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Big Lake #11

Big Lake Celebration

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Sheriff Jim Weber always said it was just a matter of time before somebody shot Bureau of Indian Affairs Agent Gordon Hahn. The man was a loud, crude, misogynist drunk who treated women with disrespect, and was a racist who rode roughshod over the people of the White Mountain Apache Reservation. So Weber wasn't surprised when somebody finally did put an end to all of it with a bullet. He just didn't appreciate Hahn getting himself killed in the middle of Big Lake's annual Pioneers Days fireworks display.

With more people who wanted the victim dead than alive, Weber and his deputies have their work cut out for them as they try to sift through the evidence and find the one person out of many with both motive and enough hatred for the dead man to pull the trigger. The investigation is complicated enough with so many suspects to choose from without an overbearing FBI agent coming to town to put a quick end to the case. Soon tempers flare both in Big Lake and on the Apache reservation, and the result could be deadly!

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2016

288 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Nick Russell

102 books168 followers

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5 stars
1,161 (60%)
4 stars
585 (30%)
3 stars
132 (6%)
2 stars
23 (1%)
1 star
12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Margaret Millmore.
Author 10 books58 followers
March 17, 2017
Finally, someone killed the guy, and no one is mourning his death, unfortunately, murder is murder and Sherriff Weber and his team need to find the killer. More unfortunate is the timing of the murder, it happened during one of Big Lake’s biggest celebrations and the annoying mayor is on Weber’s tail to get it solved quickly.

Although the victim was the vilest of human scum, he was also an agent with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and that brought the FBI to their little town, wanting jurisdiction—the FBI agent in charge isn’t a whole lot better than the murdered man and things quickly spin out of control.

I’m a big fan of this series and have read/reviewed all of the books. They’re much like a beloved TV series, one you can’t get enough of. I love the characters, the scenery and the mysteries of each story.

Typically I receive books for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, however this is a verified purchase.

See all our reviews at our Book Explosions page on Goodreads.
288 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2021
This was another

Awesome book by Nick Russell! I never get tired of bored reading his books. You not only get a mystery to solve but you get to catch up with most of the regulars from Big Lake. Along with trying to find a murderer and questioning a lot of people, there's always other little plots, that require a deputy or sheriff' to resolve. I really do enjoy Nick's humor. How the sheriff keeps his cool, for so long, before his temper blows is beyond me! I did take one star off, this book (which really pained me) because of how frequently the sheriff recalled events from past books. Yes, they were funny and yes, newbies to Nick Russell's books I'm sure enjoyed them. However, a taste of the past would have been sufficient. That would give them a clue, at what they've missed, by not reading Nick's books. For me, it was too much retelling from past stories. I definitely do highly recommend all Nick Russell's books. I want to again, thank Nick Russell for having his books in Kindle Unlimited, so more can enjoy them.
Profile Image for Ski Croghan.
609 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2022
When good people get pushed too far!!!

What happens when you push a good person too far? Sometimes it ends in murder! BIA Agent Gordon Hahn has pushed good people for years. Everyone knew someday he'd push someone too far. When he's murdered at the Pioneer Days Celebration the hunts on for who he pushed too far. Was it the mother of the boy he pushed to suicide? Was it the know it all that he humiliated? Was it the music teacher who worried about about his female students? Was it the grandfather of the boy who killed himself? Which one had too much and gunned him down? When an arrogant FBI Agent shoots the grandfather, a war hero and patriarch of the White Mountain Apache tribe and says he was the one who killed the despicable BIA Agent, Sheriff Jimmy has had enough. When the real killer is caught, Jimmy says out loud to a TV reporter that something needs to be done about said FBI Agent and the s**t hits the fans. Find out what happens next in this excellent book. Highly, highly recommended.
Profile Image for Elose Little.
44 reviews
June 3, 2019
Great Book That Covers a Multitude of Subjects

Again Mr. Russell has woven a tale happening in and around Big Lake Arizona. As with his other stories he brings back some of his key people also adding in a few new characters that we know nothing about. He had me stumped again as to the identity of the murderer. That's an awesome talent Mr. Russell has as I've not figured out who the murderer might be until he's ready to reveal the culprit, and after having been a reader of murder mysteries for over a half of the century I usually have a clue as to the identity, but not so with Mr. Russell's prime suspect. The author also has a talent for handling delicate subjects very well, where as a less sensitive person might just blurt out the condition crudely. This is a very good read that you won't want to put down.
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,721 reviews12 followers
July 9, 2018
There is something to celebrate with this one. Gordon Hahn is an Agent for BIA. He has been a thorn in Weber's and everyone else's side for years. He is loud and obnoxious and if you look the word misogynist in the dictionary, it will probably has his picture next to it. It should come as no surprise that he ends up getting murdered. The surprise is that it took so long. The problem is, most of the reservation and the town of Big Lake are suspects. It gets worse as the FBI sends some desk jockey to investigate. This might be okay except he immediately fingers the wrong guy. There are a lot interesting side stories too, including Mayor Wingate suddenly thinking he is a hunk. Pretty sure the ending will be a surprise.
40 reviews
May 12, 2018
Another Great Book

Alan Russell is simply amazing! His books in this series are great mysteries and sometimes laughter is included, and I find myself laughing. The Sheriff of Big Lake is a character, but is cunning in solving crimes, and truly dedicated to his job and community, even if he has to take down a good man who is his friend. He is never swayed from the truth, and I love reading about him, and the constant abrasive Mayor.
70 reviews
October 19, 2020
Another good Big Lake story. I like that he writes about other issues in the book besides just about the main adventure. I will continue reading all the books in this series, because there are things that are happening in one book that go into the next book. I just get excited to see where each book goes from one to the next. Not giving any spoiler alerts, but if you like to read murder/mystery stories; you will enjoy this series for sure.
78 reviews
April 29, 2024
Death has the last words

This book had a moral compass component. The story line had you evaluating what would you do if you were a law enforcement officer. The focus that was placed on the Indian reservation and the inhumane treatment of these people was placed under the microscope for all to see.. The created story line was very well written. There are some other little nuggets in the story that shine a spotlight on other injustices. Good read.
271 reviews
October 13, 2017
Celebrate

It was amazing! It was really good! I can't give it away but I really liked parts of it when the one died. It had funny parts too that made me laugh until I cried. I can't wait until the next one.
1,507 reviews7 followers
September 22, 2020
Big Lake Celebration

This is the eleventh book in this series. Each book gets better . These books have suspense humor and lots of excitement . I ready to start the next book. I highly recommend this book and this series.
3,609 reviews16 followers
April 5, 2022
Another good storyline!

This one hurt to read, I really wanted to read about the pig feast and gathering. Loved the twists that led to the real killer and the wrap up for the FBI jerk!
Profile Image for Wayne Clark.
74 reviews
May 13, 2022
BETTER AND BETTER

Each book gets better and better, and makes me love them more and more. I recommend this and all in the series to anyone who loves good mysteries. I give it 5 stars because mr Russell is so thorough in his story telling keeps me up night and day.
93 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2023
Another awesome story in a great series

I just can't stop reading this great, continuing saga! Each story keeps you wondering who did what. And on top of all the serious things and investigations, there's humor, and even romance.
11 reviews
September 10, 2024
Another fine book from This author

Yet again the final twist is something that I had not foreseen Well written It's fun to read mysteries That are sad In the region in which I live Thumbs up!
208 reviews
December 7, 2024
Indian trouble

It was good to have a little something different in this story. Truth will come out if you stick with it.
Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,395 reviews33 followers
March 13, 2025
A fantastic series

What started out as a murder investigation quickly became a horrible tragedy, in more ways than one. It's a definite must read book and series.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
12 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2017
Good writing.

Kept me from getting my chores done more than once. I think he is quickly becoming my new favorite author.
Profile Image for Debbie.
882 reviews5 followers
May 21, 2018
This series is always a fun read.
119 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2018
Big Lake Celebration.

Awesome story. This story moves right along, with a lot of mystery and suspense a "who dunnit"..... With many Funny moments and the same great characters !
22 reviews
January 18, 2019
Big Lake Series

Another good read. A bit drawn out but still enjoyed it. I do recommend these books. On to the next one.
322 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2019
Excellent!!

I have read each novel in this series so far, and all have been fun reads. More to come, and I look forward to them.
4,374 reviews28 followers
April 25, 2020
Good

This book is one where the sheriff and his deputies have murder to investigate and then the DIV gets involved .
Profile Image for Patty.
69 reviews3 followers
Read
April 12, 2022
Good Read

Another. Big Lake..I have enjoyed all I have read. I like the characters are always there whenever I start another book.
Profile Image for Sterling Kirkland.
Author 27 books13 followers
May 28, 2022
Another good story in the big lake series, although it was a tad easy to guess who the killer was.
Profile Image for Mike Matteson.
50 reviews
June 11, 2023
Justice gone wrong

This book was maddening how how one person with power can cause so many problems and death of a innocent person.
24 reviews
February 1, 2024
I'm totally hook on Big Lake series

If you really love solving a mystery, the author knows how to hide the finally ending,to put you off guard.
45 reviews
April 18, 2024
good read

It good to finally get rid of an ass in this series… Hahn should have been offed a long time ago!
21 reviews
April 9, 2025
BIG LAKE Celebration M

Good story though still too much rehashing of previous novels for those who read his series. AND who does his proofreading for him?
734 reviews4 followers
July 27, 2025
Expect the unexpected, that's for sure!
4 reviews
September 4, 2025
Good reading

This author is an amazing story teller. I like how he adds twists and turns until the end. Good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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