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Shandra Higheagle Mystery #5
Killer Descent
Book five in the Shandra Higheagle Mysteries
Abuse…Power…Murder
Once again Shandra Higheagle finds herself a suspect in a murder investigation when an ex-lover is found murdered on a Huckleberry ski run. A past she’d planned to never divulge now must be shared with the first man she’s trusted, Detective Ryan Greer.
Ryan puts his job in jeopardy when he’s booted from the case and uses all resources plus a few extra to prove Shandra is innocent. The information leads them down a road of blackmail and betrayal of the ugliest kind.
Abuse…Power…Murder
Once again Shandra Higheagle finds herself a suspect in a murder investigation when an ex-lover is found murdered on a Huckleberry ski run. A past she’d planned to never divulge now must be shared with the first man she’s trusted, Detective Ryan Greer.
Ryan puts his job in jeopardy when he’s booted from the case and uses all resources plus a few extra to prove Shandra is innocent. The information leads them down a road of blackmail and betrayal of the ugliest kind.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2016
53 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Paty Jager
112 books394 followersPaty 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 19, 2018
The fifth installment of the Shandra series does not disappoint, it is as good as the previous books. Shandra was in New Mexico for a workshop an exhibition. Carl Lander shows up and shocked Shandra. She had to receive help to enable her to escape from him. Upon returning to Huckleberry Hill she learned that he was discovered dead on the ski runs on the next hill. Ryan is there for her but was off the case as Shandra is to close to him. She quickly becomes a person of interest and the leading suspect in the murder. Ryan learns all the lowdown that Carl manage to snap her self-worth. Ryan is off the case, but he hires a PI in New Mexico to look into what Carl Lander was doing. Tapes of Carl's relationship with young girls exist. Shandra's dreams play a part of the answer. I do feel better editing will help the story but I still enjoy the book. I am ready to read #6.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this books and series.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this books and series.
April 3, 2018
In Killer Descent by Paty Jager, Shandra Higheagle goes to visit a reunion at the school in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she studied pottery. There she glimpses the professor with whom she once lived for three years as a student and who dominated and abused her throughout that time. Happy to return to Idaho and be away from the professor, Shandra does some soul- searching and discovers inner strength she hadn’t known she possessed.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
October 3, 2023
Wow. The past comes back with a vengeance in this book. I loved that we finally learn what Shandra had been so reluctant to reveal to Ryan, and it broke my heart to discover what that secret was. There are so many twists and double-crosses in this story, that I don’t think I have them all straight in my head, even now that it’s all over and I know the truth. I’m loving seeing Shandra and Ryan inch their defenses down and come closer and closer to declaring what they have as a ‘real relationship’. I can’t wait to see them take that step.
April 4, 2018
I had issues with the narrator and when that happens, it causes conflicts with the story. This a enjoyable clean mystery with twists, turns and red herrings. I absolutely loved the cover :) I have not read or listened to the previous books in the series, so it can be read/listen to as a stand alone. Thank you for the ARC. I will definitely read another book by Paty Jager.
October 27, 2016
Killer Descent
A Shandra Higheagle Mystery
by Paty Jager
Shandra Higheagle an artist seems to be surrounded by homicides. She has the uncanny ability to solve crimes by dreaming. When a past professor, Carl Landers is found murdered on her mountain by a ski lift, she becomes the prime suspect.
As the case progresses, it becomes clear to Shandra and her boyfriend, Ryan, she has been framed for his murder. Incriminating evidence has been planted in her home and studio. All that is keeping her from jail are her dreams, leading her to the murder and Ryan's unending tenacity to help her solve the crime.
Ryan, who is a detective in the area, should be apprised of the progress of the case. However, he is ordered off the investigation and information gathered by the other detectives. Evidence is overlooked and the detectives in charge seem to dismiss all new leads. Shandra and Ryan go against orders and try to solve the case on their own.
Ms. Jager has always been one of my favorite authors. I first began reading her historical romances over ten years ago. My favorite genre of hers is her mysteries which are always touched with a bit of romance. Her stories are filled with plot twists and turns, which always have the reader second-guessing the 'who done it.'
Even though this is not the first book in the Shandra Higheagle murder mysteries, I was able to step right into the story without an ounce of confusion. I don’t usually give the books I review a 5. The only reads that receive a perfect score are keepers, ones I would pick up and read a second or third time.
Killer Descent is definitely a 5. Well done Ms. Jager
A Shandra Higheagle Mystery
by Paty Jager
Shandra Higheagle an artist seems to be surrounded by homicides. She has the uncanny ability to solve crimes by dreaming. When a past professor, Carl Landers is found murdered on her mountain by a ski lift, she becomes the prime suspect.
As the case progresses, it becomes clear to Shandra and her boyfriend, Ryan, she has been framed for his murder. Incriminating evidence has been planted in her home and studio. All that is keeping her from jail are her dreams, leading her to the murder and Ryan's unending tenacity to help her solve the crime.
Ryan, who is a detective in the area, should be apprised of the progress of the case. However, he is ordered off the investigation and information gathered by the other detectives. Evidence is overlooked and the detectives in charge seem to dismiss all new leads. Shandra and Ryan go against orders and try to solve the case on their own.
Ms. Jager has always been one of my favorite authors. I first began reading her historical romances over ten years ago. My favorite genre of hers is her mysteries which are always touched with a bit of romance. Her stories are filled with plot twists and turns, which always have the reader second-guessing the 'who done it.'
Even though this is not the first book in the Shandra Higheagle murder mysteries, I was able to step right into the story without an ounce of confusion. I don’t usually give the books I review a 5. The only reads that receive a perfect score are keepers, ones I would pick up and read a second or third time.
Killer Descent is definitely a 5. Well done Ms. Jager
May 2, 2018
Killer Descent, by Paty Jager, is an engaging romance mystery. It is the fifth book in the Shandra Higheagle Mystery series and while reading the others may give some background to some of the characters, this can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. There's lots of action, a good murder mystery, and of course, a lovely romance. The author tackles the gritty subject of abuse with tact and there are twists to the plot that keep the reader's interest high. I look forward to reading more of this author's works. The narrator, Ann M. Thompson, does a good job giving voice to the characters as she reads the story which made for an enjoyable listening experience. I was given a copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
April 28, 2019
Ex lover that took an innocence girl with flattery and gifts, that when under his influence, she was a possession, to abuse, humiliate for a number of years. Till Shandra finally escaped, and with a lawyer’s personal interest she gained some self confidence to be on her own. She found a place up on top a mountain, with her talent now of the special clay on the land to make a name for herself. A man was murdered on top of the ski slope, rumor is he came to see her, now a suspect, and Ryan as a detective, and his interest and welfare is in Sandra was taken off the case. The case was bringing up people from the past, the threats on her life were many. The good this brought the dark past to be revealed to Ryan. One wondered to the end of who did it. The plot was tense to the end.
April 7, 2018
This is a great story, plumbing Shandra's past and shedding some light on the murky world of abused women while solving a murder. (Well, you knew that--"Killer" is right there in the title.) I suspect the detectives would ultimately have figured things out even without Shandra's dreams but those do add a dimension to the tale. This is the first of the Higheagles I've heard narrated and audio is a great format for the action. The only other I've read is later in the series and each stands alone but, combined, add richness to the narrative.
January 7, 2019
Quick reads but can't put them down!
May 30, 2025
Great story!
Absolutely love the settings where the stories take place. The characters are especially good and make for great stories. Thank you for another great book.
Absolutely love the settings where the stories take place. The characters are especially good and make for great stories. Thank you for another great book.
April 15, 2018
Shandra finds herself once again a suspect in a murder when her past returns to haunt her. The body of her ex-boyfriend and art professor turns up at the huckleberry ski run near Shandra’s home. Shandra finally has to deal with the ghosts of this relationship. She has to share the details of her past relationship with this controlling man with Ryan. Ryan puts his job in jeopardy as he tries to clear Shandra’s name.
This is a very exciting addition to this series, but can still be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. We finally learn why Shandra has trouble trusting men and has reservations about being in a relationship. The characters are wonderfully complex. Great mystery with a sweet love story interwoven within the storyline. The mystery has several twists and turns to keep you guess. A great series can't wait to read more of this series.
The narrator for the audio version of this book Ann M Thompson is a gifted storyteller. She is able to bring this book to life. She has a pleasant voice, great accents, pace, and timing. Her storytelling is a wonderful addition to an already great book.
I received an audio copy of this book in hopes I would give a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and have no way been influenced.
This is a very exciting addition to this series, but can still be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. We finally learn why Shandra has trouble trusting men and has reservations about being in a relationship. The characters are wonderfully complex. Great mystery with a sweet love story interwoven within the storyline. The mystery has several twists and turns to keep you guess. A great series can't wait to read more of this series.
The narrator for the audio version of this book Ann M Thompson is a gifted storyteller. She is able to bring this book to life. She has a pleasant voice, great accents, pace, and timing. Her storytelling is a wonderful addition to an already great book.
I received an audio copy of this book in hopes I would give a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and have no way been influenced.
April 1, 2016
Shandra Higheagle lives in Huckleberry Mountain and is dating Detective Ryan Greer. Shandra is an artist that went to college in New Mexico. Unfortunately her professor, Carl Landers, preyed on her innocence and she ended up living with him. He used women and made them do sex acts that they would not normally do. He also threatened them if they tried to leave him. Luckily Shandra had gotten out of the relationship with the help of a woman that worked at a home for abused women. Shandra goes back to her her college to put on a workshop and sees Carl Landers with a young blonde woman. She ignores him.
The day after Shandra flies home, Carl Landersis found dead on the slopes of a ski lodge near where Shandra lives. Shandra is the prime suspect for the murder. Ryan knows that Shandra didn't kill Carl and is going to prove it. Unfortunately his boss puts him on administrative leave since he is living with the suspect and too close to the case. All the circumstantial evidence leads to Shandra. Ryan and Shandra can't figure out who is trying to frame her. They work together to try and find out who killed Carl.
If you like a mystery with a love story, then this is the book for you. I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the next one. You will meet some really nice people as well as evil people. It is nice to see how patient Ryan is with Shandra and their relationship. Carl did a number on Shandra regarding love and her self esteem. I encourage you to read the book.
The day after Shandra flies home, Carl Landersis found dead on the slopes of a ski lodge near where Shandra lives. Shandra is the prime suspect for the murder. Ryan knows that Shandra didn't kill Carl and is going to prove it. Unfortunately his boss puts him on administrative leave since he is living with the suspect and too close to the case. All the circumstantial evidence leads to Shandra. Ryan and Shandra can't figure out who is trying to frame her. They work together to try and find out who killed Carl.
If you like a mystery with a love story, then this is the book for you. I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the next one. You will meet some really nice people as well as evil people. It is nice to see how patient Ryan is with Shandra and their relationship. Carl did a number on Shandra regarding love and her self esteem. I encourage you to read the book.
April 3, 2016
This is a tightly plotted mystery on many levels: the murder mystery naturally, but also a psychological mystery and a story of survivors. Shandra Higheagle is a woman building a new life on shaky ground. She has past traumas that hamper her new life with her friends and Ryan, her love interest. (I’m very fond of Ryan; he believes in Shandra whole heartedly, even to the point of endangering his career and for a wonder, doesn’t discount her psychic dreams. I hope we learn more about Ryan’s own dangerous past.)
There’s a nice progression in laying out the suspects for the murder and the motives, and this victim left many of both. Above all Shandra learns to be a strong, brave woman, one able to protect herself, but also strong enough to accept the support of those around her.
I received a copy for an honest review, so here it is.
There’s a nice progression in laying out the suspects for the murder and the motives, and this victim left many of both. Above all Shandra learns to be a strong, brave woman, one able to protect herself, but also strong enough to accept the support of those around her.
I received a copy for an honest review, so here it is.
June 15, 2016
I've read a lot of this author's books but this is a new series for me. This is a well written, suspenseful mystery. Shandra, the heroine, is an Indian-American potter whose love interest is Ryan who is a police detective. The dead body of Shandra's ex-boyfriend is found on a ski slope near her home and Ryan is the Detective on the case until he is taken off the case due to his relationship to the chief suspect. Shandra and Ryan investigate the case on their own and boy are there a lot of twists and turns. This story had me reading when I should have been cooking, cleaning, sleeping, etc. There is a sweet, tender romance in this story as well.
April 6, 2016
I was given this book for an honest review. I loved the story the growing relationship that is growing between Dylan and Shandra is very sweet. This book has mystery,past hurts. I don't want to give anything away, will Shandra and Ryan have a happy ever after read and find out for yourself.
February 25, 2018
This is book 5 in this romantic mystery series. As good as the others in this great series.
Shandra and Ryan are still very much a couple, neither ready to commit fully but very happy to spend all their spare time together as a couple; even Lil is thawing a little towards Ryan as she sees he makes Shandra happy.
Shandra is back from her teaching trip and very happy that Ryan has met her at the airport. The only downside to the trip is she saw the man who made her life a misery for a few years whilst she was in college, Carl Landers. Ryan doesn't know anything about her past with Carl, although he's aware their Shandra and Carl's relationship ended badly. However, Ryan has his own secret to tell at some point!
Ryan is called away the morning after Shandra gets back, having spent the evening together at her ranch he was hoping to say goodbye properly before he went back on duty, but a call to a body found on one is the ski runs scuppers that idea.
Things go from bad to worse as the body is that of Carl Landers and soon Shandra is made the prime suspect in his murder; Ryan is taken off the case and is pretty soon put on administrative leave, in danger of losing his career as he and Shandra insist on investigating the murder themselves, trying to find whose responsible in order to clear Shandra's name.
During their information gathering Shandra has to come clean to Ryan about her sordid history with Carl, and it isn't pleasant, will this break them up? It also puts Shandra's life in danger and Ryan faces up to the fact he may lose her.
As always, Ella, Shandra's grandmother come to get in get dreams and tries to help solve the case by giving her clues, which Shandra has to interpret. Ryan is aware of her drrams and is open to the fact they may have a bearing on whichever case he's working on, something which not all law enforcement are!
I only have one small criticism, there are some typos and words jumbled up in the book, together with 1 or 2 inconsistencies to this story. It doesn't affect the overall story and didn't affect my enjoyment of it at all.
I've already lined up book 6 to read.
Shandra and Ryan are still very much a couple, neither ready to commit fully but very happy to spend all their spare time together as a couple; even Lil is thawing a little towards Ryan as she sees he makes Shandra happy.
Shandra is back from her teaching trip and very happy that Ryan has met her at the airport. The only downside to the trip is she saw the man who made her life a misery for a few years whilst she was in college, Carl Landers. Ryan doesn't know anything about her past with Carl, although he's aware their Shandra and Carl's relationship ended badly. However, Ryan has his own secret to tell at some point!
Ryan is called away the morning after Shandra gets back, having spent the evening together at her ranch he was hoping to say goodbye properly before he went back on duty, but a call to a body found on one is the ski runs scuppers that idea.
Things go from bad to worse as the body is that of Carl Landers and soon Shandra is made the prime suspect in his murder; Ryan is taken off the case and is pretty soon put on administrative leave, in danger of losing his career as he and Shandra insist on investigating the murder themselves, trying to find whose responsible in order to clear Shandra's name.
During their information gathering Shandra has to come clean to Ryan about her sordid history with Carl, and it isn't pleasant, will this break them up? It also puts Shandra's life in danger and Ryan faces up to the fact he may lose her.
As always, Ella, Shandra's grandmother come to get in get dreams and tries to help solve the case by giving her clues, which Shandra has to interpret. Ryan is aware of her drrams and is open to the fact they may have a bearing on whichever case he's working on, something which not all law enforcement are!
I only have one small criticism, there are some typos and words jumbled up in the book, together with 1 or 2 inconsistencies to this story. It doesn't affect the overall story and didn't affect my enjoyment of it at all.
I've already lined up book 6 to read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews