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Whiskey Sunrise
A chilling tale of Navajo Skinwalkers, Mexico s drug cartels, and a desert that buries its secrets. A corpse discovered in Whiskey, Arizona points to the work of an emerging drug cartel south of the border. When stolen artifacts from Whiskey's museum lead to more bodies - several of them brutally mangled - Chief of Police Rye Dawlsen fears there is more to the mysterious murders than drugs, corruption, and the Mexican Mafia. The son of a gringo father and a Navajo mother, Dawlsen knows the legend of the Navajo Skinwalkers ... werewolves ... but refuses to believe such creatures exists. Rumored to travel in animal form, Skinwalkers attain the highest level of pure evil when they kill a close blood relative. Dawlsen might discount such rumors except the killings seem too vicious, even for the violent members of El Águila, The Eagle. Something evil lurks behind the cactus and sagebrush of Arizona's desert. An evil so vile it threatens to destroy the people of Whiskey.
- GenresFantasySupernatural
374 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 10, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. Storytelling is solid. Flow is nice. Characters are multi-dimensional. World setting is quick and painless. There's plenty of action.
I was a little over halfway through when the final battle commenced. It seemed like it was a pretty cut and dried ending, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect the remainder of the book. It left me with a Bruce Willis sort of feeling.
My only complaints about this book are nitpicky ones. For example, the characters are named in a way that doesn't make sense for such a book. When a romance writer first starts, most of the characters have stripper names like Candy or Cinnamon or Lexi. It's a rookie mistake. I feel like here the names were purposely made (not all, but the majority) in order to invoke that same sort of feeling. It just doesn't seem natural that that many unusually named people would all live in the same town. It's not impossible, but it doesn't seem likely. As I said, this is a nitpicky thing and really doesn't detract from the story at all.
I was a little over halfway through when the final battle commenced. It seemed like it was a pretty cut and dried ending, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect the remainder of the book. It left me with a Bruce Willis sort of feeling.
My only complaints about this book are nitpicky ones. For example, the characters are named in a way that doesn't make sense for such a book. When a romance writer first starts, most of the characters have stripper names like Candy or Cinnamon or Lexi. It's a rookie mistake. I feel like here the names were purposely made (not all, but the majority) in order to invoke that same sort of feeling. It just doesn't seem natural that that many unusually named people would all live in the same town. It's not impossible, but it doesn't seem likely. As I said, this is a nitpicky thing and really doesn't detract from the story at all.
January 1, 2023
Lots of excitement
An amazing plot which is probably very close to actual fact to go with an interesting group of characters making this hard to put down
An amazing plot which is probably very close to actual fact to go with an interesting group of characters making this hard to put down
November 26, 2014
John Turney’s newest novel Whiskey Sunrise leaves the reader reeling. This action-packed crime thriller has so many twists and turns you feel like you are careening down a narrow mountain road. There is no sex or swearing but violence abounds in every chapter. Law enforcement banding together to fight a satanic enemy in a complicated plot of intrigue. Chief of police Rye Dawlsen is an imperfect hero the reader can empathize with. Ex-military, he struggles with alcohol and is separated from his wife and son. His Navaho heritage plays a strong role in the plot as well. The temptations in his life are portrayed believably. As things go from bad to worse with a serial killer on the loose Rye’s heart longs to make things right with his wife. Each new murder brings many of his life choices into focus.
Rye’s law enforcement team is more like family then mere employees. Each character is distinct and well-written with just enough quirks to make the story more interesting. Their comradery and snarky comments are the light touch the furious action needs to give the reader time to take a breath. The evil guys are clearly defined but the unexpected twists in the plot caught me off guard. I love being surprised by the unexpected.
John Turney captures the imagination with his brilliant pros so no overly disgusting descriptions are needed. His creative phraseology carries the scene evoking sympathy from the reader for the victims and a desire to leap for cover during gun battles.
This is the kind of manly novel most men and teen boys would find compelling. If you like fantasy, thrillers and the supernatural it won’t disappoint. There’s just enough cowboy attitude to appeal to the womenfolk as well. A light touch of the Christian faith element helps connect the dots of redemption. And of course, the last sentence opens the door for a sequel.
Rye’s law enforcement team is more like family then mere employees. Each character is distinct and well-written with just enough quirks to make the story more interesting. Their comradery and snarky comments are the light touch the furious action needs to give the reader time to take a breath. The evil guys are clearly defined but the unexpected twists in the plot caught me off guard. I love being surprised by the unexpected.
John Turney captures the imagination with his brilliant pros so no overly disgusting descriptions are needed. His creative phraseology carries the scene evoking sympathy from the reader for the victims and a desire to leap for cover during gun battles.
This is the kind of manly novel most men and teen boys would find compelling. If you like fantasy, thrillers and the supernatural it won’t disappoint. There’s just enough cowboy attitude to appeal to the womenfolk as well. A light touch of the Christian faith element helps connect the dots of redemption. And of course, the last sentence opens the door for a sequel.
February 14, 2017
Loved it!
As a resident of Az I like books that take place in this great state. I am looking foreword to the next book and reading about the Native Americans and their customs and Whiskey's Chief of Police, and his dept.
As a resident of Az I like books that take place in this great state. I am looking foreword to the next book and reading about the Native Americans and their customs and Whiskey's Chief of Police, and his dept.
January 19, 2015
Initially I was caught off guard by the gnarly, grotesque and confusing brutality in the opening of this book. I had read another review that stated the same concern. Since I had offered to read Whiskey Sunrise for Lighthouse Publishing I ventured on and became mesmerized by the intrigue, suspense, and mystery surrounding the town and the Sheriff Rye Dawlsen. The tone of the book changed when the characters were fleshed out and the storyline focused on Rye and his deputies/friends. My attention was kept by the rapid pace of the book. I could see this book becoming a movie. This isn't a book for the tenderhearted but if you are a grueling guns and knives, action addict you will enjoy it. Bombs, drug cartel, and gun smuggling are all included. Rye's faith and his struggle with alcohol are tested as he fights someone or something who wants him dead. Will his decisions win his wife, Dee back into his life?
I received an ebook copy of Whiskey Sunrise from Lighthouse Publishing for my honest review which I have given.
I received an ebook copy of Whiskey Sunrise from Lighthouse Publishing for my honest review which I have given.
December 4, 2014
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started this book, but Turney did not disappoint in delivering a believable action-packed story. He maintains a good pace in unfolding his story that keeps readers turning to the next chapter after finishing one.
Elements of the story include drug and gun smuggling with the Mexican cartel, a former military man serving as sheriff striving to do what is right for the community while dealing with his alcohol problem which broke up his marriage, and for added plot twists and complexity: Navajo mysticism in the form of skinwalkers.
Turney writes in such a way that even minor characters are not shallow. He gives you enough to feel like you know them without drawing away from the storyline. I've heard writers say their characters speak to them. You may find yourself befriending them, too, while reading this book.
Elements of the story include drug and gun smuggling with the Mexican cartel, a former military man serving as sheriff striving to do what is right for the community while dealing with his alcohol problem which broke up his marriage, and for added plot twists and complexity: Navajo mysticism in the form of skinwalkers.
Turney writes in such a way that even minor characters are not shallow. He gives you enough to feel like you know them without drawing away from the storyline. I've heard writers say their characters speak to them. You may find yourself befriending them, too, while reading this book.
April 14, 2016
Although the faith within this thriller was at the bare minimum, I found the characters to be well developed. The story was entertaining, intriguing, and engrossing. If not for the words and phrases used throughout this story it would have been a recommended read.
I felt as though those words and phrases detracted from the overall story and weakened the impact this book could have had in the Christian market. To me, these words and phrases are not only inappropriate and uncomfortable to read, but could be offensive to devout Christians, think pastors and youth ministers. Plus, it could be a stumbling block to new-to-the-faith Christians or borderline Christians who are trying to put away their former life.
Other than the aforementioned, I found this book fast paced and a good supernatural thriller.
***DISCLAIMER/WARNING***
Some may find the content/language of this book offensive
I felt as though those words and phrases detracted from the overall story and weakened the impact this book could have had in the Christian market. To me, these words and phrases are not only inappropriate and uncomfortable to read, but could be offensive to devout Christians, think pastors and youth ministers. Plus, it could be a stumbling block to new-to-the-faith Christians or borderline Christians who are trying to put away their former life.
Other than the aforementioned, I found this book fast paced and a good supernatural thriller.
***DISCLAIMER/WARNING***
Some may find the content/language of this book offensive
January 3, 2016
Genre: Urban fantasy
Worldview: Christian, non-sanitized
Pros: The first half of the book. Fantasy mystery and intrigue. Gruesome villains. Great writing. I liked that the characters were non-sanitized and represented real people with real issues. I loved the setting.
Cons: The second half of the book. Killers who were completely ruthless stopped killing people and the book became a testosterone thriller fest. Some of that would have been fine, but I didn't understand why so ruthless and savage a villain would change their MO for no reason. Also, a hurricane in New Mexico? C'mon.
Still, the book was enjoyable and I would read another by the author.
Worldview: Christian, non-sanitized
Pros: The first half of the book. Fantasy mystery and intrigue. Gruesome villains. Great writing. I liked that the characters were non-sanitized and represented real people with real issues. I loved the setting.
Cons: The second half of the book. Killers who were completely ruthless stopped killing people and the book became a testosterone thriller fest. Some of that would have been fine, but I didn't understand why so ruthless and savage a villain would change their MO for no reason. Also, a hurricane in New Mexico? C'mon.
Still, the book was enjoyable and I would read another by the author.
January 30, 2015
If you don't like the supernatural, this book is not for you. I received a free e-book form of this book and was unsure whether I would like it or not. Needless to say, once I started reading Whiskey Sunrise it was hard to put down. Having read Tony Hillerman's books, reading about Navajo skin walkers did not bother me. It was a fast paced read. The fighting was more descriptive than what I really like, but did not detract from the story. I was pleasantly surprised with how good the book was.
July 11, 2016
Christian suspense? Wow!
Honestly, I never heard of this genre before. What a pleasant surprise.... Ok back to honesty. This book blew my mind! It has all the thrill-a-minute action one would expect in a suspense novel yet still maintained Christian values. I absolutely loved it. John Turney is now one of my favorite authors.
Honestly, I never heard of this genre before. What a pleasant surprise.... Ok back to honesty. This book blew my mind! It has all the thrill-a-minute action one would expect in a suspense novel yet still maintained Christian values. I absolutely loved it. John Turney is now one of my favorite authors.
February 5, 2016
Fast Paced and Full of Suspense!
Enjoyed reading -starts off with mystery and suspense and rapidly becomes a page turner action packed with a pulse on the U.S. MEXICO border problems and fears. Seriously couldn't put it down.
Enjoyed reading -starts off with mystery and suspense and rapidly becomes a page turner action packed with a pulse on the U.S. MEXICO border problems and fears. Seriously couldn't put it down.
July 18, 2016
Good
the story that is one that has many different shape shifters that were evil and one Navaho who had many good parts.
the story that is one that has many different shape shifters that were evil and one Navaho who had many good parts.
September 7, 2016
An entertaining story with non-stop action.
September 29, 2016
very good
September 13, 2014
An interesting and intriguing novel.
April 27, 2017
Fun and quick read. Reminded me if a cross between Longmire and Tony Hillerman, which is good company to be in.
Fun and quick read. Reminded me a lot of Tony Hillerman and also the Longmire series. Good company to be in.
Fun and quick read. Reminded me a lot of Tony Hillerman and also the Longmire series. Good company to be in.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews