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Desertion…Wrath…Murder
A runaway bride, murder, and arson has Shandra Higheagle sleuthing again. Sorting through the debris of her best friend’s childhood, Shandra believes she must solve the murder before her friend becomes the next victim.
Stumbling upon a dead body, Detective Ryan Greer is determined to bring the killer to justice before Shandra becomes too entangled in her friend’s dysfunctional past. He hopes he’s not too late. Shandra’s deceased grandmother has already visited her dreams, putting Shandra in the middle of his investigation and danger.

222 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2017

68 people are currently reading
352 people want to read

About the author

Paty Jager

113 books394 followers
Paty 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.

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5 stars
86 (56%)
4 stars
49 (32%)
3 stars
14 (9%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,216 reviews18 followers
October 9, 2017
Shandra Higheagle is having her good friend Ruthie's wedding in her barn. When it comes time for Ruthie to walk down the aisle, she doesn't show up. They look for her and Shandra's boyfriend and officer Ryan finds Ruthie's father dead. Her dad had left Ruthie and her mother when Ruthie was young. There are twists and turns all through this book. Just when you think one person killed Ruthie's father, then it seems like it is someone else. I really enjoy this series and all the murders that are solved in the books. I love Shandra and her fiancé Ryan as they make such a good pair. It is such an interesting book and trying to determine who killed Ruthie's father. I encourage you to read this book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Dalice Peterson.
53 reviews
October 24, 2017
Haunting Corpse

I’m really enjoying the Shandra Higheagle mysteries; they’re good stories and have the added enjoyment of reading about the growth and changes in the characters.

This one is a really good mystery, too. There are family troubles that finally become dangerous and complicated in the story. There were artful twists in this and I enjoyed trying to figure out who did what to who (er, whom?) It is nice to read a book that plays fair with the reader: the clues are there, thank you kindly.
1,728 reviews10 followers
October 24, 2017
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Another good mystery by Paty Jager. This is Ruthie and Maxwell's wedding. A murder and a runaway bride how much better can it get. Still caught me with whodunnit. We got to meet more characters and learn more about Ruthie and her parents. I would recommend this series to everyone who loves a good murder mystery with a lot of action in between. The clues are there to help you figure it out but with a twist. Can't wait for Shandra and Ryan's Wedding. Wonder what will happen at their wedding!
Profile Image for Beth Garner.
42 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2017
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Once again Ms Hager has a hit.

It was nice to revisit Shandra and friends again. I was kept guessing until almost the very end as to whodunit. I had a likely suspect from about half way through, even though I knew it was too early. And I was right. I changed my mind at almost the end, then changed it to a third person.

I enjoy Ms Jager's writing and what makes a good mystery is not figuring out who did it until the end. I recommend this book for cozy mystery lovers.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
862 reviews
October 6, 2017
Another great read from this author. I am enjoying this series. Shandra, Ryan and Lil are the well developed characters in this series and I can see myself becoming friends with them. This story is intriguing with lots of twists and turns and multiple suspects. Every time I thought I knew who the murderer was, additional information was added to the story having me changing my mind.

I received this book from the author but I am voluntarily reviewing it.
1,260 reviews
July 7, 2019
Ms Jager has another great Higheagle mystery. A father, missing for 25 years, is murdered at his daughter's wedding. Even after more than two decades away there are multiple suspects wanting him dead. Higheagle and her fiance follow the clues to the killer. I received this audiobook at no cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it. I'm a Higheagle fan and enjoy the many twists that lead to the conclusions. This was well narrated .
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
October 5, 2023
This was another mystery that doubled back on itself, twisting and turning like a sidewinder. Not once was I able to out-think the plot and every one of my pet theories went up in smoke with each new clue Shandra and Ryan uncovered. I adored getting to know Ruthie and Maxwell even better, but holy mackerel, that was not what I was expecting to happen for us to get the opportunity. I’m also loving to see the way the relationship between Shandra and Ryan is growing and progressing.
1,781 reviews6 followers
October 15, 2017
This was a well-written, fast-paced book. I enjoyed getting to know some of the secondary characters in the story, as well as the way Shandra and her fiance interact with each other. I didn't want to put the book down because I wanted to know how it all turned out. I was given an Advanced Reader copy of this book and have voluntarily posted a review consisting of my honest opinions.
1,788 reviews15 followers
December 30, 2021
The book is easy to read with great characters.

I like the way Ms Jager uses the Indians in the Northwest.

I truly like the Shandra Higheagle books and look forward to the next one.

I would, however, recommend reading the series in order because story leads into the next in the series.

The books are still great read in any order.
84 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2017
Oh my gosh these books are awesome. They draw your attention into the story and you can't wait to get to the end but it makes you sad to get there. You can't wait for the next one. Well worth the time to read cause you will surely enjoy. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Diana.
103 reviews
January 9, 2018
This was such a fun read. I had not read any of the previous books in the Shandra Higheagle series but I never felt lost or like I couldn't understand the relationships because of it. I do however want to go back and read the whole series because I enjoyed these characters quite a bit!
Profile Image for L Corky.
168 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2018
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I enjoyed the characters and the story. It's always nice to find a new author to follow.
Profile Image for Toni.
2,133 reviews20 followers
April 21, 2018
I enjoyed this book. However, I think I would have enjoyed it much more if I had started reading at the beginning of the series.
8 reviews
April 7, 2019
Another great installment in series about Shandra Higheagle. I'm enjoying the development of characters & their relationships.
13 reviews
July 1, 2025
Great story

Love the story setting country and small town atmosphere. I would recommend this book to anyone. I love the series story line.
Profile Image for Elissa.
Author 39 books109 followers
April 13, 2022
A delightful story, the first I've read in the Shandra Higheagle series. While the novel does stand alone I got a bit confused about some of the characters whose tales had clearly been told in other volumes; generally, however, explanations and background were filled in nicely. For some reason I was reminded of the Nancy Drew mysteries I loved as a girl; perhaps a bit of the writing style combined with the coterie of friends helping track the clues (clews!)? I was successfully misled as I tried to suss out the killer although the denouement showed how the twist fooled me. More to come!

Disclaimer: I was given this free review copy of this book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Dena.
27 reviews4 followers
April 2, 2025
A wedding stopped because of the murder of the brides long absent father. Suspects galore and keeps you guessing until the end. Loved this book and will be buying the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,426 reviews12 followers
March 5, 2018
Another great book in the series, the last one for now, I hope there are more.

It's the day of Ruthie and Maxwell's wedding being held at Shandra's ranch. Ruthie's estranged Mum turns up unexpectedly and speaks to Ruthie. Shandra is her bridesmaid abd leaves her to walk down the aisle when suddenly Ruthis takes off. Shandra and Ryan follow and inevitably they find a body. Suspicion falls on Ruthie so it's up to Shandra and Ryan to clear her name.

Lots of back stories get filled in this book, you find out more about Ruthie and other inhabitants of Huckleberry. Not all is as it seems on the surface!

Of course Lil (Shandra's friend and employee), Lewis the cat and Sheba the dog are also in the story.

I'm sad as this is the last book in the series published for now, I really hope there's more to come. A great series and well worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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