Height of Deception

Nora Abbott #1

by Shannon Baker

In a modern world of corporate greed, rabid activists, and murder, ancient Hopi spirits might have the final say.

Everything Nora Abbott has struggled to achieve is now within her grasp. After a divisive four-year court battle she’s been granted the right to make snow at her beloved mountain resort, guaranteeing financial prosperity and hopefully saving her failing marriage. But when her husband is found murdered on the mountain, suspicion turns to Nora.

After failing to save her husband and desperate to protect her mother and a Hopi teen, Nora throws herself into the deadly crossfire between environmentalists, Native Americans, and big business.

Allies become enemies and friends are suspect. Even the spirits of the mountain seem pitted against her. Can Nora save herself, the mountain, and the people she loves?

Height of Deception is the first in the Nora Abbott mysteries, all dealing with the mystic Hopi, environmental issues, and murder. If you like Tony Hillerman, William Kent Krueger, and Margaret Coel, you’ll love this series.

Pick up Height of Deception today and start the adventure!

“Baker’s series debut brings Native American culture and big business together into a clash that can be heard across the mountains.”  Library Journal

This book was originally titled Tainted Mountain.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Native American

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

Shannon Baker writes mysteries about strong women in dangerous situations. Her books are set in the iconic landscapes of the American West, from the Colorado Rockies to the Nebraska prairies, to the deserts of southern Arizona. Baker spent 20 years in the Nebraska Sandhills, where cattle outnumber people by more than 50:1, and too few years living on Colorado’s front range. Her dark suspense, The Desert Behind Me, is a 2019 Winner of the New Mexico/Arizona Book Award.
Seconds before quitting writing forever and taking up competitive drinking, Shannon was voted Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer’s 2014 Writer of the Year and, buoyed with that confidence, continued to write, earning another RMFW Writer of the Year nod in 2017-18. Shannon makes her home in Tucson where she enjoys cocktails by the pool, breathtaking sunsets, a crazy Weimaraner, and killing people (in the pages of her books).

A lover of the outdoors, she can be found backpacking in the Rockies, traipsing to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, skiing mountains and plains, kayaking lakes, river running, hiking, cycling, and scuba diving whenever she gets the chance. Arizona sunsets notwithstanding, Baker is, and always will be, a Nebraska Husker, heartbreaking as the last two decades have been. Go Big Red.

Reviews

[Deborah Ledford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thrilled to have found this debut novel by talented author Shannon Baker. As a Native America, I found TAINTED MOUNTAIN to paint one of the only authentic pictures of the Hopi tribe represented in crime fiction. The fascinating plot kept the story moving and I look forward to more of these captivating characters. Also appreciated is the humor sprinkled amongst the action. Well done and highly recommended.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 2 out of 5]

First Line: Frigid air ripped down her throat, searing both lungs as her heart threatened to burst through her ribcage.

Nora Abbott has thrown her heart and soul into her husband's dream: buying a ski resort outside of Flagstaff, Arizona, and turning it into a success. As a result, it's become her dream, too. But there are many obstacles in the way of making that dream come true. The prolonged drought has meant very little snow. Fighting for the right to make snow has brought hordes of environmental protesters and Hopi Indians to the courthouse and the resort, all with their own agendas, and it makes no difference that Nora intends to do this in as environmentally friendly a manner as possible.

Slashed tires, ruined equipment, fires, very real threats of bodily harm, a marriage that's turning sour-- Nora needs more stress like she needs another overdue bill-- but she gets it. Her husband is murdered, and energy baron Barrett McCreary, who wants to reopen the area to uranium mining, seems poised for a hostile takeover of the resort. The only help Nora can see on her horizon is Cole Huntsman, but even he seems to be playing both sides against the middle.

I looked forward to reading this book with a great deal of anticipation. I have a fondness for mysteries set in Arizona, and ones set in the northern part of the state are few and far between. Baker does extremely well with her setting up in the cooler, pine-scented mountains. The issues she highlights in her book are very real. The ski resorts in Arizona have struggled for years with the drought that never seems to end. The resort owners have fought for the right to make snow on the mountains, but these mountains are sacred to the Hopi people who believe that the entire process upsets the balance of the natural world. The area does have many old uranium mines which were closed because of the deadly conditions in which the miners worked, and there are those people looking to make a quick buck who want them reopened.

However, the characters did not live up to the setting and the issues. Barrett McCreary is a stock bad guy. We know this from the start, and the only real suspense lies in wondering how far he will go to get what he wants. Abigail Stoddard is the standard Mother From Hell who's traded on her good looks throughout her life to marry a succession of rich husbands to keep her in the manner to which she's become accustomed. Naturally nothing her daughter ever does suits Abigail. Cole Huntsman is the ambiguous handsome good guy, and while that ambiguity is good for the story, I didn't feel any real attraction between Cole and Nora.

Without doubt, the most annoying character is Nora Abbott herself. Yes, her mother made me gnash my teeth as I was reading, but Abigail was not meant to be a sympathetic character. I wanted to like Nora. I really did. But the woman is a drama queen. The first line of the book immediately tells you that. Air rips, lungs are seared, a heart bursts... we are constantly updated on Nora's emotional state, and she never gets off the roller coaster. Every emotion, each physical experience is a superlative. It's exhausting and became such an annoyance to me that it detracted from the story.

So the anticipation turned into somewhat of a disappointment. I do like the book for its setting and the issues that the author raised. There's some good stuff here, but when I read another Nora Abbott mystery, I sincerely hope that Abigail has taken an extended vacation (during the entire length of the book) and that Nora has a prescription for chill pills.

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

By: Shannon Baker
Published By: Midnight Ink
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Book Blog For: GMTA
Review:

"Tainted Mountains" by Shannon Baker was a good read of a interesting 'mystery, relationship acrobatics and cultural insights set I the backdrop of Northern Arizona' in a fast paced adventure that will also involve a murder. "There will be many twist and turns in this novel with some well captivating and developed characters that will keep you turning the pages till the end. In this well written and beautiful novel we find Nora Abbott, ski resort owner, is being ' targeted by crazed environmentalists, suspicious locals, and mysterious Hopi that both help and hinder her in her quest to create snow for her ski resort.' Now, to get all that this author has for the reader you must pick up this good read to see how this mystery will turn out. If you are looking for a good mystery, adventure, romance to family saga you have come to the right place, for "Tainted Mountains" would be recommended to you as a good read.

[Bonnie Ramthun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tainted Mountain is a twisty roller-coaster of a mystery novel, full of unexpected plot twists, endearing characters and non-stop action. The novel begins with a well-meaning ski resort owner, Nora Abbott, targeted by crazed environmentalists, suspicious locals, and mysterious Hopi that both help and hinder her in her quest to create snow for her ski resort. I won't tell you the twist that follows the first moments of the novel because it's a jaw-dropper, and the tension and the stakes intensify from there. Shannon Baker evokes the sparse beauty of Arizona with beautiful language that makes every scent and color come to life, and she gives the reader a glimpse of the spiritual history and strength of the Hopi people. An excellent novel. I think you'll enjoy reading it.

[Marcie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't like enought to finish. Did not like her style and the slang names of various characters--ex:"an enviro".

[Karen Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon Dyer’s career is on an upward trajectory. I’ve enjoyed her novels beginning with her first, Ashes of the Red Heifer. I was looking forward to this, her third. She did not disappoint. Her series will continue to thrill many more readers. We love Nora!
Tainted Mountain poses intriguing questions right off the bat. Are Nora’s friends really her enemies? Are her enemies friends? We care because Nora’s not a stock character. One has to sympathize with the trials and dangers she encounters. Even though she’s in a state of angst, she powers on. In this luscious and layered thriller, Nora’s battling her own inner demons as she attacks those from outside.
Ms. Dyer has crafted a smooth, fun read. She is the queen of action and a master at drawing on hot-button topics.
Once again, With Tainted Mountain, Shannon has done her homework on Native American and environmental topics. She is sensitive to them without being obnoxiously P.C. I recommend this book to those willing to take a wild breathless, ride. When you read it, you, like me, will look forward to Nora’s next adventure.

[Steve Rooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Story, More of a Thriller than a Mystery

I have to admit that I put this story down for two weeks because I did not.like the main character. Nora has a lot of rough edges that I did not like, but those rough edges give the character much more depth for development in future stories . The descriptions of the Hopi culture were great. Because it seemed apparent who was the cause of the murders, this novel was a thriller than a mystery.

[Cyndi Ries · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Northern Arizona that addresses contemporary issues as well as depicts spiritual traditions of the Hopi. Nora Abbott needs to make enough snow to save her ski resort. This attracts a lot of attention from developers to Natives to her “loving “ mother, all of which help or hinder Nora’s progress. The mystery part of the story is good, nothing unusual or clever, but satisfying. This is the first of a series, and I hope to read another Baker book. (Recommended by Jim Cozad)

[M.J. Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing read!

There wasn’t a dull moment in this book! Nora had her near-death experience when her ski resort was destroyed and she was critically injured in a fight with the Hopi tribe in northern Arizona. The Hopi did NOT want their sacred lands to be desecrated by the white settlers. The real action is toward the end of this book, when Nora and her best friend do battle with their nemesis. An amazing book to read!

[Bita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished reading this in 3 days. The story is ok, not to complicated since from the very beginning you know who is the bad guy , well kind of...
I live in Arizona and I love to read stories that take place here (Or anywhere that I have been to ) and so that part of it was really enjoyable for me.

[R.L.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always fun to read books by the nominees for RMFW Writer of the Year. Digging into this lighthearted mystery by Shannon Baker was no exception. The heroine is a great character, and though I figured out the mystery sooner than I’d like, the ending was still a very satisfying (though bittersweet) surprise. I may try to pick up some more of these.

[Madison Barclay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Height of Deception takes you to dizzying heights of suspense as Nora Abbott unravels a mystery as tangled as the Colorado Rockies themselves. Shannon Baker delivers a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller where every cliffhanger leads to another layer of deception. Nora’s fierce determination and the stunning backdrop make this mystery a breathtaking read—literally!

[Bruce D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora and her escapades on the mountain

Nora has nothing but trouble in her quest to start a ski resort on a Hopi.sacred mountain. Her husband is killed, explosions occur, and a kidnapping happens. Then mother shows up. Fair reading.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, loved the characters and the Native American lore included. It is so interesting and relevant in these times. Protect the Earth. Looking forward to the next books in the series. Love this author. Enjoy!!

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incorporates some aspects of Hopi culture in Arizona.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read and enjoyed some of the Kate Fox series but the Nora Abbott group seem to be a befuddled bunch of characters. Think I will pass on this series.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed the book...

[Leah Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad

Not as good as the Kate Fox series, but I will try another one to make sure. This one was about saving an Indian tribe.

[Suspense Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immensely enjoy learning things when I read mysteries. I know that beautiful mountain places, which are attracting more and more building, are having water troubles, but this novel did much to inform me further.
The mystery isn’t a vehicle for the water question, though. It’s a bona fide mystery with a compelling sleuth, Nora Abbot, who didn’t want to end up running an Arizona ski resort, on fictional Kachina Peak, near real Flagstaff. She inherited it from her uncle and, at first, feels duty bound to carry on with his vision. She is encouraged by her husband, the charming Scott Abbot, until lately. He has cooled on the whole project and perhaps on her as well. Maybe because it’s gotten to be too much work. In fact, they’ve had to go to court to win the right to pump water for snow making during the present drought.
As the story opens, Nora has just won her court case, with the blessing of the local Native tribe. However, as she exits the courthouse, she must face an angry crowd of hell-bent “enviros,” led by Big Elk. Nora is convinced that his followers, Guilty White People, don’t thoroughly understand her operation or they wouldn’t object so strenuously. But worse than facing Big Elk on the courthouse steps is facing him without her husband. Where is he? She soon finds out why he isn’t there. He’s been murdered, but no one knows who did it. The local Hopi tribe turns against her, her irritating mother shows up, the wealthy Barrett McCreary is suspiciously currying her favor, and she doesn’t know what to make of the handsome Cole Huntsman. Whose side is he on anyway?
What I appreciate most about this page turner is that both sides of the environmental questions are presented. They’re gone into rationally by the people who believe they’re right. The reader doesn’t get any diatribes or bias from the author at all. Just a ripping good read.
Reviewed by Kaye George, author of “Death in the Time of Ice” for Suspense Magazine ■

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when Nora Abbott thinks things are finally working out, that all her hard work and struggles are paying off now that she has at last been granted the rights to make snow at her mountain resort, things go horribly, horribly wrong. Her husband dies, the mother she never got along with shows up, the businessman she admires and hopes to work with suddenly doesn’t look quite so honest and respectable, friends and allies have become enemies and she can’t tell which strangers to trust and which are a threat to her. And the Hopi are determined to stop her snow making before she can even start; she finds herself in real danger.

Height of Deception is an excellent beginning to the Nora Abbott series. There is a large cast of interesting characters, and I can see many of them going forward in future books. The plot is complex, with real danger. More than danger, real menace. The Hopi and other Native American customs and legends are woven into the story and provide interesting perspective and conflict: environmentalists, Native Americans and big business, myth and Hopi legend against a contemporary backdrop. I found the descriptions of life on the reservation especially fascinating.

Nora is a character I look forward to getting to know better in future books, as well as learning more of her backstory. She is smart and ambitious and hardworking, but she is by no means perfect. She is learning things she didn’t realize before and seeing things differently and is pretty conflicted about many things. She’s not judgmental but she does have a big mouth which I suspect may get her into trouble fairly often.

I received a copy of Height of Deception in exchange for an honest review, but I also purchased a copy. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this book and l look forward to the rest of the series.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a long legal battle, Kachina Ski Resort owner Nora Abbott is finally granted the right to make artificial snow on her cash-strapped, drought-stricken Arizona resort. This doesn’t sit well, however, with environmentalists, as well as the native Hopi who regard the snow machine as a desecration on their native mountain. The sudden death of Nora’s husband Scott soon after the decision is the first of several horrific events set in motion for Nora. Just when Nora soon discovers that Scott had been unfaithful, his mistress also is killed under suspicious circumstances. Energy mogul Barrett McCreary wants to help Nora financially, but can she trust him? Another guy who’s been working with Barrett, Cole Huntsman, seems to come to the rescue every time. On top of all that, her domineering mother, Abigail comes to town; Abigail and Barrett fall for each other. While the police view Nora as “person of interest” in the death of Scott and his mistress, Nora unearths secrets regarding Scott’s involvement with possible uranium mining—and someone is willing to kill Nora to get those secrets back!

Found this an okay suspense story. I thought I found Nora too whiny for my taste. I wasn’t sure what direction the story was taking until close to the end, then it was picking up. Not bad of a choice for folks who would enjoy the southwest setting.

[CaliNativeBalboa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 I really wanted to like this book. The author visited a local library for a "Creating memorable character" seminar and was a big hit so I was looking forward reading one of her novels. The story was interesting and had potential. I also learned a lot about the Flagstaff AZ area and the Hopi culture which was a bonus.
Unfortunately, I could not warm up to ANY of the characters, especially Nora Abbott, the novel's protagonist. Some of the phrasing in the novel could have been better as well. Had this novel been edited with a discerning eye, it might have lifted it substantially.
That being said, I plan to read another in this author's portfolio and hope it's more enjoyable since I did enjoy the storyline.

[Tracey S Choat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1\2 Stars

This story would have been much better without the grammar and spelling errors. Also there's way too much going on at the same time causing reader confusion. A good editor would have made this book so much better. I did really enjoy reading about the Hopi Culture and religion. And I do think the book has great potential. I've not decided to read the next book in this series.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing blend of mystery, relationship acrobatics, and cultural insights set in the beautiful backdrop of Northern Arizona. Nora Abbott's human triumphs and foibles are riveting in this fast paced adventure. I love to be entertained as well as informed, and this book satisfied on both counts!

[Saytchyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those mysteries where you know whodunit, but the adventure is watching the characters figure it out and hoping your favorites don't also get killed. I loved the narrator and want to follow her into her next story. This one, set in and around the Hopi Reservation in Arizona, has a rich and intriguing setting as well.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the evident research about the Hopi culture. I thought the story was good. I found the characters to be a little thin. The spelling and grammatical errors were distracting. I think this book could benefit from a good editor or proofreader. I can't recommend this book to other readers in its current state.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT'S ALL ABOUT RISK

This is a convoluted book. At times, it seemed straight forward, but then it would take a new twist and some new character would seem villainous.
I confess, the book started slowly. Then, it gathered speed and proceeded at about ninety miles an hour. It needed to, in order to pack in everything.
It's a wonderful book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book in a new series by Shannon Baker. Tainted Mountain is set in one of my favorite places, America's southwest. Contemporary themes make this book interesting reading. I found this book could have used a little more editing as it was not the smoothest read. Good story overall.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good plot about Nora, what she wanted to achieve and the obstacles and people who didn’t. Good research done on the Hopi.culture.
Given audio for my voluntary review and found the narration added to the story, well done.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an action-packed fun read, with a southwest setting, a touch of Native American mysticism, and environmental issues.