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The Castle
ANCIENT RUINS, HAUNTED MEMORIES, AND A RUTHLESS CRIMINAL COMBINE WITH A TOUCH OF MYSTIC PRESENCE IN THIS TAUT MYSTERY ABOUT A CRIME WE ALL MUST ADDRESS.
Maggie, a National Park Ranger of Native American descent, is back at The Castle—an ancient pueblo carved into a limestone cliff in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Maggie, who suffers from depression, has been through several traumas: the gang rape she suffered while in the Coast Guard, the sudden death of her ten-year-old son, and a suicide attempt.
One evening, she chases a young Native American boy through the park and gasps as he climbs the face of The Castle cliff and disappears into the pueblo. When searchers find no child, Maggie’s friends believe she’s suffering from depression-induced hallucinations.
Maggie has several men in her life. The baker, newcomer Jim Casey, who always greets her with a warm smile and pink boxes filled with sweet delicacies. Brett Collins, a scuba diver who is doing scientific studies in Montezuma Well, a dangerous cylindrical depression that houses strange creatures found nowhere else on Earth. Dave, an amiable waiter with whom she’s had a one-night stand, and her new boss Glen.
One of these men is a serial rapist and Maggie is his next target. In a thrilling and terrifying denouement, Maggie faces her rapist and conquers her worst fears once and for all.
Maggie, a National Park Ranger of Native American descent, is back at The Castle—an ancient pueblo carved into a limestone cliff in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Maggie, who suffers from depression, has been through several traumas: the gang rape she suffered while in the Coast Guard, the sudden death of her ten-year-old son, and a suicide attempt.
One evening, she chases a young Native American boy through the park and gasps as he climbs the face of The Castle cliff and disappears into the pueblo. When searchers find no child, Maggie’s friends believe she’s suffering from depression-induced hallucinations.
Maggie has several men in her life. The baker, newcomer Jim Casey, who always greets her with a warm smile and pink boxes filled with sweet delicacies. Brett Collins, a scuba diver who is doing scientific studies in Montezuma Well, a dangerous cylindrical depression that houses strange creatures found nowhere else on Earth. Dave, an amiable waiter with whom she’s had a one-night stand, and her new boss Glen.
One of these men is a serial rapist and Maggie is his next target. In a thrilling and terrifying denouement, Maggie faces her rapist and conquers her worst fears once and for all.
- GenresSuspense
210 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2021
2 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Anne Montgomery
8 books35 followers Anne Butler Montgomery has worked as a television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, amateur baseball umpire, and high school football referee. Her first TV job came at WRBL‐TV in Columbus, Georgia, and led to positions at WROC‐TV in Rochester, New York, KTSP‐TV in Phoenix, Arizona, and ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, where she anchored the Emmy and ACE award‐winning SportsCenter. She finished her on‐camera broadcasting career with a two‐year stint as the studio host for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Montgomery was a freelance and/or staff reporter for six publications, writing sports, features, movie reviews, and archeological pieces. Her previous novels are, The Castle, A Light in the Desert, Wolf Catcher, The Scent of Rain, and Wild Horses on the Salt. Montgomery taught journalism and communications at South Mountain High School in Phoenix for 20 years. She is a foster mom to three sons, and spent 40 years officiating amateur sports, including football, baseball, ice hockey, soccer, and basketball. When she can, she indulges in her passions: rock collecting, scuba diving, musical theater, and playing her guitar.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 8, 2021
Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Castle by Anne Montgomery is a contemporary book about a National Park Ranger who has a traumatic past and is learning to deal with her past. The Castle is emotional, descriptive, and hopeful all in one.
Maggie is a National Park Ranger working at Montezuma Castle National Monument in central Arizona. She’s had a very difficult and traumatic past and is finally back at work after taking some time off. She sees a young native boy climb the cliff dwelling in his native garb, and this vision has her questioning her sanity.
The Castle is an emotionally difficult book to read but has so much hope and inspiration that I couldn’t put it down. You can tell Anne Montgomery has a background in journalism as her research of the Park, and the park rangers are excellent. The descriptions of Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well were excellent and I felt like I was there when reading the book. I’ve visited both places many times, and the author’s descriptions are spot on. Also, her depiction of a Park Ranger’s life is very realistic, especially with her descriptions of Maggie’s everyday life.
The Castle also deals with some very emotional and traumatic situations. However, the author deals with these situations in a very realistic and caring way. Part of the book is written in the POV of a rapist, and again, the authors’ research of how a rapist thinks and justifies his actions is extraordinary and a testament to her journalistic background.
The Castle is emotional and has triggers, but it’s also so hopeful and inspirational it is an excellent book that I highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Castle by Anne Montgomery is a contemporary book about a National Park Ranger who has a traumatic past and is learning to deal with her past. The Castle is emotional, descriptive, and hopeful all in one.
Maggie is a National Park Ranger working at Montezuma Castle National Monument in central Arizona. She’s had a very difficult and traumatic past and is finally back at work after taking some time off. She sees a young native boy climb the cliff dwelling in his native garb, and this vision has her questioning her sanity.
The Castle is an emotionally difficult book to read but has so much hope and inspiration that I couldn’t put it down. You can tell Anne Montgomery has a background in journalism as her research of the Park, and the park rangers are excellent. The descriptions of Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well were excellent and I felt like I was there when reading the book. I’ve visited both places many times, and the author’s descriptions are spot on. Also, her depiction of a Park Ranger’s life is very realistic, especially with her descriptions of Maggie’s everyday life.
The Castle also deals with some very emotional and traumatic situations. However, the author deals with these situations in a very realistic and caring way. Part of the book is written in the POV of a rapist, and again, the authors’ research of how a rapist thinks and justifies his actions is extraordinary and a testament to her journalistic background.
The Castle is emotional and has triggers, but it’s also so hopeful and inspirational it is an excellent book that I highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 13, 2021
Maggie, a National Park Ranger, has returned to her job at the Castle ... an ancient Native American pueblo carved into the face of a limestone cliff in Arizona.
Maggie has been on a medical leave for severe depression, went through a traumatic episode while in the Coast Guard, the death of her 10-year-son and an attempted suicide. As part of her therapy Maggie volunteers at the local rape crisis clinic.
She's been alone for awhile and doesn't really trust men, but it seems there are several who have noticed just how attractive Maggie is. The baker tries to win her heart with pastries .... a scuba diver doing scientific studies with her help ... her new boss ... and a man she had a one-night stand with.
One of these men is a serial rapist, and Maggie is his next target.
BOOKBLURB: Ancient ruins, haunted memories, and a ruthless criminal combine with a touch of mystic presence in this taut mystery about a crime we all must address.
The author has done a terrific job in writing about a very delicate subject. As an aside, she has included many statistics and phone numbers of helpful resources for these types of crime when committed. The author has done her research well ... and she brings much credibility to how these crimes are handled.
The characters are solidly drawn ... you can feel the angst, the fear, the nightmares flowing from the pages. I am a little ambivalent about the ending ... but it was well worth the read.
Many thanks to the author / Touch Point Press / Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 1, 2021
Maggie has had a tough time the past 10 years or so. In addition to being raped years ago, she more recently lost her son. She is a Park Ranger in Arizona and has just returned to work. Her best friend’s partner, Lily, runs a local rape crisis centre for indigenous women, and she decides to volunteer there despite being unsure if she is hallucinating the boy she has seen climbing the cliff. Unfortunately, it looks like Maggie is about to be victimized again.
This pulled me in right away. The first chapter felt almost like horror with the chills it brought, though I’d tend to classify this more of a thriller. Some chapters do show the POV of the new rapist in town, but we don’t know who it is until the end, though there are a few possibilities. There are stats on rape included (both within the book and as part of an afterword) that I found interesting. I, of course, also loved the found little puppy.
This pulled me in right away. The first chapter felt almost like horror with the chills it brought, though I’d tend to classify this more of a thriller. Some chapters do show the POV of the new rapist in town, but we don’t know who it is until the end, though there are a few possibilities. There are stats on rape included (both within the book and as part of an afterword) that I found interesting. I, of course, also loved the found little puppy.
September 6, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
"The Castle" is an illuminating poignant tale about one woman's survival through horrific assault, tragic loss, and soul-eating depression.
Read full review in the 2021 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
"The Castle" is an illuminating poignant tale about one woman's survival through horrific assault, tragic loss, and soul-eating depression.
Read full review in the 2021 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 7, 2021
Montgomery is no stranger to me: Wild Horses on the Salt was my very enjoyable introduction to her writing. This book had me equally enthralled. It deals with the very distressing subject of rape and, importantly, the impact it has on the victims, in this case, Maggie.
A gang rape has left her depressed, and later, the death of her young son tips her over the edge. Eventually, she goes back to her job as park ranger at The Castle, a famous ancient Native American site. The scars of her ordeal and tragedy are still there, however, and she does her best to ease herself back into normality. But there is a man in her circle who wants Maggie for his 'prize'.
One of the four men in her entourage is a serial rapist. And this is where Montgomery keeps you turning the pages: I went from, "Oh, I know who it is!" to "Ah, no, it's him…or perhaps not, it's him!" Quite a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between the 'suspects' went on! And you're kept guessing till the very end. At the same time, the author digs deep into Maggie the victim and her distress and grief and gives you a compelling and pretty amazing character.
The story is peppered with some interesting facts, too…who knew scuba-diving for scientific research could be so fascinating, along with the Montezuma Castle's history.
Rape is a hideous crime with some alarming victim statistics, but in this well-rounded novel, Montgomery handles it brilliantly.
A gang rape has left her depressed, and later, the death of her young son tips her over the edge. Eventually, she goes back to her job as park ranger at The Castle, a famous ancient Native American site. The scars of her ordeal and tragedy are still there, however, and she does her best to ease herself back into normality. But there is a man in her circle who wants Maggie for his 'prize'.
One of the four men in her entourage is a serial rapist. And this is where Montgomery keeps you turning the pages: I went from, "Oh, I know who it is!" to "Ah, no, it's him…or perhaps not, it's him!" Quite a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between the 'suspects' went on! And you're kept guessing till the very end. At the same time, the author digs deep into Maggie the victim and her distress and grief and gives you a compelling and pretty amazing character.
The story is peppered with some interesting facts, too…who knew scuba-diving for scientific research could be so fascinating, along with the Montezuma Castle's history.
Rape is a hideous crime with some alarming victim statistics, but in this well-rounded novel, Montgomery handles it brilliantly.
July 18, 2021
I received an ARC copy of The Castle in exchange for an honest review. You can read my full review on https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/
This is a book about rape, and rape survivors, and the profoundly terrifying truth that very few rape cases are purely random chance—most frequently the perpetrators are known to their victims, lurking in their familial or social circle. Indistinguishable from the innocents.
The way Montgomery conveys this is a masterclass in perspective. Across The Castle, chapters alternate between Maggie, our protagonist, and the unnamed serial rapist who has her in his sights. Over the course of the novel we learn plenty about the rapist, but who is he?
Is he the unfriendly, scuba diving biologist who is on temporary assignment studying in the National Park where Maggie and most of the characters work? Is he the waiter at the local winery who Maggie had a one night stand with? What about the baker who could work anywhere in the world, but chooses to work in the tiny town abutting the National Park? Or how about Maggie’s new boss, or the man she felt uneasy about on a hiking trail one day?
The beauty and the horror of Montgomery’s storytelling is that we the audience, despite our near omnipotence when it comes to the minds of both Maggie and her stalker, don’t know. The tension ratchets up and the rapist draws closer and closer to this brave, damaged woman, we’re still uncertain about which of these men it is until Maggie herself finds out.
Tense in the best way, and earnest in its intent to shine light on this issue, The Castle is at once an excellent novel and an important piece of activism.
This is a book about rape, and rape survivors, and the profoundly terrifying truth that very few rape cases are purely random chance—most frequently the perpetrators are known to their victims, lurking in their familial or social circle. Indistinguishable from the innocents.
The way Montgomery conveys this is a masterclass in perspective. Across The Castle, chapters alternate between Maggie, our protagonist, and the unnamed serial rapist who has her in his sights. Over the course of the novel we learn plenty about the rapist, but who is he?
Is he the unfriendly, scuba diving biologist who is on temporary assignment studying in the National Park where Maggie and most of the characters work? Is he the waiter at the local winery who Maggie had a one night stand with? What about the baker who could work anywhere in the world, but chooses to work in the tiny town abutting the National Park? Or how about Maggie’s new boss, or the man she felt uneasy about on a hiking trail one day?
The beauty and the horror of Montgomery’s storytelling is that we the audience, despite our near omnipotence when it comes to the minds of both Maggie and her stalker, don’t know. The tension ratchets up and the rapist draws closer and closer to this brave, damaged woman, we’re still uncertain about which of these men it is until Maggie herself finds out.
Tense in the best way, and earnest in its intent to shine light on this issue, The Castle is at once an excellent novel and an important piece of activism.
March 16, 2022
I was delighted to be asked by Ms. Montgomery to review this emotional suspense thriller. It did not disappoint.
Maggie is a National Park Ranger in Arizona. She loves her career meeting visitors, giving tours of the Montezuma Castle and the park's resources. It's her traumatic past that follows her daily, especially now there is a rapist on the loose. Who can it be? Her new next-door neighbor? Her new boss? Perhaps it's the new baker or the traveling bartender? Whomever it is, he has Maggie in his sights and it's just a matter of time before he strikes.
My heart breaks for Maggie and her horrific past experiences. What more can a young woman take? I was moved by how Ms. Montgomery delves into the difficult topic of rape, especially as it pertains to Native American women. The statistics are shocking and the stories told by others are real and important to hear. In addition, Maggie's friend Lily opens a Rape Crisis Center in the town which gives Maggie a way to confront some of her fears and anger by helping others and participating in group therapy. Maggie finally opens up about her rape and the loss of her son and all the guilt she carries. I was on the edge of my seat to learn the identity of the rapist who got what he deserved. What I loved is that Maggie started coming out of her shell toward the end to start a new beginning in her life. There are many triggers with this book including rape, attempted suicide, death, and depression. So, please read with caution.
The story is told from both Maggie's and the rapist's points of view. It's chilling to be in the mind of a sociopath as he justifies his actions and plans his next move. It is suspenseful to try and guess who the killer is. I did guess fairly early, but the author adds some twists and turns that had me doubting myself.
Ms. Montgomery also introduces very interesting facts about the National Park System, historic Native American sites, and the Submerged Resource Center. I also wanted to add that I truly felt Ms. Montgomery's love for her home state of Arizona. Her journalistic prose flows with the beautiful descriptions of the animals, the flora, and the gorgeous settings.
I highly recommend this historical fiction suspense novel with its strong characters, beautiful setting, and powerful message of encouraging victims to come forward so we can stop these predators.
Thank you to Ms. Montgomery for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Maggie is a National Park Ranger in Arizona. She loves her career meeting visitors, giving tours of the Montezuma Castle and the park's resources. It's her traumatic past that follows her daily, especially now there is a rapist on the loose. Who can it be? Her new next-door neighbor? Her new boss? Perhaps it's the new baker or the traveling bartender? Whomever it is, he has Maggie in his sights and it's just a matter of time before he strikes.
My heart breaks for Maggie and her horrific past experiences. What more can a young woman take? I was moved by how Ms. Montgomery delves into the difficult topic of rape, especially as it pertains to Native American women. The statistics are shocking and the stories told by others are real and important to hear. In addition, Maggie's friend Lily opens a Rape Crisis Center in the town which gives Maggie a way to confront some of her fears and anger by helping others and participating in group therapy. Maggie finally opens up about her rape and the loss of her son and all the guilt she carries. I was on the edge of my seat to learn the identity of the rapist who got what he deserved. What I loved is that Maggie started coming out of her shell toward the end to start a new beginning in her life. There are many triggers with this book including rape, attempted suicide, death, and depression. So, please read with caution.
The story is told from both Maggie's and the rapist's points of view. It's chilling to be in the mind of a sociopath as he justifies his actions and plans his next move. It is suspenseful to try and guess who the killer is. I did guess fairly early, but the author adds some twists and turns that had me doubting myself.
Ms. Montgomery also introduces very interesting facts about the National Park System, historic Native American sites, and the Submerged Resource Center. I also wanted to add that I truly felt Ms. Montgomery's love for her home state of Arizona. Her journalistic prose flows with the beautiful descriptions of the animals, the flora, and the gorgeous settings.
I highly recommend this historical fiction suspense novel with its strong characters, beautiful setting, and powerful message of encouraging victims to come forward so we can stop these predators.
Thank you to Ms. Montgomery for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
September 19, 2021
Not the first time reading an Anne Montgomery book, and it won’t be my last. Montgomery’s simpler style of conveying a story makes it both easy to read and turns it into something that hits deep. There’s no fluff or flourish in her writing; just a straight to the point style that doesn’t mince words yet will still pull you from one page to the next.
I spent most of THE CASTLE trying to figure out who the rapist was. I was so sure I had him pegged, but I was totally wrong and I love that. Not that I wouldn’t have enjoyed guessing correctly, but the way in which Montgomery wrote the tension and the plot will totally fool you in the best way.
Maggie is a haunted character, dealing with multiple major traumas in her own way. Unfortunately that way isn’t always perceived as the best way for some people and she’s made to jump through some hoops she doesn’t necessarily want to jump through. But this makes the story not just the thriller aspect of who’s after Maggie, but about Maggie coming to terms with herself and her past and accepting what she has to accept.
Montgomery’s finest feature is bringing her Arizona settings to life. I was able to see everything she described, and I’ve never even been to The Castle. Bad, I know, having been here for nearly tens years now and I’ve driven by it too. I need to make a trip now after reading this because it sounds wonderful.
THE CASTLE is a hard-hitting book written in a way that’s easy to absorb. You won’t be able to put it down once you pick it up, and Montgomery will keep you guessing as to who the rapist actually is, and whether Maggie will be able to move past her past, until the very end. I very much enjoyed myself and I look forward to more Anne Montgomery books!
4.5
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I spent most of THE CASTLE trying to figure out who the rapist was. I was so sure I had him pegged, but I was totally wrong and I love that. Not that I wouldn’t have enjoyed guessing correctly, but the way in which Montgomery wrote the tension and the plot will totally fool you in the best way.
Maggie is a haunted character, dealing with multiple major traumas in her own way. Unfortunately that way isn’t always perceived as the best way for some people and she’s made to jump through some hoops she doesn’t necessarily want to jump through. But this makes the story not just the thriller aspect of who’s after Maggie, but about Maggie coming to terms with herself and her past and accepting what she has to accept.
Montgomery’s finest feature is bringing her Arizona settings to life. I was able to see everything she described, and I’ve never even been to The Castle. Bad, I know, having been here for nearly tens years now and I’ve driven by it too. I need to make a trip now after reading this because it sounds wonderful.
THE CASTLE is a hard-hitting book written in a way that’s easy to absorb. You won’t be able to put it down once you pick it up, and Montgomery will keep you guessing as to who the rapist actually is, and whether Maggie will be able to move past her past, until the very end. I very much enjoyed myself and I look forward to more Anne Montgomery books!
4.5
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2021
When I started reading The Castle, I hadn’t revisited the synopsis, going into the story without any background information. Right away I recognized Anne Montgomery’s exquisite descriptions of the Southwest, much like what I’d experienced with the first book I’d read from this author, Wild Horses on the Salt. I wondered if Maggie’s story would follow a similar path to the protagonist from Wild Horses, yet that wasn’t the case here. What I experienced was a slow burn thriller, mixed in with a touch of mystical realism, amidst the protagonists’ personal truth and healing.
As the synopsis indicates, Maggie has gone through a lot. Her role as a National Park Ranger has been a saving grace in keeping her going, and after an instigating moment that sparks questions within her circle of friends and coworkers, she is concerned that she might lose that lifeline. In an effort to hold onto her job, she has to branch out, and the rape crisis clinic becomes a way to do that.
Montgomery gets inside of Maggie, holding nothing back. I felt that Maggie’s grief and awareness of her past felt incredibly realistic. Combine that with two polarizing views–the story is told from Maggie’s perspective, as well as the perpetrator’s–and we get to see a well-rounded comparison between someone who is dealing with severe trauma and trying to find a way to live with it, with someone who is fighting his own demons and also has his own trauma that leads to his behaviors. Through it all, we never know for sure who he is, not until the very end, and I kept trying to figure it out along the way. Is it the baker? The scuba diver? The man Maggie has a fling with? Or, her new boss? I seriously had no clue!
With a heartfelt message from the author at the end of the book, this really was one of Montgomery’s best reads, hands down. A true five-star experience!
As the synopsis indicates, Maggie has gone through a lot. Her role as a National Park Ranger has been a saving grace in keeping her going, and after an instigating moment that sparks questions within her circle of friends and coworkers, she is concerned that she might lose that lifeline. In an effort to hold onto her job, she has to branch out, and the rape crisis clinic becomes a way to do that.
Montgomery gets inside of Maggie, holding nothing back. I felt that Maggie’s grief and awareness of her past felt incredibly realistic. Combine that with two polarizing views–the story is told from Maggie’s perspective, as well as the perpetrator’s–and we get to see a well-rounded comparison between someone who is dealing with severe trauma and trying to find a way to live with it, with someone who is fighting his own demons and also has his own trauma that leads to his behaviors. Through it all, we never know for sure who he is, not until the very end, and I kept trying to figure it out along the way. Is it the baker? The scuba diver? The man Maggie has a fling with? Or, her new boss? I seriously had no clue!
With a heartfelt message from the author at the end of the book, this really was one of Montgomery’s best reads, hands down. A true five-star experience!
September 13, 2021
A suspenseful read with lots going on!
Maggie has never had to look far for her troubles; gang-rape and the death of her 10 year old son left her – unsurprisingly – depressed and attempting suicide. Trying to put it all behind her and get on with her life, Maggie is a National Park Ranger and is persuaded that volunteering at the rape crisis centre will aid her recovery. There are several men in Maggie’s life and one of them is a serial rapist; Maggie is his next target.
I warmed to Maggie very easily; she hasn’t had an easy life but she is still plodding along, trying not to let things get the better of her. She is completely unaware that she is being pursued by a rapist and, ramping up the tension, his identity is also unknown to the reader. Maggie has friends who make sure she socialises and doesn’t spend too much time on her own. She gets along with her co-workers, male and female. I’m not given to choosing books about rape, and please don’t be put off by the subject matter; this isn’t a book full of unsavoury details but rather a two-fold story – from both Maggie’s point of view and that of the unknown pursuer. Apart from the fact that he is a man, there are few other clues to his identity and I was convinced I had him worked out but, no, completely wrong! The suspense is palpable and it is, perhaps, a more reasonable portrayal of how this heinous crime affects women. With twists, turns and a few red herrings along the way, this is a well-written novel encompassing a difficult subject and author Anne Montgomery produces a very readable novel with a touch of believable magic which is very endearing. I appreciated the follow up in the final pages – I do like it when there is no abrupt ending! I would urge you to read the information provided by the author following the story – I learned a lot. Definitely one I recommend, and am happy to give 4.5*.
Maggie has never had to look far for her troubles; gang-rape and the death of her 10 year old son left her – unsurprisingly – depressed and attempting suicide. Trying to put it all behind her and get on with her life, Maggie is a National Park Ranger and is persuaded that volunteering at the rape crisis centre will aid her recovery. There are several men in Maggie’s life and one of them is a serial rapist; Maggie is his next target.
I warmed to Maggie very easily; she hasn’t had an easy life but she is still plodding along, trying not to let things get the better of her. She is completely unaware that she is being pursued by a rapist and, ramping up the tension, his identity is also unknown to the reader. Maggie has friends who make sure she socialises and doesn’t spend too much time on her own. She gets along with her co-workers, male and female. I’m not given to choosing books about rape, and please don’t be put off by the subject matter; this isn’t a book full of unsavoury details but rather a two-fold story – from both Maggie’s point of view and that of the unknown pursuer. Apart from the fact that he is a man, there are few other clues to his identity and I was convinced I had him worked out but, no, completely wrong! The suspense is palpable and it is, perhaps, a more reasonable portrayal of how this heinous crime affects women. With twists, turns and a few red herrings along the way, this is a well-written novel encompassing a difficult subject and author Anne Montgomery produces a very readable novel with a touch of believable magic which is very endearing. I appreciated the follow up in the final pages – I do like it when there is no abrupt ending! I would urge you to read the information provided by the author following the story – I learned a lot. Definitely one I recommend, and am happy to give 4.5*.
September 17, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ok, this to me is multiple stories in one:
1. Rape informational non fiction pamphlet; chuck full of statistics. The subject is not one desired when seeking out a book. What made this work is that the book was upfront regarding the subject of rape but there was the mystery of who the rapist was which kept the book moving. There author did an excellent job giving hints yet keeping the man hidden, even with multiple possibilities. I highly recommend reading past the ending and really reading the statistics and the why behind the book.
2. This wasn’t suspenseful but definitely was a multi mystery. The mystery behind the native America boy that starts off the book and reoccurs throughout, the mystery of what happened to Charlie, and the mystery of who is the rapist. The author did a great job ebbing and flowing these different elements into the story to keep readers engaged and on their toes.
3. A travel/destination book. I had never heard of Montezuma, the castle, the sink hole, etc. I love our national parks and my kids have earned a few junior ranger badges and now I feel I absolutely have to go to AZ and see this site for myself. The real life location and all of the reasearch to provide such accurate information really set the scene and made this story feel more real.
This story is a tough one and I did really like it even with the hard to read/imagine parts. SVU fans would like this, as well as travel/nature lovers.
Ok, this to me is multiple stories in one:
1. Rape informational non fiction pamphlet; chuck full of statistics. The subject is not one desired when seeking out a book. What made this work is that the book was upfront regarding the subject of rape but there was the mystery of who the rapist was which kept the book moving. There author did an excellent job giving hints yet keeping the man hidden, even with multiple possibilities. I highly recommend reading past the ending and really reading the statistics and the why behind the book.
2. This wasn’t suspenseful but definitely was a multi mystery. The mystery behind the native America boy that starts off the book and reoccurs throughout, the mystery of what happened to Charlie, and the mystery of who is the rapist. The author did a great job ebbing and flowing these different elements into the story to keep readers engaged and on their toes.
3. A travel/destination book. I had never heard of Montezuma, the castle, the sink hole, etc. I love our national parks and my kids have earned a few junior ranger badges and now I feel I absolutely have to go to AZ and see this site for myself. The real life location and all of the reasearch to provide such accurate information really set the scene and made this story feel more real.
This story is a tough one and I did really like it even with the hard to read/imagine parts. SVU fans would like this, as well as travel/nature lovers.
July 29, 2021
TW: Sexual Assault
This book deals with a tough subject, but the author does a great job of really creating a main character who is so much more than just her traumatic backstory and is worth rooting for as she continues on her road to full recovery.
We see Maggie dealing with learning to trust those around her and her instincts again, while there is indeed a real-life predator in her circle. There’s a lot of suspense as the reader trying to figure out which of the new men in her life is out to hurt her and which she can truly trust. Each has good qualities; each has seemingly negative qualities. The author does a really good job of teasing out the clues and making the reader distrust each person in turn - I know I suspected each guy at a certain point.
The ending was really satisfying and it felt right. I was pleased with where all the characters ended up - can’t give away too much!
And while most of the book is firmly grounded in reality, there is a bit of a supernatural element, which adds just the right touch of something extra to the storyline.
The setting was also really great. I really liked this book and am ready to go explore the Southwest after reading it. If you’re not ready to go explore some National Parks before you read this one, you will be afterward!
Highly recommended!
This book deals with a tough subject, but the author does a great job of really creating a main character who is so much more than just her traumatic backstory and is worth rooting for as she continues on her road to full recovery.
We see Maggie dealing with learning to trust those around her and her instincts again, while there is indeed a real-life predator in her circle. There’s a lot of suspense as the reader trying to figure out which of the new men in her life is out to hurt her and which she can truly trust. Each has good qualities; each has seemingly negative qualities. The author does a really good job of teasing out the clues and making the reader distrust each person in turn - I know I suspected each guy at a certain point.
The ending was really satisfying and it felt right. I was pleased with where all the characters ended up - can’t give away too much!
And while most of the book is firmly grounded in reality, there is a bit of a supernatural element, which adds just the right touch of something extra to the storyline.
The setting was also really great. I really liked this book and am ready to go explore the Southwest after reading it. If you’re not ready to go explore some National Parks before you read this one, you will be afterward!
Highly recommended!
September 13, 2021
The author has dedicated The Castle to all survivors of sexual violence, which has to be the worst abuse every woman fears.
Maggie is back at work as a Park Ranger, trying to lead a normal life after a rape ordeal. That’s if life and her memories will let her.
She meets many men in her job, and they all make her feel uncomfortable. How can she know who to trust?
Like Brett Collins, a serious scuba diver that she is assigned to assist. He seems decent enough and doesn’t even flirt with her. Her boss Glen, Jim Casey the baker and Dave the good looking, dark haired waiter, they all seem harmless, but try as she might, the thought that she could be in danger again will not leave her be.
I loved the way I learned more about the rapist as the story developed, all while I was trying to guess who he was. It was as if once I knew, then he would be caught and punished before anything bad happened!
The author tried hard with the sympathy card, but I couldn’t feel sorry for the serial rapist, sorry.
I also loved the history of the ancient ruins and the thread of mystery throughout the story, which did help to balance the pervading evil.
I cannot say I enjoyed reading this story, due to the subject matter, but it is brilliantly written and plotted, and I didn’t manage to guess who the rapist was until the very end!
Maggie is back at work as a Park Ranger, trying to lead a normal life after a rape ordeal. That’s if life and her memories will let her.
She meets many men in her job, and they all make her feel uncomfortable. How can she know who to trust?
Like Brett Collins, a serious scuba diver that she is assigned to assist. He seems decent enough and doesn’t even flirt with her. Her boss Glen, Jim Casey the baker and Dave the good looking, dark haired waiter, they all seem harmless, but try as she might, the thought that she could be in danger again will not leave her be.
I loved the way I learned more about the rapist as the story developed, all while I was trying to guess who he was. It was as if once I knew, then he would be caught and punished before anything bad happened!
The author tried hard with the sympathy card, but I couldn’t feel sorry for the serial rapist, sorry.
I also loved the history of the ancient ruins and the thread of mystery throughout the story, which did help to balance the pervading evil.
I cannot say I enjoyed reading this story, due to the subject matter, but it is brilliantly written and plotted, and I didn’t manage to guess who the rapist was until the very end!
October 5, 2021
Maggie is a national park ranger, having recently returned to her job after a medical leave of absence to receive treatment for severe depression. She’s first and foremost a survivor. She’s had a great deal of trauma in her life, including having been the victim of a gang rape and grieving the tragic death of her young son. She volunteers at a rape crisis center as part of her recovery.
Maggie hasn’t been in a relationship for a long time. Because of the rape, she sometimes struggles with trust issues. She currently has several men in her personal and professional lives, one of with whom she has had a one night stand. What she doesn’t know is that one of the men in her life is a serial rapist who plans on making Maggie his next victim.
Ms. Montgomery is a very talented writer and the subject matter of the story is clearly well-researched. One of the merits of the book is that part of the story is told from the point of view of the serial rapist who is stalking Maggie. It provides powerful elements of realism and suspense that greatly add to the story as the plot advances. Unfortunately, it can also be triggering for readers who have been victims of sexual assault or domestic abuse. I say that not to try to dissuade anyone from reading the book but only as my personal observation.
Maggie hasn’t been in a relationship for a long time. Because of the rape, she sometimes struggles with trust issues. She currently has several men in her personal and professional lives, one of with whom she has had a one night stand. What she doesn’t know is that one of the men in her life is a serial rapist who plans on making Maggie his next victim.
Ms. Montgomery is a very talented writer and the subject matter of the story is clearly well-researched. One of the merits of the book is that part of the story is told from the point of view of the serial rapist who is stalking Maggie. It provides powerful elements of realism and suspense that greatly add to the story as the plot advances. Unfortunately, it can also be triggering for readers who have been victims of sexual assault or domestic abuse. I say that not to try to dissuade anyone from reading the book but only as my personal observation.
August 13, 2021
The book deals with a subject a lot of people don't want to talk about. It still a taboo subject to
many. The author tell of rape, and rape survivors. The truth is most victims know their rape attackers.
Closer to home then you think. Also the victims don't want to talk about it.
We meet Maggie the main character and learn of her traumatic story. She has been a victim of gang rape when serving in the military and the lose of her young son. She has just returned to her job as a National Park Ranger. We see her dealing and learning to trust people around her.
We also will see the side of a serial rapist in how he thinks things out and how he picks his victims.
He shows himself as a good friend to his victim. The all out good guy.
The story will keep you in suspense and thinking you know who did it, but do you really.
Rape is a horde crime that that a human does to another human. Leaving the victim in fear and mental anguish. The author did a good job with information and handled the story well.
many. The author tell of rape, and rape survivors. The truth is most victims know their rape attackers.
Closer to home then you think. Also the victims don't want to talk about it.
We meet Maggie the main character and learn of her traumatic story. She has been a victim of gang rape when serving in the military and the lose of her young son. She has just returned to her job as a National Park Ranger. We see her dealing and learning to trust people around her.
We also will see the side of a serial rapist in how he thinks things out and how he picks his victims.
He shows himself as a good friend to his victim. The all out good guy.
The story will keep you in suspense and thinking you know who did it, but do you really.
Rape is a horde crime that that a human does to another human. Leaving the victim in fear and mental anguish. The author did a good job with information and handled the story well.
December 30, 2025
This is a gripping and emotionally resonant thriller set against the stunning, ancient backdrop of Arizona's Verde Valley. The story follows Maggie, a National Park Ranger battling severe depression compounded by profound trauma: a gang rape during her military service, the sudden death of her young son, and a subsequent suicide attempt. Her fragile recovery is tested when she witnesses a young Native American boy climb the sheer face of The Castle, an ancient pueblo, and vanish—an event her friends dismiss as a hallucination born of her illness.
Maggie’s world is populated by several men, each representing a different potential future: the kind baker, the focused scientist, the casual fling, and her new boss. The chilling twist is that one of them is a serial rapist who has chosen Maggie as his next target. This expertly woven mystery transforms a story of personal healing into a relentless race for survival, culminating in a "thrilling and terrifying denouement" where Maggie must confront her attacker and her deepest fears to discover she is not alone.
Maggie’s world is populated by several men, each representing a different potential future: the kind baker, the focused scientist, the casual fling, and her new boss. The chilling twist is that one of them is a serial rapist who has chosen Maggie as his next target. This expertly woven mystery transforms a story of personal healing into a relentless race for survival, culminating in a "thrilling and terrifying denouement" where Maggie must confront her attacker and her deepest fears to discover she is not alone.
July 20, 2021
Soul-stirring
Ancient ruins, haunted memories, and a ruthless criminal combine with a touch of mystic
presence in this taut mystery about a crime we all must address.
In The Castle, Montgomery introduces Maggie, a National Park Ranger of Native American descent, who is recovering from the gang rape she suffered in the Coast Guard. The reader follows Maggie through her depression, anger, and ultimate healing.
The author’s powerful storytelling creates suspense that piques the reader's curiosity with impressive in-depth research and statistics. The emotions of the protagonist are beautifully crafted.
A brilliant book that encapsulates every known element of sexual assault helps to understand the harsh realities and encourages the victims to come forward to combat the prevailing cruelties.
Truly a masterpiece.
Ancient ruins, haunted memories, and a ruthless criminal combine with a touch of mystic
presence in this taut mystery about a crime we all must address.
In The Castle, Montgomery introduces Maggie, a National Park Ranger of Native American descent, who is recovering from the gang rape she suffered in the Coast Guard. The reader follows Maggie through her depression, anger, and ultimate healing.
The author’s powerful storytelling creates suspense that piques the reader's curiosity with impressive in-depth research and statistics. The emotions of the protagonist are beautifully crafted.
A brilliant book that encapsulates every known element of sexual assault helps to understand the harsh realities and encourages the victims to come forward to combat the prevailing cruelties.
Truly a masterpiece.
September 2, 2021
As Maggie struggles to put her life back together after years upon years of trauma and tragedy, she finds her only solace in her job, that of a Park Ranger at The Castle, a six-hundred-year-old Native American pueblo in Arizona’s Verde Valley. With several new men in her life, Maggie’s past makes it almost impossible to let any of them close, and more importantly to trust them.
Ms. Montgomery has an almost magical talent to draw the reader into the worlds she creates through her words. Her characters are interesting, vulnerable and strong. While describing the locations in which her books are set, she weaves history with vivid images, immersing the reader in a hard-to-put-down story full of history, beauty and mystery.
Ms. Montgomery has an almost magical talent to draw the reader into the worlds she creates through her words. Her characters are interesting, vulnerable and strong. While describing the locations in which her books are set, she weaves history with vivid images, immersing the reader in a hard-to-put-down story full of history, beauty and mystery.
September 13, 2021
A big thank you to NetGalley and Touch Point Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. While the location of the book is amazingly beautiful, the book is rather dark. I found this to be more of a suspense than a romance. The women's friendships are fantastic. We got to hear the rapists viewpoint-which was odd for me. I truly felt for Maggie and her life circumstances. I was anxious hoping that she didn't get traumatized again. This is sort of a difficult book to read, but worthwhile. I could not relate to the characters at all, but understand the importance of this type of book. 3.5 stars Difficult subject, I thought handled with as much dignity as possible.
September 1, 2021
Maggie has lived through some truly horrific events in her short life, including rape. As part of her therapy, she volunteers at The Castle, an indigenous pueblo. She becomes friendly with some locals, then discovers she is being stalked. She wonders if the stalker is one of these new men she meets, or a complete stranger. Thedescriptions of the park are beautiful, makes me want to visit there, and the identity of the stalked kept me guessing until the very end. An enjoyable read!
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this copy in exchange for my unpaid, honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this copy in exchange for my unpaid, honest review.
October 30, 2021
The Castle is an interesting read featuring Maggie, a National Park Ranger, at the Montezuma Castle National Park in Arizona. Maggie is struggling with depression brought about by several past traumatic experiences. Attempting to come to grips with her demons, she volunteers at the local rape crisis clinic as she becomes aware that a serial rapist has become a member of the small community near the park. Maggie becomes the target, and the hunt is on to discover who the rapist is. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own.
November 6, 2021
Seldom does a fiction author deal so adroitly and objectively with a difficult, emotional theme while at the same time creating a whodunit suspense story that engages the reader to the last page. A well-described exotic setting, true-to-life flawed characters, and a touch of the supernatural hits all the benchmarks for a provocative and entertaining read.
August 19, 2021
Maggie is a park ranger at The Castle, an old Indian ruin.
She also suffers from the horror of a rape and the aftermath. It’s a good story, it kept me guessing who the bad guy was. I enjoyed the book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
She also suffers from the horror of a rape and the aftermath. It’s a good story, it kept me guessing who the bad guy was. I enjoyed the book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
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January 28, 2022Loved the National Park setting!
Loved this book. Reminiscent of Nevada Barr books and I really enjoyed the information on the long ago people who lived there. And the subject of rape was very well written. Would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction.
Loved this book. Reminiscent of Nevada Barr books and I really enjoyed the information on the long ago people who lived there. And the subject of rape was very well written. Would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction.
July 9, 2021
***TRIGGER WARNING: Rape, a missing child and battle with depression***
Maggie is a park ranger who is back at work after taking time off. The Castle is not my first novel by Anne Montgomery. I loved A Light in the Desert and was really happy when Anne contacted me to offer a review copy of The Castle as I so wanted to experience her writing again.
The Castle deals with depression rape and a missing child as I stated in the trigger warning at the start of this review, so if you stay clear of themes like these, this is not the book for you.
The Castle is first and foremost women's fiction, with Maggie experiencing a hunt for a child she sees in the dramatic landscape where the book is set. The plot then turns dark and the novel becomes a twisting thriller with turns as tight as a road full of hairpin bends.
I was gripped from start to end. The synopsis is very self-explanatory so I won't cover more of that.
Anne Montgomery is, in my opinion, a master storyteller and I have only reviewed two of her books. Her writing is at once refreshing, gritty and absorbing and leaves me shocked, concerned for the characters yet satisfied at an amazing novel.
The way the tough subjects are dealt with is humbling and brave on the part of the author and Maggie.
I felt true fear for Maggie, but she is also a strong person to be admired.
The worldbuilding in the book is amazing, as is the attention to detail.
Thanks to Anne Montgomery for an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
4 stars
Maggie is a park ranger who is back at work after taking time off. The Castle is not my first novel by Anne Montgomery. I loved A Light in the Desert and was really happy when Anne contacted me to offer a review copy of The Castle as I so wanted to experience her writing again.
The Castle deals with depression rape and a missing child as I stated in the trigger warning at the start of this review, so if you stay clear of themes like these, this is not the book for you.
The Castle is first and foremost women's fiction, with Maggie experiencing a hunt for a child she sees in the dramatic landscape where the book is set. The plot then turns dark and the novel becomes a twisting thriller with turns as tight as a road full of hairpin bends.
I was gripped from start to end. The synopsis is very self-explanatory so I won't cover more of that.
Anne Montgomery is, in my opinion, a master storyteller and I have only reviewed two of her books. Her writing is at once refreshing, gritty and absorbing and leaves me shocked, concerned for the characters yet satisfied at an amazing novel.
The way the tough subjects are dealt with is humbling and brave on the part of the author and Maggie.
I felt true fear for Maggie, but she is also a strong person to be admired.
The worldbuilding in the book is amazing, as is the attention to detail.
Thanks to Anne Montgomery for an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
4 stars
September 22, 2021
A wonderful read
Such a beautiful and heartfelt book! I honestly couldn’t put it down. An uplifting closure for such a powerful story.
Such a beautiful and heartfelt book! I honestly couldn’t put it down. An uplifting closure for such a powerful story.
January 26, 2022
This book reminded me of the books by Nevada Barr about National Parks. I enjoyed learning about the people who inhabited the land before us. Loved Ranger Maggie!
October 12, 2022
A decent suspense dealing with a difficult topic, and little magical realism.
September 17, 2021
There were two minor characters that made me feel uneasy. This is a character driven book, with a fair amount of description. The book could almost feel literary in nature. Some things ended up being a little too convenient.
I got an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I got an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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