Native Warrior

Zeb Hanks Mystery #6

by Mark Reps

A powerful U.S. Senator’s son is murdered in a particularly heinous way, strongly hinting at a revenge killing. Sheriff Zeb Hanks of the Graham County Sheriff’s Office and the San Carlos Apache Police have a long list of suspects who might have wanted to get even with the victim. Zeb enlists the help of his long-time deputies, Kate Steele and Jake Dablo, to verify alibis on the numerous suspects. Newly hired deputy, Sawyer Black Bear, adds some additional manpower to the case. High on the list of suspects is Echo Skysong, a recently returned war hero and expert marksman. Zeb can’t even rule out that the senator may have wanted his own son dead. The tangled web thickens as dark moments from Zeb’s past come back to haunt him in the form of FBI Agent Rodriguez who is intent on his own revenge against Zeb. Grappling with his past and the loss of his wife, Zeb and Echo are thrown together by Jimmy Song Bird, Apache medicine man, for an interference clearing. Song Bird hopes to cleanse the spirits of Zeb and Echo through the magic power of peyote. As the list of suspects narrows, Zeb Hanks and his deputies learn what a powerful motivator revenge can be. The team is drawn to a remote location for a final showdown with the least likely of suspects.

Genres: Ebooks

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2016

About the author

Mark Reps has been a writer and storyteller his whole life. Born in small town southeastern Minnesota, he trained as a mathematician and chiropractor but never lost his love of telling or writing a good story. As an avid desert wilderness hiker Mark spends a great deal of time roaming the desert and other terrains of southeastern Arizona from December to May. A chance meeting with an old time colorful sheriff led him to develop the Zeb Hanks character and the world that surrounds him. Mark returns often to SE Arizona for inspiration, information and to maintain the general feel of the area, learn its history and understand the local residents.

When Mark started writing he became pen pals with Tony Hillerman who offered up tips, criticism and ideas on some of his early novels. His books are often compared with the Longmire television series and books by Craig Johnson.

Mark’s most recent project is the eighth installment of the ZEB HANKS series, NATIVE DESTINY which launched in the spring of 2018. He is working on a Zeb Hanks Novella which will be distributed free to subscribers. Books nine and ten (and likely beyond) are planned at a pace of one per year through 2020. Welcome to the series!

Signup for new releases and free content: http://eepurl.com/b6_7m-/

Find out more at:
facebook.com/ZebHanks
www.markreps.com
@markreps1

Many thanks to the many wonderful, loyal readers out there! Feedback is always welcome and Mark tries to respond to every request and question. If you read and enjoy the books, please review them on Amazon and Goodreads.

Reviews

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen Nazelrod (Zeb’s Aunt, Sheriff dispatcher) was sitting at her desk when someone with a mask on had a gun to her temple.
She hadn’t planned on telling him where Sheriff Zeb Hanks (Graham County, retired US Army Special Forces Green Beret, US Army Rangers, Afghanistan x 3) was.
Duct tape over the mouth & handcuffed Helen wasn’t going anywhere.

Deputy Sheriff Kate Steele (Graham County), & Josh had gotten engaged.
Deputy Sheriff Jake Dablo (Graham County) had been added to the team.
Deputy Sheriff Steele arrived at the office a pool of blood was everywhere.
The 2 of them were alive.
Safford Medical Clinic. Doc Yackley, checked everyone out.
Senator Clinton Jefferson Russell called Sheriff Hanks to let know his illegitimate son Sun Rey Russell (paranoid schizophrenic) left the treatment center & was headed that way.
Later Sun Rey had been murdered.
The investigation was on. It seems Sun Rey had become a career criminal since his juvy days.
Tucson, AZ. Sun owned a very lucrative iCandy gentleman’s club, & several coffee shops.
What information did Deputy Sheriff Steele get from Mike Patterson (PI)?
Crazy Medicine Canyon. Maya Song Bird (N/A, retired US Army Special Forces Green Beret, US Army Rangers, Afghanistan x 3), & Echo Skysong (Sonja’s 1/2-sister, retired US Army Sergeant, expert marksman) were there to greet Sheriff Hanks (Graham County, retired US Army Special Forces Green Beret, US Army Rangers, Afghanistan x 3).
He would participate in the Teardrop Ceremony.
Later, Curtis Lowe (gay son) was shot.
Deputy Sheriff Dablo, & Deputy Sheriff Steele were sent to investigate.
Angela Lowe (Curtis’ mother, RN) was there to greet them.
Safford Hospital ER. Dr. Yackley was looking at Curtis’ medical needs.

Would Shelly Hamlin (IT) find anything valuable on Sun Rey’s computer/hard drive.
What was FBI SA Frank Rodriguez up to?
What would happen at Senator Russell’s Little Grand Canyon Hunting Lodge & Chalet?

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author BookDaily; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child and a teenager most of the books available for me to read where westerns. They are still my fall back books when I want something different to read. Mr. Reps writes an excellent story. His characters are believable and I find myself living the plot with them. The suspense gets quite high at times. If he where a Sheriff in real life it makes you consider living in his district just because it seems so much safer then where you are. He knows the area well that he writes about and the native Americans in that area. A pleasure to read, I just find myself reading too far into the night.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Native Warrior - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Helen Nazelrod and her nephew, Sheriff Zeb Hanks are attacked at his office by a vindictive enemy, related to Zeb's time undercover in Mexico, seeking revenge for the murder of his bride, Doreen, in this latest thrilling episode of the vastly entertaining Zeb Hanks series, set in the Grand Canyon State, by the knowledgeable and skilled writer Mark Reps.

Involved in a number of mysterious deaths and nefarious deeds are Zeb's former Deputy now Senator, Devon Dawbyns, Zeb's nemesis Senator Russell, who knows more about Zeb's Cartel related mission than the Sheriff would like, Russell's illegitimate son, cult leader and serial sex offender, Sun Rey, a crooked FBI Special Agent in Russell's employ and several others who support Russell's agenda.
On the plus-side, Zeb is introduced to Echo Skysong, a strong, independent Apache-American woman, returned Afghanistan veteran and his soon to be his new deputy, Black Bear, both of whom will have a definite effect for the better on Zeb's life.

Once you start reading this fascinating Small Town Sheriff Big Time Trouble series, starring Zeb Hanks, you'll wonder why you managed without these magnificent books on your bookshelves for so long...grab them all today and tell all your friends so they won't miss out either!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reads

So far I have read 7 books in this series and will obtaining the final three soon. Anyone who enjoys learning Apache Indian history and traditions will greatly enjoy these books.
They are fast moving takes that will keep you flipping the pages until the very end. I am glad I found this new author and hope to enjoy good books by him. Thank you for what you do Mark Reps.

[jerry gautier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Love this series and don't understand why some people try to pick it a part, I started reading and discovered right away that it was a good read and have read six of this series already and rate them all as excellent. This makes me about 50+ e-books in the last three months so you see I read a lot of different books. I give it a 9+

[catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Native Warrior

One of the best books I've read in a long time! The addition of two native Apaches namely Black Bear and Echo Song are a wonderful addition to Sheriff Deb Hanks fine supporting cast of characters!
This book is full of mystery and suspense along with some Indian culture and is exciting in every aspect from start to finish!

[Diane Worthen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Mark Reps!

This book was full of ups and downs, suspense and excitement. I loved it! This one was another great book from Mark, and did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Zeb Hanks story.

[KWizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never disappointed with series


I am a fan of the series and have not been disappointed with any of the books. Be aware that the book list numbering in Kindle descriptions does not match the book cover number.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book!

This was a good storyline, not sure about the intervention session though. I can't help but wonder if I missed something, Curtis was in the hospital and then having a shootout with his mother? Seems like he healed mighty fast.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book in the series that I would recommend for consideration.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have throughly enjoyed all six I have read in the series.

[Chick J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for me. Excellent story, great characters and just right ending. If you like Hillerman series, then this series if for you. The best series I have read in 2017.

[Karen Naquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

A well written book with sufficient plot twists to keep the reader interested. Am looking forward to the next one.

[Kathy Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is a page turner, it has a few twist and turns. What I love was how it brought the beliefs of the Native Americans into the mix. I enjoyed it very much

[Marynella J. Kinnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

U am more of a fan of Mark Reps than ever on 4Th in series.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

this book is one that shows how evil political politicians can be and how much power they have and it's not used for the good of there people.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and suspenseful

Very good, mysterious and suspenseful story. Many changes that keep you guessing. Excellent characters and a well planned story line.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun series. Will read more.

[gwen graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good story and the characters were very interesting, I like that author’s descriptions of the are and the Apache way of life I the present time.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery is one that held interest..

A solid mystery that covers the Southwest well For the story to make sense you must read the two previous books in the series.

[Donald R. Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding read.

I was riveted to the plot from the beginning till the end. Characters, locations of actions along with proper handling of fire irons was super.

[Penny Post · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Peace

Zeb and FBI agent Rodriquez have a head on collision in terms of wanting to see the last of each other. It all comes together in this book.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always with Zeb Hanks novels, it isn’t obvious at first who the real criminals are; even people trusted by the sheriff are momentary suspects. A promising new character appears to help with the crime. Sawyer Black Bear, Graham County’s newest deputy, makes a brief but important debut in this novel. His presence is intriguing for future story lines.

I’ve never quite gotten over Doreen’s demise in a previous book in the series, so I’m grateful to Reps for bringing her back in memory and in spirit. Her powerful influence over Zeb’s actions—both good and not-so-good— adds to the plot. Undoubtedly she’ll fade in importance as Zeb moves on in his life, but I’m glad it hasn’t happened yet!

Reps continues to teach his readers (and Zeb!) about ceremonial traditions of the Apache in the Safford area. For me, that is as interesting and compelling as how the mystery gets solved. And, he weaves in current cultural references that readers will be familiar with. All in all, a satisfying story that leaves me impatient for the next installment.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent murder mystery that takes place in the Southwest. I have read other books by this author, and he does a stellar job interweaving a murder mystery with Apache culture. I found this book to be riveting and informative. The main character, Zeb Hanks, is the perfect blend of Walt Longmire and Raylan Givens from Justified. This is the sixth in the Zeb Hanks series and I can't wait for number seven.

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series. convoluted plots, flawed characters. conspiracies abound in this tale and our flawed hero addresses his guilt and begins to let go of his negativity. all while seeking the motive and the murderer of a serial rapist. First read in july, 2016. Re-read in may, 2018. Still an absorbing story.

[Linette M. Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good read!

I enjoy the balance of male and female characters, and a good story. But I find that Mr Reps includes a nice dose of native american history as well, and that's always a treat!

[Patricia A. Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than any in series

Plot was great, kept you guessing who done it. The new character Echo was super idea, she is as tough as nails but shows her softer side to Zeb great match. As always anyone can read this book, if they are so inclined.

[Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminds me of Tony Hillerman Navajo tribal police mystery books and his books liRke this one keeps you guessing until the end

Reminds me of Tony Hillerman Navajo tribal police mystery books and his books like this one keeps you guessing until the end

[Sonja Eckhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series of books.

Great read for all books in the series.
Recommend for western and mystery readers.
Loved the characters in this series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action and adventure with Sheriff Zeb Hanks

This is my first Zeb Hanks mystery but it won't be my last. Lots of fun characters and plot twists.