Betrayed

by Joseph Lewis

A late-night phone call, a missing kid, a murdered family, and no one is talking.

Integrity is protecting someone who betrayed you. Courage is keeping a promise even though it might mean death.

A late-night phone call turns what was to be a fun hunting trip into a deadly showdown. Fifteen-year-old brothers George Tokay, Brian Evans and Brett McGovern face death on top of a mesa on the Navajo Nation Reservation in Arizona. They have no idea why men are intent on killing them.

Betrayed is a contemporary psychological thriller and an exploration of the heart and of a blended family of adopted kids, their relationships to each other and their parents woven into a tight mystery-thriller.

332 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2020

About the author

I am a reviewer and published author in the thriller-crime-mystery genre. I've won approximately 20 awards. You can find my work on my website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mom, a dad, 2 teenage boys of their own, and 3 adopted boys .. all 15 and 16 year-olds These teenagers are treated like adults and as they are all Navajo, maybe their culture dictates how they act. These boys all have histories of death, sometimes abuse of one kind or another, they have found themselves a place where they are loved, cared for and they know they have a place in the world.

A late-night phone call sends dad and three 15-year-old brothers to the Navajo Nation Reservation in Arizona. A good friend of theirs has been reported missing. Some sheep that he had been tending were left shot and dead ... but no sign of the missing boy.

Partnering up with an FBI agent, and the local law enforcement, he and the adults start investigation on their own. The boys have taken all their camping equipment and set up near a small lake .. close to where the missing boy was last seen.

And there is where the action really begins ....

The intricate plot is solidly written. This is a character-driven story examining a blended family, how they relate to one another amid a mystery filled with Navajo culture and beliefs. Twists and turns lead to a hair-raising conclusion. It's an emotional story with many layers.

Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery-thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Rick Treon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayed is at once an emotional chapter in author Joseph Lewis’ continuing coming-of-age story and an intriguing thriller. Following both law enforcement and a group of teens searching for a missing boy on Native American land, Lewis’ latest also provides a unique view into Navajo culture. A layered story that explodes into a bullet-riddled climax!

[Nora Wolfenbarger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a challenging read for me. A coming-of-age story showing young men who are attempting to understand their sexuality while fighting for their lives and the life of another young man. There are wonderful scenes where the emotional struggle is quite clear. Other scenes are unrealistic and repetitive. The imagery is well done, and the action is intense. I did find it hard to believe young men with the fighting history of these boys would swim in the nude, playing like kids, knowing they are being watched by strangers.

[Sublime Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating = 4.42

Storyline & Concept = 4.25
Writing & Delivery = 4.5
Editorial = 4.5

Betrayed is the third installment in the series by Joseph Lewis and is not likely to be the last. The stories revolve around a blended family with biological and adopted brothers, many of whom have had tragic events in their past. Their adventures in this novel involve aiding law enforcement to find a missing Native American boy, which inadvertently pulls them into a larger case of intimidation, greed, and murder.

This novel is an action-packed thriller that will keep the reader turning the pages. Interspersed throughout the book are scenes of introspection and self-doubt from the point of view of the principal protagonist, Brian, as he contemplates his sexuality and his place in his adoptive family. The writer does an excellent job using these scenes to adjust the pace of the story and to gradually feed backstory to the reader. The element that required suspension of disbelief on my part was the leeway law enforcement gave to a group of minors regarding firearms and driving permits, not to mention sending them on a potentially dangerous mission. That being said, the descriptions of settings and characters are extremely well done, and the pacing is perfect. The ending ties up all the loose ends, yet you feel (and hope) there will be more from these characters in the future.

Sublime Line: “Action and adventure are the words of the day in this thrilling, well-written, page-turner from Joseph Lewis.”

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to be honest with you, I have no idea where to start with this book. Betrayed by Joseph Lewis is one part action, one part emotionally crippling, and one part what the heck is going on.

Let’s start with action-packed. I was on the edge of my seat and holding my breath as I waited for these characters to get through the latest scrape. Whether it is drug dealing bar owners, tough guy jerks out for a rampage, or a slimy businessman. These men will stop at nothing to get what they want. I yelled out a few times because I couldn’t take the suspense.

Now, emotionally crippled is only the beginning of how I felt while reading this book. These boys have a bond that is stronger than anything I have ever seen. At first, I was uncomfortable with their actions until I looked deeper into myself to ask why this was so. I didn’t find the answer, but it is a question that I will keep asking. I ugly cried through most of the novel. I have never read anything like this in my 48 years on this Earth.

Okay, there are some very unfulfilling moments as well. I felt the entire time that I was reading a sequel because there were a lot of allusions to the “summer of death.” Unfortunately, very little written about what happened then. The results of that summer are a big part of how these characters react to things around them. But the audience is not privy to this information, which is very frustrating.

If it were not for the blank spaces, I would award this book a full 5 out of 5 stars. However, I can’t get that feeling of confusion and frustration out of my system. As such, I award Betrayed 4 out of 5 stars. The book is good, but for that one flaw, but it is a big flaw that I can’t get past. I recommend that anyone with a taste of adventure read this book.

Many thanks to Emma at Damppebbles Blog Tours, Joseph Lewis, and Black Rose Books for providing me with a copy of Betrayed in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayed by Joseph Lewis is the third book in the series that follows on from 'Caught In a Web' and 'Spiral Into Darkness'. I haven't read the previous two books as yet I jumped in with Betrayed. The storyline revolves around a family that is a 'blended' one. There are adopted as well as biological brothers. This is a family whose siblings have all, in varying degrees have suffered tragic events in their pasts.
An action-packed thriller that grabbed my attention from the start.This particular instalment involves the brothers helping Law enforcement try to find one of the brothers, George, oldest friend, Charles who is a native american.The problems begin to get bigger as they find themselves being drawn into a much larger case of intimidation, greed and ultimately murder!
The story isn't only about the missing Charles though, we also see Brian, another of the brothers struggling with his sexuality and also his place within his family. I really thought that these issues were handled with the sensitivity they deserved and we then delve into some of the back story so we are not left feeling lost in the story either.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pace of this book and getting to know all the characters. I could have been part of that blended family by the time I was done with the story. These characters are very well created, all the brothers camaraderie and the live they have for all their family, and friends is a lovely part of the book. The conclusion of the story just leaves us enough hope that there MAY BE another book to come. I hope so as I have only just discovered this family and I would certainly look forward to a new book featuring them!
Thank you to Damp Pebbles and Joseph Lewis for my book to write this review today of this story of loyalty, love, greed and ultimately, family.

[Fate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Then tension was insane. From the very start things got complicated and dangerous, the kids were much more capable than adults, it was really difficult that they were still kids going through so much danger.

Betrayed is fast-paced action book, in fact everything was happening so fast that usually would leave you feel confused. However, the writer did a great job with adding back story of the characters in between scenes and the intricate plot is really satisfying. I couldn't guess what happened and who was involved till the very end. If you like action you'll really love this book, it's never short of action. It kept hinting to "The Summer of Death" since I haven't read the previous books it made me feel frustrated because it felt like I missed out on the reason why the boys are so close and how they all have such a strong bond.

The book will emotionally grab you and keep you invested. I felt extremely worried and sad both at what's happening and how the boys were feeling. These are children subjected to such dangerous situations, their interpersonal struggles that comes up whilst trying to survive, I can't imagine the mental turmoil all of them were going through. Their struggle and the feeling of loneliness in their heads broke my heart, these young boys deserves so much love and peace and I'm so glad that it's over now. The thoughts that kept coming to Brian, how alone Brett & Michael felt, and how George must have felt when everything ended and finds out that that one person who he thought was close to him played a hand in putting them in such danger.

It was especially hard to go through while realizing that all of this was happening because of the selected few who were willing to go above all means to live a better life. To give up a sacred place for a better living, I can't even begin to imagine the desperation some of these people must've felt when they were proposed with the idea by a shady businessman. I really hope that these kinds of incidents happens less often in the real world.

Thank you Booktasters and Joseph Lewis for the opportunity to review this book. It has certainly left its mark on my mind and hearth.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel Betrayed is the ideal combination of western spirit and adventure with modern-day adolescent challenges. The novel expertly delves into characters who are coming to grips with past traumas within a loving blended family. There are many types of characters, all with their own particular strengths and growth cycles. One of the most appealing (and idealistic) aspects of the novel is the love and kindness adult family figures provide the adolescents as they embark on their physical and emotional journeys. There are mature themes present, such as post-traumatic stress, discovering sexuality, and broken families. Overall, the enduring message of the novel is unconditional love.

[Kay Walden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

I can't day enough about this series. The characters in the storyline get in your heart. I can't wait for the next book

[Feather Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling

I loved the depth of the characters in the fast-paced storyline. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Alexander Yewande · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best novel I have read In a while this novel got me up at night wondering what happened on the next page ,When I started the novel I was not really sure of what to expect,it came on with a good start but based on prior experiences,I am not really a fan of novel with too many characters,because some of the characters are left in the shadow or they are not well descriptive but this one really wowed me,I have read a lot of book under this genre but this one has a different feel to it.
This novel is about a group of brother some with traumatic past,who embarked on a journey with two law enforcers to another city in search for their missing friend after receiving a disturbing call from his sister.on getting there they realized it runs deeper than they expected.
special thanks to booktaster for the opportunity to read this fine piece of art.

[Elaine Milks · Rating 5 out of 5]

BETRAYED by Joseph Lewis 5 stars
Awesome read, hard to put down. Fast moving, great story of a family who adopted several boys who had nowhere to go. Some were Navajo. A problem came up on the reservation and one boy's friend was missing. Strange, dangerous things were happening. Great read.

[Francis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this through Booktasters, glad i made the selection for an action thriller this time.

This is an action packed thriller as 4 boys with violent stained pasts fight each other and a common goal. Joseph does well to take us into the world of Navajo who seem to have trust issues, gives us little hints of the characters who all have some questions about themselves but also doing very well in their adopted family.
Very easy to read, the action keeps pushing up and well, you get excited with their every victory. A 6/10 in my rating but it was a nice read after going through a lot of corporate and academic books.

[Cathy C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betrayed by Joseph Lewis is an extremely intricate and interesting story. The novel certainly has plenty of action and intrigue, but one of the focal points of the story is the relationship between a family of adopted brothers.
We see and experience how these teenage boys relate to and connect with one another. They’ve all survived some extremely difficult situations, and all carry their own burdens. Yet, this doesn’t diminish their ability to love and care for one another.
Betrayed tells the story of brothers who were brought together by unfortunate circumstances but have been able to overcome their own personal demons. The bond between these boys is something special and shows how deep familial bonds can run, even if you’re not related by blood. Joseph Lewis has tactfully dealt with some difficult themes, and still managed to squeeze a nice amount of action and mystery into this novel.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vicky and Jeremy’s family of both biological and adopted children is soon in danger when the parents allow Brian, Brett and George to head off to Navajo land in Arizona on a hunting-trip-cum-search for an old friend who’s gone missing. It’s soon clear that bad things are happening, local ranchers intimated by killing, and not just of their livestock. Guns come into the equation, some held by the bad guys, others by cops and an FBI agent who’re on the case along with others tasked with keeping eyes on the boys, discreet and not-so-discreet.

It's also an unusual story, with the mixing of themes not usually found together in more traditional tales, playing with genre conventions in the style of No Country for Old Men and Brokeback Mountain—more the latter than the former here, in terms of the love of brothers Brian and Bobby. I’m not quite easy with this trend for a mash-up of conventions, and in the case of Betrayed I’m not sure what the problematic gay relationship of these fifteen-year-old non-biological brothers brings to the action story of who’s targeting the Navajo community and why.

There is some backstory to the entire family, it seems—the book being part of a series, and not the first volume, apparently, although this isn’t obvious, from the book cover or blurb. Aside from that though, it’s a well-written piece, well-paced, with some good character development.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry into Joseph Lewis's universe. This one delves deeper into the Navajo culture, as George and his adopted brothers attempt to locate one of George's missing childhood friends. Along the way, they stumble into a larger mystery that quickly turns violent - even deadly.

This book is a slower burn than the other 6 books he has written, but definitely amps up around the 40% mark. It also does a great job of handling some sensitive matters, such as how one of the adopted brothers questions just how he fits into the family unit and where his sexuality and love really lies.

I'd recommend reading the preceding books in the series to fully understand it, as there are a lot of allusions to the events of the past novels which may leave you a bit confusing.

[♥ Kierra ♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given this book by Booktasters in exchange for an honest review. I finished this book and unfortunately, it’s not something I will read again. But what I did appreciate is the diversity of the book and learning a bit about Navajoland. I can’t say that I have read any fictional books about Indigenous peoples and I want to read more. The author is also very detailed and descriptive in bringing you into the world.

It’s called Betrayed because obviously there was betrayal involved but for one of the main characters (Brian) I feel like his "betrayal" was all in his head. Without giving too much away, he felt his relationship with Bobby ended because of something he did, never talked to Bobby about his feelings and by the end, there was no resolution for anything he really faced. Also, I didn’t know that this book had LGBTQ parts. But as another reviewer said, I didn’t feel like this element progressed the story, it felt like it was thrown in there just because. The boys are young and as teenagers, there are many emotions you are trying to come to terms with. BUT, that’s the problem with this novel. There was no resolution or working through the homosexual feelings or dealing with the death of their brother or biological family. And when it was mentioned, it felt that everyone was pandering to Brian (it’s okay, we love you, you know we love you right, you have to believe me when I say this etc). The book ended maybe with a possible setup for part two but I don’t feel anything was resolved and the characters didn’t develop, change or grow by the end of the book. I didn’t feel they were any different from the beginning of the book until the end.

Too many characters with no distinguishing features and too many characters with B names (Bobby, Brett, Brian and Billy). Two of the adopted brothers are in love with each other.

Didn’t care too much for these teenagers having sex. I mean there was nothing graphic, tastefully done but not something I wanted to read about.

Characters also seem to appear with no explanation like the introduction of Cat but I can only assume she is the girlfriend or the appearance of FBI agents. It did take me a while to get into this book so I may not remember reading their introductions. What I noticed after reading more is that descriptions come way later in the book. Like introducing Cat as a girlfriend and not finding out until Ch. 23 whose girlfriend she was (Brian).

There are 101 chapters but they are very short.


Notable Quote:

“You don’t always measure hurt with bruises, broken bones or blood. Sometimes there is hurt you don’t see. And sometimes it’s the hurt you don’t see that you end up feeling the most.”

Overall, this book was okay but not something I would recommend to anyone or read again. However, I think the author is a talented writer so I would like to read other works but this one fell flat for me.

[Jill Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Joseph Lewis is a master at sucking readers in from the very first pages. Deliberate and detailed, Lewis has created a world within his manuscripts that brings its characters with it from book to book. This means, each character introduced, from the very details of their appearance, to their conversations with others, is fair game for showing up in his other works, and very often these little easter eggs make their way in. This level of detail is what makes Lewis’ writing so easy to fall in love with. Readers embrace the characters, their flaws, talents, and particulars as they come back time and time again across the various pages in Lewis’ nine books to date. Such as Brian’s skill with a gun, or George’s uncanny ability to walk a crime scene, both of which play a role in “Betrayed.”

“Betrayed” transports readers from the comforts of Wisconsin to the harsh desert climate of Arizona. In the heart of the Navajo Nation, George returns home with his brothers Brian and Brett to find his missing friend. Traversing via horse and desert roads, the brothers and the law enforcement tasked with keeping an eye on them, are plagued with those that are ‘dine refusing to speak to them. Up against the clock as Rebecca’s brother has left no trail, the boys must come together if everyone is to survive.

Michael Two Feathers makes his debut appearance in “Betrayed,” a character I am so excited to have join the fold as I loved his vulnerability in “Fan Mail.” Having him centered in “Betrayed” was a welcome treat. From introducing a new key character, down to giving the stray wolf-dog Brian befriends a lovable personality, Lewis has once again nailed it in this Navajo Nation desert read.

[Ladonne House · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betrayed

I thought the main storyline of brothers taking working together to stop an injustice was great. However, I had 2 recurring questions during the entire novel: What kind of parents let 15 year old kids go on this type of mission without at least one of them going as well?, and what did the status of Brian's and Bobby's relationship have to do with any of the rest of the story? The parental issue was just crazy! Children's Devices would have pulled all the kids from that home because of that behavior. The sexual issue contributed nothing to the plot and I don't like sex for sensationalism in any book.

[Alan Geller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding

Betrayed is a thriller-crime story about a hunting trip gone wrong. Three bothers travel to Arizona- one to search for a missing childhood friend, the other two to hunt. However, nothing is as it seems, as all three lives are threatened. It is more than just bullets flying. It is a story of trust, of brotherhood, and integrity. But with that comes betrayal. A huge thumbs up and a Five Star Rating! Worth the read.

[Joseph Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! A nice "follow along" to the previous two books, Caught in a Web and Spiral Into Darkness. Characters and setting are strong, as is the story line. You won't be disappointed with this one.

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Rape of a child mentioned
Murder