Dangerous Dance

Shandra Higheagle Mystery #11

by Paty Jager, Paty Jager

Book eleven in the Shandra Higheagle Mystery Series Jealousy... Drugs... Murder... At the reservation to make final arrangements for her upcoming wedding, potter Shandra Higheagle gets caught up in the murder of a young woman about to turn her life around. Having no jurisdiction on the reservation, Detective Ryan Greer pulls in favors from friends in the FBI to make sure there is no delay in their wedding. However, the death occurs in a sacred place and could place the nuptials on hold. Following the clues may not only stop the wedding... But separate Shandra and Ryan for life.

222 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2018

About the author

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 55+ novels, novellas, and short stories of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure.
All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

Reviews

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Dance by Paty Jager is an engaging cozy mystery. It is the eleventh book in the Shandra Higheagle Mystery series. While reading the others will give some background to some of the characters, Dangerous Dance can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. Shandra is preparing for her upcoming wedding to Detective Ryan Greer and once again becomes embroiled in another murder mystery--a good murder mystery with so many suspects--one that keeps the reader guessing right up to the end of the book as to who the culprit is. There are plenty of twists to the plot that keep the reader's interest high. Would the wedding be put on hold? Could Shandra find the truth through her dreams? I always enjoy Jager's books. I like how she blends into her stories Shandra's Nez Perce heritage and the various traditions and ceremonies that are unique to the Nez Perce tribe. The narrator, Ann M. Thompson, does a good job giving voice to the characters as she reads the story which made for an enjoyable listening experience. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that Shandra and Ryan are getting married at the reservation. I enjoy learning about Native American traditions and customs and I’m happy that their wedding is one of those shown in this series. The mystery is well plotted and kept me guessing who the murderer was and why.

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Dance is an interesting murder mystery about a the murder of a Native American mother who had a sordid past. The story also includes the main character’s wedding preparations and celebration. For those who have been reading the series, it is rewarding when the characters get their “happy ending,” but in spite of the joyous occasion, the murder is such a tragic event.

The narrator of the audiobook does a decent job, though she isn’t my favorite. She does the whole series, and I have gotten used to her. Those who have listened to previous audiobooks in the series can make their own judgement.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Cmoore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy a lot has happened since I last peeked in on Shandra Higheagle's life in "Double Duplicity", the first book in this cozy mystery series!
In Dangerous Dance I found Shandra has not only fully embraced her life on Huckleberry mountain (her ancestral home), but she's also reconnected with the Nez Perce side of her family... even discovering her own Shamanic powers and a heritage that had been denied to her by her mother while growing up, in the city! What had started out as a chance meeting with Detective Ryan Greer in book 1 is now a full-blown romance, and their marriage is now just days away... a marriage that'll be performed in the reservation's community house!
Only a murder gets in the way of all those plans... and surprisingly, Shandra's not finding many answers in her dreams! In order to avoid bad omens, the case has to be solved before the big event!
I didn't quite like Ann M Thompson as the narrator. Although her voice is nice enough, I couldn't really connect her voice with Shandra, and she didn't seem to get the emotional feelings quite right... but the story was great, and it was able to pull me through, all the way to the end! 😊👍

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rites of Passage

Not only is this an absorbing mystery but author Paty Jager introduces us to ceremonies and traditions of the Nez Perce, a tribe far less explored than others in novels. Shandra is learning of her heritage, embracing her roots, and preparing for her wedding. But the drug trade, that pervasive evil that is destroying lives and families everywhere, seems to be involved in a murder at the sweat lodge. Shandra is also becoming more comfortable with her visions and confident of her instincts as she continues to throw off the negatives of her past and move forward into her future. Sounds as if I'm writing the teaser for this story, but I'm just trying to avoid spoilers. I've only read a few of this series (each stands alone, but knowledge of the earlier tales gives depth to some of the motivations) and they keep getting better!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy and I am providing my honest review. Well Paty Jager has done it again. The descriptions on this book make the story come alive for you, you can picture what is happening in your head. I did not guess the right murderer. It was a surprise. This time grandma does not give her all the clues. A very good murder mystery. Still love Ryan and Shandra and glad they get their happy ending. Hope we see more of them. Would recommend it to all.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artisan Shandra had her Nez Perce heritage kept from her until her paternal grandmother died and visited her in a dream which allowed her to investigate and solve an important murder. Shandra and Ryan are on the rez in prep for their forthcoming wedding. A young woman is knifed in the lodge and the madness begins. Lots of interesting characters and beautiful costumes and celebrations. complex plot with some very surprising twists. Good read!
The audio is read by Ann M Thompson.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Either I’m not paying enough attention, or the author has me twisted up into such a tangle, that I don’t even know which way is up anymore. Once again, the villain’s identity escaped me throughout the book. Looking back from the ending, I can see how I should have seen it coming, but I one hundred percent didn’t. However, I might have been just the tiniest bit distracted in my joy over seeing Shandra and Ryan getting ready to finally tie the knot.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This book is one. where a young woman who is part of the tribe who lives in a reservation that's part of her heritage

[Books Laid Bare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed many things about this book, not least the details that the author gave me with regards to Native American Culture. The author packed the story with the most vivid descriptions, ensuring that I as the reader was able to feel everything she needed me too. She drew the pictures that my mind was able to colour in, to make sure that I was able to appreciate everything she had intended me too.
This was so much more than just a romance; the mystery was just as important and with a devious mind I applaud the author for her ability to ensure that the culprit wasn’t revealed too early!
I found the flow was pacey but detailed and as you would expect there were more than a few twists and turns, nothing was quite what it appeared to be.
I was happy that Shandra and Ryan got their happy ever after but boy what a journey they had to undertake to get there!
But boy was it one heck of a ride!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shandra returns to her roots to learn more about her Native American culture in preparation for her wedding to Ryan. Shandra has established a scholarship to help girls of the reservation. While waiting for the recipient to arrive for the presentation, Shandra is informed that the recipient has been stabbed to death.

Ms. Jager always presents well thought out plots for her mysteries while the scenes fold seamlessly one after the other. Even with a large cast of characters she is able to bring them all to life. I am rarely ever able to figure out "who done it" even when the clues are staring at me. Again, nice work, Ms. Jager. Your stories just keep getting better and better.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shandra is at the reservation with her family preparing for her upcoming wedding. She is excited to see her family and looking forward to awarding her scholarship to a deserving woman on the reservation. When the recipient is late for her scheduled appointment Shandra becomes worried. And with good reason—she is found murdered. Ryan is on his way to join Shandra for the wedding preparations and together with the local tribal police they begin investigating. It was so interesting to read about all of Shandra’s aunts, uncles and cousins and all the convoluted relationships. This book was easy and fun to read and I especially liked the ending! Read and enjoy!

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I love that Shandra and Ryan are getting married. Shandra is at the reservation to learn more about her Native American heritage when a murder occurs. The storyline flows smoothly and the characters comes to life. I have said this before but I love the Native American aspect of this series. It makes it fresh and different than most mysteries. Can never figure out who did it, as Jager deftly weaves the murder and storyline and throws in lots of red herrings. Love this series, and eagerly await each new addition.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of the books in the Shandra Higheagle series. In Dangerous Dance Shandra returns to the reservation to prepare for her wedding to Ryan. The sights and sounds of the Native American Culture that Ms Jager weaves were so real that I could hear the drum and see the swirl of colors at the dance. There were so many twists and turns that I did not figure out the murderer. The story flows so seamlessly that I was at the end of the book before I knew it. I can't wait to see what is next for Shandra and Ryan! I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.

[Tracey Tranter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story. The plot is well thought out and executed and the descriptions bring the story to life for the reader.

I liked learning about the native American culture which makes up a major part of this story.

This is a romance and a murder mystery.

Thoroughly enjoyable read and eagerly wait for more.

I received an advanced copy and I am providing my honest review.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written, entertaining book. Shandra is at the reservation when she is caught up in a murder of a young woman. Shandra follows the clues, which could put her at risk. This is book #11 in the Shandra Higheagle mystery series. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

[Karen McCormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each book in this series gets better as characters develop. This book gives more insight into life on the reservations & relationships between families there. It was an excellent read & I liked the character development of Shandra's relatives. Good murder mystery too.