Thunderbird's Wake

by Frank Talaber

Agatha Christie, roll over in your grave, new sleuths on the prowl. Haida shaman Charlie Stillwaters convinces Carol Ainsworth, a Vancouver detective, to join him as he breaks his way into a high security prison.

The duo are determined to find out who killed the previous native elder before all lightning and thunder breaks loose. They encounter deranged inmates, mystical beings, ancient serpents, wood sprites and someone who should have been dead long ago.

Not your usual crime/mystery!
Not your usual criminal investigators!
You thought Jack Nicholson was mad in The Shining…
Wait until you meet Charlie Stillwaters in the Sweat lodge.

Reviews
There are many aspects true to First Nation’s beliefs. For example the transformation of animals and anomalies within our realm. Frank Talaber’s writing is clear and concise, leaving no grey areas. But his true talent as a writer is not only a sense of time, history and capturing First Nation’s humor, but going from the real to the surreal and the supernatural. A gift he plies very well.
Tom Patterson
Nuu-Cha-Nulth Artist and Master Carver

Just when I was beginning to wonder where the next great Canadian story teller would emerge from, Frank Talaber has written a modern crime mystery with a twist. In “Thunderbird’s Wake” Talaber weaves the richness of Canada’s west coast aboriginal spirituality into the science of modern forensics. CSI comes to Haida Gwaii as the shaman and the detective conduct an investigation that will take them and the reader on a journey to a place where murder, redemption and ancient mysticism intersect.
Michael G de Jong, QC
Minister of Finance, Government House Leader,
Province of British Columbia

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2017

About the author

Frank, who lives in Chilliwack, BC, Canada, is a traditional and self-published author. People who have read Frank’s books describe him as a natural storyteller who writes like his soul is on fire and his pencil is his voice screaming. They go further to say that they find his books grabbingly intense and hilarious at times, screaming everyday life from such a realistic viewpoint you’re drawn into his world, hook, lime and plum bob, unable to stop; almost cursing that they can’t set the book down, page after page. Frank takes great pride in the realism of his work, painstakingly visiting most of the locations, (obviously, only the “real-life” ones!) and he is so thorough that many readers have remarked that they can hear, taste, visualize, smell and feel the essence of the place. “It really is like being there” one remarked. There isn’t a greater compliment to be made.
His tagline is Canada's Foremost Off-beat Author (also the name of his YouTube channel; check it out for his witty and informative videos) who writes in urban fantasy, science fiction, crime, spiritual, romance, erotica and comedy genres. Well, anything that comes to him, basically! Except westerns. Although he does like to ride Gangnam style; does that count?
Literature written almost beyond genres, whose compelling thoughts are freed from the depths of the heart and subconscious before being poured onto the page. Or, as he often says, “you don’t have to be mad to be a writer, but it sure helps”.
To date he has over one hundred articles/short stories, sixty blog posts, over live ten interviews and fifteen novels written or published.
One novel, The Joining, top three finalist in the Canadian Book Club Awards in 2020, out of nearly two hundred entries. Another, The Lure, finished a quarter finalist in 2018 Screen Craft Cinematic Book Competition. One of his short stories, Sylvia’s Suncatchers, was voted #1 by the readers in an anthology of over 300 entries.


He is also working on a script and movie project and plans to get his works into films at some point.

Reviews
Stillwaters Runs Deep, Book One: Raven’s Lament (Easily my best review.)
You’re a bastard!!
My wife bought Raven’s Lament from you and while I don’t like your genre or your style of writing, she was totally engrossed. All this woo woo stuff and moving underground through the root systems, it’s not for me, I thought. Until I read the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. Damn! The other night I was been reading this book for three hours, can't put it down, thinking I have to get up for work in the morning. Your writing flows so well, I’m drawn completely into your novels while time goes by effortlessly reading them. I met you at another event last week and bought another four books. Now, I can’t wait for your next books to come out. You have hooked me! Did I mention you’re a bastard?!
Barry Harris

The Ainsworth Chronicles, Book One: The Joining
I hate you! My wife, who is off on medical leave, won't get out of the bathroom. Can't put your book down. LOL.
Bruce W.
The Ainsworth Chronicles, Book Two: The Mystery Of Ms. Teak
The Mystery of Ms. Teak
Fasten your seatbelt as Frank Talaber takes you on a multi-dimensional trek through time where history comes alive to reveal buried secrets and tortured souls. From the stately tea salons of old Victoria to the haunting desolation of British Columbia's rugged West coast waters, The Mystery of Ms. Teak will both entertain and invite you to confront the demons that live within us all.
Michael de Jong
Provincial BC Liberal Minister

The Mystery of Ms. Teak
Do not read this book! Seriously, do not read this book - unless you are prepared to deal with a rift on your personal timeline. You will find that this book causes you to postpone activities that you would otherwise be doing.
You will be transported into a world of history and mystery, crime and grime, Spirits and other worldly time travel, with the delectable Detect

Reviews

[S. Peters-Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thunderbird’s Wake by Frank Talaber

Genre: Mystery, Crime, Supernatural, Paranormal

Publisher: Books We Love

First Sentence: “What makes you think you qualify for this job?” asked the stern-looking white man heading the hiring committee.

Review: Charlie Stillwaters, Native American Shaman, position of Prison Native Elder, keeps killers, sociopaths, psychopaths, and rapists calm and in line within the prison walls and yard.

Carol Ainsworth, Detective with Vancouver Police, is set up as a prison guard to help Charlie investigate a murder.

Mr. Talaber’s creative skill in shaking out unique story stars is easily realized in Shaman Charlie and Detective Carol. Their banter carries through much of the story, giving it a humorous relief from the dark evil weaving into the investigation.

I enjoyed the shamanic spin, the supernatural and paranormal elements, and having it all wrapped in a satisfying murder mystery. Good show!