Customer Reviews

August Gamble (RCMP Series #1)

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In the tradition of Terri Blackstock's Suncoast Chronicles, Linda Hall creates a protagonist of which more are needed in our world, both real and fictional--a Christian law enforcement officer. Roger Sheppard of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is called to the scene of a crime--the body of a well-known local drug dealer found in the dumpster behind a grocery store. As he investigates the murder, Roger is often distracted by two impending personal problems: what he will say when he is guest speaker at the Christian businessman's prayer breakfast, and what he will do with his fourteen-year-old daughter who is going through a particularly rebellious stage. As Roger continues to investigate Tom Anderchuck's murder, he is constantly surprised by various facts, such as discovering that Tom was a recent born-again Christian who had begun to change his way of life. Roger also discovers that various prominent locals, including the mayor, regularly traveled to the USA to the little-known gambling town of Azuyo, Arizona. In addition, what connection does the mayor have with a small-time meat market in Chester, and what connection does the casino owner have with a small fruit orchard in California? The various twists and turns in the murder investigation will keep you reading, as will wanting to know the outcome of Roger's struggles with his daughter. In the midst of the complicated investigation and personal problems with their daughter, Roger and his wife Karen are able to witness to Madonna Juliet, Tom's wayward girlfriend whose troubled past still haunts her. August Gamble is a great mystery and carries on Linda Hall's tradition of a complex plot--you won't be able to put it down!

A riveting story of suspense about a murder that Corporal Roger Sheppard, of the Chester, Alberta, Royal Mounted Canadian Police was called to investigate. At first it doesn't seem like much of a loss--Tom Anderchuck was after all, a bad seed in many ways--and a drug dealer. To make things worse--they're in the middle of the torrid heat of August. But things don't sit right with Roger, who's a Christian. He soon discovers that Anderchuck became a Christian shortly before his death. And there are too many loose ends. The little evidence that they have, leads Roger to Azuyo, Nevada, with his wife.

Madeline, Tom's girlfriend, isn't a Christian. She agonizes over Tom's death and the investigation. After finding something in the trunk of his car, she goes off on her own and tries to find his murderer. At the same time, she struggles with her own identity after having a tumultuous upbringing and bitterness toward Christianity. A bad taste left in her mouth after being in a legalistic foster home.

Roger's heart is moved by the young woman, Madeline, who seemes so alone. Their paths are brought together by Tom's death and continue to intertwine during the investigation.

Linda weaves a tale with authenitic characters you come to care about, mixed with suspence and mystery and real life family drama. You'll love this book!

a must read for mystery buffs