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Zack Tolliver, FBI #8
Lost Oasis
Modern science and high technology come up against deeply rooted cultures and ancient rituals in this Zack Tolliver, FBI, story, where the Eagle Mountains are surrounded by the Goblin rocks and barren flats of Joshua Tree National Park. A world-class scientist goes missing while consulting for a design team constructing a huge electric storage battery from the deserted pits of the old Kaiser Iron mines. Did this eccentric world-renown hydrologist simply wander off? Or was his fate more ominous? The project moves ahead, but FBI Supervisory Agent Janice Hooper asks Zack to take a look. When someone plants a bomb in his Jeep the day he arrives, Zack realizes there is something more at stake. Soon he finds himself in a desperate duel with an unknown assassin who may very well be more than his match.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2020
144 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
R. Lawson Gamble
16 books27 followersR Lawson Gamble lives and writes on California's Central Coast, tasting wines and ales, running trails and telling tales.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
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November 7, 2020Along with Zack, I would hesitate to decry the power and altered reality offered by ancient cultures whose survival was dependent upon careful balance within the forces of nature at its roots. Every Native American tribe, I have found, descends from shamanism, mystery, sorcery, and charms. The Chemehuevi are no exception.
We may attribute such experiences to altered reality brought about by hallucinogenics or the fear of what can’t be understood, but when one walks alone within these environments miles from help with only primitive weapons as darkness descends over tormented trees and goblin rocks accompanied by the hoot of an owl or howl of a wolf, belief suddenly becomes possible.
The juxtaposition of the flying Chemehuevi runners and a pumped energy storage facility in the desert utilizing two tanks of 1,120 acre-feet, one 1000 feet above the other, connected by a tunnel through which the water is lifted by the power of the sun, may not be as contradictory as it seems. Both might well be dismissed at first glance as impossibilities.
This author deals in fiction but always based on careful research. The facility in the desert is being constructed. According to the Chemehuevi, Indian desert runners once appeared to fly to cover the amazing distances they traveled. The characters introduced within the framework are fictional and meant to entertain, although one may find some striking (but accidental) similarities to current utilities and politicians.
We may attribute such experiences to altered reality brought about by hallucinogenics or the fear of what can’t be understood, but when one walks alone within these environments miles from help with only primitive weapons as darkness descends over tormented trees and goblin rocks accompanied by the hoot of an owl or howl of a wolf, belief suddenly becomes possible.
The juxtaposition of the flying Chemehuevi runners and a pumped energy storage facility in the desert utilizing two tanks of 1,120 acre-feet, one 1000 feet above the other, connected by a tunnel through which the water is lifted by the power of the sun, may not be as contradictory as it seems. Both might well be dismissed at first glance as impossibilities.
This author deals in fiction but always based on careful research. The facility in the desert is being constructed. According to the Chemehuevi, Indian desert runners once appeared to fly to cover the amazing distances they traveled. The characters introduced within the framework are fictional and meant to entertain, although one may find some striking (but accidental) similarities to current utilities and politicians.
October 19, 2020
This story has Zack and Eagle Feather called to assist with the disappearance of a scientist. Zack and Eagle Feather travel where he was last seen and attempt to pick up his tracks and follow them. Even with all of the individuals in the search party walking all over them, they are able to discern his footprints and follow them where they discover a Indian Structure and from there his tracks disappear and can no longer be found. Zack starts questioning the individuals at the project where the scientist worked. It must have ruffled someones feathers, because the FBI decided to no longer pursue the case. Because of events that happened during that time, Zack and Eagle Feather will given permission to continue looking. but not officially.
The FBI was able to open another investigation because an unknown party was found murdered in that same location. Zack was familiar with this incident. Further investigation caused additional individuals to be injured before the case was completed. In the last section, Zack and Eagle Feather were having dinner and when Zack left, he was affected by an unseen event.
To discover exactly why the parties involved were so dead set for the FBI to drop the investigation, then you must read this book. You will also discover the identity of the 2nd assassin.
The FBI was able to open another investigation because an unknown party was found murdered in that same location. Zack was familiar with this incident. Further investigation caused additional individuals to be injured before the case was completed. In the last section, Zack and Eagle Feather were having dinner and when Zack left, he was affected by an unseen event.
To discover exactly why the parties involved were so dead set for the FBI to drop the investigation, then you must read this book. You will also discover the identity of the 2nd assassin.
August 1, 2021
This story absolutely blew me away! I got so lost in the storyline that I felt like I was there. I lost all sense of time and where I was and I did not want the book to end. What an incredibly good read!! The backstory was compelling! The main story caught me up because it could be so true!! But I have to admit that it was the assassins that just took my breath away!! The author weaved these components together to create a thrilling and chilling story that just dragged me in as I read it!!
March 2, 2023
This one's a 4
It was the usual sparkling Zack Tolliver read, with twists and turns, plenty of funny dialogue between Zack and his sidekick Eagle Feather, and some pretty hair raising scenes here and there, mixed with a bit of the paranormal. Some kind of good bit players too, Arlene in particular. But the ending, at least as far as I'm concerned, was a bust. You decide.
It was the usual sparkling Zack Tolliver read, with twists and turns, plenty of funny dialogue between Zack and his sidekick Eagle Feather, and some pretty hair raising scenes here and there, mixed with a bit of the paranormal. Some kind of good bit players too, Arlene in particular. But the ending, at least as far as I'm concerned, was a bust. You decide.
March 23, 2023
A mystery until the very end
I look forward to each new Tolliver and Eagle Feather book. Aside from the interesting glimpses into different Native American cultures and beliefs, there is the well-woven story of a crime to solve. The stories are always complex and enjoyable and display a love for the natural beauty of the West.
I look forward to each new Tolliver and Eagle Feather book. Aside from the interesting glimpses into different Native American cultures and beliefs, there is the well-woven story of a crime to solve. The stories are always complex and enjoyable and display a love for the natural beauty of the West.
January 4, 2024
Enjoyed this though there were flaws in the editing. Zack and eagle feather try to find a scientist who seemed to disappear at a desert oasis. Many close calls with two assassins but with FBI backup they solve the case. But one assassin, a woman who is really a man, gets away after having a chance to kill Zack.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2020
Zack and Eagle Feather get better
The FBI Agent Zack Tolliver and his Navajo grown Eagle Feather evolve and grow in another excellent adventure! Zack’s boss Janice is a nice addition.
The FBI Agent Zack Tolliver and his Navajo grown Eagle Feather evolve and grow in another excellent adventure! Zack’s boss Janice is a nice addition.
April 19, 2021
Found on FreeBooksy, this was a great introduction to this writer but darn if it wasn't book EIGHT. I really enjoyed the setting, writing style, and characters. I will try to check out some of the earlier books in the series, but so many books, so little time!
August 7, 2021
Another 5 Star Read
Another excellent and exciting adventure with Zack and Eagle Feather!!!
Mr Gamble does an excellent job of bringing together two very different cultures.
Keep it up!!!
Another excellent and exciting adventure with Zack and Eagle Feather!!!
Mr Gamble does an excellent job of bringing together two very different cultures.
Keep it up!!!
January 3, 2023
Great book!
This series is so good! I like the supernatural twists as well as the mysteries. Start with book 1 and keep going. The books just keep getting better and better! I can’t wait to read the next one!
This series is so good! I like the supernatural twists as well as the mysteries. Start with book 1 and keep going. The books just keep getting better and better! I can’t wait to read the next one!
May 10, 2023
Lost Oasis
I have enjoyed this series. I especially like getting to know the characters. I also enjoy learning more about the various Native American tribes as they become a part of the story. Nice work Mr Gamble. You have respect for the main characters.
I have enjoyed this series. I especially like getting to know the characters. I also enjoy learning more about the various Native American tribes as they become a part of the story. Nice work Mr Gamble. You have respect for the main characters.
July 1, 2020
Too many close calls
I am really a fan of the characters. Good plotting and suspenseful. Great twists keep you wondering. Look forward to next adventure.
I am really a fan of the characters. Good plotting and suspenseful. Great twists keep you wondering. Look forward to next adventure.
September 4, 2020
Great writing!
Love this series. Great writing and lots of twist and turns. Could not put it down. Looking forward to many more!
Love this series. Great writing and lots of twist and turns. Could not put it down. Looking forward to many more!
February 13, 2021
Great reading.
Great book love this author. Every book he writes is great. Always a great story. Always keeled me excited to the very end.
Great book love this author. Every book he writes is great. Always a great story. Always keeled me excited to the very end.
April 14, 2021
Great characters
I am happy to say that this book held my attention from beginning to end.Very unexpected twist at the end.
I am happy to say that this book held my attention from beginning to end.Very unexpected twist at the end.
August 4, 2021
Thank you
A very enjoyable book with a different ending.. One of those "I didn't see that coming" endings. Try it you might like it.
A very enjoyable book with a different ending.. One of those "I didn't see that coming" endings. Try it you might like it.
November 10, 2021
Very good story
I have come to love the Zack Toliver stories and I’m never let down by the quality of writing.I look forward to the next one.
I have come to love the Zack Toliver stories and I’m never let down by the quality of writing.I look forward to the next one.
December 20, 2022
Great mystery
Clues everywhere and no solution. It was a twisty plot with engaging characters set in the back of beyond by Joshua Tree National Park. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Clues everywhere and no solution. It was a twisty plot with engaging characters set in the back of beyond by Joshua Tree National Park. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 6, 2023
Great mystery
Janice asked so Zack went to find the missing scientist. Naturally, eagle feather showed up to help. The tracks just disappeared into thin air.
Janice asked so Zack went to find the missing scientist. Naturally, eagle feather showed up to help. The tracks just disappeared into thin air.
September 8, 2021
An Entertaining Page Turner!
Masterfully creative in blending the real world with spiritual secrets of Native American shamans and others who believe or suspect such possibilities. Gamble keeps readers turning pages to the exciting end!
Masterfully creative in blending the real world with spiritual secrets of Native American shamans and others who believe or suspect such possibilities. Gamble keeps readers turning pages to the exciting end!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews