Raptor

Neil Hamel #2

by Judith Van Gieson

A steady law practice, a stash of tequila, a lover she calls the Kid--only a debt of the heart to her dear, dead aunt Joan could compel Neil Hamel to leave Albuquerque for Montana in search of a bird. No ordinary winged creature, the Arctic falcon is a near-mythic figure, a cool killer who likes the meat around the heart.

In pursuit of this elusive species, Neil witnesses a sight even more awesome--a body plunging off a cliff. Soon she is swept into a murder case that brings together militant environmentalists and high-stakes poachers, federal investigators, and even an Arabian prince. Suddenly, in a wilderness where she has no shelter and little chance for survival, Neil is the target of human predators.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Birds

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Judith Van Gieson is the author of a children’s book, a collection of poetry and short stories, and thirteen mysteries. Her short stories have appeared in several mystery anthologies. In the first mystery series eight books, featuring female Albuquerque attorney/sleuth Neil Hamel, were published by HarperCollins. Neil’s work often involved environmental issues including endangered species and wildfires. Books in this series were published in England, Japan and Germany. It was optioned by CBS. The Lies That Bind was a finalist for the Shamus Award for best detective novel. The series won the Spirit of Magnifico Literary Award.

There were five books in the second series with heroine Claire Reynier published in paperback by Signet, in hardcover by University of New Mexico Press and in a large print edition by Thorndike. Claire works as an archivist and librarian at the Center for Southwest Research at UNM. This series involved rare artifacts and New Mexico history. The Stolen Blue was a finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award. The Shadow of Venus was a finalist for the Barry Award and won the Zia Award given by New Mexico Press Women for Best Work of Fiction by a New Mexico woman.

Series:
* Neil Hamel
* Claire Reynier

Reviews

[Elaine Nickolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a great book-not a bad book. This was one of those stories that seemed to drag and plod along for at least half way. The story then picked up pace and was an enjoyable read. Neil, a female lawyer, decides to take a trip with a bird watching group due to unexpected circumstances. this trip is so far off what she ever would have done on her own. Neil witnesses the death of a man and then becomes the lawyer for the accused. Neil finds herself in uncharted territory as a defense lawyer and begins to try to gather evidence to free her client. I have 2 other books in this series and will eventually give them a try.

[Janet Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I liked this book. The main character is likeable, the dialog smart, pacing good. But plotting of this one seemed a little convenient, the imaginary settings were annoying (ie naming a city and national park--and a fictious small town 300 miles east of any city of 50k in Montana would be in another state--not to mention the dearth of straight roads in Montana). Some of the research, ie Saudi Arabian security, succession, etc., was a bit off. On the other hand, details about falconry were wonderful and added greatly to the novel as a whole--worth more than 3 stars, but not quite up to 4. The performance, by Meredith Mitchell, is excellent.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved that this book traveled from New Mexico to Wyoming, from a place I've lived to a place I'd love to visit. The protagonist is interesting and funny. Falconry and conservation are wonderful themes. However, both the prose and the dialog would get carried away with themselves on awkward metaphors and turns of phrases. Just when I would read something lovely and think to myself, "I'm being too hard on this book, it really is 'well-written' like the back cover states," the text would ramble on in cliches and into old stories we used to tell by the campfire which really didn't make sense nor move the story forward. If someone gives you this book, try it out and see if you agree.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the Neil Hamel series - and I liked it very much. The character of Neil herself becomes firmly embedded in her quest to find answers; her private life, ie the Kid, does take over, though, overshadowing the plot, which is transported to Montana. I prefer the New Mexico backdrop; that said, this is a great novel in the tradition of crime thriller writing, and it does make you want to know more about those magnificent birds of prey - the raptors.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in the Neil Hamel series—in this one she travels to Montana to go on a trip to see a rare bird—a raptor—after her aunt dies—a woman she did [not] know very well. She befriends the guide,m and then has to defend him when he is accused of murdering a hunter after the rare bird. She has to find the real murderer and save a rare bird in the process. Although I’m not usually one for nature-involved mysteries, but I like Neil, so it kept me entertained.

[MarkedWoman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Van Gieson's treatment of Montana geography was terrible. The plot wasn't that great either.

[Arizonagirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neil Hamel series, book #2. Neil's aunt dies unexpectedly leaving an unused ticket for a birdwatching adventure to see the rare jer falcon. Neils decides to go in her place and ends up witnessing a murder. The characters get a bit preachy about the threats to rare species, but overall it was enjoyable.

[Cindy B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting plot. Main character doesn't like Baptists or religions other than those of the rich and sometimes not them. Series is losing its glow or interest for me. Though she did intro her younger lover by his name (not as "Kid"). Well narrated.

[Arlene Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another mystery series I apparently loved but remember zilch about....

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick mystery that is intriguing and informative regarding falcons and the controversy regarding their captors.