Spurred Ambition

Pinnacle Peak #2

by Twist Phelan

After her first attempt at breaking and entering, business attorney Hannah Dain heads for the cliffs of Pinnacle Peak, Arizona, to rock climb–and winds up in the middle of an anti-Indian protest turned violent. She escapes, but makes an enemy. This is the least of her worries, as a recent shocking family revelation sends her on a hunt for someone who has been gone for almost thirty years–someone who may not want to be found.

Then Hannah meets Tony Soto. From the moment he saves her from a climbing mishap, Hannah is beguiled by the Native American/Latino who is passionately committed to the betterment of his tribe. What becomes a near–fatal attraction jeopardizes Hannah’s relationship with her boyfriend, Cooper Smith, and enmeshes her in a kidnapping tied to a complex securities fraud.

Is Tony an innocent victim, or is he part of an elaborate financial hoax where more than money is at stake? When murder ratchets up the ante, only by taking a gutsy chance can Hannah unravel the scheme and find the key to the mystery of her past.

Genres: Mystery

264 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Hi! My name is Twist (yes, it really is) Phelan and I want to entertain you. 

I’ve always been a storyteller. Growing up in a half-Irish family meant you didn’t come to the dinner table without a story to share. While at Stanford earning my undergrad and law degrees, I wrote for the student paper. As a plaintiff’s trial lawyer (I specialized in suing middle-aged white guys who stole other people’s money) I was known for my compelling cross-examinations and closing arguments that persuaded juries. (Confession: I learned a lot of my trial technique from TV lawyer shows.)  So becoming a writer wasn’t that much of a stretch.

I write mystery novels and short stories with endings I hope you don’t see coming. The strong sense of justice that motivated me to be a lawyer guides my fiction as well. My protagonists strive to do right, within—or outside of—the system. If you like reading about characters who are professional to the core but have a heart, too, and if you enjoy mysteries that make you think, my stories may be for you.

I’ve been fortunate to have my work win awards (including two Thrillers) and have authors like Michael Connelly, Sue Grafton, and Margaret Maron and publications such as Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus, and Booklist say nice things about it.

You can find out more about me and my writing at twistphelan.com or follow me at facebook.com/TwistPhelan.

Reviews

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

a Pinnacle Peak Mystery,: another atty. turned author novel—this one a fem.—well I do have to say she has a way with words that kept me moving---and Lord have mercy you should see her pic. on the back of the book---without a doubt she’ a strange one, but with a way with words; others: Heir Apparent, Family Claims

[Cat. · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Arizona desert, there is little room for error. Hannah Dain finds this out when she gets stuck partway up the side of a rock-tower she decided to climb alone, without ropes. She is fortunate enough to be rescued by a gorgeous (naturally) man who rappels her to the ground and bandages up her torn hand.

The next day, she discovers that the job interview she had scheduled is with this self-same man, and despite qualms she takes the job, working for the Indian tribe on a real-estate deal to enlarge the casino and build a mall. Soon enough, more dangerous occurrences rear their heads, and she is wondering if taking time off from her father's law firm was such a great idea. The plan was for her to have time to research her parentage--turns out her dad really isn't her biological dad--and contact family members she didn't know about until recently. And then there's her boyfriend, the perfect man, to whom she can't seem to make a commitment.

Then her boss is kidnapped in front of her, leaving her with what looks like cooked financial books for the real estate deal. When he turns up after escaping the kidnappers, she is relieved but that soon turns to dismay when he is shot by apparent gang members.

So, a very complex plot, some interesting characters, but no one is very fleshed-out. I doubt I'll read more by Phelan, but this wasn't the worst book I've ever read.

[Richard Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this book. Hannah Dain is a complicated character who has one speed and direction--Fast and Forward. She has issues with family and relationships. Readers will empathize with her, partly due to her faults and drive.

The story here is exciting and multi-layered. The mystery is difficult to solve. The native-American/Hispanic plot make this of interest to a diverse set of readers. The Southwest US setting adds charm. It made me want to return there where I have enjoyed vacations. A winner for T

[Katherine Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I am done with the series now.