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Jonathan Wilder Mystery #3
The Devil's Hawk
For generations, the Devil's Hawk - El Halcón Satánico - has struck terror in the hearts of suspicious Mexicans. To those who see the great bird circling above them in the sky, they know that death will follow soon.
But is the bird really an emissary of the devil and a harbinger of death? Ornithologist Jon Wilder shares no such fears. But on a trip to Southern Arizona where he has come to study native birds, he suddenly confronts another evil that is just as sinister... and deadly.
As his visit is about to end, the bodies of six Mexican immigrants are discovered in the desert in temperatures well over a hundred degrees. They include the sister of Jon's close friend, Emilio Flores, as well as her husband and young children. Abandoned without water or shelter, they were left to die by smugglers whose leader is a notorious figure known only as "The Hawk."
Offering to help his friend, Jon is quickly drawn into an investigation that the Border Patrol has already begun. Guiding it is savvy, female Border Patrol agent, Max Montoya, who has her own reasons for uncovering The Hawk's identity. Aided by a blind priest, Jon soon collects a growing list of suspects. Among them, is an eccentric billionaire with a passion for environmental causes, a charismatic Mexican-American labor leader, a shadowy banker, and a local realtor whose hearty laughter hides forbidden secrets.
As Jon's pursuit of The Hawk takes him deep into Mexico itself, the deceptions and the dangers that he faces multiply, in a story filled with colorful locales and indelibly drawn characters, and one that races to an unexpected and nerve shattering climax.
But is the bird really an emissary of the devil and a harbinger of death? Ornithologist Jon Wilder shares no such fears. But on a trip to Southern Arizona where he has come to study native birds, he suddenly confronts another evil that is just as sinister... and deadly.
As his visit is about to end, the bodies of six Mexican immigrants are discovered in the desert in temperatures well over a hundred degrees. They include the sister of Jon's close friend, Emilio Flores, as well as her husband and young children. Abandoned without water or shelter, they were left to die by smugglers whose leader is a notorious figure known only as "The Hawk."
Offering to help his friend, Jon is quickly drawn into an investigation that the Border Patrol has already begun. Guiding it is savvy, female Border Patrol agent, Max Montoya, who has her own reasons for uncovering The Hawk's identity. Aided by a blind priest, Jon soon collects a growing list of suspects. Among them, is an eccentric billionaire with a passion for environmental causes, a charismatic Mexican-American labor leader, a shadowy banker, and a local realtor whose hearty laughter hides forbidden secrets.
As Jon's pursuit of The Hawk takes him deep into Mexico itself, the deceptions and the dangers that he faces multiply, in a story filled with colorful locales and indelibly drawn characters, and one that races to an unexpected and nerve shattering climax.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2002
5 people want to read
About the author
Ray Sipherd
32 books5 followersRay Sipherd was one of Sesame Street's early writers, as well as the author of a number of Sesame Street books. His work on Sesame Street earned three Emmy awards.
Sipherd, a graduate of Yale University, created the award-winning NPR program All Things Considered. In addition, he has penned a number of mystery novels for adult audiences, such as Dance of the Scarecrows, and published a collection of short stories titled The Christmas Store. Currently, Sipherd serves as a senior staff editor for Reader's Digest Condensed Books.
Sipherd, a graduate of Yale University, created the award-winning NPR program All Things Considered. In addition, he has penned a number of mystery novels for adult audiences, such as Dance of the Scarecrows, and published a collection of short stories titled The Christmas Store. Currently, Sipherd serves as a senior staff editor for Reader's Digest Condensed Books.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
June 18, 2012
A lame mystery/thriller with a little bit of bird interest involving illegal crossing of the Mexico/Arizona border. Not recommended.
Displaying 1 of 1 review