Who would want to kill millionaire copper magnate Angus McGinty? The real question is who wouldn’t. When McGinty is found brutally crushed to death at his mine, Sheriff Zeb Hanks has a long list of suspects who had motives -- an Apache man who was to inherit the land the mine sits on, Cowboy Bob Shank who had multiple run-ins with McGinty, or McGinty’s very own alcoholic, vindictive wife. Even his daughter, a radical ecologist who wants to shut down the copper mine, might want him dead. And that's just the short list.Local and national politics, tribal water, mineral and land rights, big money, hired assassins and computer hacking all make for a thrilling mystery adventure in the 7th book of the ZEB Small Town Sheriff Big Time Trouble series. Each book can also be read as a standalone.
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!
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.
Mark Reps writes great mysteries with Native American spirits and people. Sheriff Zeb Hanks sets out to solve crimes that always entangle him in a web of lies, tall tales, and Indian spiritually. Echo, the love of his life, supports him when all seems completely lost. Zeb seems to always be in big trouble, but in the end, he finds his way out only to be led into the next mystery. Mark's books are a sheer delight, and each one is better than the one before. This book is a fun read, and you will learn about Native spirituality too. I grew up on the Navajo Indian reservation and know a thing or two about Indian spirits, culture, and customs—but I always learn something new in every book.
When I first started this series I thought it was a Hillerman wantbe. But instead I got something complete different and wonderful. I love this series. Each book is better then the last one. Now other writers will try to be like Mark Reps. Can't wait for the next one.
When Angus McGinty, owner/manager of the Klondike 1 Mine is murdered, suspects are plentiful. Mourners at his funeral on the other hand are noticeably few. His unfaithful Apache widow Lily dies soon afterwards. Zeb already has enough on his hands with Kate Diamond on maternity leave and finding replacements for her and his late Deputy Dwayne, while Senator Russell continues to be a thorn in Sheriff Zeb's side in the Grand Canyon State.
How did Angus McGinty die? How did the family react to his death? How did Lily die? Who is Black Bear? What effect did this have on Zeb Hanks - and why? How does the McGintys' daughter Ela react on learning she's inherited the mine from her father? Who employs FBI Special Agent Rodriguez? Why is he interested in Zeb? Who is Echo Skysong? How does Zeb feel about her?
An enthralling tale of love and lust, jealousy and hate, family relationships, faith, friendship and enmity and trust and betrayal are played out against the serenity of the Reservation landscape where murder once more causes big trouble in Sheriff Zeb Hanks' small town. The evocative history and beliefs of the Apache people are expertly compared and contrasted in Mark Reps' 7th Zeb Hanks thriller, with the complicated [and not always in a good way], Mormon heritage that belongs to the mainly white townsfolk, in such a fascinating, engaging way that you'll feel like one of the protagonists, as the story is brought to life so very skillfully once more, by this Master Narrator par excellence!
I should know by now not to start reading one of Mr. Reps books at night. There is a world of difference between a good story teller and someone who puts a story to paper. The story tellers work comes alive. You are part of the story and the characters come alive for you. You care about them as if they were family. A page turner. I tell myself to pace myself reading but I just keep turning pages and reading later and later. An excellent story with drama, crime, relationships with a good story line that is plausible. The characters are people I want to know. Well rounded, faults and all.
A first time book by this author and introduction to Zeb Hunter the local sheriff. A rich family is wiped out by murder and Zeb is accused of one along with his Apache woman named Echo. A great story so will be reading all of this series. I enjoy Native American lore.
Also some insights into Apache culture as some of the victims are part Apache and one of the men to whom Sheriff Zeb Hanks goes for wisdom is an Apache elder. The story itself concern the owner of a local copper mine who is found dead, run over by a road roller. Later the prime suspects are also found dead, which complicates things considerably. It gets weirder…
This is my first review of another spectacular book in the Zeb Hanks Mystery Series! The character development is so good that they feel like family. I love the suspense & Native American culture in every book I've read so far! Love Mark's aswriting style & looking forward to reading more in this great series
I started this series a couple weeks ago. All the books have been enjoyable I like that the main people are flawed and make mistakes. They try to be the best they can. This book is a real page Turner.
Mark can weave an amazing story. There were several surprising twists to this episode. You will stay engrossed in this book and not want to put it down. I always love the Native American rituals and viewpoints that he adds. Keep up the good work, Mark!
Sheriff Banks and his deputies have their hands full trying to solve the murders of the McGinty family , husband, wife, and daughter. A crooked senator is also involved. The murderer is finally found, with ties to the Senator. Worth the read!
Extremely well put together plot that leads the reader along by a ring thier nose. Enjoyed from beginning to end. And the end was ,,,,,,, read the book to find out “why”