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The Price of Jade
With its lush rainforests and awe-inspiring ruins, Guatemala has always played a central role in Matt Miller's life. The stunning land where he once served as a missionary is now a vital part of his importing business, and after years of anticipating a trip to the exotic country with his wife, Cathy, and teenage daughter, Melissa, it's finally happening. But what begins as a dream vacation soon spirals out of control as the Millers face every parent's worst their daughter has disappeared without a trace. Every second counts as Matt and Cathy throw themselves into the most urgent search of their lives—a search that becomes frantic when a ransom note arrives. As Matt traverses dense jungle and remote villages, relying on the help of an unlikely band of Good Samaritans, it is clear that Melissa's kidnapping was far from random. There is a network of greed and deceit that runs deep, and no one can be trusted. Desperate to protect his family, each step leads Matt closer to a ruthless killer. And what he discovers points to a greater deception than he could have imagined . . .
- GenresSuspense
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 2, 2018
This was one of those books that sucked me in from the very beginning. I didn’t want to stop reading for anything until I figured out what happened to Matt, Cathy and Melissa!
I enjoyed the whole premise of the plot in this one. Cathy and Matt are going on a vacation with their 17 year old daughter Melissa to see the Book of Mormon lands in Guatemala. But Matt is kind of a work-a-holic and ends up not being able to leave when Melissa and Cathy do. Little does he know, that Melissa will be kidnapped the very first day of the tour, leaving Cathy frantic and unsure of what to do. I really related to this part of the plot. Mainly because I have my own 17 year old daughter and I know that I would be going crazy if she was taken by someone and I had no idea where she was or who had her.
I loved that there were many layers of intrigue in this one. There was the obvious, Carlos, the boy who was with Melissa when she leaves. But that’s really only the tip of the iceberg in this one. There is one person involved that you don’t find out until nearly the very end of the book when it’s almost too late. Plus all of the people in the middle.
You see this book from so many points of view. Cathy, Melissa and Matt, of course. But there’s also Raul, the tour guard, several of the men on the tour who go out of their way to help, some of the kidnappers, others who are trying to help and the main bad guy. Seeing what’s happening from so many points of view is a big benefit to the reader. The reader can make their own conclusions and guesses and know what’s happening before the characters do.
I loved this suspenseful book! And I hope this author has more books coming!
I enjoyed the whole premise of the plot in this one. Cathy and Matt are going on a vacation with their 17 year old daughter Melissa to see the Book of Mormon lands in Guatemala. But Matt is kind of a work-a-holic and ends up not being able to leave when Melissa and Cathy do. Little does he know, that Melissa will be kidnapped the very first day of the tour, leaving Cathy frantic and unsure of what to do. I really related to this part of the plot. Mainly because I have my own 17 year old daughter and I know that I would be going crazy if she was taken by someone and I had no idea where she was or who had her.
I loved that there were many layers of intrigue in this one. There was the obvious, Carlos, the boy who was with Melissa when she leaves. But that’s really only the tip of the iceberg in this one. There is one person involved that you don’t find out until nearly the very end of the book when it’s almost too late. Plus all of the people in the middle.
You see this book from so many points of view. Cathy, Melissa and Matt, of course. But there’s also Raul, the tour guard, several of the men on the tour who go out of their way to help, some of the kidnappers, others who are trying to help and the main bad guy. Seeing what’s happening from so many points of view is a big benefit to the reader. The reader can make their own conclusions and guesses and know what’s happening before the characters do.
I loved this suspenseful book! And I hope this author has more books coming!
July 3, 2018
The Price of Jade takes you on an adventure from page one! Liz Hastings does a wonderful job at combining the past an the present to create a suspense novel that keeps you guessing until the end.
The premise of the book is every parents worse nightmare. Their daughter has been kidnapped in Guatemala while on vacation. As a mom, that grabbed my attention from the start and kept me turning pages. I had to hope for a happy outcome for the family.
I loved the imagery of the country. It is rich in history and I loved the ancient temples and relics. I could semi-picture them in my mind and I really wanted to be there to see the rain forest, the ruins, the people, etc.
If you are looking for a clean suspense read, you should give this one a try. There are religious references but it is not the focus of the book. It's about a family and community trying to bring a teenager home.
Source; I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The premise of the book is every parents worse nightmare. Their daughter has been kidnapped in Guatemala while on vacation. As a mom, that grabbed my attention from the start and kept me turning pages. I had to hope for a happy outcome for the family.
I loved the imagery of the country. It is rich in history and I loved the ancient temples and relics. I could semi-picture them in my mind and I really wanted to be there to see the rain forest, the ruins, the people, etc.
If you are looking for a clean suspense read, you should give this one a try. There are religious references but it is not the focus of the book. It's about a family and community trying to bring a teenager home.
Source; I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
August 14, 2018
What a new refreshing, clean, mystery writer, liz Hastings is. I look forward to reading more in the future.
A kidnapping of a girl on a Book of Mormon tour in Guatemala stirs up the desire of some retired friends, a regretful bodyguard, and the miller family into action.
Can they find Melissa in time before her kidnappers, the crocodiles, or other dangers get to her first.
A kidnapping of a girl on a Book of Mormon tour in Guatemala stirs up the desire of some retired friends, a regretful bodyguard, and the miller family into action.
Can they find Melissa in time before her kidnappers, the crocodiles, or other dangers get to her first.
August 15, 2018
Not bad for her for a first novel. I liked the characters, however there was a couple of times we got sidetracked by characters that I thought were support characters. It kind of became a couple of different books in one it felt like a couple of times. I feel differently about where the Book of Mormon actually took place, let's just say that. That aside, it was a pretty good read.
Crocodile attack.
Manipulation.
Gun Violence.
No, I am not anti gun. Just notes on the level of violence.
Crocodile attack.
Manipulation.
Gun Violence.
No, I am not anti gun. Just notes on the level of violence.
July 7, 2018
The Price of Jade is full of a lot of angst and suspense. More than half the time you're not quite sure who to trust. The story is told from many points of view from the main Miller family: Matt, Cathy, and Melissa, to Scott & Raul tour leaders, and Matt's boos Nick. We also see things happening from the tourists on the Book of Mormon Tour to the villains in the story, and there are many of those.
The story goes into full action when right at the beginning Melissa, Matt and Cathy's daughter, is kidnapped. Matt is still back in the USA and Cathy is there trying to find someone to help her. What a terrible feeling you get, especially if you are a parent, when you think of this happening to one of your children. There were so many different people involved in the kidnapping. Your job as a reader is to figure out who is truly behind all of it. I figured that part out about 3/4 of the way through.
The thing I really loved in this book was the journey spiritually, mentally, and emotionally that so many of the characters went through. There were lessons learned about forgiveness, having faith, trusting in others, loving your family more, and selflessness. There are many surprising things in this book. I think the most shocking thing was finding out that this was Liz Hastings first published novel. Price of Jade is a well-written, compelling novel with gripping scenes that will leave you breathless, but has a rewarding ending.
This book is going on my blog's Summer Reading list for you.
If you want to read a fast paced mystery that you can't put down, this book should definitely be on your to-read list.
****Come follow me & my reviews at:
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com
Like my Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/WhyNotBecaus...****
The story goes into full action when right at the beginning Melissa, Matt and Cathy's daughter, is kidnapped. Matt is still back in the USA and Cathy is there trying to find someone to help her. What a terrible feeling you get, especially if you are a parent, when you think of this happening to one of your children. There were so many different people involved in the kidnapping. Your job as a reader is to figure out who is truly behind all of it. I figured that part out about 3/4 of the way through.
The thing I really loved in this book was the journey spiritually, mentally, and emotionally that so many of the characters went through. There were lessons learned about forgiveness, having faith, trusting in others, loving your family more, and selflessness. There are many surprising things in this book. I think the most shocking thing was finding out that this was Liz Hastings first published novel. Price of Jade is a well-written, compelling novel with gripping scenes that will leave you breathless, but has a rewarding ending.
This book is going on my blog's Summer Reading list for you.
If you want to read a fast paced mystery that you can't put down, this book should definitely be on your to-read list.
****Come follow me & my reviews at:
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com
Like my Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/WhyNotBecaus...****
July 3, 2018
Matt served as a missionary in the lush, green forests of Guatemala. He had always wanted to return one day and share the beautiful land and people to his wife and daughter and now he can! However, a last minute glitch occurred so he will have to send his wife and daughter ahd join them in a day or so.
Melissa was seventeen and infatuated with a new romance. She did not want to leave and go on this lame vacation with a bunch of old people!
Cathy agreed to this trip,because they needed time together away from Matt's work! They were growing apart. Matt was the only one who understood Spanish. They would have a Tour Guide but she needed Matt!
What began as a simple -perhaps even dull -vacation, turned into a mysteriously dangerous set of events...A trip none of them would ever forget!
Directed at an L.D.S audience, this is an intriguing, fast paste adventure story the non-L.D.S. readers will enjoy reading..
The characters are described in a manner they seem real! The scenes are very descriptive and portrayed well. The Book Cover and Title both are a good "fit".
This tale causes ne to reflect on what things are the most important. It, also, points out the importance of listening to others and be more objective with personal views and counsel.
This was very well-written for the most part. It just seemed to lose some energy in a few place.
This rates a Fours rating from me.
*This book was gifted to me, with no expectations of a positive review. This is my honest review.
Melissa was seventeen and infatuated with a new romance. She did not want to leave and go on this lame vacation with a bunch of old people!
Cathy agreed to this trip,because they needed time together away from Matt's work! They were growing apart. Matt was the only one who understood Spanish. They would have a Tour Guide but she needed Matt!
What began as a simple -perhaps even dull -vacation, turned into a mysteriously dangerous set of events...A trip none of them would ever forget!
Directed at an L.D.S audience, this is an intriguing, fast paste adventure story the non-L.D.S. readers will enjoy reading..
The characters are described in a manner they seem real! The scenes are very descriptive and portrayed well. The Book Cover and Title both are a good "fit".
This tale causes ne to reflect on what things are the most important. It, also, points out the importance of listening to others and be more objective with personal views and counsel.
This was very well-written for the most part. It just seemed to lose some energy in a few place.
This rates a Fours rating from me.
*This book was gifted to me, with no expectations of a positive review. This is my honest review.
July 4, 2018
The Price of Jade is a thrilling suspense story as the Millers work to uncover the truth behind their daughter's disappearance and work with unexpected allies to find her. The suspense and drama held my interest and with each page I read I wanted to uncover more of the story. I was a little puzzled that with so many LDS characters facing so many life-periling dilemmas that they didn't seem to pray a lot. The only one I remember finally praying about the situation was Cathy. Cathy prayed, read her scriptures and looked for inspiration. If I was in the characters' situation I would probably be praying frantically, desperately to the Lord for help. Other than that, the characters' situations were compelling. I liked that there was different reactions, different methods of working to solve the problem and the action in the story. I also liked that there were so many characters working together to solve the problem. It was an interesting read and fun. Please note that I received a free copy to review, but this does not influence my opinion.
December 30, 2018
As soon as I read the description on the back of the book I suspected thistle would keep me up at night and it did. The descriptions of Tikal make me want to visit even more.
The story is well paced. More than half the time you had no idea who was to be trusted because there were many things going on in the background.
Melissa Miller was a bit of a teenaged brat. The hard lessons she learned after being kidnapped really made a change to her character.
Matthew Miller was pretty self-absorbed in the life he had set up and was shaken by his daughter going missing. Needed lessons.
Cathy Miller had a rough time but learned to trust herself and the Spirit of God.
No question this is a book that brings in God. It is exciting me to to see how LDS authors are able to write a wonderful story that appropriately weaves in the lives that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints live.
I did know who the “masked man” so to speak was from at least halfway. It didn’t spoil the suspense on the journey to the end.
The story is well paced. More than half the time you had no idea who was to be trusted because there were many things going on in the background.
Melissa Miller was a bit of a teenaged brat. The hard lessons she learned after being kidnapped really made a change to her character.
Matthew Miller was pretty self-absorbed in the life he had set up and was shaken by his daughter going missing. Needed lessons.
Cathy Miller had a rough time but learned to trust herself and the Spirit of God.
No question this is a book that brings in God. It is exciting me to to see how LDS authors are able to write a wonderful story that appropriately weaves in the lives that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints live.
I did know who the “masked man” so to speak was from at least halfway. It didn’t spoil the suspense on the journey to the end.
July 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this story!! At times I felt confused with all the characters involved throughout the story, but overall I enjoyed it and kept up with everything.
I knew after reading the book description that I HAD to read this book! I was hoping for a good ending, although its not usually a good outcome when kids get kidnapped on foreign soil. The author did a wonderful job of describing the area, historical facts and landmarks in Guatemala, and keeping a good suspenseful pace.
Clean, christian story that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow along with Cathy and Matt as they look for their missing daughter.
There are religious references to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon) religion, but it is not the focus of the book. (For example, they take a "Book of Mormon" tour while in Guatemala.)
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
I knew after reading the book description that I HAD to read this book! I was hoping for a good ending, although its not usually a good outcome when kids get kidnapped on foreign soil. The author did a wonderful job of describing the area, historical facts and landmarks in Guatemala, and keeping a good suspenseful pace.
Clean, christian story that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow along with Cathy and Matt as they look for their missing daughter.
There are religious references to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon) religion, but it is not the focus of the book. (For example, they take a "Book of Mormon" tour while in Guatemala.)
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
March 13, 2019
The underlying story and plot was exciting and there were a lot of things I really liked about this book but I got really out of patience with the chauvinistic man and the weak/dumb woman. Kathy’s character did not have a clue and Mike’s character was always talking about how it was his job to protect his weak little wife. Ugh! I loved some of the sub characters and that made it worth sticking with the book. I did get a little tired of the cheesy religious references but I admit I was captivated enough to be anxious to see how it ended, although I pretty much had it all figured out.
October 31, 2018
Compelling
I compare this writing with great literature and rated it based on the potential for Liz to continue writing, as she is a good story writer, has good use of language, and the story kept my interest to the end. C
I compare this writing with great literature and rated it based on the potential for Liz to continue writing, as she is a good story writer, has good use of language, and the story kept my interest to the end. C
July 3, 2022
This book is incredible. It kept me on my toes, wrenched my heart, and brought tears to my eyes. It resolved every aspect of the plot and left me feeling hopeful despite the tragedies that occurred. I am very happy with this story!!
September 29, 2022
Really good listen. The narrator did a great job with the accents.
I lived in Central America during a time when there were some kidnappings. It was unsettling.
This book kind of made me want to go back, and kind of not. 🥴
I lived in Central America during a time when there were some kidnappings. It was unsettling.
This book kind of made me want to go back, and kind of not. 🥴
Read
May 17, 2023This is the first time reading from this Author. She kept my interest thru out the book and did a good job on the development of the characters. She tried up all of the lose end of the story and had a good ending with some surprise twists as well.
January 21, 2024
I really enjoyed the setting of this book. Guatemala seems very beautiful and it would be very interesting to see Tikal. the storyline was good but a bit predictable. I loved that Raul and Sofia were reunited at the end of the book. Overall, a good quick read.
July 13, 2018
Good suspenseful novel that kept me turning the pages.
September 25, 2018
A book that will keep you turning pages. Set in Guatemala, on a Book of Mormon tour, that ends in a kidnapping.
September 26, 2018
3.5 Took a while to get into.
December 21, 2018
Loved the book. I can't wait for Liz to write more.
January 10, 2019
Exciting and fun of suspense!
August 13, 2019
Really good
September 3, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up. The book had pretty good pacing and held my interest. I figured out the villain 3/4 towards the end. Overall a good read.
October 8, 2019
Read this book while riding home from a trip in a car. The book was exciting and kept my attention. I figured out the bad guy before it was revealed in the book.
June 22, 2020
What a fun read. I finished the book in less than 24 hours. Very suspenseful and thrilling.
April 5, 2023
A story set in a lush settlement and a mystery.
October 8, 2023
Somebody needs to check on the well-being of the author cuz the crocodile eating somebody so their family could be converted felt like a lot….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2024
I enjoyed reading about a story based in Guatemala, where I served a mission. Interesting plot and loved how the author informed us of Guatemala’s past.
January 15, 2025
Not a fan....
January 1, 2019
Interesting suspense novel with a Latter-day Saint perspective! I enjoyed learning about Guatemala from the true-to-life tidbits included in the story. Note everything was believable, but it kept me listening.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews