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Celilo's Shadow
Guilt is a powerful force. No matter how much time has passed, it’s always there, ready to punch you in the chest when you least expect it. All it takes is something ordinary—a brief glance, a certain food, or a melody on the radio—and regret strikes hard and fast. For Odessa Feldman, the trigger is a Pacific Northwest storm.
When the muddy bones of a murder victim buried over fifty years ago are discovered in the storm’s aftermath, Odessa overcomes her long struggle with guilt to finally reveal the truth. But her overdue confession comes with a difficult price—reliving her role in the tragic summer of 1956 and worse, betraying the best friend she’d ever had.
Dessa and Ellie Matthews were both fourteen-years-old when they met that summer. Ellie’s father was a foreman at the dam under construction on the Columbia River. At least that’s what he said. But, like murder and the motives behind it, some things in life are rarely as they seem.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2017
506 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Wilcox
8 books3 followersThe sea captured my heart as a young girl and I've been drawn to it ever since. So when I began writing my first mystery series, I knew intuitively that the sea would figure prominently in the stories. I also used the mystery as a vehicle to explore other themes such as adoption searches and reunions, elder abuse and identity theft. The three books in the series have been updated and are now available for e-readers.
I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and I'm currently living in Camas, Washington. My new mystery series is loosely based on my experience as concierge at a luxury condominium in a wealthy Seattle suburb. See my website at www.valeriewilcoxwrites.com for more info about me and the stories I write. I welcome reader comments and will answer all email.
I'm a graduate of the Writers' Fiction and Writers' Mystery and Suspense Fiction Programs at the University of Washington and a member of Sisters in Crime, Willamette Writers' Association, and the Oregon Writers Colony.
I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and I'm currently living in Camas, Washington. My new mystery series is loosely based on my experience as concierge at a luxury condominium in a wealthy Seattle suburb. See my website at www.valeriewilcoxwrites.com for more info about me and the stories I write. I welcome reader comments and will answer all email.
I'm a graduate of the Writers' Fiction and Writers' Mystery and Suspense Fiction Programs at the University of Washington and a member of Sisters in Crime, Willamette Writers' Association, and the Oregon Writers Colony.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 13, 2023
A very well done novel, the characters were well fleshed out and the story was gripping from start to finish. I enjoyed reading this a lot.
Read
September 29, 2017This one is just not for me. I liked the setting and the plot, and I enjoyed the friendship between Dessa and Ellie but I couldn't really connect with any of the characters. They felt too unreal to me.
October 1, 2017
Not great!
I had a hard time getting through this book and wanted to stop reading it several times. If I have stated a book i always have to see it through till the end. Must be the ocd in me so to sum up not a good read for me.
I had a hard time getting through this book and wanted to stop reading it several times. If I have stated a book i always have to see it through till the end. Must be the ocd in me so to sum up not a good read for me.
August 28, 2017
Lies are something that can come back to haunt you, or cost you everything. Trust no one.
Dessa and Ellie were both fourteen-years-old when they met that summer, they were nothing alike. Dessa is awkward and skinny, Ellie is tall and beautiful. Ellis's father is the foreman in charge of building the dam.
There is a great uproar over the building of the dam on the Columbia river, the whites want it for the power it will provide, the natives of Celilo, a town on the shores, need it to fish.
Danny and his "gang" have tried to stop the dam being built as his people need the river to survive. "The white man always tell lies" the government has gone back on their treaty with the natives and are damming up the river. Danny's rage gets out of hand and what transpires is life changing.
When one of the foremen is murdered, the two sides want revenge.
Can love heal all wounds?
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review. #netgalley
Dessa and Ellie were both fourteen-years-old when they met that summer, they were nothing alike. Dessa is awkward and skinny, Ellie is tall and beautiful. Ellis's father is the foreman in charge of building the dam.
There is a great uproar over the building of the dam on the Columbia river, the whites want it for the power it will provide, the natives of Celilo, a town on the shores, need it to fish.
Danny and his "gang" have tried to stop the dam being built as his people need the river to survive. "The white man always tell lies" the government has gone back on their treaty with the natives and are damming up the river. Danny's rage gets out of hand and what transpires is life changing.
When one of the foremen is murdered, the two sides want revenge.
Can love heal all wounds?
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review. #netgalley
September 2, 2017
I love murder mysteries, especially 'crimes from the past' type mysteries, plus 'bonus points' for wilderness or native American themes. This book ticked all the boxes for me personally.
There are some rough areas with dialogue and character development (the 'bad' guys are ALL bad, Snidely Whiplash meanie-pants, the good characters are pure in heart etc). It doesn't stand in the way of an enjoyable read and I didn't feel like the rough areas prevented me from enjoying the story.
For a fairly tame/clean mystery, there was a great deal of sexual violence and misogynistic violence as well as overt racism, which was unpleasant to read about (but certainly in period for the time/place setting).
Enjoyable undemanding read.
Three stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
There are some rough areas with dialogue and character development (the 'bad' guys are ALL bad, Snidely Whiplash meanie-pants, the good characters are pure in heart etc). It doesn't stand in the way of an enjoyable read and I didn't feel like the rough areas prevented me from enjoying the story.
For a fairly tame/clean mystery, there was a great deal of sexual violence and misogynistic violence as well as overt racism, which was unpleasant to read about (but certainly in period for the time/place setting).
Enjoyable undemanding read.
Three stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
January 18, 2018
Meh
If you've ever been to The Dalles, Oregon, then you might enjoy this story about the summer the river was dammed and Celilo Falls was destroyed. There are some interesting twists, but many of them aren't really believable. Most annoying to me was the poor editing, which resulted in one of the main characters being called "Mitchell" as well as "Matthews" more than once, among other things. As a whole, the story is far-fetched, involving a Communist plot, several murders, real estate scams, the FBI, and tribal angst. It was all just a little too much. But there aren't many books about The Dalles, so there's that.
If you've ever been to The Dalles, Oregon, then you might enjoy this story about the summer the river was dammed and Celilo Falls was destroyed. There are some interesting twists, but many of them aren't really believable. Most annoying to me was the poor editing, which resulted in one of the main characters being called "Mitchell" as well as "Matthews" more than once, among other things. As a whole, the story is far-fetched, involving a Communist plot, several murders, real estate scams, the FBI, and tribal angst. It was all just a little too much. But there aren't many books about The Dalles, so there's that.
October 9, 2017
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of CELILO'S SHADOW in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the concept of this book. The story line was intriguing, the setting was unusual and and the characters were entertaining. I wanted to love the book as much as I enjoyed the idea of the book but unfortunately I felt like it moved slowly in between scenes. When there was action it was a page turner, but I cannot pinpoint where or why it fell a little flat, but it was overall just an okay read for me. I was curious enough to finish it and the end had an unforeseen turn of events which made sticking with it worthwhile.
I loved the concept of this book. The story line was intriguing, the setting was unusual and and the characters were entertaining. I wanted to love the book as much as I enjoyed the idea of the book but unfortunately I felt like it moved slowly in between scenes. When there was action it was a page turner, but I cannot pinpoint where or why it fell a little flat, but it was overall just an okay read for me. I was curious enough to finish it and the end had an unforeseen turn of events which made sticking with it worthwhile.
June 19, 2017
Great book
An interesting story. At first I didn't think I was going to like the book, because I don't like stories that start out like this one does. But as I continued to read, I became interested in trying to figure out the who done it. For once I wasn't able to guess who the murderer was.
An interesting story. At first I didn't think I was going to like the book, because I don't like stories that start out like this one does. But as I continued to read, I became interested in trying to figure out the who done it. For once I wasn't able to guess who the murderer was.
September 22, 2017
Good premise, amateurish style. Wanted to read this one due to many visits through the Columbia Gorge. After a good beginning, there were too many unlikely plot twists to maintain credibility. Found myself skipping long passages describing internal musings or motivations of characters that bogged down the flow of the narrative.
November 16, 2017
Very well written mystery of greed and acts of selfishness resulting ruthless crimes
The author has written a very interesting story of a small community where the greedy spin a web of deceit that effects the lives of all. As the story unfolds, you will be sure to completely in groused in its thick plot.
The author has written a very interesting story of a small community where the greedy spin a web of deceit that effects the lives of all. As the story unfolds, you will be sure to completely in groused in its thick plot.
January 22, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my Kindle.
A YA book about the two 14 yr. old girls and what happens during the summer of 1956.
The book opens many years later when bones wash up on the shore. It's time for the truth to be revealed about what really happened that fateful summer. This was a murder mystery but just wasn't a good one for me; too much explicit language and sexual overtones.
A YA book about the two 14 yr. old girls and what happens during the summer of 1956.
The book opens many years later when bones wash up on the shore. It's time for the truth to be revealed about what really happened that fateful summer. This was a murder mystery but just wasn't a good one for me; too much explicit language and sexual overtones.
April 19, 2018
Movie Worthy
Drama, intrigue, suspense. Characters you love to hate, maybe like, feel sorry for, and one or two you may root for. There is a nice twist ending. A real human story consisting of real life issues in heritage, tradition, factions, and revenge. I believe this could be a real good mini series!
Drama, intrigue, suspense. Characters you love to hate, maybe like, feel sorry for, and one or two you may root for. There is a nice twist ending. A real human story consisting of real life issues in heritage, tradition, factions, and revenge. I believe this could be a real good mini series!
August 30, 2018
Interesting read
I really enjoyed reading about the Indian population, the damming of the Columbia river and the affects it had on the tribes in the area. This was a new topic for me which I knew very little about. The story surrounding this topic was riveting and made the book very enjoyable to read.
I really enjoyed reading about the Indian population, the damming of the Columbia river and the affects it had on the tribes in the area. This was a new topic for me which I knew very little about. The story surrounding this topic was riveting and made the book very enjoyable to read.
January 21, 2019
The book was different from what I expected. I was saddened to read about the government destroying the tribes' way of life by building a dam where the people fished for their livelihood. It was also sad to read about the prejudice between the two groups of people. My interest went up & down throughout the book.
September 13, 2017
What a great read!
This book has it all; characters, plots, mystery , historical significance, and voice for relavant issues of prejudice, women's issues, and relationship dynamics!
This book has it all; characters, plots, mystery , historical significance, and voice for relavant issues of prejudice, women's issues, and relationship dynamics!
September 22, 2017
Celilo's Shadow
Interesting and honest portrayal of ignorant racism rampant in the white population of the time. Shows things have not changed with misogynistic bullies who rape and pillage.
Interesting and honest portrayal of ignorant racism rampant in the white population of the time. Shows things have not changed with misogynistic bullies who rape and pillage.
December 20, 2017
Social Conscience, Murder, Revenge, Environmentalism
Skillful and engrossing flashback tale of a decades old disappearance and murder mystery woven together with the McCarthyism, racial tension and economic woes of Oregon in the 1950’s.
Skillful and engrossing flashback tale of a decades old disappearance and murder mystery woven together with the McCarthyism, racial tension and economic woes of Oregon in the 1950’s.
November 8, 2018
Interesting and informative
So many stories and traditions in this well written book. Makes you wonder what is happening to our world. It only takes one thing to change your life forever. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a good mystery.
So many stories and traditions in this well written book. Makes you wonder what is happening to our world. It only takes one thing to change your life forever. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a good mystery.
August 27, 2024
Enjoyable and thought provoking
An insight into the historic loss of Native Americans' sacred lands and the discrimination still suffered today. I found the plot a little convoluted and a few too many characters but I will definitely read more by this author.
An insight into the historic loss of Native Americans' sacred lands and the discrimination still suffered today. I found the plot a little convoluted and a few too many characters but I will definitely read more by this author.
September 15, 2017
History
Things aren't always what they seem . Change happens as much as we may not want it. Greed and vengeance twist the facts.
Things aren't always what they seem . Change happens as much as we may not want it. Greed and vengeance twist the facts.
September 15, 2017
A good story
I'm not much of a review writer, but I really enjoyed this book and recommended that my husband read it. I enjoy reading about our Native Americans.
I'm not much of a review writer, but I really enjoyed this book and recommended that my husband read it. I enjoy reading about our Native Americans.
September 17, 2017
Celilos Shadow
A really lovely story,all came together with a sting in the tail. well presented storyline and thoroughly researched loved it all.
A really lovely story,all came together with a sting in the tail. well presented storyline and thoroughly researched loved it all.
October 3, 2017
Boring. Couldn't finish it
October 6, 2017
Absolutely excellent.
Great cast of well-developed characters, an awesome story well-told and a surprise ending,too. It is really a great read, so dig in!
Great cast of well-developed characters, an awesome story well-told and a surprise ending,too. It is really a great read, so dig in!
April 10, 2018
I liked the story and enjoyed the characters. They were at times interesting, but some need more development. The two girls were good.
July 1, 2018
Read this
Great read. Held my attention from page 1 til the end. Give it a read and see for yourself, eh
Great read. Held my attention from page 1 til the end. Give it a read and see for yourself, eh
January 14, 2020
Got this free and it isn’t for me
July 31, 2022
Shocking twists!
I was glued to the pages, wondering what would happen next. So much action and emotion is packed in the story that I couldn't put it down. Great book!
I was glued to the pages, wondering what would happen next. So much action and emotion is packed in the story that I couldn't put it down. Great book!
November 3, 2023
A story about the destruction of Celilo Falls when they built The Dalles dam back in 1956. There is murder, rape and intrigue, as well as violence and bigotry against the Indians, to whom the falls were sacred as well as important to their fishing. A good beach read.
July 26, 2023
Not bad
A ton of backstory but it came together nicely. It took a while for the story to gel but had a great twist at the end. Always the quiet types.
A ton of backstory but it came together nicely. It took a while for the story to gel but had a great twist at the end. Always the quiet types.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews