The Well

by Sharon Sterling

Montezuma Well, a limestone "sink" and Native American cliff dwelling, provides the backdrop for murder in this present-day tale of mystery and suspense. A face-off between mental health law and justice for victims rips apart the peace of a small town in central Arizona. Allie Davis is the counselor trapped between would-be executioners and the evil they seek to destroy. The lives of three are at risk. First, a beautiful Apache woman, Kim Altaha, who describes herself as an instrument of karma. Second, a young mother who survived childhood sexual abuse, and Third, a gun-toting, cowboy-hat-wearing man whose favorite ride is a classic sports car. Throw in a wickedly seductive psychiatrist and advice from an ancient Chinese book of prophecy to muddy the waters of the Well, and you’ll never see what rises at night to feed beneath its surface.

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2013

About the author

Sharon Sterling, formerly Sharon Hickey, received a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from of Northern Arizona University and a Master of Social Work degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. She is the former resident of six different cities in Arizona, where she received her education and worked in the mental health field for more than twenty years. Her first published novel is The Well, Book One of the Arizona Thriller Trilogy. The second book in the trilogy, Fatal Refuge, continues the adventures of young Apache woman Kim Altaha, and psychotherapist Allie Davis. A Killing at Lynx Lake is the final book of the trilogy--but perhaps not the last we'll hear of its characters.

Reviews

[Terri Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked everything about this book. The location and the detail given to each place. The history of The Well, the information on the surroundings and the story. The characters were well developed. It felt like I was there with them. I look forward to the next two in the series.

[Susan S. Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

a page turner I loved it

Great prose, good character development but most of all a great story. Plenty of page turning drama and suspense. A well deserved finish for a very bad person. This is one of three in a trilogy and I am already on book 2 Fatal Refuge.

[Alice King · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not as good as the second book in the series. She seems a little confused as to where the Silverbell Mine is and "Oled Main"

[Sharon Sterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a woman over 30 years of age; if you've ever been to a counselor or have worked in the mental health field; if you're fascinated by Native American sites and Native American culture; if you long to travel Arizona highways; if you love psychological thrillers, you'll love this book. It is honest, gritty, and wise. The strong women characters survive many plot twists and can laugh at themselves.

[Earl McGill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharon Sterling's novel takes place in an area not often mentioned in fiction, the Verde Valley, south of Sedona, Arizona. Having spent a fair amount of time in the area, I can vouch for the accuracy of her depiction of the wonderful rimrock country, especially Montezuma's Well, the focal point of her narrative. Toss in Sterling's expertise acquired while working in the mental health field and you have the makings of an edgy psychological suspense novel.