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Lije Evans Mysteries #2
Swope's Ridge
September 12, 2001. Four members of the Klasser family are found dead outside Dallas, Texas. In the wake of 9/11, the Klassers’ neighbor, Omar Jones―an American citizen of Arab descent―is convicted of their murder.A month before Jones’ execution, attorney Lije Evans searches for evidence that will prove the man innocent. But Evans’ quest goes deeper than solving one crime. He is determined to find the secret behind the dark history of sleepy Swope’s Ridge―and how it ties into his wife’s murder.Interlocking mysteries lead Evans and his team to the battlegrounds of former Nazi Germany, the dirt roads of Kansas, and a rusty cargo ship in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, they discover a secret that offers the promise of great power―and the greatest temptation they’ve ever faced.In the second book of the Lije Evans Mysteries series, bestselling author Ace Collins immerses readers in an intricate and deadly international plot. Racism, betrayal, and death-defying escapes compound an adventure that knows no bounds in this harrowing novel for suspense lovers everywhere.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Ace Collins
120 books220 followersCiting his Arkansas heritage, Christy Award winner Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. In that capacity, Collins has authored more than eighty books for 25 different publishers that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children’s works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a television special, been featured on every network morning TV show and does college basketball play-by-play. He is married to Kathy Collins, Chair of the Education Department at Ouachita Baptist University, and the couple has two grown sons. Collins lives in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 3, 2026
I bought this book in a thrift bookstore because it had a Christian author. I only knew it was a mystery which is another reason I chose it. When I sat down to read it, I found it was book two! I couldn’t read book two without reading book one. I’m so glad I found book one on a thrift bookstore site.
Get book one before you read this one. I love that it takes place in my home state and was able to relate to many locations. Like I said in the rating to Faraday Rd, events are a little far fetched but I enjoyed the history of it even if wasn’t true.
Get book one before you read this one. I love that it takes place in my home state and was able to relate to many locations. Like I said in the rating to Faraday Rd, events are a little far fetched but I enjoyed the history of it even if wasn’t true.
January 5, 2022
Christian Audiobook--this is my 2nd book by Ace Collins. Good mystery/detective stories for light reading.
September 12, 2001. Four members of the Klasser family are found dead outside Dallas, Texas. In the wake of 9/11, the Klassers’ neighbor, Omar Jones—an American citizen of Arab descent—is convicted of their murder.
A month before Jones’ execution, attorney Lije Evans searches for evidence that will prove the man innocent. But Evans’ quest goes deeper than solving one crime. He is determined to find the secret behind the dark history of sleepy Swope’s Ridge—and how it ties into his wife’s murder.
Interlocking mysteries lead Evans and his team to the battlegrounds of former Nazi Germany, the dirt roads of Kansas, and a rusty cargo ship in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, they discover a secret that offers the promise of great power—and the greatest temptation they’ve ever faced.
In the second book of the Lije Evans Mysteries series, bestselling author Ace Collins immerses readers in an intricate and deadly international plot. Racism, betrayal, and death-defying escapes compound an adventure that knows no bounds in this harrowing novel for suspense lovers everywhere.
September 12, 2001. Four members of the Klasser family are found dead outside Dallas, Texas. In the wake of 9/11, the Klassers’ neighbor, Omar Jones—an American citizen of Arab descent—is convicted of their murder.
A month before Jones’ execution, attorney Lije Evans searches for evidence that will prove the man innocent. But Evans’ quest goes deeper than solving one crime. He is determined to find the secret behind the dark history of sleepy Swope’s Ridge—and how it ties into his wife’s murder.
Interlocking mysteries lead Evans and his team to the battlegrounds of former Nazi Germany, the dirt roads of Kansas, and a rusty cargo ship in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, they discover a secret that offers the promise of great power—and the greatest temptation they’ve ever faced.
In the second book of the Lije Evans Mysteries series, bestselling author Ace Collins immerses readers in an intricate and deadly international plot. Racism, betrayal, and death-defying escapes compound an adventure that knows no bounds in this harrowing novel for suspense lovers everywhere.
May 27, 2020
Never a dull moment
In Swope's Ridge, Lije Evan's searches for the why and who caused the death of his wife. Following a trail that started in the last days of WWII, when Hitler commissioned a formula that would make him king of the world, Lije finds a convoluted trail from Germany to Mexico to Arkansas to Kansas & back to Arkansas. A legend about the Ark of Death sprang up but was finally deemed to be false. However a pastor from Mexico told a tale of witnessing as a boy in 1945 a ship that carried 5 silver planes that were off loaded just before the ships was blown to smithereens. Lije must follow the clues from a dead body found hidden on Swope's Ridge, to locate the deadly toxin & bring killers, assassins, & terrorists to justice. Ace Collins even cleverly inserted himself into the hunt! Excellent book. I highly recommend reading Farraday Road first, as the premise for both is laid out there.
In Swope's Ridge, Lije Evan's searches for the why and who caused the death of his wife. Following a trail that started in the last days of WWII, when Hitler commissioned a formula that would make him king of the world, Lije finds a convoluted trail from Germany to Mexico to Arkansas to Kansas & back to Arkansas. A legend about the Ark of Death sprang up but was finally deemed to be false. However a pastor from Mexico told a tale of witnessing as a boy in 1945 a ship that carried 5 silver planes that were off loaded just before the ships was blown to smithereens. Lije must follow the clues from a dead body found hidden on Swope's Ridge, to locate the deadly toxin & bring killers, assassins, & terrorists to justice. Ace Collins even cleverly inserted himself into the hunt! Excellent book. I highly recommend reading Farraday Road first, as the premise for both is laid out there.
October 29, 2019
It's been quite some time since I read Farraday Road but I remember how much I absolutely enjoyed it. This sequel was equally as amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. The pace was amazing. The storyline was thrilling and the twists and turns were nothing short of entertaining.
I was able to guess who the traitor was so that was disappointing. However, the story made up for it with the conclusion of Lije finding out who killed his wife & why, as well as the secret of Farraday Road.
I was able to guess who the traitor was so that was disappointing. However, the story made up for it with the conclusion of Lije finding out who killed his wife & why, as well as the secret of Farraday Road.
December 19, 2021
Lots of twists and turns and alot of action. Lije Evans is asked to try to get a man on death row out of prison because he is innocent. Yet no one believes he is innocent. Lije enlists his coworkers and some friends to help out. But someone is trying to kill on of his coworkers! What is going on? What is the secret on Swope's Ridge? and what does that secret have to do with his wife's death?
January 21, 2023
The author missed many opportunities to make this a Christian book, and it (for me) turned it into a tepid syncretism of humanism/"inspiring"/Christian. The plot had too many threads, but the storytelling kept me reading till the end.
November 23, 2021
Good and action packed -- I liked the first novel in this series better though.
January 20, 2023
Very enjoyable. A page turner for sure that answers the questions that were left behind from the first book.
March 23, 2023
This part seemed a little sadder then the first book. It wasn't any less exciting though. I feel like it could have ended better. Some mystery!
July 31, 2024
DNF, too many absurd “coincidences” and just… meh
January 8, 2025
great quick read. great for a vacation trip, road trip or beach. sequel. I couldn't wait to find out what happened to these characters.
April 12, 2010
Swope’s Ridge, by Ace Collins, is second in the Lije Evan Mysteries series, following closely on the end of Farraday Road. It opens, rather like many TV series, with a “Previously in the Lije Evans Mysteries Series” page which sets a scene for what must surely have been a cliff-hanger ending in book one (though, not having read it, I’m uncertain whether the fateful shot rang out before or after the last page was turned). I felt slightly uncomfortable starting to read in the middle of a story, though the first scene, where an Arab American is arrested as a terrorist, certainly grabbed my attention, turning it well away from any thoughts of what I might have missed.
Chapter ten brings the reader back to the fate of the erstwhile terrorist, now in jail awaiting execution, and at this point in the book I found myself hooked. While I, and the characters, would have liked to believe in Omar’s innocence, the evidence certainly seemed compelling. But leads are followed and the reader becomes suspicious of the truth just as Lije and his colleagues make their guesses. The racial profiling and easily excited fears of post 9-11 are well-depicted, with citizens and newspapers rallying against the lawyer who might dare “defend” a convicted terrorist. Characters from as far apart as Britain, Germany, Mexico and the Middle East bring their own thoughts to bear, and the story ends in a race against time to save far more lives than one.
There’s a thread of faith in this book that’s nicely done, and very wisely not overdone. The reader is invited to question the characters' beliefs and motivations, but the author never threatens to preach. I found the story surprisingly satisfying, and despite my initial misgivings will hope to read Farraday Road as well some day. Lije Evans and friends are an interesting and enterprising group to read about.
Chapter ten brings the reader back to the fate of the erstwhile terrorist, now in jail awaiting execution, and at this point in the book I found myself hooked. While I, and the characters, would have liked to believe in Omar’s innocence, the evidence certainly seemed compelling. But leads are followed and the reader becomes suspicious of the truth just as Lije and his colleagues make their guesses. The racial profiling and easily excited fears of post 9-11 are well-depicted, with citizens and newspapers rallying against the lawyer who might dare “defend” a convicted terrorist. Characters from as far apart as Britain, Germany, Mexico and the Middle East bring their own thoughts to bear, and the story ends in a race against time to save far more lives than one.
There’s a thread of faith in this book that’s nicely done, and very wisely not overdone. The reader is invited to question the characters' beliefs and motivations, but the author never threatens to preach. I found the story surprisingly satisfying, and despite my initial misgivings will hope to read Farraday Road as well some day. Lije Evans and friends are an interesting and enterprising group to read about.
September 11, 2015
Ace Collins is at the top of my list for suspense authors. I read Farrraday Road a few years back and loved it. It ended with a BIG cliffhanger and begged me to go on to Swope’s Ridge. Well, I finally dug into book 2 via Audible. Its fast-paced, twisting and turning plot didn’t let me down. So my recommendation to you is get both titles and prepare yourself for some page-turning reading.
Swope’s Ridge opens with the closing action of Farraday Road. Lije Evans and his associates are still in danger from those who killed his wife. But the Nazi-era mystery exposed in book 1 gives way to a 9/11 terrorism case. How can a dead SS officer and a death row inmate possibly be connected? With clues pointing to the existence of a legendary Ark of Death, Lije and his team work to solve the case before more innocent lives are lost.
Lije Evans is an interesting character. A small-town lawyer still grieving his wife’s death and in way over his head against powerful, unknown forces, he is determined to discover the reasons surrounding the inexplicable events that have impacted his life. With a shaky faith, Lije continues on despite threats and tragedy because the truth is so important. Lije struggles with the hidden plans and purposes of God – don’t we all — making him a relatable character. The ensemble cast in Swope’s Ridge is strong, and the reader may have a hard time discerning just who the good guys are. The plot is complex and certainly suspenseful, leaving this reader just as mystified as Lije. But all comes together in a satisfying ending. The Nazi-era history was interesting and cleverly tied into the modern-day action.
I "read" the audiobook version of Swope’s Ridge. The narrator did a good job with pacing and voices.
A great conclusion to the two-book series, Swope’s Ridge is definitely a recommended read.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
Swope’s Ridge opens with the closing action of Farraday Road. Lije Evans and his associates are still in danger from those who killed his wife. But the Nazi-era mystery exposed in book 1 gives way to a 9/11 terrorism case. How can a dead SS officer and a death row inmate possibly be connected? With clues pointing to the existence of a legendary Ark of Death, Lije and his team work to solve the case before more innocent lives are lost.
Lije Evans is an interesting character. A small-town lawyer still grieving his wife’s death and in way over his head against powerful, unknown forces, he is determined to discover the reasons surrounding the inexplicable events that have impacted his life. With a shaky faith, Lije continues on despite threats and tragedy because the truth is so important. Lije struggles with the hidden plans and purposes of God – don’t we all — making him a relatable character. The ensemble cast in Swope’s Ridge is strong, and the reader may have a hard time discerning just who the good guys are. The plot is complex and certainly suspenseful, leaving this reader just as mystified as Lije. But all comes together in a satisfying ending. The Nazi-era history was interesting and cleverly tied into the modern-day action.
I "read" the audiobook version of Swope’s Ridge. The narrator did a good job with pacing and voices.
A great conclusion to the two-book series, Swope’s Ridge is definitely a recommended read.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
August 13, 2010
after Farraday Road
At the end of Farraday Road, we walk away with the mystery still unsolved. Swope's Ridge is the continuation of that story. The mystery and suspense continue...
Talk about gender confusion! Curtis is actually female (first name: Diane). Sometimes he refers to her as Diane but mostly Curtis and it gets the reader thinking that Curtis is a guy. Then I have to go back and read the section another time. Ivy is a male (first name: that's it - Ivy). The author interchanges first and last names. For instance, he might refer to Heather Jameson as Heather or Jameson. When he uses "Jameson," I automatically think "male" because of the name James. I then have to stop to think "Who's Jameson?"
While this book takes the reader on another suspenseful ride, one can easily get the feel that Collins is trying to outdo his first in this series. This one contains what I call "filler. By "filler," I mean an overload of useless information. In this case, Collins tells the reader what Lije does with his extra time, mostly surfing the net and going on ebay. He talks of light bulbs and other items to be bid on. Collins likes to "brand" name-drop. (iPod, iPhone, Mac, Dr. Pepper, Cord (that's a car). There is an overkill (no pun intended!) of bombings, shootings, and secrecy.
Makes you want to sing out "Lije Evans to the rescue! Lije Evans to the rescue!"
At the end of Farraday Road, we walk away with the mystery still unsolved. Swope's Ridge is the continuation of that story. The mystery and suspense continue...
Talk about gender confusion! Curtis is actually female (first name: Diane). Sometimes he refers to her as Diane but mostly Curtis and it gets the reader thinking that Curtis is a guy. Then I have to go back and read the section another time. Ivy is a male (first name: that's it - Ivy). The author interchanges first and last names. For instance, he might refer to Heather Jameson as Heather or Jameson. When he uses "Jameson," I automatically think "male" because of the name James. I then have to stop to think "Who's Jameson?"
While this book takes the reader on another suspenseful ride, one can easily get the feel that Collins is trying to outdo his first in this series. This one contains what I call "filler. By "filler," I mean an overload of useless information. In this case, Collins tells the reader what Lije does with his extra time, mostly surfing the net and going on ebay. He talks of light bulbs and other items to be bid on. Collins likes to "brand" name-drop. (iPod, iPhone, Mac, Dr. Pepper, Cord (that's a car). There is an overkill (no pun intended!) of bombings, shootings, and secrecy.
Makes you want to sing out "Lije Evans to the rescue! Lije Evans to the rescue!"
August 9, 2015
Saved $7 because I Snagged @ the Library
This could have been a well-spun tale. The writing is a good foreshadowing to Collins' much better later stories. But the giant plot holes, the complete lack of believability in the story construct, and all the investigative leaps were just a little much. Plus, the jet-setting from Little Rock airport was not exactly believable. (Have you ever seen Little Rock airport? It has four gates. FOUR.)
I think this book just tried to be too many things. It's basically a courtroom thriller mixed with a spy thriller mixed with a historical conspiracy thriller.
However, there were pieces of all the things that Ace Collins does so well in his other stories. Reading this book was more like exploring his workshop where he experimented with all the stuff that would be successful later on. He just should have tried to include all those elements into one book.
So, my tip about this book--only read it if you really need closure after reading Farraday Road. Otherwise, do yourself a favor and skip this one. Read The Yellow Packard instead, which is MARVELOUS!! And then read his In the President's Service serial set, which is just too fun. You'll find all of these much more enjoyable than this book.
This could have been a well-spun tale. The writing is a good foreshadowing to Collins' much better later stories. But the giant plot holes, the complete lack of believability in the story construct, and all the investigative leaps were just a little much. Plus, the jet-setting from Little Rock airport was not exactly believable. (Have you ever seen Little Rock airport? It has four gates. FOUR.)
I think this book just tried to be too many things. It's basically a courtroom thriller mixed with a spy thriller mixed with a historical conspiracy thriller.
However, there were pieces of all the things that Ace Collins does so well in his other stories. Reading this book was more like exploring his workshop where he experimented with all the stuff that would be successful later on. He just should have tried to include all those elements into one book.
So, my tip about this book--only read it if you really need closure after reading Farraday Road. Otherwise, do yourself a favor and skip this one. Read The Yellow Packard instead, which is MARVELOUS!! And then read his In the President's Service serial set, which is just too fun. You'll find all of these much more enjoyable than this book.
June 23, 2011
A few weeks after finishing Farraday Road, I received another box of books from Zondervan Publishing. This box, thankfully, contained the second installment of the Lije Evans Mysteries – Swope’s Ridge.
Swope’s Ridge starts out with a story about a man who was suspected to be a terrorist. Again, we enter the exciting and dangerous life of Lije Evans, as he continues to investigate the death of his wife, Kaitlyn. Once again, author Ace Collins takes us through several twists in this plot which continues to have us glued to the story. Finally, this book finishes with a good ending. The crime is solved and Lije Evans is a changed man.
It’s a good thing that Zondervan Publishing sent me this book or I would have been just so mad at Farraday Road for keeping me hanging. Farraday Road must be bought and read with Swope’s Ridge. It’s actually a big story that was made into two books. As a whole, it is very good. For someone like me who loves thriller/mysteries, this is very good and satisfying. Ace Collins is a very imaginative and excellent storyteller. Just make sure to purchase both Farraday Road and Swope’s Ridge. Don’t even start reading Farraday Road if you don’t have Swope’s Ridge in your bookshelf!
Swope’s Ridge starts out with a story about a man who was suspected to be a terrorist. Again, we enter the exciting and dangerous life of Lije Evans, as he continues to investigate the death of his wife, Kaitlyn. Once again, author Ace Collins takes us through several twists in this plot which continues to have us glued to the story. Finally, this book finishes with a good ending. The crime is solved and Lije Evans is a changed man.
It’s a good thing that Zondervan Publishing sent me this book or I would have been just so mad at Farraday Road for keeping me hanging. Farraday Road must be bought and read with Swope’s Ridge. It’s actually a big story that was made into two books. As a whole, it is very good. For someone like me who loves thriller/mysteries, this is very good and satisfying. Ace Collins is a very imaginative and excellent storyteller. Just make sure to purchase both Farraday Road and Swope’s Ridge. Don’t even start reading Farraday Road if you don’t have Swope’s Ridge in your bookshelf!
August 19, 2017
The follow up book in the Lije Evans mysteries. This is the one that really borrows from the Da Vinci Code.
Left on a cliffhanger after the Farraday Road, the story picks up where the previous book ends. The good news is that unlike an American TV series this does finish when it says it is going to and there's no third, fourth, fifth instalment to rake the royalties in.
The bad news is that I was maybe expecting too much after loving the first instalment that I found Swope's Ridge (the name of the mountain where Evans lives) a let down.
I've noted that this book gets the higher rating on Goodreads, so maybe it's just me.
Definitely get the two books at the same time and read them one straight after the other. A good way to pass a few hours and overall recommended.
Left on a cliffhanger after the Farraday Road, the story picks up where the previous book ends. The good news is that unlike an American TV series this does finish when it says it is going to and there's no third, fourth, fifth instalment to rake the royalties in.
The bad news is that I was maybe expecting too much after loving the first instalment that I found Swope's Ridge (the name of the mountain where Evans lives) a let down.
I've noted that this book gets the higher rating on Goodreads, so maybe it's just me.
Definitely get the two books at the same time and read them one straight after the other. A good way to pass a few hours and overall recommended.
May 26, 2010
When I finished book #1 it was such a cliff hanger ending I was frustrated to have to wait for book #2. Unfortunately, when I started to read this I just could not seem to pick up the thread again.
April 23, 2012
Whoa...too many weird and completely unbelievable twists! I fully expected Aliens to become part of the story at one point since everything else had been so 'out there'. How many cooincidences can happen in one book? Too many in this one.
May 30, 2026
Justice is colorless
This drama began with Faradays Road, and has finally been settled almost cowboy style - but justice was served, the hero kept the white hat, and another team united, again. Read and enjoy both volumes!
This drama began with Faradays Road, and has finally been settled almost cowboy style - but justice was served, the hero kept the white hat, and another team united, again. Read and enjoy both volumes!
May 17, 2019
I'm glad to have this book to continue the story and find out what happened. I actually liked this one better than the first in the series, which is kind of unusual.
June 30, 2016
Waited so long for this and it was a disappointment.
November 4, 2009
Terrific mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
January 2, 2010
An under the radar Christian book...heard the author on WBCL. Had a slow beginning, but picked up at the end - can't wait to read book #2!
Want to Read
March 12, 2010i have just percharced this book 2day
Read
June 4, 20105-21-10 finished
September 13, 2010
I had no idea how Mr Collins was going to pull everything together in this book, but he did & fantastically! I hope there's more to the Lije Evans story!
June 20, 2011
Great book and I loved the references to WWII, my favorite time in history to learn about.
August 31, 2011
Good mystery!
April 21, 2013
Well written. Good suspense with great sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews