Not Dead Enough
A Cal Claxton Oregon Mystery
$35.14
- Paperback
304 pages
- Release Date
7 June 2016
Summary
The first closing of the floodgates of the mammoth Dalles Dam on the Columbia River inundated the sacred falls and the Native American village at Celilo which depended on the river’s magnificent fish. Nelson Queah, Wasco Indian, war hero, and passionate opponent of the dam, watched helplessly as 10,000 years of tribal history and fishing tradition disappeared. That 1957 night, Nelson Queah vanished without a trace.Fifty years later, attorney Cal Claxton, new to Portland after a career as a prosecutor in Los Angeles, attends a commemoration of the flooding of the falls at the behest of his friend, Philip Lone Deer, who introduces Cal to his cousin, Winona Cloud. Winona is Nelson Queah’s granddaughter. Spurning the story of a witness at the time who claimed to have seen Queah drunk by the river, she reveals she’s found a cache of letters at her grandmother’s home, letters Queah wrote to his wife before he vanished. They suggest foul play, and not an accidental drowning.Cal, still grieving over his own wife’s suicide, agrees to check out the cold case. He locates the man who put out the drunk story and sets up an interview. When he arrives, he finds the man shot by a sniper. Cal gets a glimpse of the shooter and becomes a target himself.
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781464206153 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1464206155 |
| Author: | Warren C. Easley |
| Publisher: | Sourcebooks, Inc |
| Imprint: | Poisoned Pen Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 304 |
| Release Date: | 7 June 2016 |
| Weight: | 318g |
| Dimensions: | 140mm x 216mm |
| Series: | Cal Claxton Oregon Mysteries |
You Can Find This Book In
Critics Review
A well written crime novel that engages the reader in a fast moving taut thriller mixing in Native American legend with Mid Western modern American life * NetGalley *
This is a wonderfully atmospheric murder mystery set in Oregon. It is a well constructed story that is focused on the disappearance and murder of Nelson Queah 50 years ago and its repercussions in the present day. Warren Easley excels in depicting Oregon and its stunning landscape. He is skilful in his characterisations and in making me care about the people in the story. With a sensitively handled romance and nail biting suspense, this is a tale that captures the emotions of the reader. Great read! * Goodreads *
I loved it. I will definitely be reading more Cal Claxton novels. * NetGalley *
Not Dead Enough by Warren C. Easley moves the story along from the closing of the floodgates to the solving of Queah’s disappearance and takes readers through suspense, intrigue, fraud, murder, dirty politics and arrogant power brokers if it’s illegal, it’s part of this excellent novel. * Bookloons *
Twisty Oregon mystery spanning 50 years. Author Easley brought the gorgeous settings of the Colombia River Gorge alive in this book and raised questions about the damming of the river, fish habitats, state politics, and Native American troubled times in the State. The book really reminded me of another Oregon author who I’ve followed and enjoyed for years - Kate Wilhelm. And I was totally shocked by the ending - and that doesn’t happen too often. * NetGalley *
With a very likable sleuth, Not Dead Enough is sure to appeal not only to mystery lovers, but also to those interested in Native American history, Oregonian culture and environmental issues like salmon migration. Although Not Dead Enough is the fourth in the series, it can easily read as a standalone, allowing fans of Tony Hillerman or Dana Stabenow to dive right into Cal Claxton’s life. * ShelfAwareness *
This is a good read with history, political ambitions and a past that won’t stay buried. It’s good all the way to the last page. – Jo Ann Hakola * Journey of a Bookseller *
An outstanding crime novel. I was mesmerized by the story and unable to put it down until the very exciting conclusion. It is an exciting well written read with a great mystery. This book would appeal to all mystery readers as well as thriller and crime fiction fans. – Lori Reed * NetGalley *
Twisty Oregon mystery spanning 50 years I live in southern Oregon and this story takes place in northern and northeastern Oregon but it was fun reading about places I’ve been and I could actually visualize. – Cheryl Stout * NetGalley *
Lawyer Cal Claxton fled his life in Los Angeles for a more agreeable one in Oregon’s wine country. He fishes; plays with his pup, Archie; samples local pinot; and, when he needs bucks, takes on a not-too- demanding case. But troubled people find him. In Easley’s fourth Claxton novel, a Native American woman needs his help. Her grandfather died more than half a century ago as he was protesting a dam that flooded his village. He was a drunk who fell in the water—that was the verdict then, at least—but the woman found a cache of letters that tell a different story. Claxton tracks down old-timers who remember that bad day, but they are murdered one by one. The narrative spends much time absorbing sights and smells of the glorious outdoors and detailing the political fights they engender. Some may find this slows the murder plot, but fans of Tony Hillerman and C. J. Box won’t mind—the plot is still there and capable of delivering a jolt or two. Advise readers not to jump to that last page. Easley deserves his surprises. * Booklist *
Warren C. Easley
Award-winning author Warren C. Easley lives in Oregon where he writes fiction and tutors GED students. Easley is the author of the Cal Claxton Oregon Mysteries. For more, visit WarrenEasley.com.
Returns
This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.