A Noble Calling

FBI Yellowstone Adventure #1

by Rhona Weaver

A rookie FBI agent battles through adversity and danger to rediscover his true identity in this story of intrigue and suspense.

Special Agent Win Tyler never had the chance to visit Yellowstone as a kid, but he’d always imagined buffalo, wolves, and bears. Heavily armed bad guys didn’t fit into his expectations. But when Win arrives in the park during a spring snowstorm, danger is already at hand. His expectations of a dead-end duty station couldn’t have been more wrong, as he finds himself fighting right-wing extremists, a determined assassin, and an anti-Semitic prophet who’s twisted the faith that Win holds dear.
A Noble Calling is a heartfelt debut that plunges the reader deep into Win Tyler’s world of Yellowstone National Park…a world of wonder and majesty, invaded by forces that would divide and destroy.

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian

459 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2020

About the author

Rhona Weaver is a retired swamp and farmland appraiser who had a thirty-five-year career in agricultural real estate and founded a program for at-risk children in Arkansas. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, a Sunday School teacher, and an avid gardener. Growing up on a cattle farm in the Ozarks gave her a deep appreciation of the outdoors and wildlife. Her ideal vacation spot is a state or national park. Her novel draws on her love of the land and her deep admiration for the men and women in our law enforcement community who truly share a noble calling. Those park rangers, FBI agents, and other first responders are her heroes. Rhona’s husband, Bill Temple, is a retired Special Agent in Charge and Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI; he helped immeasurably with researching the book. Rhona and Bill live in Arkansas on a ridge with a view with three contented rescue cats. A Noble Calling is Rhona’s debut novel and the first in the FBI Yellowstone Adventure series.

Reviews

[JUDY ARBIA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This book was so good right from the start that it had me right in the middle of everything. I had a hard time putting it down as I wanted to keep reading. Congratulations on a great book!!

[Jarrett Wicklein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I was interested in the book because my daughter is a National park ranger. The action was at times overwhelming and the alphabet soup of agencies fast and furious, but I couldn't put it down !

[Bill Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by the governor of Arkansas, and I decided to check it out for myself. It is a first book for a new novelist, and I would say that Ms. Weaver has a future in writing (in my opinion). I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the struggle with faith that the three main male characters had. I believe that struggle is real, and one that most everyone (male and female) have dealt with. Win Tyler is a really good central character, and he is not an imposing physical specimen that can physically whip anyone that he faces -- in fact he gets "laid out" more than once in this book; but there are some things that is good at, and takes advantage of those. Luke Bordeaux reminds me of a similar character in the last C. J. Box book that I read ("Winterkill"), and I hope that he continues to be a part of the story -- as an asset for Win. Park Ranger Enforcement Officer Trey Hechtner, will be another interesting character, and "faith" partner for Win. The story for this bok is excellent, and I didn't want to put it down. I'm really glad that I read the article about our Governor, and the books that he was reading -- because I am glad that I read this one.

[Emily Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was rough for me to get through. Really rough. The story ends up going off in a pretty crazy direction that I, as the reader, felt the author wasn’t even sure of until the end. Also, the over-explaining nearly did me in. The writing didn’t feel fresh and innovative; it felt like a really long high school essay. The characters weren’t believable at all, and that’s maybe my chief complaint. (I grew up in a private Christian school and feel I can say this.) That a grown man who’s an FBI agent and has literally killed would be eaten up with guilt over living with his fiancée makes me roll my eyes to heaven. He is just this picture perfect Christian figure that makes him less likable because he doesn’t feel REAL. I love that he has a faith, but he wasn’t written as authentic at all. This takes the cake as the worst book I’ve read in 2025.

[Charles Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Noble Calling was exactly the type of mystery action book set in the western United States that I enjoy. It held your attention all the way through with interplay of the characters. The character development of Win Tyler on all levels and his human struggles to cope with man and his soul was directly on point. Look forward to seeing him develop further as he encounters the challenges of life. Other characters such as Trey and Luke were also developed so they can be players in the future if the author wishes. Readers of Longmire and Joe Pickett (and others) will thoroughly enjoy the book.

Great job Rhona Weaver and kudos to husband Bill as an FBI technical advisor among other contributions. Where is that sequel?

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is highly rated for a reason: it's excellent. The characters are very realistic. The story is full of adventure and suspense at every turn. This is, in part, about a cult church misleading good members. It's a long story, and takes a while to know all the characters, but it's an outstanding read. The main characters are Christians, and unlike some other books, the guys act like real Christian men: not perfect, but trying to do right, and believing. Strong, masculine, and some rough around the edges; again, like real people. Having been to Yellowstone many times, I was familiar with the locations. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to the next book in (what I hope is to become) the series.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI Agent Win Tyler, rising star in the Charlotte office, is caught up in a scandal involving a highly placed congressman and his office's investigation f money-laundering. The result is banishment to the two-man office in Yellowstone National Park. Win's career is in trouble and he knows it. But shortly after arriving at his exile post, he is thrust into a huge domestic terrorism case involving a cult called Arm of the Lord and a visit to the Park by the Israeli Ambassador. He comports himself so well in the circumstances, that the higher ups in the Denver office are soon depending on him to gather intel and avert a major fire fight. The story was well-pace, the decriptions of Yellowstone were beautiful and the action was exciting. My only quibble is the heavy doses of Christianity intersperced with the story. But since Win is a Southern Baptist from small town Arkansas, I suppose even that makes a certain amount of sense, although it made me exasperated more than once.

[Sherry Holcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I received a free pre-release copy to review. Win Tyler has become my newest favorite character!! The surprise is how great this novel is from a novice author. The characters are developed at a good pace, the story line keeps you guessing and you just can't beat the backdrop of Yellowstone National Park! I predict that those who read A Noble Calling and have never been to the awesome Yellowstone National Park will plan a trip, will go into the Visitor's Center and ask the location of Win Tyler's office and home! Congratulations, Rhona Weaver, on a terrific first novel. I look forward to a sequel!

[Alisha Henri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complex and Stunning

While I felt the pace a little boggy, at times, primarily due to the main character's insecurity complex, but overall, I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are real, the setting gorgeous (good memories of amazing country), and the resolution just what I like. The interdepartmental infighting between the various agencies is, unfortunately, also real. Ms. Weaver has done an excellent job describing some of the reasons that people join cultish religious and/or political groups and are misled into breaking laws they believe are unjust. An entirely good book.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Weaver has done an incredible job of weaving the storyline, characters, beautiful location and intrigue into her story. It will keep you enthralled from the beginning of the story until the ending.

That being said, I am removing one star from the review due to what I call inappropriate language in Christian fiction. I read in the Christian Fiction genre to stay away from language issues, but the Christian aspect is still shown in this story despite the language.

[KarenT · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really kept me turning the pages. It was a fascinating mystery. It was a great reminder of the intensely beautiful and dangerous Yellowstone National Park. My only disappointment was that it was listed under Christian genre but didn’t really have much spiritual substance and there were some curse words.
If I had approached it as a secular novel I would not have had my expectations let down.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mystery set in Yellowstone National Park. A new FBI agent is sent, in disgrace, to Yellowstone, where nothing ever happens. He arrives to mixed reviews in the Spring, before the tourist rush starts. A religious cult has also moved into a small town just outside the park, and suspicious activity begins to occur in the park. All different branches of law enforcement become involved. The plot moves along quickly.

[Kaye Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCITING

A Noble Calling is an exciting book. I certainly recommend reading it. However, it probably could be cut by a third or close to half. It shows the FBI as a very complex organization but doesn’t manage to explain the complexity. I often felt lost re who was doing what. I hope the second book clears up up some of the divisions in the FBI and follows up with some of these same characters. I want to get to ,know them better.

[Garrett Becker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it about 10% of the way but had to stop. I wanted to like this because it looked to be a faith-based mystery in a National Park, but there is too much exposition we don’t exactly need in the scenes, and I wasn’t getting enough of Win’s thoughts and emotions to understand him or any of the characters, except at a very superficial level. Weaver wasn’t giving me much to emotionally connect with the story or characters. A lot of unnecessary details that don’t add anything to the story.

[Michael L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent adventure

It’s clear that Ms. Weaver has a handle on the inner workings of the FBI, and Federal level law enforcement, at least as it was when I was in. I retired in 2008 after 23 years as a a Special Agent and absolutely devoured the book. My career was not nearly as exciting as Win’s, but the personalities, procedures and politics of the FBI are spot on. Well done Ms. Weaver. Looking forward to the next book.

[Kathy Parish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable debut novel. Action-packed. Strong characters. A gorgeous setting—Yellowstone National Park. Extremely detailed (and, I believe accurate) descriptions of law enforcement/FBI protocol. Timely domestic terrorism story line. What more can you ask for? Ms Weaver has hit it out of the park. If you like action with a somewhat surprising Christian element, this is a must-read!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!!! I loved this book!

I loved the book, couldn't wait to read it at night. I already miss the characters in it. I loved Win a hundred times over, his personal struggles and what he thought of himself and what others saw if him. It's hard to believe this is a first novel for this author. I absolutely cannot wait to read her next book. RTR!!!! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters, the action, the plot, and the writing style of this book.

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the bad language. To be fair the author started out in the first chapter with bad language so I knew early on. But for a Christian Fiction to have so much cussing is really sad. I can not recommend an otherwise great book due to the amount of language.

[Kelli Mulloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very pleasant surprise

I did not expect the book to include faith in Christ. Much or most religious fiction is either predictable or unreal. This was faith in imperfect people in difficult situations. A great read. I’ve read hundreds of law enforcement novels, crime stories and mysteries as well as Christian fiction. I’ve never written a review before. Great read!

[Karen Rininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! Amazing first book.

I can’t remember the last time a story held my attention as this one did. It has so much to recommend it. I kept finding that I wasn’t just reading it, I often felt I was right in the middle of the action. The main character Win, had so many admirable facets to his personality. So sorry to see the story end, but still couldn’t put it down! WELL DONE!

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't finish it. It started out great, but just goes on, and on, and on, and on.... Finally at 60 or so percent done I stopped reading it. Same old things happening over again.... I really wanted to love the book. It is a clean mystery, which is difficult to find. But I just couldn't take it anymore...

[Janel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic new author

This book was amazing. Could barely put it down with all the twists and turns and wondering who was up to no good and who was fighting for truth. It is a big book but she does an excellent job of not wasting a word. I bought the next book in the series before I was finished this one.

[Barbara Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It definitely kept my interest. I think it was an exceptionally good book for a debut author. Really the only downside was that it was too lengthy. I prefer books less than 400 pages and this one topped 500. Having only visited Yellowstone one time I could still visualize some of the places Weaver so eloquently described.

[Lochiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely enjoyed this book. The characters are well developed, the descriptions of Yellowstone National Park are vivid, the suspense kept me guessing. This is the author’s debut novel, and it is excellent. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Lots of interesting descriptions of Yellowstone, the park service, and federal law enforcement entities. But, it is a very exciting and good plot lines. The second half of the book is very much a page-turner. Highly recommend.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This action packed thriller will appeal especially to Southern Christian men. There are many twists and turns in this page turner about an FBI agent and the paramilitary. Beautiful descriptions of Yellowstone Park provide a vivid setting.

[Roz Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed and a page turner deluxe

First time I have read this author! Looking forward to more! Having the main characters be men of God added so much, spiritually and otherwise. Could not put it down and it’s 1:50 a.m.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Great story, location, character, action, tension, family, faith, second chances,...
My husband will love the story, would love to get this as an audio to listen to while we're on a road trip.

[Owen Quigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So pleasantly surprised.
The characters were very well developed. The author researched the Law Enforcement details very well.
I didn’t expect the lead character to be so devout, but I enjoyed that aspect as well. Thumbs up Rhonda !! keep writing and I’ll be sure to keep reading

[L R · Rating 4 out of 5]

really fine read

It’s a bit long, but a very exciting read. I loved characters and was very pleasantly surprised at how the faith component was woven into the tale. I will definitely read the next one.