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A farm worker disappears, another takes his place, the numbers stay the same but Rancher Rufus Reyes isn’t fooled. His operation is small and he knows everyone. Then a worker disappears and no one replaces him. The man’s wife is hysterical, but won’t talk about it. Reyes knows he needs help..
In this third book of the Zack Tolliver, FBI, series Dr. Susan Apgar asks Zack to help her deliver a lecture to the Allan Hancock College Criminal Justice classes. A pleasant junket to California’s beautiful Central Coast, Zack thinks, but thanks to Rufus Reyes ,even before he can exit the lecture hall he is immersed in a case involving drug smuggling, rival cartels, murder, and an old enemy. The clues begin to add up, the victims pile up, as the mystery grows ever deeper and the danger more imminent.
In this third book of the Zack Tolliver, FBI, series Dr. Susan Apgar asks Zack to help her deliver a lecture to the Allan Hancock College Criminal Justice classes. A pleasant junket to California’s beautiful Central Coast, Zack thinks, but thanks to Rufus Reyes ,even before he can exit the lecture hall he is immersed in a case involving drug smuggling, rival cartels, murder, and an old enemy. The clues begin to add up, the victims pile up, as the mystery grows ever deeper and the danger more imminent.
- GenresEbooks
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2015
About the author
R. Lawson Gamble
16 books28 followersR Lawson Gamble lives and writes on California's Central Coast, tasting wines and ales, running trails and telling tales.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 15, 2019
Zaca - a review by Rosemary Kenny
When Mexican cartels make inroads into Zack Tolliver's area of authority, (liaising with the Navajo Nation police force on the nearby Reservation) it's not long before he and Sergeant Jimmy Chaparral are involved. A local rancher has noticed that at semi-regular intervals one or more of his crop workers disappears, while a stranger takes his place. Even stranger, every week or so, a number of his workers turn up late and exhausted, before they set to work for him .
Who's he gonna call? Zack Tolliver, FBI of course!
I really like the way different characters' stories are interwoven, so that Zack is not continually the main character, although he ties the threads together to make a satisfying conclusion.
R Lawson Gamble's skill is apparent in making the reader feel part of the action, thrilled and chilled by rituals, legends and embodiments of Native Indian mythology - that seemingly are not myths after all - and the settings include beautiful authentic wonders of nature, that makes the ugliness of evil human behaviour all the more apparent. Zaca is Zaca Lake and it plays an important part in the denouement of the third book in R Lawson Gamble's Western series, Zack Tolliver FBI, that just keeps getting better and better...try them all and prepare to be hooked!
When Mexican cartels make inroads into Zack Tolliver's area of authority, (liaising with the Navajo Nation police force on the nearby Reservation) it's not long before he and Sergeant Jimmy Chaparral are involved. A local rancher has noticed that at semi-regular intervals one or more of his crop workers disappears, while a stranger takes his place. Even stranger, every week or so, a number of his workers turn up late and exhausted, before they set to work for him .
Who's he gonna call? Zack Tolliver, FBI of course!
I really like the way different characters' stories are interwoven, so that Zack is not continually the main character, although he ties the threads together to make a satisfying conclusion.
R Lawson Gamble's skill is apparent in making the reader feel part of the action, thrilled and chilled by rituals, legends and embodiments of Native Indian mythology - that seemingly are not myths after all - and the settings include beautiful authentic wonders of nature, that makes the ugliness of evil human behaviour all the more apparent. Zaca is Zaca Lake and it plays an important part in the denouement of the third book in R Lawson Gamble's Western series, Zack Tolliver FBI, that just keeps getting better and better...try them all and prepare to be hooked!
February 10, 2019
This indie mystery book is a 4/5 for me. My family and I met author, R. Lawson Gamble, at a local artisans' fair. We all appreciated his friendly and easy going personality and clear passion for storytelling with a focus on California settings.
As someone who lives in California myself, I was absolutely enamored by Gamble's descriptions of the Central Coast, including the Zaca Lake area, the little Danish town of Solvang, and the Chumash Reservation. He painted a setting that I know well in a fresh, engaging way.
This is the first time I've read a Zach Tolliver book (though I know this is the third in the series), and I felt like it could stand alone well. That said, I did wish-more than once during this read-that I had read the first two books just because of the references to past adventures that were woven into this story from time to time.
I really enjoyed the characters and how the protagonist, Jack Tolliver, has several supporting characters with complex back stories and motives. I also found the mystery oddly believable despite or perhaps because of the fantastical elements in the tale. It was overall a very unique and enjoyable read, especially for this California local, and I look forward to reading more of Gamble's work in the near future.
As someone who lives in California myself, I was absolutely enamored by Gamble's descriptions of the Central Coast, including the Zaca Lake area, the little Danish town of Solvang, and the Chumash Reservation. He painted a setting that I know well in a fresh, engaging way.
This is the first time I've read a Zach Tolliver book (though I know this is the third in the series), and I felt like it could stand alone well. That said, I did wish-more than once during this read-that I had read the first two books just because of the references to past adventures that were woven into this story from time to time.
I really enjoyed the characters and how the protagonist, Jack Tolliver, has several supporting characters with complex back stories and motives. I also found the mystery oddly believable despite or perhaps because of the fantastical elements in the tale. It was overall a very unique and enjoyable read, especially for this California local, and I look forward to reading more of Gamble's work in the near future.
March 12, 2022
Starts out where a man named Jesus goes to a desert area near the Indian reservations area to work in the fields and watch over the marijuana fields. He got into it to deep before he realized what was going on. Men were getting killed . They were finding pools of blood but no bodies. Zack a FBI man and some others went there to find out what was going on. If your familiar with Native Americans beliefs and such you will understand more what is going on in the end of the story. Jesus just wants to go back home to his wife and kids it was to dangerous out there. But seems the unknown are out there hunting him to kill him. Will him , Zack , and the others survive it all.
September 13, 2021
another page turner
Darn I’m not getting anything done. This series is very addictive. Another location, another tribe, another mythical being and the group is off on another wild adventure. I am crushing on Eagle Feather as he oversees his white man buddy and other enlightened beings as they try to solve the latest round of bizarre disappearances and killings. Buckle up for another wild ride.
Darn I’m not getting anything done. This series is very addictive. Another location, another tribe, another mythical being and the group is off on another wild adventure. I am crushing on Eagle Feather as he oversees his white man buddy and other enlightened beings as they try to solve the latest round of bizarre disappearances and killings. Buckle up for another wild ride.
June 14, 2017
Excellent
Another excellent book in the series. Loved it from beginning to the end, actually didn't want this to end. Could have kept on reading, good thing there is the next book in the series. Author has a fantastic way to keep you so engrossed from the beginning to the end.
Tammymcinally@yahoo.com
Another excellent book in the series. Loved it from beginning to the end, actually didn't want this to end. Could have kept on reading, good thing there is the next book in the series. Author has a fantastic way to keep you so engrossed from the beginning to the end.
Tammymcinally@yahoo.com
March 29, 2020
Excellent
This fantastic author presents an exceptional story line, providing some interesting insight into the religious, spiritual realms of the first people.
This book captured me and held my interest throughout the whole story..
This fantastic author presents an exceptional story line, providing some interesting insight into the religious, spiritual realms of the first people.
This book captured me and held my interest throughout the whole story..
June 4, 2021
What an incredibly good story this is!! I just could not put the book down. It was exciting; filled with twists and turns of twisted people and a balance of goodness. I love the characters in this series and I love how the author has unraveled the depths of an intriguing tale! Give me more!!
April 16, 2022
exciting!
Another exciting installment! Received as a gift from the authors website, it was a great read with an exciting storyline populated with great characters. No spoilers here, go read the book!
Another exciting installment! Received as a gift from the authors website, it was a great read with an exciting storyline populated with great characters. No spoilers here, go read the book!
February 21, 2023
You feel the tension as it grows in each chapter.
I enjoy the fact that the same people continue as each saga unfolds and the mystery deepens, seeing how each one reacts to every new unknown situation unfold, I can not wait for the next book.
David
I enjoy the fact that the same people continue as each saga unfolds and the mystery deepens, seeing how each one reacts to every new unknown situation unfold, I can not wait for the next book.
David
April 4, 2022
( Format : Audiobook )
"Humans are a predatory species, too."
Strange goings on amidst the farmlands: the owner of a squash plantation asks CHI agent, Zack Gulliver to look into the strange comings and goings of some members of his work force, mostly Mexicans with, or without visas. He couldn't understand it and, being a good boss, was concerned for the people concerned. At the same time, Zack also learned of some mysterious deaths, men gone missing with only large puddles of their blood left behind. He and his Navajo friend, Eagle Feather, follow the trail
Zaca is a fascinating as well as exciting tale, vividly illustrated by the scenes of countryside and vibrant forest and the personalities of the main protagonists, plus legends of shape shifters and skin walkers. The action is well paced and varied, descriptive but not over played, with a sense of realism throughout. And there is a mystery which is far from straightforward which draws the reader onwards to the dramatic conclusion.
This is, frankly, not the sort of book I normally would enjoy - and I loved it.
The narrator, Rob Rundell, has a rugged sounding voice perfectly in character with the story itself. Although to my ear, a little slow in delivery (I increased play back speed to 1.2), his interpretation of the text was excellent, both calm and, when required, shifting into a greater excitement, and he gave individual voice to each of the protagonists, further bringing the book to life. A good performance.
Overall, a most enjoyable listen and a stand alone story in the Sack Tolliver, FBI series.
"Humans are a predatory species, too."
Strange goings on amidst the farmlands: the owner of a squash plantation asks CHI agent, Zack Gulliver to look into the strange comings and goings of some members of his work force, mostly Mexicans with, or without visas. He couldn't understand it and, being a good boss, was concerned for the people concerned. At the same time, Zack also learned of some mysterious deaths, men gone missing with only large puddles of their blood left behind. He and his Navajo friend, Eagle Feather, follow the trail
Zaca is a fascinating as well as exciting tale, vividly illustrated by the scenes of countryside and vibrant forest and the personalities of the main protagonists, plus legends of shape shifters and skin walkers. The action is well paced and varied, descriptive but not over played, with a sense of realism throughout. And there is a mystery which is far from straightforward which draws the reader onwards to the dramatic conclusion.
This is, frankly, not the sort of book I normally would enjoy - and I loved it.
The narrator, Rob Rundell, has a rugged sounding voice perfectly in character with the story itself. Although to my ear, a little slow in delivery (I increased play back speed to 1.2), his interpretation of the text was excellent, both calm and, when required, shifting into a greater excitement, and he gave individual voice to each of the protagonists, further bringing the book to life. A good performance.
Overall, a most enjoyable listen and a stand alone story in the Sack Tolliver, FBI series.
February 18, 2018
Fanciful, but well written
A good tale, blending mysticism and mystery. I like the characters and their interaction. I look forward to reading another tale.
A good tale, blending mysticism and mystery. I like the characters and their interaction. I look forward to reading another tale.
September 15, 2018
Awesome series
Do you believe! Shapeshifters? Cross between xfiles and Native American lore. Anything is possible. Don't go into the forest. Scary!
Do you believe! Shapeshifters? Cross between xfiles and Native American lore. Anything is possible. Don't go into the forest. Scary!
October 16, 2019
Good tale
The tale was well written. My problem were the numerous mistakes that should have been caught by a proof reader, but weren't. That sort of thing interrupts the flow.
The tale was well written. My problem were the numerous mistakes that should have been caught by a proof reader, but weren't. That sort of thing interrupts the flow.
January 11, 2021
Zaca
A great mystery full of suspense and surprises. It is a great read, absolutely not boring in fact it’s hard to put down.
A great mystery full of suspense and surprises. It is a great read, absolutely not boring in fact it’s hard to put down.
April 6, 2022
Intense
Well written story about drug cartels, crooked cops , illegal immigrants and a legendary Indian hunter who seems to be killing people.Great read
Well written story about drug cartels, crooked cops , illegal immigrants and a legendary Indian hunter who seems to be killing people.Great read
November 29, 2022
Excellent!
This series is great! Zack and Eagle Feather are a formidable team. Susan is back too. The legends of the Chumash are featured in this book. Looking forward to book 4.
This series is great! Zack and Eagle Feather are a formidable team. Susan is back too. The legends of the Chumash are featured in this book. Looking forward to book 4.
January 26, 2023
Zack and Eagle Feather end up helping to solve mysteries near Santa Maria in California. Marijuana grows and rumors of a not quite human presence in sacred lands keep them seeking. Well done!
February 22, 2023
More mystery and murder for Zack and Eagle Feather. Loved learning more about the Chumash Indian history and their culture.
May 5, 2024
Great story
I so love stories that include indigenous folklore and ghosts. This story ties that in with a crime procedural that slowly pulls you along to a surprising conclusion.
I so love stories that include indigenous folklore and ghosts. This story ties that in with a crime procedural that slowly pulls you along to a surprising conclusion.
March 14, 2025
It was a page turner with some mystic overtones. I Loved it.
August 1, 2023
Love this series about Zack Toliver, FBI
December 26, 2016
Cartels and a sheriff
Very good story builds intensely from the beginning, progresses intensely to the conclusion. Well written entertaining with insights into Native American legend.
I would highly recommend reading this book.
Very good story builds intensely from the beginning, progresses intensely to the conclusion. Well written entertaining with insights into Native American legend.
I would highly recommend reading this book.
August 27, 2015
The best of the Zack Tolliver, FBI series to date; plot and subplots maintain suspense until the last pages. Scenic descriptions of the San Rafael Wilderness are stimulating, new character Jesus brings a unique viewpoint. I think most mystery/adventure lovers will want to read this book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews