cousin, Kitty, and the men that are after her, their lives become endangered too. Why are the guys after Kitty? Why are they trying to kill her? Marcella gets clues through visions of what happened to Kitty and actually feels like she’s experiencing the scenes from Kitty’s viewpoint.
Aaron Paul Lazar has written a story that will keep you wondering who’s guilty and what Kitty, a young girl, has to do with the events as they unfold. At least it did me. A variety of characters keeps the action moving. One of my favorites is Roberta. Now there’s a lady you don’t want to mess with. Thelma, Marcella’s mother is also a unique lady. As for Kitty, she’s so broken and vulnerable that I wanted her problems to be solved so she could live a normal life.
Bad guys, action, romance and family loyalty make SANCTUARY an adventure you don’t want to miss.
###
January 20, 2015
This was the third in the Tall Pines Mystery. I was able to follow along okay even though I did not read the others in the series.
I enjoyed this book. I did think essential oils were mentioned too much. It was an good adventure.
The main character, friends, and family members worked together to save Kitty who ended up on their doorstep
I enjoyed this book. I did think essential oils were mentioned too much. It was an good adventure.
The main character, friends, and family members worked together to save Kitty who ended up on their doorstep
June 3, 2018
Love Tall Pines (an audio review)
I have several Aaron Paul Lazar audiobooks in my library and now I’m asking myself what I’m waiting for!
“Sanctuary’ is the third book in the Tall Pines Mystery series, but don’t worry if, like me, you haven’t listened to the previous books. I was able to jump right in. And I do mean jump.
The action begins within the first minutes and the tension carries throughout the suspenseful novel. The heroine in the story is Marcella, and although I normally prefer alternating hero/heroine points-of-view, I was fine with this structure and it worked very well for this story. At one point, Marcella’s husband Quinn goes away for several days and although I enjoyed hearing about which essential oils are good for stress relief, I would have loved to be with Quinn as he made his discoveries. The summary discussion with Marcella was adequate, but I missed the immediacy. But this is a small issue and the rest of the book more than makes up for this issue.
Lazar has a deft hand in providing just enough clues, but when the final truth was revealed, I was surprised. And the ending? I might have gotten a little teary, even though it was definitely a happy ending.
Although I liked Marcella and her intense love-filled and passion-fueled relationship with Quinn, it was Kitty who fascinated me. I might resemble Marcella more (40s, no kids), but Kitty’s odd mix of vulnerability and strength spoke to me.
There are mystical elements in the book, and whether or not a listener believes in such things, they are creative and engaging. Finally, I feel much more informed about the healing power of essential oils.
Gwendolyn Druyor is a new narrator to me, but she was perfect for the novel. She embodies Marcella while handling Quinn and the other male voices deftly. She also brought Kitty to life, even though the girl couldn’t speak. I will definitely be looking for more books narrated by her.
This is a great suspenseful read with a kick-ass heroine! (Actually, it has several strong women, which was awesome…)
Oh, and pistol-packing Thelma? I adored Marcella’s mother.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and can recommend it.
I have several Aaron Paul Lazar audiobooks in my library and now I’m asking myself what I’m waiting for!
“Sanctuary’ is the third book in the Tall Pines Mystery series, but don’t worry if, like me, you haven’t listened to the previous books. I was able to jump right in. And I do mean jump.
The action begins within the first minutes and the tension carries throughout the suspenseful novel. The heroine in the story is Marcella, and although I normally prefer alternating hero/heroine points-of-view, I was fine with this structure and it worked very well for this story. At one point, Marcella’s husband Quinn goes away for several days and although I enjoyed hearing about which essential oils are good for stress relief, I would have loved to be with Quinn as he made his discoveries. The summary discussion with Marcella was adequate, but I missed the immediacy. But this is a small issue and the rest of the book more than makes up for this issue.
Lazar has a deft hand in providing just enough clues, but when the final truth was revealed, I was surprised. And the ending? I might have gotten a little teary, even though it was definitely a happy ending.
Although I liked Marcella and her intense love-filled and passion-fueled relationship with Quinn, it was Kitty who fascinated me. I might resemble Marcella more (40s, no kids), but Kitty’s odd mix of vulnerability and strength spoke to me.
There are mystical elements in the book, and whether or not a listener believes in such things, they are creative and engaging. Finally, I feel much more informed about the healing power of essential oils.
Gwendolyn Druyor is a new narrator to me, but she was perfect for the novel. She embodies Marcella while handling Quinn and the other male voices deftly. She also brought Kitty to life, even though the girl couldn’t speak. I will definitely be looking for more books narrated by her.
This is a great suspenseful read with a kick-ass heroine! (Actually, it has several strong women, which was awesome…)
Oh, and pistol-packing Thelma? I adored Marcella’s mother.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and can recommend it.
May 26, 2020
A past he does not share, until the past comes to their doorstep. They flee to the mountains and Marcella takes her under her wings. The Seneca are after them, good audio brought the story to life. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
September 20, 2023
I do like books by Aaron Paul Lazar and decided to try a different series, this one was interesting and I learnt a lot (surprisingly about essential oils as well) . All in all very interesting.
The narration worked well.
The narration worked well.
October 23, 2015
I love this author. I went to bed finally, but could not stop thinking of the
characters. Living Young Essential Oils came into my life 5 years ago. Since then I have retired and the cost is too much for me now, but if money wasn't an issue I would be using them everyday, like in the book. I love the way he described Native American Culture, the wonderful animals and the landscape. I could visualize it all.
I am going to read the next book by this author. He is very good.
characters. Living Young Essential Oils came into my life 5 years ago. Since then I have retired and the cost is too much for me now, but if money wasn't an issue I would be using them everyday, like in the book. I love the way he described Native American Culture, the wonderful animals and the landscape. I could visualize it all.
I am going to read the next book by this author. He is very good.
January 24, 2015
This book was ok,but not really my genre.The main character was ok,sometimes.The belief in so many magical items was overwhelming to me.There was action and romance thruout.The male 'voice' the Narrator did for Quinn seemed stereotypical and without feeling.She was good for the female voices,if a tad TOO emotional.
February 8, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
A very good mystery/thriller.Really enjoyed all the Native American references.I will need to go back to the beginning of the series to see where it all started.
The narration was very well done.
A very good mystery/thriller.Really enjoyed all the Native American references.I will need to go back to the beginning of the series to see where it all started.
The narration was very well done.
August 23, 2016
Wonderful mystery involving Quinn "Black Eagle" and his wife, Marcella when his cousin from the Rez shows up and is being hunted by men from the Seneca Rez. This puts them on the run to hide at their sanctuary with the help of close friends and relatives. This book also incorporates the use of essential oils. Well done!
November 29, 2014
I loved this... the new characters are awesome.... the old characters are superb... this just gets better and better. amazing series :)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews