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Shandra Higheagle Mystery #8
Fatal Fall
Book eight of the Shandra Higheagle Native American Mystery Series
Avarice…Family…Murder
When the doctor is a no-show for her appointment, Shandra Higheagle becomes wrapped up in another murder. The death of the doctor’s elderly aunt has everyone questioning what happened and who’s to blame. Shandra’s dreams soon tell her she’s on the right path, but also suggests her best friend could be in grave danger.
Detective Ryan Greer knows not even an illness will keep Shandra from sneaking around, and he appreciates that. Her insight is invaluable. When she becomes embroiled deeper in the investigation, he stakes out the crime scene and waits for the murder to make a tell-all mistake.
But will he be able to act fast enough to keep Shandra or her friend from being the next victim?
Avarice…Family…Murder
When the doctor is a no-show for her appointment, Shandra Higheagle becomes wrapped up in another murder. The death of the doctor’s elderly aunt has everyone questioning what happened and who’s to blame. Shandra’s dreams soon tell her she’s on the right path, but also suggests her best friend could be in grave danger.
Detective Ryan Greer knows not even an illness will keep Shandra from sneaking around, and he appreciates that. Her insight is invaluable. When she becomes embroiled deeper in the investigation, he stakes out the crime scene and waits for the murder to make a tell-all mistake.
But will he be able to act fast enough to keep Shandra or her friend from being the next victim?
- GenresMystery
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2017
68 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Paty Jager
112 books394 followersPaty Jager is an award-winning author of 55+ novels, novellas, and short stories of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure.
All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.
All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 1, 2017
I have not read any of Paty's books before ... I enjoy this mystery read ... I just noticed it was book 8, didn't see a reason to be confused reading it out of order ... I will find the time to read more from her soon enough. Just a great read ... if you are into mysteries, well written characters, clues (so you think??) great storyline ... awesome must read page turner for sure. I'm happy to say she is a new fave author of mine. Must read. ( ;
November 8, 2017
3.5/5.0
The eighth book in the “Shandra Higheagle Native American Mystery” series begins with a bang and continues from there!
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The eighth book in the “Shandra Higheagle Native American Mystery” series begins with a bang and continues from there!
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 14, 2019
This is number eight in a series, so there is backstory for these characters that I don't know except for what I picked up in the story. This didn't create any problem in following this story; it just hints a more behind these characters than what's on the page here.
Shandra Higheagle is Native American, and sometimes has dreams that feature her grandmother sharing, in somewhat opaque fashion, information she may need. She's also a potter, with a growing reputation, and a craft show she's supposed to be selling her pottery at in a couple of weeks. It's really not convenient that she's sick, which is why she's at Dr. Porter's office, and finds out that he's had to rush home because something happened to his aunt. Shandra, incurably curious about people and odd events, decides to swing by there--especially once she realizes her boyfriend, Detective Ryan Greer, is also headed there.
Dr. Porter's wealthy aunt, owner of the house, has fallen down the stairs and died. A sad but not shocking accident, except that it doesn't appear to have been an accident. There are fresh bruises on her wrist, and the oxygen tank that she needed when she moved between floors, is nowhere to be found. There's a writer who has been living there, writing the aunt's memoir, whom Dr. Porter didn't approve of. The housekeeper, Mrs. Alvarez, seems oddly nervous, and it turns out she's been hiding her daughter in the house, who had been banned from the property by the now deceased aunt after stealing some jewelry. Then a woman turns up claiming to be the aunt's granddaughter (sorry, the aunt is mostly referred to as Mrs. [something], the pronunciation of which seemed to vary, maybe Norville?), child of her illegitimate child that she was forced to give up for adoption. It's all very strange. Dr. Porter is certain the woman is a fraud.
Ryan sees and hears things Shandra doesn't because she's outside. Shandra sees things Ryan doesn't see, because she's outside. And as as much as Ryan would rather she stay out of his cases, he doesn't ignore what she notices and passes on to him.
Ryan and Shandra have apparently had complicated and perhaps traumatic romantic experiences in the past, and are working their way toward being able to make a full commitment to each other. What I really like is that they behave like adults, and treat each other with respect. They've been through several murder cases together, with Shandra apparently a suspect in the first one. They've learned to respect each other's intelligence and judgment. Ryan doesn't give her too hard a time about her "snooping," as long as she doesn't lie about it, and she doesn't lie, hold back, or kid herself that he doesn't know his job.
The writing itself is not spectacular, but it is good, and some places where I thought I had complaints, running the sentences through my brain again led me to conclude that my real complaint was with the narrator, not Ms. Jager's writing. The narrator, Ann M. Thompson, manages to make many of the characters sound like they're always yelling in improbably high-pitched voices, while other characters sound just fine. She also has a tendency to place her emphasis in odd places, often making perfectly normal sentences sound strange and wrong on first hearing.
I liked the characters. I liked Ms. Jager's story. The narrator, though, was a real obstacle to being able to fully enjoy it.
Recommended, but with the suggestion that ebook or print might be a better choice than the audio.
Important note: Shandra has a dog. Not only does the dog survive, but nothing bad happens to her at all.
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Shandra Higheagle is Native American, and sometimes has dreams that feature her grandmother sharing, in somewhat opaque fashion, information she may need. She's also a potter, with a growing reputation, and a craft show she's supposed to be selling her pottery at in a couple of weeks. It's really not convenient that she's sick, which is why she's at Dr. Porter's office, and finds out that he's had to rush home because something happened to his aunt. Shandra, incurably curious about people and odd events, decides to swing by there--especially once she realizes her boyfriend, Detective Ryan Greer, is also headed there.
Dr. Porter's wealthy aunt, owner of the house, has fallen down the stairs and died. A sad but not shocking accident, except that it doesn't appear to have been an accident. There are fresh bruises on her wrist, and the oxygen tank that she needed when she moved between floors, is nowhere to be found. There's a writer who has been living there, writing the aunt's memoir, whom Dr. Porter didn't approve of. The housekeeper, Mrs. Alvarez, seems oddly nervous, and it turns out she's been hiding her daughter in the house, who had been banned from the property by the now deceased aunt after stealing some jewelry. Then a woman turns up claiming to be the aunt's granddaughter (sorry, the aunt is mostly referred to as Mrs. [something], the pronunciation of which seemed to vary, maybe Norville?), child of her illegitimate child that she was forced to give up for adoption. It's all very strange. Dr. Porter is certain the woman is a fraud.
Ryan sees and hears things Shandra doesn't because she's outside. Shandra sees things Ryan doesn't see, because she's outside. And as as much as Ryan would rather she stay out of his cases, he doesn't ignore what she notices and passes on to him.
Ryan and Shandra have apparently had complicated and perhaps traumatic romantic experiences in the past, and are working their way toward being able to make a full commitment to each other. What I really like is that they behave like adults, and treat each other with respect. They've been through several murder cases together, with Shandra apparently a suspect in the first one. They've learned to respect each other's intelligence and judgment. Ryan doesn't give her too hard a time about her "snooping," as long as she doesn't lie about it, and she doesn't lie, hold back, or kid herself that he doesn't know his job.
The writing itself is not spectacular, but it is good, and some places where I thought I had complaints, running the sentences through my brain again led me to conclude that my real complaint was with the narrator, not Ms. Jager's writing. The narrator, Ann M. Thompson, manages to make many of the characters sound like they're always yelling in improbably high-pitched voices, while other characters sound just fine. She also has a tendency to place her emphasis in odd places, often making perfectly normal sentences sound strange and wrong on first hearing.
I liked the characters. I liked Ms. Jager's story. The narrator, though, was a real obstacle to being able to fully enjoy it.
Recommended, but with the suggestion that ebook or print might be a better choice than the audio.
Important note: Shandra has a dog. Not only does the dog survive, but nothing bad happens to her at all.
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
March 1, 2019
Fatal Fall by Paty Jager is an engaging cozy mystery. It is the eighth book in the Shandra Higheagle Mystery series and while reading the others will give some background to some of the characters, Fatal Fall can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. Shandra's doctor visit starts her off on another search for a murderer and there are so many suspects. Who would kill such a wonderful old woman? And it is a good murder mystery--one that keeps the reader guessing right up to the end of the book as to who the culprit is. Amidst the cozy mystery, the romance between Shandra and Ryan continues and this reader continued to wonder if would Ryan ever pop the question? There are plenty of twists to the plot that keep the reader's interest high and the characters are likable and realistic. I look forward to reading more of this author's works. The narrator, Ann M. Thompson, does a good job giving voice to the characters as she reads the story which made for an enjoyable listening experience. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
June 11, 2017
Fatal Fall
I really enjoy the transformation of Shaundra Higheagle; she started as a very damaged person and has progressed to a strong woman who can master her problems. This installment contains two carefully plotted and intertwined mysteries; one specific to this book and the other one ‘sort of’ continued from the earlier books. (Even if you hadn’t read the other books, this won’t leave you confused, but you really should read the earlier books, they’re well worth your time.) Ms. Jager’s writing is tight and to the point, she doesn’t dwell on hyper-detailed descriptions, but what she does share gives a clear view of the town and Shaundra’s home and work place. There is mystery, danger, and a sweet romance here, and I hope to read many more of these books.
I received this book from the author for an honest voluntary review, and here it is.
I really enjoy the transformation of Shaundra Higheagle; she started as a very damaged person and has progressed to a strong woman who can master her problems. This installment contains two carefully plotted and intertwined mysteries; one specific to this book and the other one ‘sort of’ continued from the earlier books. (Even if you hadn’t read the other books, this won’t leave you confused, but you really should read the earlier books, they’re well worth your time.) Ms. Jager’s writing is tight and to the point, she doesn’t dwell on hyper-detailed descriptions, but what she does share gives a clear view of the town and Shaundra’s home and work place. There is mystery, danger, and a sweet romance here, and I hope to read many more of these books.
I received this book from the author for an honest voluntary review, and here it is.
June 3, 2017
This was a well-written, entertaining book. Shandra Higheagle finds herself involved in another murder mystery when her doctor doesn't return to the office for her scheduled appointment. Who could have killed his elderly aunt? A close friend of hers is possibly implicated. Detective Ryan Greer is investigating the murder, and he has come to appreciate Shandra's insights. But can he figure things out before Shandra or her friend are endangered? I enjoyed this fast-paced mystery. It book can be read as a standalone book, though it #8 in the Shandra Higheagle Native American Mystery Series. I look forward to reading more books in this series as well as other books by this author.
May 27, 2017
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I have to say that I love the Shandria Higheagle Native American Mystery series. She is such a strong character who gets dream visions from her dead grandmother to help her solve the mysteries. Though the dreams are not always clear. Paty Jager always has that surprise ending and I rarely guess correctly who did the murder. I do love Ryan as well, he is the perfect partner for Shandria. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to guess who done it!
May 30, 2017
I love the Shandra Higheagle series. This new installment does not disappoint. I did not figure out who did it until the very end. As always it is well written and I love Jager's descriptive writing style. One of my favorite character is Lil, Shandra's quirky sidekick. The Western locale of this series and that it has a Native American sleut, makes this series stand out from other mysteries. This series is a must read if you love really good whodunit's. I voluntarily reviewed a copy I received from the author.
July 19, 2021
Fatal Fall (Shandra Higheagle Mystery #8) was a good read by Paty Jager. Shandra Higheagle becomes wrapped up in another murder when the doctor doesn’t show up for her appointment. The doctor’s elderly aunt has everyone questioning what happened to his aunt and just who’s to blame. Sandra has dreams that tell her she’s on the right path, and that her best friend may be in grave danger. Detective Ryan Greer knows that even though Shandra is ill, she will still sneak around and investigate. He values her insights. I really enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
October 4, 2023
The best part of this book for me, was probably the chance to get to know some of the supporting cast in a much deeper way than we’ve had the chance to before. There’s still a delightfully twisty mystery that I was never able to out-think, with Shandra and Ryan diligently, and sometimes intuitively, following the clues they uncovered. This book has all the things that kept me glued to the earlier books, it just happens to add some pretty meaningful revelations about the people that have helped Shandra and Ryan along the way. Now, I can’t wait to find out what will be next.
March 5, 2018
Yet another wonderful book in the Shandra Higheagle mystery series from Paty Jager. I've read all the books so far in order and have not been disappointed in any one so far.
In this book, Shandra is caught up in another murder, this time at Dr Porters house, his elderly Aunt is found at the bottom of the stairs. Dr Porter is candid about who he was with at the time, but it comes out he was with Shandra's friend Miranda. A writer was living in the house writing the Aunts memoirs. There is something not quite right about the murder and Shandra together with Ryan investigate. Will this be the only must or will there be more, will Miranda be in danger?
A great book with a twist at the end. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series now.
In this book, Shandra is caught up in another murder, this time at Dr Porters house, his elderly Aunt is found at the bottom of the stairs. Dr Porter is candid about who he was with at the time, but it comes out he was with Shandra's friend Miranda. A writer was living in the house writing the Aunts memoirs. There is something not quite right about the murder and Shandra together with Ryan investigate. Will this be the only must or will there be more, will Miranda be in danger?
A great book with a twist at the end. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series now.
January 14, 2019
Did she fall or was she pushed? Where is her oxygen apparatus? How could she tolerate the smarmy biographer? Did she really have a granddaughter?
These are some of the questions Shandra and her fiance, detective Ryan work to find answers for when the wealthy aunt of the local ME dies in a fall on the stairs in her home. Excellent sleuthing helped along by visions of Shandra's shamanic grandmother. A terrific read!
The audio is read by Ann M Thompson.
These are some of the questions Shandra and her fiance, detective Ryan work to find answers for when the wealthy aunt of the local ME dies in a fall on the stairs in her home. Excellent sleuthing helped along by visions of Shandra's shamanic grandmother. A terrific read!
The audio is read by Ann M Thompson.
February 3, 2019
Who did it?
There is something so special about this series! The mountain setting, the air of enchantment from the native American history, the town, regular characters like Lil , Ruthie and Maxwell. Shandra and Ryan are so well-written as partners in life and crime solving. Paty Jager has created an interesting, romantic series!
There is something so special about this series! The mountain setting, the air of enchantment from the native American history, the town, regular characters like Lil , Ruthie and Maxwell. Shandra and Ryan are so well-written as partners in life and crime solving. Paty Jager has created an interesting, romantic series!
February 4, 2019
Fatal Fall is an interesting murder mystery featuring Shandra Higheagle, a Native American artist with a nose for trouble, and her police officer boyfriend. The story has some twists and surprises and is sure to keep the reader engaged,
The narrator of the audiobook does a decent job, though I find some of her character voices annoying.
The narrator of the audiobook does a decent job, though I find some of her character voices annoying.
January 13, 2019
Mrs. Jager has done it again with a very well written book. This book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery or part of the series. The characters are well developed with complex personalities. Shandra Higheagle is a wonderful protagonist. From book 1 to now book 8 Shandra has overcome a lot of from her past baggage. Her relationship with Detective Ryan Greer has also matured over the series. Shadra and Ryan have a wonderful relationship both personal and in their unofficial professional capacity. As usual, the mystery has several twists and turns along the way to keep the reader engaged and guessing until the big reveal.
I listened to the audio version of the book and narrator Ann M Thompson is wonderful at her job. She has a great voice, diction, accents, and comedic timing. She is great at bringing the story off the page.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
I listened to the audio version of the book and narrator Ann M Thompson is wonderful at her job. She has a great voice, diction, accents, and comedic timing. She is great at bringing the story off the page.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
February 12, 2020
When murder become art
Pray has a talent for making murder something I want to read about because she makes it and her characters so human I am able to think that I am there helping to solve them for
Pray has a talent for making murder something I want to read about because she makes it and her characters so human I am able to think that I am there helping to solve them for
May 31, 2017
A great mystery. Well written characters and story line. Didn't want to put the book down...I wanted to solve the mystery! Looking forward to reading more books by this author!
January 3, 2019
This is a fast read and enjoyable story with a few twists and turns to keep you guessing . I look forward to more Paty Jager books in the future
January 9, 2019
the series keeps one engaged. Enjoy the characters.
May 28, 2023
Great Read!
I really enjoy all of the Sandra Higheagle series. Anyone who enjoys mystery & romance will enjoy this series! Very entertaining
I really enjoy all of the Sandra Higheagle series. Anyone who enjoys mystery & romance will enjoy this series! Very entertaining
March 15, 2025
Enjoyment in every word.
I've read all of the books in this series. A few of the books were repetitive and seemed to drag a little, but I liked them all.
I've read all of the books in this series. A few of the books were repetitive and seemed to drag a little, but I liked them all.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews