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FBI Agent Domini Walker #1
Sound of a Furious Sky
A missing heiress. A mysterious trip. And a brutal murder come together in this gripping page-turner, the first in HN Wake’s new series featuring FBI Special Agent Domini Walker. Returning from an involuntary leave of absence, the gutsy, tenacious FBI Special Agent Domini Walker catches a no-brainer missing persons case. The young heiress Hettie Van Buren has slipped away on a sexy weekend with a delinquent boyfriend. But things are not as they seem. Not by a long shot. The gruesome discovery of the boyfriend's corpse catapults Dom into action. Has Micah Zapata's Honduran past finally caught up with him? Why did Micah and Hettie conceal their trip? What secrets is the wealthy Van Buren family hiding? While awaiting the findings of a perilous internal affairs investigation and battling her own personal demons from a tragic past, Dom races to assemble the pieces of a treacherous puzzle. With the help of sassy Staff Operations Specialist Lea Peck and peculiar museum researcher Mila Pascale, Dom tracks an elusive killer—from sumptuous Central Park penthouses to the haunting piers in the Bronx and the dusty plains of Honduras. If you like Clarice Starling , Harry Bosch , Lisbeth Salander , Jack Reacher , and Tracy Crosswhite , you’ll love Dom Walker. If you enjoy page-turning thrillers loaded with satisfyingly complex twists, sabotage, and intrigue, then the Dom Walker series is for you. What readers say about HN Wake.
“Every few years you find a new author that you want to read all their work. HN Wake is one of those.” “I have definitely become a fan.” “One of the best and most unique I have read in a while.” “Here's hoping HN Wake gives us more!”
“Every few years you find a new author that you want to read all their work. HN Wake is one of those.” “I have definitely become a fan.” “One of the best and most unique I have read in a while.” “Here's hoping HN Wake gives us more!”
364 pages, Hardcover
First published January 14, 2019
1642 people are currently reading
963 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
December 25, 2018
5 stars
I have read every one of HN Wake’s four books as well as her Mac Ambrose short story and novella. Three of her four novels are Mac Ambrose books. I have loved every one of these Mac tales. Sound of a Furious Sky is the first of a new series by Ms. Wake. It features Domini Walker, a ten-year veteran of the FBI who takes on the case of a missing woman. In my opinion, this is the author’s best-written, most accomplished piece of work to date.
Dom has a difficult background. Her adored father, an NYPD cop, was indicted for wrongdoing and subsequently committed suicide in prison. Her mother abandoned her and her little brother when Dom was 15 and Beecher only 10. Dom, who is now 35, has had no contact with her mother since that time. There appears to be unresolved issues swirling around these events.
Dom is assigned the case of Hettie Van Buren, the 25-year old daughter of a very wealthy couple. Hettie isn’t like her parents. She is an unassuming ornithologist for the American Museum of Natural History, trying to live her own life. Her disappearance is a real conundrum.
This book is so well done. It continues to amaze me how Ms. Wake continues to improve her craft from one book to the next. Her writing style is terrific. The dialogue is top notch, very realistic; it is not easy to write realistic dialogue. The imagery and the setting of mood is outstanding, yet descriptive prose is kept to a level where the flow is unhindered. Historical quotes abound. We are kept tuned into Dom’s thoughts by a number of clever mechanisms.
The characters rock. Dom, forthright and determined, is very easy to root for. Her assistant Lea is a young, kickass, brilliant researcher who quotes the bible. Mila, a young mouse of a woman with low self esteem who goes outside her comfort zone to try to help, is also worthy of being a regular in the series, as is Dom’s brother, Beecher.
Ms. Wake’s ability to ratchet up tension and create electrifying suspense is outstanding and is akin to that of Mark Edwards’, who in my mind is the king of suspense. The twists and bombshells in this story are also worthy of mention—well placed and, well, they just keep coming!
I know that amongst all the fine authors out there there is heavy competition for readers. If you are open to trying someone new that truly has the "It" factor, I highly recommend H.N. Wake. Sound of a Furious Sky has all I look for in a thriller and more.
I have read every one of HN Wake’s four books as well as her Mac Ambrose short story and novella. Three of her four novels are Mac Ambrose books. I have loved every one of these Mac tales. Sound of a Furious Sky is the first of a new series by Ms. Wake. It features Domini Walker, a ten-year veteran of the FBI who takes on the case of a missing woman. In my opinion, this is the author’s best-written, most accomplished piece of work to date.
Dom has a difficult background. Her adored father, an NYPD cop, was indicted for wrongdoing and subsequently committed suicide in prison. Her mother abandoned her and her little brother when Dom was 15 and Beecher only 10. Dom, who is now 35, has had no contact with her mother since that time. There appears to be unresolved issues swirling around these events.
Dom is assigned the case of Hettie Van Buren, the 25-year old daughter of a very wealthy couple. Hettie isn’t like her parents. She is an unassuming ornithologist for the American Museum of Natural History, trying to live her own life. Her disappearance is a real conundrum.
This book is so well done. It continues to amaze me how Ms. Wake continues to improve her craft from one book to the next. Her writing style is terrific. The dialogue is top notch, very realistic; it is not easy to write realistic dialogue. The imagery and the setting of mood is outstanding, yet descriptive prose is kept to a level where the flow is unhindered. Historical quotes abound. We are kept tuned into Dom’s thoughts by a number of clever mechanisms.
The characters rock. Dom, forthright and determined, is very easy to root for. Her assistant Lea is a young, kickass, brilliant researcher who quotes the bible. Mila, a young mouse of a woman with low self esteem who goes outside her comfort zone to try to help, is also worthy of being a regular in the series, as is Dom’s brother, Beecher.
Ms. Wake’s ability to ratchet up tension and create electrifying suspense is outstanding and is akin to that of Mark Edwards’, who in my mind is the king of suspense. The twists and bombshells in this story are also worthy of mention—well placed and, well, they just keep coming!
I know that amongst all the fine authors out there there is heavy competition for readers. If you are open to trying someone new that truly has the "It" factor, I highly recommend H.N. Wake. Sound of a Furious Sky has all I look for in a thriller and more.
January 29, 2019
I’m going to be in the minority on this book, I’m afraid. There was some wonderful writing in the last half of the book, and some not so great elsewhere. A couple of scenes were repeated. I felt some of the dialogue was stilted, and characters said the same thing two or three times in one conversation. I think Dom’s father’s voice in her head was overdone. I didn’t like the frozen lake and ice cracking “thing” nor the elevator pings in Dom’s head. I did like the characterization, with the possible exception of Lea. She was too…perky? Sassy? I’m not sure, but she irked me. I wondered about Mila basically stalking Hettie’s social media and why law enforcement wasn’t checking that.
EDIT: Please note the comment from the author below about a cleaned and updated version being available from Amazon!
The book also needs some extra polishing. There were several sentences where words (*) missing; some where words (were were) doubled. There was an instance where Hettie’s name was spelled Hattie. There were some grammatical errors and words in the wrong order. Too many of these types of things ruin the reading experience, like hitting too many brick walls.
I’ve read H. N. Wake’s previous books and I know she has the chops. This one just didn’t appeal to me like the others.
EDIT: Please note the comment from the author below about a cleaned and updated version being available from Amazon!
I’ve read H. N. Wake’s previous books and I know she has the chops. This one just didn’t appeal to me like the others.
January 14, 2019
4.5 Stars
SOUND OF A FURIOUS SKY introduces FBI Special Agent Domini Walker. Domini has been on an enforced leave of absence for the past 3 months. When she returns, her supervisor has a job for her.
The daughter of very wealthy parents, Hettie Van Buren, has been reported as missing. Most involved expect that she stole away with her boyfriend and will be back in a few days. Even her father doesn't seem to be too concerned.
Until ..... Domini finds the boyfriend's body shot to death.
Domini has determined that whoever killed the boyfriend also kidnapped Hettie. But why? There's been no ransom note, but Domini finds that the two of them made a secret trip to Honduras.
Things aren't always what they seem and Domini is going to have to dig deep to get through the lies and secrets. Will she be in time to find Hettie ... or is she already too late?
I love getting in on the ground floor of a new series. It's always a pleasure to meet new exciting characters that come to life under the author's pen. Domini Walker is a terrific character. She's multi-layered with some issues past and present. She's dedicated to her job.
I was tantalized by Domini's childhood, along with her brother, and how she became the person she is. I really look forward to seeing more of her, and watching her grow.
Many thanks to the author for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
SOUND OF A FURIOUS SKY introduces FBI Special Agent Domini Walker. Domini has been on an enforced leave of absence for the past 3 months. When she returns, her supervisor has a job for her.
The daughter of very wealthy parents, Hettie Van Buren, has been reported as missing. Most involved expect that she stole away with her boyfriend and will be back in a few days. Even her father doesn't seem to be too concerned.
Until ..... Domini finds the boyfriend's body shot to death.
Domini has determined that whoever killed the boyfriend also kidnapped Hettie. But why? There's been no ransom note, but Domini finds that the two of them made a secret trip to Honduras.
Things aren't always what they seem and Domini is going to have to dig deep to get through the lies and secrets. Will she be in time to find Hettie ... or is she already too late?
I love getting in on the ground floor of a new series. It's always a pleasure to meet new exciting characters that come to life under the author's pen. Domini Walker is a terrific character. She's multi-layered with some issues past and present. She's dedicated to her job.
I was tantalized by Domini's childhood, along with her brother, and how she became the person she is. I really look forward to seeing more of her, and watching her grow.
Many thanks to the author for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 3, 2021
This was the first book I have read by this author. The story moved moved at a decent pace for most of the book. It did have a nice shift to the reason why in the story. I was not wild about the ending and the lead on to the next case. I had a few other problems with this story lol. I had felt the main character was a little grating, smug and a little too perfect. I also though that in a high profile case like this only one FBI agent coming off a suspension would be involved in solving it along with her assistiant which I was not too wild about. I was not wild about some of the other secondary characters. Some of the characters felt paper thing to me. I thought the concept of the main story was pretty good but it was not enough for me. I give the book around a 2.5., she did not feel like a real FBI agent to me. This author has some talent but not in this FBI field. I will not be reading the next book in the series. I have to say skip this one and do not give it a spin unless very light on reading material.
December 24, 2018
First let me say that H.N. Wake is one of my favorite authors and one of the most dedicated people I know. She writes with conviction and heart. Her characters are genuine. Yes, they have flaws, but her good guys are people you can root for. The bad guys – you want to see justice done.
So I was thrilled to read Sound of a Furious Sky , in which Ms Wake introduces Domini Walker, an FBI agent who is working on her first case since a leave of absence after a child trafficking case that ended with an investigation into her actions toward one of the suspects.
The new case is expected to be a slam dunk. Hettie Van Buren is the daughter of a well-known financier and his wealthy society wife. Hettie has gone missing, and there is significant pressure being put on the Bureau to find her. STAT. Dom’s boss swears to the Van Burens that Agent Walker is the best person for the job. Mr. Van Buren is a difficult man to convince. He is a difficult man, period.
What appears to be perhaps a case of a young woman who may have just gone away on vacation with her boyfriend without telling her parents or something equally innocuous turns out to be much more sinister. With a plot that contains danger, intrigue, twists, and turns, Dom must find Hettie before she is harmed – if she is still alive. H.N. Wake writes terrific suspense scenes that leave me gasping for breath, even when I know what lurks behind the door!
I love the way we get to know her characters, Dom in particular. We learn about her through hearing her father’s voice in her head. We learn more as Mila, a co-worker of Hettie and an FBI agent-wanna be, does some online research about Agent Walker. We learn even more through Dom’s interactions with her brother Beecher. Mila and Beecher are wonderful characters in their own right, and they enrich the story with their roles.
Even the Van Burens, who seem to be very distraught parents, are drawn quite well, even though neither is at all likeable. The central figure, Hettie, is someone we know through her co-workers, friends, and parents, not Hettie herself, with one exception: her poetry. That is exceptional. H.N., I am so impressed! Poetry!
If you do not know this author, please give her a try. She is an environmentally, socially conscious human being who happens to write very good thrillers. I loved Sound of a Furious Sky. I hope you will too.
So I was thrilled to read Sound of a Furious Sky , in which Ms Wake introduces Domini Walker, an FBI agent who is working on her first case since a leave of absence after a child trafficking case that ended with an investigation into her actions toward one of the suspects.
The new case is expected to be a slam dunk. Hettie Van Buren is the daughter of a well-known financier and his wealthy society wife. Hettie has gone missing, and there is significant pressure being put on the Bureau to find her. STAT. Dom’s boss swears to the Van Burens that Agent Walker is the best person for the job. Mr. Van Buren is a difficult man to convince. He is a difficult man, period.
What appears to be perhaps a case of a young woman who may have just gone away on vacation with her boyfriend without telling her parents or something equally innocuous turns out to be much more sinister. With a plot that contains danger, intrigue, twists, and turns, Dom must find Hettie before she is harmed – if she is still alive. H.N. Wake writes terrific suspense scenes that leave me gasping for breath, even when I know what lurks behind the door!
I love the way we get to know her characters, Dom in particular. We learn about her through hearing her father’s voice in her head. We learn more as Mila, a co-worker of Hettie and an FBI agent-wanna be, does some online research about Agent Walker. We learn even more through Dom’s interactions with her brother Beecher. Mila and Beecher are wonderful characters in their own right, and they enrich the story with their roles.
Even the Van Burens, who seem to be very distraught parents, are drawn quite well, even though neither is at all likeable. The central figure, Hettie, is someone we know through her co-workers, friends, and parents, not Hettie herself, with one exception: her poetry. That is exceptional. H.N., I am so impressed! Poetry!
If you do not know this author, please give her a try. She is an environmentally, socially conscious human being who happens to write very good thrillers. I loved Sound of a Furious Sky. I hope you will too.
March 4, 2019
This is my first H.N.Wake book and let me tell you she will be one of the authors I follow. I will read her previous books. Sound of a Furious Sky takes you through the complicated life of FBI agent Domini Walker. The story opens up with Dom coming off of a three month suspension and her first case after this time is a rich young women gone missing. The story is action packed you feel the timer going that if Dom is to find this women she needs to act quickly because these types of cases usually do not end well. Dom feels the pressure and she knows that time is precious she cannot go down to many rabbit holes so she needs to stay focused on the facts. The young women name is Hettie she works in a museum as a bird specialist and she has a boyfriend who has an interesting life that is not ideal for a women like her. Her parents despises the young man he is not appropriate for her and her wealth. The story is filled with twists an turns as Dom searches for the truth to who kidnapped Hettie. A young women name Mila who works with Hettie has her own hidden story decides to help Dom with this case. Dom own storied past with her family ties gives her the strength to believe in her ability as an FBI agent. You will learn why she was suspended in the first place and how fate is played out by being honest.
Thank you H.N for letting me read this book for free through the Thriller group on Goodreads in return for an honest review of the book. If I could I would give it a 4.5 stars. I cannot wait to read the next installment of FBI agent Dom Walker career. I also appreciate the time you took to answer the questions that where asked during the read along. I hope you do that again in the future.
Thank you H.N for letting me read this book for free through the Thriller group on Goodreads in return for an honest review of the book. If I could I would give it a 4.5 stars. I cannot wait to read the next installment of FBI agent Dom Walker career. I also appreciate the time you took to answer the questions that where asked during the read along. I hope you do that again in the future.
January 12, 2023
Love it love it love it! I’m hooked right to start to the end! I love the beautiful book ever!
Dom Walker is the FBI agent who specializes for missing persons cases, she was the best FBI agent ever! The first case was about Hettie van burans was missing for a while so Dom raced to find her and take her away from her mother Yvette…Hettie was in Philly in her mother’s home… Hettie and Micha whose killed by someone from her mother who hired to kill him, went to the trip in three weeks ago and going to find out what was her father up to in that place, unfortunately not much luck anyway..
Can’t wait to read another book series so excited! 😃
Dom Walker is the FBI agent who specializes for missing persons cases, she was the best FBI agent ever! The first case was about Hettie van burans was missing for a while so Dom raced to find her and take her away from her mother Yvette…Hettie was in Philly in her mother’s home… Hettie and Micha whose killed by someone from her mother who hired to kill him, went to the trip in three weeks ago and going to find out what was her father up to in that place, unfortunately not much luck anyway..
Can’t wait to read another book series so excited! 😃
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August 9, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/9/2020)! 🎁
May 19, 2020
Lately, I was getting a bit frustrated with crime fiction. My standards are not absurdly high. I don't expect a thriller to have a Pulitzer Prize level of artistry, or be backed by years of research. I want to sit down, with a protagonist to root for, on a systematic quest to get the job down—all advanced by a sparse and breezy style. Here and there, interspersed with a fresh turn of the phrase and vivid descriptions. But book after book, all I read are unstable main characters, who have lost their way, and have no clue what they are doing. The male antihero has gone out of style; these are all female characters. And I have it with that subgenre.
I also find it quite strange that in the years when the stain on the word feminism washed away; when MeToo took hold; when TV rewards us with an overabundance of excellent female character, the thriller genre is still stuck on that nineties Julia Roberts-esque genre of a woman having to deal with a man she cannot fully trust. And she doesn't leave him or focuses on friends, or work, or her kids, or her passion. No, she is obsessed with this loser.
A rant is maybe not the way to start reviewing a book that is none of those things, but just let it be an introduction to the relief I felt when reading Sound of a Furious sky by H.N.Wake.
Let me start by saying that the main protagonist reminded me of FBI agent Dominique di Pierro in Mr. Robot, a character I adore, so that boded well. Here she is Domini/Dom, who works for the FBI and is given a simple assignment because she is under investigation for a prior case that took a significant toll on her.
An heiress hasn't come home, her one-percenters parents are worried, but even if the FBI investigates, they are confident the girl just went on a bender with her hot boyfriend or ran away or doesn't want to be found.
Well, you know what happens next, and you don't. This girl is called Hettie van Buren; she's a wallflower who works at the Museum for Natural History and has an unusual life, very unlike the airhead heiress Doni expected. When Domi finds out Hettie's boyfriend Micah was killed soon after her disappearance, she stumbles into a conspiracy that will take her into unexpected places.
I loved the surprise of the Honduran setting, the style, all the side characters. But most of all, Dom. She is just a good girl left by her mother when she was young, who always took good care of her younger brother. She is determined, fierce, unflappable, with an interesting backstory involving her cop father, who killed himself.
Every female character in this book steers away from cliches. Like Hettie's friend and collogue, Mila Pascale, a researcher at the Museum, who, in her peculiar way, tries to help the investigation.
So glad I found this, well actually my husband did, he read it and immediately pushed it in my hands: 'read this you'll like it,' he said. And there's no more to it. He was right. Read this; you'll like this.
I also find it quite strange that in the years when the stain on the word feminism washed away; when MeToo took hold; when TV rewards us with an overabundance of excellent female character, the thriller genre is still stuck on that nineties Julia Roberts-esque genre of a woman having to deal with a man she cannot fully trust. And she doesn't leave him or focuses on friends, or work, or her kids, or her passion. No, she is obsessed with this loser.
A rant is maybe not the way to start reviewing a book that is none of those things, but just let it be an introduction to the relief I felt when reading Sound of a Furious sky by H.N.Wake.
Let me start by saying that the main protagonist reminded me of FBI agent Dominique di Pierro in Mr. Robot, a character I adore, so that boded well. Here she is Domini/Dom, who works for the FBI and is given a simple assignment because she is under investigation for a prior case that took a significant toll on her.
An heiress hasn't come home, her one-percenters parents are worried, but even if the FBI investigates, they are confident the girl just went on a bender with her hot boyfriend or ran away or doesn't want to be found.
Well, you know what happens next, and you don't. This girl is called Hettie van Buren; she's a wallflower who works at the Museum for Natural History and has an unusual life, very unlike the airhead heiress Doni expected. When Domi finds out Hettie's boyfriend Micah was killed soon after her disappearance, she stumbles into a conspiracy that will take her into unexpected places.
I loved the surprise of the Honduran setting, the style, all the side characters. But most of all, Dom. She is just a good girl left by her mother when she was young, who always took good care of her younger brother. She is determined, fierce, unflappable, with an interesting backstory involving her cop father, who killed himself.
Every female character in this book steers away from cliches. Like Hettie's friend and collogue, Mila Pascale, a researcher at the Museum, who, in her peculiar way, tries to help the investigation.
So glad I found this, well actually my husband did, he read it and immediately pushed it in my hands: 'read this you'll like it,' he said. And there's no more to it. He was right. Read this; you'll like this.
February 24, 2019
I really liked this story and I think Domini has great things ahead of her.
The story was well thought out and had some political intrigue (which is always a good thing in my books). I especially liked the secondary characters. At points, Dom could come across as just another damaged female detective. However, the secondary characters really make it come alive: Mila, Leah (her Bible quoting cracked me up!), and the brother.
Looking forward to book #2.
The story was well thought out and had some political intrigue (which is always a good thing in my books). I especially liked the secondary characters. At points, Dom could come across as just another damaged female detective. However, the secondary characters really make it come alive: Mila, Leah (her Bible quoting cracked me up!), and the brother.
Looking forward to book #2.
April 29, 2020
You know the saying, "you get what you pay for?" Well, once in a while you don't. I paid nothing for this book and I couldn't put it down. All I can say is that the author held my attention from beginning to end. Well done!
November 6, 2021
This was my first book I have read by this author. After 30% of it I quit. It is a very standart crime book. Lots of unnecessary background descriptions, with what seems serve the purpose of filling up pages. When you are writing an action book to repeat time and again the same feeling for the main character. Her dead father is to much into the story. If someone is going into the bathroom, there is no need of 2 pages to describe it ( That is just an example).
A good book from my of view is one that make you excited just thinking that it awaits you at home ( Yes with the wife...). If you don't have that feeling, too bad. Dump it and go to the next one.
A good book from my of view is one that make you excited just thinking that it awaits you at home ( Yes with the wife...). If you don't have that feeling, too bad. Dump it and go to the next one.
September 12, 2019
A fantastic suspenseful read, enjoyed the twists and turns as this story progressed. The characters have drawn me in and left me wanting to know what will happen next. I highly recommend this book!
August 28, 2019
This book was brilliant, it caught me from the very beginning. I loved the strong female characters. Can’t wait to read more from this author! Received this book free from voracious readers only.
January 29, 2019
Excellent plot with good pacing along with strong female protagonist. Protagonist has haunting personal issues which give her character and personal depth. Star lost due to poor editing (i.e. word or phrase repetition, words missing from sentences) just plain old slopy editing.
April 18, 2025
H.N. Wake kicks off her FBI Agent Domini Walker series with Sound of a Furious Sky, a slow-burning political thriller that weaves together a missing persons case, corporate corruption, and a young woman’s search for truth, all anchored by a stubbornly determined agent with a troubled past.
The novel begins with FBI Agent Domini Walker being called to investigate the disappearance of Hettie Van Buren, the daughter of a wealthy and well-connected New York family. Domini’s first stop is the Van Buren apartment where she meets the concerned parents. Best-case scenario? Hettie ran off with her boyfriend Micah. Worst case? She's been kidnapped. When Domini finds signs of a struggle in Hettie’s bathroom and later discovers Micah murdered in his apartment, it becomes clear this isn’t just a case of a rebellious young couple eloping.
What follows is a layered investigation that takes Domini from New York’s elite society to the darker corners of Central America. Hettie and Micah’s secret trip to Honduras becomes the crux of the mystery, pointing toward environmental activism, dangerous corporate interests, and buried family secrets.
The novel alternates between Domini’s gritty pursuit of leads and Mila, a summer intern at the museum where Hettie worked. Mila adds a surprising amount of intrigue and heart to the story, especially with her own emotional stake involving her missing brother Jimmy. Her tenacity and resourcefulness stand out, even if her subplot sometimes drifts a bit too far from the main narrative.
There’s also a recurring motif about birds, particularly curlews, which subtly ties into the story's themes of extinction, freedom, and vanishing truths. The poems scattered throughout the novel, possibly written by Hettie under the pseudonym “@LastCurlew,” add an eerie and poetic touch that lingers after the final page.
Domini herself is a solid lead: tough, capable, and deeply haunted by her past. Her relationship with her younger brother and their shared history of abandonment is explored through brief but emotionally resonant flashbacks. She’s human, flawed, and determined, even when superiors pressure her to back down.
That said, the book does feel a bit dragged out at times. With a large cast of characters (including lawyers, corporate goons, and gang members), shifting locations, and layered clues, the pacing occasionally loses steam. Readers may feel a bit bogged down in the procedural elements and corporate intrigue, especially in the middle sections.
Still, the final stretch ramps up the tension effectively, and while the ending might not be what readers expect it’s a bold, possibly divisive twist, it lands with impact.
Favorite Elements:
- The curlew/bird symbolism throughout the story
- Mila’s perspective as a clever, determined outsider
- Domini’s raw, human portrayal as an agent trying to prove herself
Not-so-Favorite Elements:
- Pacing dips in the middle
- Some plot points feel overly intricate or disconnected
- The ending, while shocking, could leave readers more stunned than satisfied
Final Thoughts:
Sound of a Furious Sky is a slow-boil mystery with a sharp protagonist and a story that tackles power, corruption, and resilience. It may not be perfect, but it lays the groundwork for a promising series. If you enjoy smart female leads, layered investigations, and a splash of political intrigue, it’s worth checking out… just be ready to take your time getting through it.
The novel begins with FBI Agent Domini Walker being called to investigate the disappearance of Hettie Van Buren, the daughter of a wealthy and well-connected New York family. Domini’s first stop is the Van Buren apartment where she meets the concerned parents. Best-case scenario? Hettie ran off with her boyfriend Micah. Worst case? She's been kidnapped. When Domini finds signs of a struggle in Hettie’s bathroom and later discovers Micah murdered in his apartment, it becomes clear this isn’t just a case of a rebellious young couple eloping.
What follows is a layered investigation that takes Domini from New York’s elite society to the darker corners of Central America. Hettie and Micah’s secret trip to Honduras becomes the crux of the mystery, pointing toward environmental activism, dangerous corporate interests, and buried family secrets.
The novel alternates between Domini’s gritty pursuit of leads and Mila, a summer intern at the museum where Hettie worked. Mila adds a surprising amount of intrigue and heart to the story, especially with her own emotional stake involving her missing brother Jimmy. Her tenacity and resourcefulness stand out, even if her subplot sometimes drifts a bit too far from the main narrative.
There’s also a recurring motif about birds, particularly curlews, which subtly ties into the story's themes of extinction, freedom, and vanishing truths. The poems scattered throughout the novel, possibly written by Hettie under the pseudonym “@LastCurlew,” add an eerie and poetic touch that lingers after the final page.
Domini herself is a solid lead: tough, capable, and deeply haunted by her past. Her relationship with her younger brother and their shared history of abandonment is explored through brief but emotionally resonant flashbacks. She’s human, flawed, and determined, even when superiors pressure her to back down.
That said, the book does feel a bit dragged out at times. With a large cast of characters (including lawyers, corporate goons, and gang members), shifting locations, and layered clues, the pacing occasionally loses steam. Readers may feel a bit bogged down in the procedural elements and corporate intrigue, especially in the middle sections.
Still, the final stretch ramps up the tension effectively, and while the ending might not be what readers expect it’s a bold, possibly divisive twist, it lands with impact.
Favorite Elements:
- The curlew/bird symbolism throughout the story
- Mila’s perspective as a clever, determined outsider
- Domini’s raw, human portrayal as an agent trying to prove herself
Not-so-Favorite Elements:
- Pacing dips in the middle
- Some plot points feel overly intricate or disconnected
- The ending, while shocking, could leave readers more stunned than satisfied
Final Thoughts:
Sound of a Furious Sky is a slow-boil mystery with a sharp protagonist and a story that tackles power, corruption, and resilience. It may not be perfect, but it lays the groundwork for a promising series. If you enjoy smart female leads, layered investigations, and a splash of political intrigue, it’s worth checking out… just be ready to take your time getting through it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2019
Solid FBI/police procedural. Too much repetition & internal monologue.
3.5 stars
Enjoyable police procedural about a VIP missing-persons case which goes sideways even as FBI Agent Dom Walker begins investigating. The FBI characters are well-written and quite likable, especially Lea Peck, FBI Staff Operations Specialist—a brilliant, fast-talking, Bible quoting, Girl Friday to Agent Dom Walker. The kidnap storyline and subplots have unique touches, such as eco-travel, ornithology, and environmentalism. If you’re a serious crime-fiction fan, part of the storyline might be predictable, but there are several good twists.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and plan to read the next book in this series. What I didn’t like was protagonist Dom Walker’s repetitious internal monologues—“Blah, blah. I’m coming, Hettie! Hold on! Blah blah.” She mentally re-runs how a victim was probably shot; her dead father repeats adages and mottos to her; and she often hears (or hallucinates) ice-cracking, instead of having a quiet light-bulb moment. She hears “pings” during other light-bulb moments, but she really does hear pings of elevators and from her phone. The author also repeats information, including reiterating conversations with some word changes. Please, HN Wake, I got it on the first go!
Editor needed for character name switches, homonyms, spellings, etc.
3.5 stars
Enjoyable police procedural about a VIP missing-persons case which goes sideways even as FBI Agent Dom Walker begins investigating. The FBI characters are well-written and quite likable, especially Lea Peck, FBI Staff Operations Specialist—a brilliant, fast-talking, Bible quoting, Girl Friday to Agent Dom Walker. The kidnap storyline and subplots have unique touches, such as eco-travel, ornithology, and environmentalism. If you’re a serious crime-fiction fan, part of the storyline might be predictable, but there are several good twists.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and plan to read the next book in this series. What I didn’t like was protagonist Dom Walker’s repetitious internal monologues—“Blah, blah. I’m coming, Hettie! Hold on! Blah blah.” She mentally re-runs how a victim was probably shot; her dead father repeats adages and mottos to her; and she often hears (or hallucinates) ice-cracking, instead of having a quiet light-bulb moment. She hears “pings” during other light-bulb moments, but she really does hear pings of elevators and from her phone. The author also repeats information, including reiterating conversations with some word changes. Please, HN Wake, I got it on the first go!
Editor needed for character name switches, homonyms, spellings, etc.
August 11, 2020
When I first started the book, I thought that it might not interest me since there were too many stories related to various characters and did not see how they would interface. Once I got further along in the book it all seemed to gel.
Domini was just coming off a 3 month leave when she was assigned to look into a missing rich girl. She thought this would be a piece of cake, but it turned out definitely wasn't. During her investigation she determined that Hettie was abducted. Also found that Hettie's boyfriend had been murdered. Dom went to the museum where Hettie worked to look for answers. Mali who was an intern there started to do her own investigation. Dom ultimately was able to finally place all of the pieces together one she received Mali's information. Dom's originally had a suspect/business in mind as to what the motive was. She had to backtrack in the end.
If you want to find out what the reason for Hettie's abduction was and who the guilty party involved, then you must read ther book.
Domini was just coming off a 3 month leave when she was assigned to look into a missing rich girl. She thought this would be a piece of cake, but it turned out definitely wasn't. During her investigation she determined that Hettie was abducted. Also found that Hettie's boyfriend had been murdered. Dom went to the museum where Hettie worked to look for answers. Mali who was an intern there started to do her own investigation. Dom ultimately was able to finally place all of the pieces together one she received Mali's information. Dom's originally had a suspect/business in mind as to what the motive was. She had to backtrack in the end.
If you want to find out what the reason for Hettie's abduction was and who the guilty party involved, then you must read ther book.
October 18, 2022
Good start! Neatly constructed plot, likable main characters, good pacing.
Domini Walker, known as Dom, an FBI agent of 10 years standing, works best solo. Returning to work after several months off, she is assigned a missing person case; Hettie is the daughter of a wealthy local businessman with political connections. But the case quickly gets deadly and more complicated the more Dom digs into the family’s finances and dynamics. With the formal help of Lea, an operations specialist, and informally from Mila, a colleague of Hettie’s, new leads are revealed, and Dom is on a countdown to find and rescue Hettie before she is taken off the case.
I enjoyed this book. Dom is smart and committed, with a strong moral compass, and a back story that was hinted at and which will no doubt come back up in future books in the series. The plot and action are believable. And the secondary characters, while not deeply drawn, have the potential to grow with the series - I especially hope Mila returns.
Domini Walker, known as Dom, an FBI agent of 10 years standing, works best solo. Returning to work after several months off, she is assigned a missing person case; Hettie is the daughter of a wealthy local businessman with political connections. But the case quickly gets deadly and more complicated the more Dom digs into the family’s finances and dynamics. With the formal help of Lea, an operations specialist, and informally from Mila, a colleague of Hettie’s, new leads are revealed, and Dom is on a countdown to find and rescue Hettie before she is taken off the case.
I enjoyed this book. Dom is smart and committed, with a strong moral compass, and a back story that was hinted at and which will no doubt come back up in future books in the series. The plot and action are believable. And the secondary characters, while not deeply drawn, have the potential to grow with the series - I especially hope Mila returns.
March 13, 2020
Great reading!!
This was a really moving and disturbing book. Actions taken in this fictional account, could have been taken from real life incidents. FBI agents do not get enough praise for what they do. The main character in this book, FBI Agent Domino Walker, the offspring of a convicted police officer who 'committed' suicide shortly after being incarcerated, believes in the truth. She herself is under investigation for undue violence and the case she is given - a missing person - will keep her busy and out of the limelight and trouble. NOT!! This case was anything but easy. Great story with highly developed characters and an intricately crafted storyline. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book.
This was a really moving and disturbing book. Actions taken in this fictional account, could have been taken from real life incidents. FBI agents do not get enough praise for what they do. The main character in this book, FBI Agent Domino Walker, the offspring of a convicted police officer who 'committed' suicide shortly after being incarcerated, believes in the truth. She herself is under investigation for undue violence and the case she is given - a missing person - will keep her busy and out of the limelight and trouble. NOT!! This case was anything but easy. Great story with highly developed characters and an intricately crafted storyline. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book.
November 8, 2020
FBI Special Agent Domini Walker has had three months off to reflect on a previous event in her life. Now she is back and finds herself embroiled in the kidnapping of a young heiress. As the story unfolds the parents of the heiress seem to be extremely upset over their missing daughter and believe that the daughter's boyfriend is at the root of the problem. However, when he is found murdered the story changes and there is still no ransom note.
With help from a lab technician and a library researcher who worked with the young heiress Dom learns a great deal about the parents and begins to suspect there is something terribly wrong in their house.
Very interesting and I liked the characters a lot.
With help from a lab technician and a library researcher who worked with the young heiress Dom learns a great deal about the parents and begins to suspect there is something terribly wrong in their house.
Very interesting and I liked the characters a lot.
November 19, 2025
FBI Special Agent Domini (Dom) Walker has problems, but coming back from a break she is allocated what seems at the start a simple case. But it involves the 25 year old daughter of a wealthy and influential local family and as the investigation proceeds it becomes more and more complex, with pressure from her supervisor and antagonism from the father of the missing girl and then another mysterious connected murder! The story builds as the chapters pass and there are plenty of twists and turns to maintain interest.
In all, an entertaining story, involving greed and parental fears of more than one type.
In all, an entertaining story, involving greed and parental fears of more than one type.
March 22, 2019
This is a new series from HN Wake, with a great new character in Domini Walker a FBI agent. Just returning to work from a break following completion of a high profile case she is given a missing person case to ease her back into things. What appeared to be an easy case soon escalates into something much bigger and more complex. The author has not lost his skill in providing a great storyline in a very easy to read style. Like other HN Wake novels this is exciting with thrills and plot twists. If you have not read this author before this would be a great place to start. Recommended
July 28, 2019
I enjoyed this book. Domini Walker is returning to duty after a break and is given what should have been and easy missing persons case which turns out to be so much more. The writer leads you down various rabbit holes some obvious, some not so obvious, finishing with a ending completely out of the left field. It does flit a little between chapters which I found unnerving but having finished the book I do understand why so stick with it because it is definitely worth it. Look forward to seeing more about this sassy FBI agent.
November 6, 2019
Domini Walker is an FBI agent just getting back to work after three months off from her last case. The first day back she is handed the case of a missing socialite. Hettie has been missing but no one knows why. As Dom searches for Hettie things just arent adding up. First Hetties apartment isnt even messed up and secondly Hetties boyfriend is found dead. What is going on and where the evidence leads will surprise you. This mystery is full of twists and turns, and nothing is what it really seems. Really enjoyed and read in one afternoon
November 22, 2019
FBI agent Dom will leave you wanting more
I truly hope more of Com's story is coming soon. This is a well written tale with characters you want to know more about. The plot is complex and keeps you reading. The back story is woven into the main plot in just enough detail. I found using the references to the extinction of birds perfect and the rather random biblical comments an interesting character detail that added to the overall feeling of wanting to know more from this author.
I truly hope more of Com's story is coming soon. This is a well written tale with characters you want to know more about. The plot is complex and keeps you reading. The back story is woven into the main plot in just enough detail. I found using the references to the extinction of birds perfect and the rather random biblical comments an interesting character detail that added to the overall feeling of wanting to know more from this author.
September 7, 2021
Thought I would like this book more based on the reviews. It just didn't grab me and it took a long time for me to get through it. Perhaps it is because I didn't have a good block of time to get into it. Still, I wasn't dying to pick it up again. The premise of why the girl was kidnapped seemed implausible. A little like The Pelican Brief. Just couldn't identify with any of the characters. As a first in the series, it seemed to reference Dom's past and I looked again to see if I missed a previous book. Don't plan to read more in the series.
October 29, 2021
I am reading out of sequence. I read book 3, then book 1. I’m here to tell you, Special Agent Domini Walker is exactly the woman you want working on your case. She’s complicated, multi dimensional, edgy and likable. Add to her supporting cast, Lea Peck is super cool and Mila Pascale is beyond interesting (and you’re pulling for her right off the bat) and Beecher Walker, always an encouraging brother. The writing is brilliant, the characters are badass in unique ways and you can’t stop reading. I’m here for it all.
April 29, 2024
The title of this book grabbed me---what a cool phrase---Sound of a Furious Sky---very Faulkneress.
The story was interesting. I liked the sprinkling of poetry and the bird science, but the child-rape elements in the backstory seemed unnecessary. I also thought it dragged at times, and I felt the author added some superfluous points at the end that made the novel feel even longer. The hero's internal dialog with her dead father and her silent promises to rescue the victim were a little overdone and cringy.
All and all, a good read. Give small press authors a chance!!!
The story was interesting. I liked the sprinkling of poetry and the bird science, but the child-rape elements in the backstory seemed unnecessary. I also thought it dragged at times, and I felt the author added some superfluous points at the end that made the novel feel even longer. The hero's internal dialog with her dead father and her silent promises to rescue the victim were a little overdone and cringy.
All and all, a good read. Give small press authors a chance!!!
February 12, 2019
I've read a number of FBI novels over the last six years but this is by far the best. This is my first by Wake. He's included a number of different ideas on how to tell a story. One, Agent Dom has her dead FBI father always talking to her; encouraging her in different ways, especially in every day activities, and always in particularly possible dangerous events in her investigations.
You will be missing out on a great story if you don't read this book!
You will be missing out on a great story if you don't read this book!
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