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Mike Damson Mystery #1
The Dead Priest of Sedona
A quiet autumn day is interrupted when MIKE DAMSON, newly hired manager of the Sedona, Arizona office of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Department, receives a phone call notifying him of a body discovered by a hiker in the wilderness north of town. The caller, KEVIN RIKER, reports that a man has been killed up on the plateau above the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon.
Kevin leads the two lawmen on the trail through the West Fork Canyon. The trail is busy with hikers enjoying the autumn colors that are at their peak on November first. After several miles of hiking, a wade through the cold creek water, and a steep climb to the canyon rim, the group rests. Kevin explains that he had lost the normal trail when he found a strange circular grove of ponderosa pines where he discovered the gruesome body.
Kevin leads the two lawmen on the trail through the West Fork Canyon. The trail is busy with hikers enjoying the autumn colors that are at their peak on November first. After several miles of hiking, a wade through the cold creek water, and a steep climb to the canyon rim, the group rests. Kevin explains that he had lost the normal trail when he found a strange circular grove of ponderosa pines where he discovered the gruesome body.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2015
About the author
Charles Williamson
41 books22 followersCharles Williamson is a retired investment banker who lives with his wife Diana in Peoria, Arizona. He lived in Sedona, Arizona for 18 years. Charles loves to write, hike, travel, and enjoy the outdoors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 10, 2021
This is book 1 of a series. I read book 2 and really liked the clean writing style and the setting which took place in Santa Fe. This one takes place in Sedona, AZ. The plot line wasn't much to my liking as it revolves around religious and superstitous rituals dating back to the 1500s. A lot of history about Druids after the body of a visiting priest was found charred beyond recognition in a human sacrifice hanging from a tree in a cage. It also covers wiccans and the like, not my cup of tea.
Mike and Margaret are the main characters of the series. He a detective, she a homemaker with a lot of hobbies and his loyal partner, helping him out with this cases. She isn't often wrong in her hunches or advise. I expected more character development of these two especially since it was Book 1 of a series, and instead I think it focused too much on the crimes, the investigation, which was tedious, and even the motive which leaves much to be desired. My hubby is ahead of me in the series and has found that the books are all similar, just the crime differs and we are both ready to move on to something else.
But please don't let me discourage you. It isn't often you can come across a crime series without a lot of profanity, sex and graphic murder details. This manages to do so very satisfactorily. If you are history buff you may enjoy this.
Mike and Margaret are the main characters of the series. He a detective, she a homemaker with a lot of hobbies and his loyal partner, helping him out with this cases. She isn't often wrong in her hunches or advise. I expected more character development of these two especially since it was Book 1 of a series, and instead I think it focused too much on the crimes, the investigation, which was tedious, and even the motive which leaves much to be desired. My hubby is ahead of me in the series and has found that the books are all similar, just the crime differs and we are both ready to move on to something else.
But please don't let me discourage you. It isn't often you can come across a crime series without a lot of profanity, sex and graphic murder details. This manages to do so very satisfactorily. If you are history buff you may enjoy this.
November 10, 2020
I enjoyed this book for the unusual murder plot, the main character being my contemporary in age, retirement category and long-lived marriage, but mostly because it took place in my old stomping grounds in northern AZ. I lived in Flagstaff for seven years, met my husband and several other important friends in Flagstaff, a power spot that I believe I've lived at least twice before, as a Chinese railroad worker and native American brave, searching and hunting for game and on the lookout for enemies. Worked for the US Forest service out on the Mogollon Rim, where much of the story took place. Reading the names of spots I've frequented was very nice, being able to visualize these magnificent areas.
Typos were distracting, possibly because a dictation method of writing was used. (I'd like to volunteer to be an advanced reader because typos trip me up and I could prevent that for others.)
Loved the characters and the story and am about to begin the second book. Glad they are available on Kindle Unlimited, I was considering discontinuing that service to save money.
Typos were distracting, possibly because a dictation method of writing was used. (I'd like to volunteer to be an advanced reader because typos trip me up and I could prevent that for others.)
Loved the characters and the story and am about to begin the second book. Glad they are available on Kindle Unlimited, I was considering discontinuing that service to save money.
October 10, 2024
The main character, Mike Damson, is a detective in the Coconino County Sheriff's department. He is notified of a grisly murder of a Jesuit priest that occurred on a plateau above the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon which is close to Sedona, Arizona. The story takes off at a fast pace from there. The physical descriptions of the region are accurate and well written. I enjoyed the plot that revolves around Catholic and Pagan rituals. There is a lot of history about Druids and wiccans dating back to the 1500's, which I found interesting. Mike Damson relates a lot of evidence from the case to his wife, Margaret. This is a little unrealistic, but it allowed some rehashing of the story lines that helped one keep track of the nuances of the tale. Mike and Margaret do a lot of research on the Druid and other pagan rituals which gave some depth to the plot. The pages turn quickly and the conclusion is exciting, although somewhat predictable. I have already downloaded the second book in the series and will start on it tomorrow. Thumbs up from this reviewer.
August 28, 2023
A Jesuit priest and scholar, Fr. Sean Murphy, is found burnt to death in a metal cage deep in the Secret Mountain Wilderness, Arizona.
Heading the investigation is Mike Damson of Coconino County Sheriff’s Department’s Sedona Substation.
It soon becomes clear that Fr. Murphy's death is only the latest in a decades long killing spree. And all the evidence points towards some form of Druidism, a form of Paganism long thought to be extinct.
It's all a bit hokey, in the sense that it is quite contrived, but the book moves along at a fair pace, aided by Damson's wife Margaret who often seems one step ahead of her husband despite relying on him for information.
"The Dead Priest of Sedona" has an unusual plot, some unlikely events, and an ending straight out of Hollywood - it's readable but flawed.
3 Stars.
Heading the investigation is Mike Damson of Coconino County Sheriff’s Department’s Sedona Substation.
It soon becomes clear that Fr. Murphy's death is only the latest in a decades long killing spree. And all the evidence points towards some form of Druidism, a form of Paganism long thought to be extinct.
It's all a bit hokey, in the sense that it is quite contrived, but the book moves along at a fair pace, aided by Damson's wife Margaret who often seems one step ahead of her husband despite relying on him for information.
"The Dead Priest of Sedona" has an unusual plot, some unlikely events, and an ending straight out of Hollywood - it's readable but flawed.
3 Stars.
August 27, 2021
When reading a book, I experience three different writing styles.
1. The writing is invisible
2. The writing is noticeable for its beauty. These get a +1 star.
3. The writing is noticeable for its annoyance. These get a -1 star.
The writing in this book fell into the third category. The structure (Dragnetish) and style (Trite) seem a better fit for a YA book. What was an interesting storyline, until ending with a twist of Deux ex Machina, dropped from a potential 4 stars to 3 because of the writing style.
I don't see myself reading another book by this author.
1. The writing is invisible
2. The writing is noticeable for its beauty. These get a +1 star.
3. The writing is noticeable for its annoyance. These get a -1 star.
The writing in this book fell into the third category. The structure (Dragnetish) and style (Trite) seem a better fit for a YA book. What was an interesting storyline, until ending with a twist of Deux ex Machina, dropped from a potential 4 stars to 3 because of the writing style.
I don't see myself reading another book by this author.
March 15, 2022
Interesting subject
I got this book for free. I live in AZ so the location was what attracted me in the first place. The story held my attention, and although the author got bogged down in unneccesary historical prose, causing the storyline to slow down, I managed to finish the book. I might consider reading the next book in the series but haven't decided yet. Whoever edited this book did a poor job, lots of errors, missing letters and bad spelling. Hopefully that improves in the coming novels.
I got this book for free. I live in AZ so the location was what attracted me in the first place. The story held my attention, and although the author got bogged down in unneccesary historical prose, causing the storyline to slow down, I managed to finish the book. I might consider reading the next book in the series but haven't decided yet. Whoever edited this book did a poor job, lots of errors, missing letters and bad spelling. Hopefully that improves in the coming novels.
April 22, 2022
Straight Forward Read
I gave this book three stars. It was not a bad book, but I struggled to stay focused as II read. I thought the plot was a good storyline, however, it read like a newspaper account. At least it had a plot some stories and books in today's world do not. The storyline was very straight forward and to the point. No really descriptive scenes that would immerse the reader. Yet, I still enjoyed the read and will probably read another. Reminded me of the old Dragnet TV series with Jack Webb. A no nonsense kinda guy.
I gave this book three stars. It was not a bad book, but I struggled to stay focused as II read. I thought the plot was a good storyline, however, it read like a newspaper account. At least it had a plot some stories and books in today's world do not. The storyline was very straight forward and to the point. No really descriptive scenes that would immerse the reader. Yet, I still enjoyed the read and will probably read another. Reminded me of the old Dragnet TV series with Jack Webb. A no nonsense kinda guy.
December 8, 2020
Good book
The book was easy to read and I learned a great deal about ancient and modern day religion. Oak Creek Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in the USA and I enjoyed being there for a little while again through the good descriptions of the author. Altogether I just enjoyed the story. P S. I also enjoyed the fact that the hero chose to have a wench on hos truck instead of a winch
The book was easy to read and I learned a great deal about ancient and modern day religion. Oak Creek Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in the USA and I enjoyed being there for a little while again through the good descriptions of the author. Altogether I just enjoyed the story. P S. I also enjoyed the fact that the hero chose to have a wench on hos truck instead of a winch
June 7, 2025
The dead priest of Sedona
I have been looking for books in a series along the line of Tony Hellerman. I found a couple and this one came up. I love the first one. I’m looking forward to reading more of this one and they’re an unlimited Kindle, which is great because I was spending a fortune buying each of the Tony Hellerman books which really aggravated me. These books are fantastic. I couldn’t hardly put it down.
I have been looking for books in a series along the line of Tony Hellerman. I found a couple and this one came up. I love the first one. I’m looking forward to reading more of this one and they’re an unlimited Kindle, which is great because I was spending a fortune buying each of the Tony Hellerman books which really aggravated me. These books are fantastic. I couldn’t hardly put it down.
September 10, 2020
Excellent!
Terrific story, great characters, unusual murder, and great police work! Start of interesting series! Major complaint for me are errors in spelling, punctuation, word usage, and mixing up names of characters to the point that it interfered with the reading. Needs to be edited.
Terrific story, great characters, unusual murder, and great police work! Start of interesting series! Major complaint for me are errors in spelling, punctuation, word usage, and mixing up names of characters to the point that it interfered with the reading. Needs to be edited.
June 5, 2021
Boring
Incredibly tedious and slow police procedural. Very repetitious. The detective is characterless as is his helper wife. Really regretting the time spent with this book. Monly redeeming values are the passages on ancient religions and the descriptions of the lovely Arizona natural areas.
Incredibly tedious and slow police procedural. Very repetitious. The detective is characterless as is his helper wife. Really regretting the time spent with this book. Monly redeeming values are the passages on ancient religions and the descriptions of the lovely Arizona natural areas.
January 30, 2022
Wow!
Fast paced, interesting, evil, scary…I was riveted til the very end, and I didn’t know who some of the bad guys were until the end. I didn’t love the way Christianity was portrayed and hope this isn’t a recurring theme. I will look at the next book and if it is, then I won’t continue the series despite how well written it is.
Fast paced, interesting, evil, scary…I was riveted til the very end, and I didn’t know who some of the bad guys were until the end. I didn’t love the way Christianity was portrayed and hope this isn’t a recurring theme. I will look at the next book and if it is, then I won’t continue the series despite how well written it is.
March 27, 2022
A dead priest is found by a hiker not too far from Sedona, Arizona. The Jesuit priest was at a small parish and was also doing a study for the Vatican / pope. During the investigation, additional bones were found close by, and then all hell broke loose.
Pretty interesting story. It sucks you in pretty quick, and it drops you off pretty quick at the end also.
Pretty interesting story. It sucks you in pretty quick, and it drops you off pretty quick at the end also.
March 28, 2022
A mammoth 1st undertaking!
I read subsequent Williamson crime novels and enjoyed them all. I decided to read this 1st edition and was amazed at how complex the story was. I'm glad the following looks were a little less complicated and we're probably much more fun to write by the author I would imagine. Enjoying them all however.
I read subsequent Williamson crime novels and enjoyed them all. I decided to read this 1st edition and was amazed at how complex the story was. I'm glad the following looks were a little less complicated and we're probably much more fun to write by the author I would imagine. Enjoying them all however.
Read
June 30, 2022Review of this book.
This was truely an exceptional book. Very fast paced, with lots of drama. The story moved quickly, with no break continuity. The author took great care to bring each character to life, adding descriptions of how they were perceived by Mike Damson. The skill of this author 's writing ability is absolutely phenomenal. Excellent work.
This was truely an exceptional book. Very fast paced, with lots of drama. The story moved quickly, with no break continuity. The author took great care to bring each character to life, adding descriptions of how they were perceived by Mike Damson. The skill of this author 's writing ability is absolutely phenomenal. Excellent work.
January 30, 2024
Engaging story but…
The mystery kept me reading, but the typos were very distracting. Rescue teams repelled down cliffs, vehicles had wenches on the front to move heavy objects and deep snow was untrammeled. The writer obviously put some serious time and effort into this story. It’s too bad there wasn’t a good editor to catch the bloopers.
The mystery kept me reading, but the typos were very distracting. Rescue teams repelled down cliffs, vehicles had wenches on the front to move heavy objects and deep snow was untrammeled. The writer obviously put some serious time and effort into this story. It’s too bad there wasn’t a good editor to catch the bloopers.
March 14, 2026
Detective Speak
I enjoyed this book. I found it to be "clinical" from my normal read. The detective narrative mindset of following leads and patterns was enjoyable to follow through to the successful conclusion of catching the "bad guys"! I will read more of these Mike Samson Mysteries.
I enjoyed this book. I found it to be "clinical" from my normal read. The detective narrative mindset of following leads and patterns was enjoyable to follow through to the successful conclusion of catching the "bad guys"! I will read more of these Mike Samson Mysteries.
June 6, 2018
Pretty Lame, especially for the first book in a series!!
I found this book to be quite boring and thought the outcome was fairly predictable early on. Will not be ready h anything else in this series!
I found this book to be quite boring and thought the outcome was fairly predictable early on. Will not be ready h anything else in this series!
February 28, 2020
Exciting and strange and totally Arizona
A book that I had to keep reading. I liked all the Arizona geography, the strange plot, and the extreme severity of the crimes. I definitely want to read the next one in the series.
A book that I had to keep reading. I liked all the Arizona geography, the strange plot, and the extreme severity of the crimes. I definitely want to read the next one in the series.
January 12, 2021
Great first book by Mr. Williamson
This story covers a history of Sedona and Flagstaff. It also tells the history of Druids. Included is a very good murder mystery a good detective.
This story covers a history of Sedona and Flagstaff. It also tells the history of Druids. Included is a very good murder mystery a good detective.
May 18, 2021
A true story of suspense and mystery.
The author has written a very intriguing story about a cult that practice murder and sacrifice for over many years. The cult was able to avoid detection because of their location and very keen selection of victims.
The author has written a very intriguing story about a cult that practice murder and sacrifice for over many years. The cult was able to avoid detection because of their location and very keen selection of victims.
December 27, 2021
A great first novel for a series. A really good mystery. A well-told tale with descriptions of the Sedona area, mountains, hikes, scenery, monuments that really let you feel like you are there with the protagonist as he tries to discover the culprits who have killed a man in a most gruesome way.
February 8, 2023
The body of a Jesuit priest is found near a hiking trail in the mountains above Sedona, AZ. Mike Damson from the Sedona Sherrif’s Office is the lead investigator tasked with finding the killer or Killers responsible. An interesting, but a bit convoluted mystery. I enjoyed the character of Mike Damson enough to want to read more of this series.
March 3, 2024
Another story I couldn’t wait to finish!
I had not read anything by this author before. The story interested me because it takes place in Sedona AZ. I could picture the places mentioned in the story!
I had not read anything by this author before. The story interested me because it takes place in Sedona AZ. I could picture the places mentioned in the story!
April 17, 2024
This was another book I almost passed on
What a storyline! Enough to give you chills and wish for a sweet romance and shoot em up Western before bedtime! I did enjoy it and will probably read more of this series.
What a storyline! Enough to give you chills and wish for a sweet romance and shoot em up Western before bedtime! I did enjoy it and will probably read more of this series.
May 29, 2024
Perhaps it was the gruesome subject of the deaths that made reading this more like a police report than a novel. The best writing and most interesting were the sections when police chief Mike as talking over the case with his wife Margaret.
January 30, 2025
Ancient English Cults
Mike finds himself in trouble with unthinkable ancient cults. Hard to believe that at this time in history ancient cult s are still drafting in Arizona. Mike and his.partner dig until the truth comes out. Excellent first in a series. Good reads!!
Mike finds himself in trouble with unthinkable ancient cults. Hard to believe that at this time in history ancient cult s are still drafting in Arizona. Mike and his.partner dig until the truth comes out. Excellent first in a series. Good reads!!
May 8, 2025
An excellent story, well written. Primary characters were well-developed. Motivation of some of the antagonists could have been better developed. I found the book hard to put down. The Kindle edition could have used a copy editor to pick up the occasional homonyms that did not fit.
June 13, 2025
Great Read
Wasn't too sure about this but love mysteries set in the Southwest so I decided to try it. I'm glad I did! Very interesting subject about the mysterious Sedona and religious beliefs.
Wasn't too sure about this but love mysteries set in the Southwest so I decided to try it. I'm glad I did! Very interesting subject about the mysterious Sedona and religious beliefs.
August 12, 2019
Not bad
At first it was going slow, but by the 2 ND or 3 Rd it was picking up and by the end it was hard to put down.
At first it was going slow, but by the 2 ND or 3 Rd it was picking up and by the end it was hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews