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The Big Sky Series #1
Cast A Long Shadow
Ever try to fill boots a size too large? Ever keep pace with strides too long? Ever try to cast a long shadow?“Bad Bobby” Trent, star high school athlete, college scholarship holder, pro-rodeo circuit rider lived an unencumbered life. He was a man, who by his own definition, limited his concentration to no more than eight seconds at a time. The time required to ride a bull or saddlebronc and win. He’s tough, independent, shallow and always looking for a good time. Then his father is murdered.
>>>A Sheriff Loved By His Community Shot DeadSheriff Robert Trent was the longtime chief law enforcement officer of Lodge Pole County Montana. He was stern, fair, honest and dependable. He tried to see the best in people, and always ready to give them one more chance. Ambushed, shot dead at the side of the road. Set up by someone he knew. Now, rumors claim the sheriff wasn’t all that he claimed. Rumors claim he was dirty; paid off by persons’ unknown.
>>>A Son Determined To Find His Father’s KillerSlapped by reality, Bobby is determined to investigate the killing. He’s set on finding the one who did this. Only one problem, he doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing.
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>>>A Sheriff Loved By His Community Shot DeadSheriff Robert Trent was the longtime chief law enforcement officer of Lodge Pole County Montana. He was stern, fair, honest and dependable. He tried to see the best in people, and always ready to give them one more chance. Ambushed, shot dead at the side of the road. Set up by someone he knew. Now, rumors claim the sheriff wasn’t all that he claimed. Rumors claim he was dirty; paid off by persons’ unknown.
>>>A Son Determined To Find His Father’s KillerSlapped by reality, Bobby is determined to investigate the killing. He’s set on finding the one who did this. Only one problem, he doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing.
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282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2018
380 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Kwen D. Griffeth
18 books36 followersWinner of Readers' Favorite Silver Award for Historical Fiction/Western, Kwen knew he wanted to be a writer when he was fourteen years old. He felt the urge when he finished Earnest Hemingway’s masterpiece For Whom The Bell Tolls. The story touched him in a way no other book ever had. It transported a kid born and raised on a farm and ranch in Idaho to the mountains of Spain. It took him back in time forty years to witness the Spanish Civil War. Kwen knew he wanted to share that wonder with other people.
John Lennon said, “Life is what happens while you make other plans.” While Kwen lived a full and varied life, his dream of writing remained in the back of his mind.
Finally, in 2012, he wrote a novella named Dear Emma. He self-published through Amazon and asked people to read it. “The best way to see if I can write is to let people check it out,” he said. Like it, they did. Currently, Dear Emma enjoys a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.
Often asked what genre he writes, Kwen replies he writes stories about people and uses the genre that best fits the story. “I think of the genre, or setting as another character that interacts to help tell the story,” he says.
His most often received and constant comment is how real his characters seem. Upon the completion of his historical fiction trilogy Sam and Laura books, a reader telephoned Kwen and directed him to write more stories about the couple. When asked why the reader was so adamant about more stories, he replied he “wasn’t ready to tell Sam and Laura good bye yet.”
Kwen considers that comment one of his highest compliments.
Kwen’s books are getting some attention from the literary community. The Law of Moses, the Silver Award winner from Readers' Favorite, and The Tenth Nail both received the Gold Award from Literary Titan Book Review. The Gold Award is given to books “found to be perfect in their delivery of original content, meticulous development of unique characters in an organic and striking setting, innovative plot that supports a fresh theme, and elegant prose that transforms words into beautifully written novels.” Many of Kwen's books have received the Gold Award from Literary Titan. In addition, The Law of Moses was awarded five 5 Star Reviews from the reviewers of Readers' Favorite.
Kwen’s books are available in several formats; e-Book, paperback, and audio. He invites you to check his writings out. Who knows? He might become your next favorite author.
John Lennon said, “Life is what happens while you make other plans.” While Kwen lived a full and varied life, his dream of writing remained in the back of his mind.
Finally, in 2012, he wrote a novella named Dear Emma. He self-published through Amazon and asked people to read it. “The best way to see if I can write is to let people check it out,” he said. Like it, they did. Currently, Dear Emma enjoys a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.
Often asked what genre he writes, Kwen replies he writes stories about people and uses the genre that best fits the story. “I think of the genre, or setting as another character that interacts to help tell the story,” he says.
His most often received and constant comment is how real his characters seem. Upon the completion of his historical fiction trilogy Sam and Laura books, a reader telephoned Kwen and directed him to write more stories about the couple. When asked why the reader was so adamant about more stories, he replied he “wasn’t ready to tell Sam and Laura good bye yet.”
Kwen considers that comment one of his highest compliments.
Kwen’s books are getting some attention from the literary community. The Law of Moses, the Silver Award winner from Readers' Favorite, and The Tenth Nail both received the Gold Award from Literary Titan Book Review. The Gold Award is given to books “found to be perfect in their delivery of original content, meticulous development of unique characters in an organic and striking setting, innovative plot that supports a fresh theme, and elegant prose that transforms words into beautifully written novels.” Many of Kwen's books have received the Gold Award from Literary Titan. In addition, The Law of Moses was awarded five 5 Star Reviews from the reviewers of Readers' Favorite.
Kwen’s books are available in several formats; e-Book, paperback, and audio. He invites you to check his writings out. Who knows? He might become your next favorite author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 18, 2023
Really great series with excellent characters. I read all three in a row. A bit like the early books in the Longmire series.
June 13, 2019
I don’t know what book other reviewers read or listened to but it couldn’t have been the same book. I thought the story of the 2nd book in the series sounded good and thought I should start with the first book. I may never get to the second book. In my opinion the narration was horrible, I tried to listen to the story and ignore the voice, that wasn’t possible. And the story ridiculous, an Indian friend you call your brother but you have no idea of Indian customs after a life time friendship, subject of book keeps referring to himself as a stupid cowboy and I believe it. And use contractions when you write, it’s actually the way people speak. I’m sorry but I can’t recommend this book to anyone.
April 22, 2019
A new sheriff in town?
A modern Western, and it relies on cowboys and Indians (Yeah, I know I'm supposed to be PC and say "native Americans"). The NYT critics will say it's "stereotype," but it's a story well-written, enjoyable, and an easy read. Nice start to a series. Looking forward to reading the series as it becomes available.
A modern Western, and it relies on cowboys and Indians (Yeah, I know I'm supposed to be PC and say "native Americans"). The NYT critics will say it's "stereotype," but it's a story well-written, enjoyable, and an easy read. Nice start to a series. Looking forward to reading the series as it becomes available.
August 17, 2022
This book surpassed my expectations addressing dynamics on so many levels: cowboy culture and rodeo self-confidence, mystique of Montana’s natural bounty, Cherokee customs. Griffeth is a good story teller, giving enough but holding back just the right amount; he paints interesting and believable characters. I am looking forward to reading my 2nd Griffeth novel.
November 13, 2018
Another great read from a talented author. Enjoyed the characters and their plight. Recommended.
December 10, 2018
This is a new series by the author and book 1 did not disappoint. Rodeo bad boy, Bobby Trent is having a bad day...he’s broken 3 fingers in his hand at the rodeo, then gets into a fight at the local watering hole...then gets arrested for assaulting an officer. The arrest in itself was hilarious especially when he told one of the sheriff’s deputies that her taser would be like a tickle...yea, he came out on the losing end of that one! Bobby ends up in lockup, where the sheriff sentences him to spend 10dys. Is that really legal? Turns out that Sheriff Trent is giving his adult son something of a time-out to get his head together. Then things start spiraling out of control...a damaged tractor trailer shows up for repairs in the small Montana town and it’s loaded with heroine. Sheriff Trent does not want the negative press that will come with calling in the FBI and DEA and is trying to determine a quiet way to handle this. Except the trailer is burnt out...then the feds swoop in and start questioning the sheriff...suspecting that he’s been turning a blind eye to drug smuggling through his county. All this occurs while Bobby is in lockup and then he gets the worst possible news...his dad is dead and the feds believe that he committed suicide!
Bobby finally gets his act together and, with the help of his Native American blood brother, ex-gf-now-attorney, and deputy Nixon, begins his own investigation to clear his dad’s name. Drugs and bad guys meet Bobby head on...who will win this deadly game?
As I said earlier, fantastic start to the series, with great narration, and I look forward to more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Bobby finally gets his act together and, with the help of his Native American blood brother, ex-gf-now-attorney, and deputy Nixon, begins his own investigation to clear his dad’s name. Drugs and bad guys meet Bobby head on...who will win this deadly game?
As I said earlier, fantastic start to the series, with great narration, and I look forward to more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
April 11, 2019
Cast a Long Shadow by Kwen D. Griffeth is the first instalment in the author's Big Sky Series. The story is lead by Robert “Bad Bobby” Trent in the county of Lodge Pole, Montana. Bobby has all of the physical qualities of a home town hero—former star high school athlete and a rodeo cowboy—but few of the moral characteristics required as the son of the Sheriff. It is under his father's shadow that Bobby must emerge, following his murder, when the younger Trent becomes bent on finding his father's executioner and coming to terms with both the crime and his own personal failings, as he fills the boots of a man who the people of the county, himself included, loved and depended on.
Overall, the story is a good one. As far as contemporary crime fiction goes, Cast a Long Shadow has the correct mix of components to make for a solid introduction to Kwen D. Griffeth's series. The setting in the Northwestern State of Montana is what initially drew me to the book. It is an intriguing, beautiful vantage point for this tale and, along with a broad plot (with some good twists) and a character driven redemption arc, it puts the story on stable ground. There are technical issues within the book that sometimes pulled me away from its narrative, but on the whole I believe Cast a Long Shadow is well worth the read. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys creative crime fiction and western-centric suspense.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
Overall, the story is a good one. As far as contemporary crime fiction goes, Cast a Long Shadow has the correct mix of components to make for a solid introduction to Kwen D. Griffeth's series. The setting in the Northwestern State of Montana is what initially drew me to the book. It is an intriguing, beautiful vantage point for this tale and, along with a broad plot (with some good twists) and a character driven redemption arc, it puts the story on stable ground. There are technical issues within the book that sometimes pulled me away from its narrative, but on the whole I believe Cast a Long Shadow is well worth the read. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys creative crime fiction and western-centric suspense.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
July 12, 2020
A solid western for the first entry to this series.
While reading the novel, it struck me that "Westerns" are the precursor of today's superhero stories. I guess I've seen so many superhero movies in the last few years that I finally realized how similar they are to traditional Westerns. There are many similarities, of course, but for both genres, it almost boils down to these two truths; the hero is better than everybody else at everything, and you know they're going to come out on top in the end.
The Big Sky series books are nice stories and don’t demand too much of your cerebral juices to make it through one.
Unlike some novels in a series, Griffeth gets his story right with a fully put together character in a setting with a good sense of place. This one won't be my last Griffeth read.
Looking for a good book? Cast A Long Shadow is the first book in a modern western detective series and should be enjoyed by fans of both detective and westerns.
While reading the novel, it struck me that "Westerns" are the precursor of today's superhero stories. I guess I've seen so many superhero movies in the last few years that I finally realized how similar they are to traditional Westerns. There are many similarities, of course, but for both genres, it almost boils down to these two truths; the hero is better than everybody else at everything, and you know they're going to come out on top in the end.
The Big Sky series books are nice stories and don’t demand too much of your cerebral juices to make it through one.
Unlike some novels in a series, Griffeth gets his story right with a fully put together character in a setting with a good sense of place. This one won't be my last Griffeth read.
Looking for a good book? Cast A Long Shadow is the first book in a modern western detective series and should be enjoyed by fans of both detective and westerns.
January 3, 2020
Animal spirits
Bad Booty Trent is an eight second man in the rodeo. His father who is Sheriff Trent is murdered while his son is n jail. Bobby knows his father wasn't dirty like everyone says he is so he takes it on himself to find out who killed his father.
His friend is the Indian Chief of Police on the reservation and goes to aid Bobby the best he can. While in the mountains trying to think after he sees a vision while in the sweat lodge after his father's funeral that brings him answers.
When a wolf starts showing up every morning at his ranch his friend tells him that is his spirit animal. My spirit animal is also the wolf so I enjoyed the parts about Native American beliefs.
My first time reading this author but will looking for more of his books. Recommended read.
Bad Booty Trent is an eight second man in the rodeo. His father who is Sheriff Trent is murdered while his son is n jail. Bobby knows his father wasn't dirty like everyone says he is so he takes it on himself to find out who killed his father.
His friend is the Indian Chief of Police on the reservation and goes to aid Bobby the best he can. While in the mountains trying to think after he sees a vision while in the sweat lodge after his father's funeral that brings him answers.
When a wolf starts showing up every morning at his ranch his friend tells him that is his spirit animal. My spirit animal is also the wolf so I enjoyed the parts about Native American beliefs.
My first time reading this author but will looking for more of his books. Recommended read.
September 13, 2020
A beautiful mix of historical fiction and crime drama; a modern cowboy tale. The crux of the story is timely and believable, the writing expressive and concise, the narration is articulate, consistent, and full of passion. The included Cheyenne language and culture was a pleasure to listen to. For me, this attention to detail made the story more interesting and real. I am a huge fan of the American West and the portrayal of the true history of the era, not what we are served in recent history books. This volume might also be called the evolution of “Bad Bobby” Trent. It could easily pass as a standalone novel. As hinted at in the Goodreads profile, Mr. Griffeth is one his way to becoming one of my favorite authors. Four.point.five for attention to detail. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 18, 2019
A KDG. Montana I/WM. Modern Western Action Adventure (CALS) (TBSSB -1)
KDG. has penned a Montana indian/white man western action adventure, which begins in a bar with a white man defending an indian. His father puts him in jail for ten days and during that time his father was shot and killed because he found a tractor trailer full of heroine. The young man begins to search why was his father killed and who knew it. The exchanges between the white man and his indian friends are hilarious. There are some of the best lines about indians/white men since the White Indian Series. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
KDG. has penned a Montana indian/white man western action adventure, which begins in a bar with a white man defending an indian. His father puts him in jail for ten days and during that time his father was shot and killed because he found a tractor trailer full of heroine. The young man begins to search why was his father killed and who knew it. The exchanges between the white man and his indian friends are hilarious. There are some of the best lines about indians/white men since the White Indian Series. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
August 22, 2019
This was a great story with good characters. But heavens to murgatroyd, was there no one to edit the book??!! The errors were a huge distraction! Grrrrrrr. So many bad errors, that I almost gave it three stars. But it's a good story, so I'm rating it solely on that. For goodness sake Kwen Griffeth, either get an editor or get a street team to read your work before publication next time!
July 2, 2020
Headline (required)
My 5th book by author Kwen D Griffith and for the 5th time I was not disappointed. He has a unique way of pulling you into his web and not turning you loose until he’s ready. Not a problem for this particular reader. It’s great when an author keeps you involved from beginning to the last page. Again, my thanks to Kwen D Griffith for a job well done. I’m glad I have more of his works to keep me doing what I love to do. Reading! One of my life’s simple pleasures.
My 5th book by author Kwen D Griffith and for the 5th time I was not disappointed. He has a unique way of pulling you into his web and not turning you loose until he’s ready. Not a problem for this particular reader. It’s great when an author keeps you involved from beginning to the last page. Again, my thanks to Kwen D Griffith for a job well done. I’m glad I have more of his works to keep me doing what I love to do. Reading! One of my life’s simple pleasures.
December 15, 2018
Cast A Long Shadow
: Kwen D Griffeth
I was surprised how quickly I was drawn into this novel. The characters were well defined and had interesting personalities. There was plenty of adventure, some very bad men, and plenty of historic native culture. Ï look forward to more of these books.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Paul J McSorley.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: Kwen D Griffeth
I was surprised how quickly I was drawn into this novel. The characters were well defined and had interesting personalities. There was plenty of adventure, some very bad men, and plenty of historic native culture. Ï look forward to more of these books.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Paul J McSorley.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 19, 2020
Trite, riddled with cliches and rectangles, the narration was horrible. Dumb criminals fall into the hands of the town goofball cowboy. For a more plausible serious storyline, go with the Indian. The author says in the preface he tries to be respectful of the Indian customs. Instead we get mini-lectures of the history between whites and Native Americans. The main character shows lack of respect for these people who ultimately solve the case.
February 17, 2019
Great Book
It's almost always hard for me to read crime stories, after being in law enforcement, I find myself saying, yeah right or I'm so sure. Not this time everything spot on and then some. Handsome cowboy, Indians, and a lady cop, plus an old flame. Great story line, believable characters, and a breath taking plot, what more can you ask for? I loved it.
It's almost always hard for me to read crime stories, after being in law enforcement, I find myself saying, yeah right or I'm so sure. Not this time everything spot on and then some. Handsome cowboy, Indians, and a lady cop, plus an old flame. Great story line, believable characters, and a breath taking plot, what more can you ask for? I loved it.
March 9, 2019
A today western...funny,interesting characters and
insights not often handled with sensitivity ....get it !
I started reading one a.m. just to see if i liked it
and several hours later had finished it without stopping!
Reminded me a bit of Win Blevins but not a copy....
Get it....no spoilers from me !
insights not often handled with sensitivity ....get it !
I started reading one a.m. just to see if i liked it
and several hours later had finished it without stopping!
Reminded me a bit of Win Blevins but not a copy....
Get it....no spoilers from me !
March 25, 2019
Big Sky
A really, really good book. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and never let up. What happens when a rodeo cowboy, a good time guy, returns home to heal? When he loses his father, life changes for him. He grows in ways that were completely foreign to him, and brings the reader along with him. I will be looking for more books from this author.
A really, really good book. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and never let up. What happens when a rodeo cowboy, a good time guy, returns home to heal? When he loses his father, life changes for him. He grows in ways that were completely foreign to him, and brings the reader along with him. I will be looking for more books from this author.
August 19, 2019
Nice change and good read
When I started reading this book, I wasn't sure but kept with it. I'm so glad I did. What a well written and enjoyable book. I was especially impressed with the story of the Natives and Bobbie's dealings and teachings from the Natives and how it affected his life. I'll definitely read this author's works again!
When I started reading this book, I wasn't sure but kept with it. I'm so glad I did. What a well written and enjoyable book. I was especially impressed with the story of the Natives and Bobbie's dealings and teachings from the Natives and how it affected his life. I'll definitely read this author's works again!
June 16, 2020
Fascinating
I loved the the journey into a country beyond the road I've traveled several times. The characterization in the story is so strong I felt as if I lived the experience through them. Beside that, I did some serious nail biting and the edge of my chair became a normal spot right up to the end of the story.
I loved the the journey into a country beyond the road I've traveled several times. The characterization in the story is so strong I felt as if I lived the experience through them. Beside that, I did some serious nail biting and the edge of my chair became a normal spot right up to the end of the story.
June 25, 2021
Wow what a compelling intense book!
This is one of those books that needs more stars! Thank goodness there is more to the series as I didn't want it to end! I wasn't happy with the way it turned out for Joseph, but what followed was incredibly intertwined in bringing him to the next level in his life!Can't wait to read the next book in this series!
This is one of those books that needs more stars! Thank goodness there is more to the series as I didn't want it to end! I wasn't happy with the way it turned out for Joseph, but what followed was incredibly intertwined in bringing him to the next level in his life!Can't wait to read the next book in this series!
January 5, 2019
Enjoyed this book
Interesting and entertaining. The misuse of commas throughout the book made it a little frustrating at times. I would read more from this author if this was a continuing series.
Interesting and entertaining. The misuse of commas throughout the book made it a little frustrating at times. I would read more from this author if this was a continuing series.
February 17, 2019
Engaging Story
The author does a masterful job of meshing Montana,the Native Americans and the white guy in a story that I didn’t want to put down once I started reading and that I wasn’t ready to leave once it ended.
The author does a masterful job of meshing Montana,the Native Americans and the white guy in a story that I didn’t want to put down once I started reading and that I wasn’t ready to leave once it ended.
June 15, 2019
Great Story
First time I have read this author and can't wait to read more of his books. Loved the characters and plot of this one. It's a modern day western with twists you don't see coming.
First time I have read this author and can't wait to read more of his books. Loved the characters and plot of this one. It's a modern day western with twists you don't see coming.
July 4, 2019
Great mystery with great characters.
The book kept me wanting more. I haven't read a book in a while that kept me so engrossed. I recommend it for it's great descriptions of Montana and of the people. Very exciting.
The book kept me wanting more. I haven't read a book in a while that kept me so engrossed. I recommend it for it's great descriptions of Montana and of the people. Very exciting.
August 15, 2019
I loved it & want more!
The characters come to life as if you could reach out and touch them. The mystery was well paced and compulsive I never dreamed the Judas was who it turned out to be. I very much want to read more from this author particularly about Bobby and Lucas.
The characters come to life as if you could reach out and touch them. The mystery was well paced and compulsive I never dreamed the Judas was who it turned out to be. I very much want to read more from this author particularly about Bobby and Lucas.
October 31, 2019
Gained knowledge
I chose 5 stars because I don't like cowboy books, but took to this one easily. It was more about the Cheyenne culture, language and customs. Bobby transformation was very believable. Sheriff Trent will probably be showing up again.
I chose 5 stars because I don't like cowboy books, but took to this one easily. It was more about the Cheyenne culture, language and customs. Bobby transformation was very believable. Sheriff Trent will probably be showing up again.
December 22, 2019
Great story
This is the type of book that is hard to put down .I enjoyed the story and the characters were easy to like you can tell the author did his homework. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this writer.
This is the type of book that is hard to put down .I enjoyed the story and the characters were easy to like you can tell the author did his homework. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this writer.
August 11, 2020
Great Book
Has a great plot. Just enough romance for the ladies and plenty of everything the boys like. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read this next book in this series.
Has a great plot. Just enough romance for the ladies and plenty of everything the boys like. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read this next book in this series.
June 25, 2021
Well done
I really enjoyed reading this book. It. Not only was well written, but some of the dialogue was seemingly authentic sit respects to the culture of the area. I hope there's a sequel in the works.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It. Not only was well written, but some of the dialogue was seemingly authentic sit respects to the culture of the area. I hope there's a sequel in the works.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews