What do you think?
Rate this book
Pacheco & Chino Mystery #2
Sky High Stakes
Murder and greed visit the high country...
Tired of spending his days fishing, Ray Pacheco takes on his second assignment with his partner Tyee Chino when the state Attorney General asks them to find out just what the hell is going on in Ruidoso, New Mexico. With the town's sheriff in hospital with a mysterious illness, acting sheriff Martin Marino is running rough-shod over everyone around him.
What seems like a simple assignment becomes more complicated when Marino is found dead, shot at close range while sitting in his patrol car on Main Street. The suspects seem to include most of the town, but Ray and Tyee narrow it to Dick Franklin, manager of Ruidoso Downs racetrack, bar owner Tito Annoya, and, disturbingly, police chief Larry Nelson.
At the same time, Ray has an uneasy feeling that the AG is withholding critical details about what exactly is going on in Ruidoso -- and why the state was so slow to respond.
It all comes to a surprising conclusion with the involvement of a Spanish princess, a drug lord gone mad, and a few other lowlifes... and leaves Ray wondering if maybe fishing wasn't so boring after all.
Includes a bonus "Facts in the Fiction" section, discussing some of the real-life inspirations for the locations and characters in the novel.
For fans of mysteries and crime thrillers. Sky High Stakes continues the stories of Ray, Tyee, and Big Jack from the first book in the series, Dog Gone Lies.
Tired of spending his days fishing, Ray Pacheco takes on his second assignment with his partner Tyee Chino when the state Attorney General asks them to find out just what the hell is going on in Ruidoso, New Mexico. With the town's sheriff in hospital with a mysterious illness, acting sheriff Martin Marino is running rough-shod over everyone around him.
What seems like a simple assignment becomes more complicated when Marino is found dead, shot at close range while sitting in his patrol car on Main Street. The suspects seem to include most of the town, but Ray and Tyee narrow it to Dick Franklin, manager of Ruidoso Downs racetrack, bar owner Tito Annoya, and, disturbingly, police chief Larry Nelson.
At the same time, Ray has an uneasy feeling that the AG is withholding critical details about what exactly is going on in Ruidoso -- and why the state was so slow to respond.
It all comes to a surprising conclusion with the involvement of a Spanish princess, a drug lord gone mad, and a few other lowlifes... and leaves Ray wondering if maybe fishing wasn't so boring after all.
Includes a bonus "Facts in the Fiction" section, discussing some of the real-life inspirations for the locations and characters in the novel.
For fans of mysteries and crime thrillers. Sky High Stakes continues the stories of Ray, Tyee, and Big Jack from the first book in the series, Dog Gone Lies.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2016
442 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Ted Clifton
21 books73 followersAward-winning author Ted Clifton has written mystery novels which feature the settings of New Mexico and Oklahoma, places where Ted spent considerable time.
One of his books, The Bootlegger’s Legacy, won the IBPA Benjamin Franklin award and the CIPA EVVY award.
He currently has three mystery series: Pacheco and Chino, the Muckraker Mystery series and the Vincent Malone series. The first book, Santa Fe Mojo, from the Malone series was just published.
Today, Ted resides in Denver with his wife and grandson, after many years living in the New Mexico desert.
One of his books, The Bootlegger’s Legacy, won the IBPA Benjamin Franklin award and the CIPA EVVY award.
He currently has three mystery series: Pacheco and Chino, the Muckraker Mystery series and the Vincent Malone series. The first book, Santa Fe Mojo, from the Malone series was just published.
Today, Ted resides in Denver with his wife and grandson, after many years living in the New Mexico desert.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 21, 2018
These books are easy to read and fairly entertaining. In book #2, Ray and his newly formed Private Investigating Team get another murder case to investigate from the Governors office. As they uncover clues several more murders take place. But as you can imagine in the end Ray gets his man, or women if the case may be. The story takes a couple of unexpected turns. If you liked the fist book, you will enjoy this second one as well...TJ
July 20, 2020
Further adventures of Pacheco and Chino - Excellent tales told very well. I was able to download a copy of this continuation of the adventures, completely stand-alone as was the #1 book, Dog Gone Lies, from Kindle Unlimited. Ted Clifton is an excellent teller of tales - he manages to catch your interest in the first page or two and keep you entertained until the last page comes around, always just a little too soon.
In Sky High Stakes we wander over and around New Mexico, with our intrepid P.I.s as they work, running down information for the governor about the going on's at Ruidoso's Race Track and Casino on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, and in and around Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The main characters are lovable, the scenery is well defined, and the mystery is interesting. In several places, the plot does not go the way I expected it to. Loving this series.
Reviewed on Goodreads, AmazonSmile, BookBub, and Barnes&Noble. Not available for review on Kobo or GooglePlay.
In Sky High Stakes we wander over and around New Mexico, with our intrepid P.I.s as they work, running down information for the governor about the going on's at Ruidoso's Race Track and Casino on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, and in and around Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The main characters are lovable, the scenery is well defined, and the mystery is interesting. In several places, the plot does not go the way I expected it to. Loving this series.
