The Lightning Tree

The author does a great creating and adding to the characters throughout his stories. Mr. Ebelt does an excellent job infusing a mystery/thriller with Navajo legends and traditions. I have read all three books and have not been disappointed yet. Personally, I would like to see them made into movies.

As the moderator for Mid Michigan Writers, Inc., I was asked to read and review The Lightning Tree, the latest novel by Thomas Alan Ebelt. Having read the previous two novels, I was anxious to dive into the third. As we do when we critique our members submissions, I will begin with what is working. Sam Begay, is a very believable character. He balances his job as U.S. Marshall with his Native American beliefs and often relies on lore to solve cases. In his first book, Mr. Ebelt cast a wide net to catch the story. In this, his third, he has narrowed his focus and I believe truly captured his voice. Now, what I think needs improvement. There were numerous typos, misspells and repeated words. These should have been caught by an editor and corrected. They are amateurish mistakes. And I believe the story runs a little long. Overall, this is a great read. I do, and have, recommended The Lightning Tree to all who enjoy a mystery with a bit of the supernatural thrown in to spice things up. I look forward to future novels from this aspiring writer.

The third book from the series is the best one yet. These books can each be read alone or in series. The main man, Sam, gets into and out of problems like John Wayne's characters in old movies. Easy toread and fast paced. I hope we see another book by Mr.Ebelt soon.

A slight breeze cools a sweat-soaked brow and the scent of heated sand fills the nostrils. Tom Ebelt transports his reader into the New Mexico desert in the 1930s. Sam Begay the protagonist of Blacksparrow and Whitefeather finds himself embroiled once again in mayhem, mystery, and murder.Tasked with discovering who did what and why, Sam struggles to fit a patch of wolf’s hair, a baseball team, mobsters, a movie mogul, a politician, and a monster into the border of a jigsaw puzzle, and none of the pieces fit. The reader follows the Navajo hero through a labyrinth of drug and human trafficking, political corruption, bribery, blackmail, revenge, and cultural tradition. As the story progresses the author weaves the elements of the natural and the supernatural into a tapestry of believability that builds to a surprising conclusion.The Lightning Tree shows the progression of Mr. Ebelt’s talent. Fast moving, suspenseful, and thought provoking he reveals a subplot of personal identity and cultural influence that adds depth and realism to the character of Sam Begay. He has mastered the crafting of a compelling story that keeps one’s attention and interest until the conclusion. Kudo’s Tom, I am looking forward to the next installment.

U.S. Marshal Sam Begay (formerly a reservation cop) is the main character that continues his detective work in this 3rd book of the series. As with the first two books, Blacksparrow and Whitefeather, Sam Begay tracks down seemly unrelated clues to solve a mystery. The Lightning Tree is filled with well developed characters and events that will hold your interest as you look forward to and anticipate what will happen next. The result is that it is hard to put the book down. The infusion of Navajo culture and mannerisms adds a richness that makes the book a completely satisfying read.

Book was hard to put down, you kept wanting to read the next chapter. Characters all fit in well, including thespirit world mysteries. A "chill" actually went up my spine. Hopefully a book 4 will be written.