Reviewed on Goodreads, AmazonSmile, BookBub, and Barnes&Noble. Not available for review on Kobo or GooglePlay.
April 30, 2019
I found this book pretty boring. It was full of "dumb Indian" jokes, mostly made by the Indian himself, and that got old fast. Also, characters would appear and start talking, but the book didn't say who was talking. You were just supposed to know that this person had shown up. The info about the geography of Santa Fe was interesting and fun to read about.
August 20, 2020
Run of the mill whodunit. Written mainly with humor in mind. A lot of the story is just that, story. Has nothing to do with the main plot.
October 8, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"Perhaps it was a Boston thing."
Pacheco had retired after serving as sheriff for 20 years and moved to a small, remote cabin outside of the poetically named village of Truth and Consequences to take up fishing. He teamed up with the 6'4" tall Apache Indian, Tyee China, and, together with Big Jack, started an investigation unit for the FBI and other law enforcement. As well as looking into the death of a much hated sheriff there is plenty of action as well as quirky conversation and description of the local environment and further development of the characters who dominate the story as much as any action.
The protagonists are individually voiced by narrator, Scott R.Pollak, his intonation is excellent as he speaks directly into the readers 's ears. His voice and timings seem to fit perfectly with the characters he describes: a fine performance.
My thanks to the rights holder of Sky High Stakes, the second in this quirky Pacheco and Chino mystery, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. It was a most enjoyable book, and, for someone who likes somewhat irascible characters, a must read.
"Perhaps it was a Boston thing."
Pacheco had retired after serving as sheriff for 20 years and moved to a small, remote cabin outside of the poetically named village of Truth and Consequences to take up fishing. He teamed up with the 6'4" tall Apache Indian, Tyee China, and, together with Big Jack, started an investigation unit for the FBI and other law enforcement. As well as looking into the death of a much hated sheriff there is plenty of action as well as quirky conversation and description of the local environment and further development of the characters who dominate the story as much as any action.
The protagonists are individually voiced by narrator, Scott R.Pollak, his intonation is excellent as he speaks directly into the readers 's ears. His voice and timings seem to fit perfectly with the characters he describes: a fine performance.
My thanks to the rights holder of Sky High Stakes, the second in this quirky Pacheco and Chino mystery, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. It was a most enjoyable book, and, for someone who likes somewhat irascible characters, a must read.
April 23, 2022
So Good
Mostly when I reach the end of a book I enjoy I’m ready for it to wrap up. Not so in this series. I could just go on from one of Ray’s cases to the next. Lots of things to learn from each case & characters to like. Tyee is hilarious & smart. As a member of a LEO family I hate thinking that the percentage of dirty sheriffs is anywhere near what he encounters but it sure makes good reading. Jackson (Monica) & Parker (Big Jack) are used as last names in the first book & again for other people in this book - no relation between them but could be confusing. Having the Governor’s plant might be really helpful to the guys but Ray needs to retire the old Jeep. Is you lose track of the time the series is written about just seeing that he’s traveling on TWA brings you back real fast. On to #3.
Mostly when I reach the end of a book I enjoy I’m ready for it to wrap up. Not so in this series. I could just go on from one of Ray’s cases to the next. Lots of things to learn from each case & characters to like. Tyee is hilarious & smart. As a member of a LEO family I hate thinking that the percentage of dirty sheriffs is anywhere near what he encounters but it sure makes good reading. Jackson (Monica) & Parker (Big Jack) are used as last names in the first book & again for other people in this book - no relation between them but could be confusing. Having the Governor’s plant might be really helpful to the guys but Ray needs to retire the old Jeep. Is you lose track of the time the series is written about just seeing that he’s traveling on TWA brings you back real fast. On to #3.
March 23, 2021
LIKE AN OLD FRIEND....
That is what a Ted Clifton book is like for me. Years ago I read Mr. Clinton's Bootlegger story and loved it. When I began reading Dog Gone Lies and came across the character Ray Pacheco's name it was like running into an old friend. I knew immediately that it would be a great read. Upon finishing that book, I lost no time in getting this one.... Sky High Stakes. Every story I've read of Clifton's has been a treat. I highly recommend them.
That is what a Ted Clifton book is like for me. Years ago I read Mr. Clinton's Bootlegger story and loved it. When I began reading Dog Gone Lies and came across the character Ray Pacheco's name it was like running into an old friend. I knew immediately that it would be a great read. Upon finishing that book, I lost no time in getting this one.... Sky High Stakes. Every story I've read of Clifton's has been a treat. I highly recommend them.
April 30, 2018
Stakes
This is a well written Book about Subjects, places in New Mexico, I said in my first review in this series the Author is very precise and right on! It is easy to get attached to the several main People in this story, feel like they are Friends. I highly recommend 📚 by Ted Clifton. Give this Read 4🌟 rating.
This is a well written Book about Subjects, places in New Mexico, I said in my first review in this series the Author is very precise and right on! It is easy to get attached to the several main People in this story, feel like they are Friends. I highly recommend 📚 by Ted Clifton. Give this Read 4🌟 rating.
December 23, 2018
Ray retires by a lake, with no hobbies he decides to take up fishing. The owner of the shop recommended to learn about it first, and thus we meet some interesting characters. With retirement getting old he takes on a case. The odd thing it seems like everybody in this small town is involved. The scenery of New Mexico and characters were brought to life and made a good murder mystery to read.
June 24, 2021
The comic sparkle found in the first book in this series is mostly missing in this book; however, the characters both old and new are well written and the plot is interesting with many false leads to keep readers engaged. The fact section at the end with contact information makes one want to visit the New Mexico areas and resorts described. Still a very enjoyable read.
October 24, 2018
Sorry, the dialog was sophomoric at best and the repetition just went on and on. I did enjoy the various towns and scenes of New Mexico as I lived there for a number of years. I found the descriptions accurate as I remember the area.
November 1, 2018
I didn’t like this one as much as the first book. Way too many pages spent on background of supporting characters for just this story. But I like the main characters enough that I looked forward to getting back to the story.
July 3, 2019
Summer Read
Talk about convoluted storylines and you have it right here. Seems there are murderers aplenty and Ray is pretty good at ferreting them all out. Some people get away with it and others pay with their lives. Very enjoyable.
Talk about convoluted storylines and you have it right here. Seems there are murderers aplenty and Ray is pretty good at ferreting them all out. Some people get away with it and others pay with their lives. Very enjoyable.
September 22, 2019
Entertaining
Have definitely enjoyed the three books I have read about Sheriff Ray and company he seems to be able to find problems no matter where he goes. There is a good mix of believable crimes and other situations for them to handle
Have definitely enjoyed the three books I have read about Sheriff Ray and company he seems to be able to find problems no matter where he goes. There is a good mix of believable crimes and other situations for them to handle
December 31, 2019
Good Private Investigator Story.
Ted Clifton does not disappoint with another of his Pacheco & Chino mysteries. A great read with interesting characters and mysteries that don't quit.
Ted Clifton does not disappoint with another of his Pacheco & Chino mysteries. A great read with interesting characters and mysteries that don't quit.
March 9, 2020
This author might be my favorite non- romance writer ever!
I love how the storyline leads you around and teases you into thinking you know how it's going to and then yanks it anyway! What a incredibly great cast of characters! Loved this book!
I love how the storyline leads you around and teases you into thinking you know how it's going to and then yanks it anyway! What a incredibly great cast of characters! Loved this book!
April 10, 2020
Enjoyed the story. A lot of characters to keep up with.
The story was interesting and thought provoking. The multitude of important characters was somewhat confusing and difficult to follow. That's the only reason I didn't give it give 5 stars.
The story was interesting and thought provoking. The multitude of important characters was somewhat confusing and difficult to follow. That's the only reason I didn't give it give 5 stars.
June 29, 2020
Mystery, mayhem and a few good laughs.
I love these characters and how they get along with one another! The mysteries are always interesting with lots of twists and turns along the way. And of course, I adore a dog named Happy!
I love these characters and how they get along with one another! The mysteries are always interesting with lots of twists and turns along the way. And of course, I adore a dog named Happy!
December 8, 2020
Truly enjoyable reading!
Like the storyline it really kept you interested! Great use of characters and their interaction. You began to feel like you were in the story. Recommend reading!
Like the storyline it really kept you interested! Great use of characters and their interaction. You began to feel like you were in the story. Recommend reading!
January 2, 2021
Could have been an interesting plot. Well-written, but the mostly male characters are stiff and speak more dialog than I'm used to in waking life. I read the whole thing, hopefully, but basically it's boring.
April 20, 2022
These books are well put together and a good read. Always enough surprises and twists to keep everything interesting. No relationships are hurried or forced and the flow makes it easy to follow. Good characters and histories. Each book could stand alone but I am reading them in order.
May 21, 2018
Very good
This is a good story about cleaning up and politics...more like this in today's world. Looking forward to many more
This is a good story about cleaning up and politics...more like this in today's world. Looking forward to many more
July 25, 2018
Another great book by Ted Clifton
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's every bit as good as the first one. I look forward to the next.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's every bit as good as the first one. I look forward to the next.
November 7, 2018
Another good one
A good, well written story. The pace is slow and the plot convoluted, the characters mostly believable - the kind you could grab a beer with.
A good, well written story. The pace is slow and the plot convoluted, the characters mostly believable - the kind you could grab a beer with.
January 18, 2019
Easy read.
This story followed the first story. New characters introduced,some had major parts,some did not. Give it a shot, it was free.
This story followed the first story. New characters introduced,some had major parts,some did not. Give it a shot, it was free.
January 20, 2019
Fun book, easy read
March 16, 2019
A very good book.
December 15, 2020
Did enjoy these mysteries. Characters older and wiser. One in hiding. One a drunk. One a retired sherrif. Good plots
April 13, 2021
Very readable story
December 20, 2021
Very good sequel to Dog Gone Lies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews