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A Texas Multi-Billion Dollar Lure!
Following a tactical raid at an Oklahoma farm, a phone call sends U.S. Deputy Marshal Piper McKay rushing back to the East Texas cattle ranch where she grew up. Her grandmother, Jennie Layton, is near death from a crushed skull. When local authorities claim the cause of the injury was an accident, Piper isn’t convinced.
Who wants Jennie dead and why? Is the reason connected to a dubious contract Piper finds in Jennie’s desk? Piper realizes her grandmother isn’t the only one in danger when she barely escapes a deadly attack. Thrust into the middle of a high-stakes, high-risk shell game, Piper’s become the target. The case takes a bizarre turn when Piper unknowingly crosses paths with a Special Ranger. If he can’t derail her investigation, it could cost him his life.
With millions of dollars on the line, nothing will stop a ring of cold-blooded killers, including the murders of a U.S. Marshal and a Special Ranger.
Texas Writing At Its Best – My Book Review
“She laughed. “It’s why I switched to Jen’s truck. I’ve already decided to get another vehicle. No more cars.”
Author Anita Dickason takes her readers into a brilliantly written world of cattle rustling and cattle DNA. Then she intermixes a few murders and attempted murders into the story. This is the second book I’ve read by Anita. Deadly Business did not disappoint in any way. Fast-paced and incredibly well-written with tones of wit and seriousness, Deadly Business became an immersive and unputdownable book for me from the first chapter.
The strong lead character of Piper is exceedingly relatable from her fierce protectiveness of her family to her work ethic. Cattle rustling is still a big deal here in Texas. Anita crafted this Texas-style mystery around that theme with a resilient woman lead character. The hints of romance are subtle. Anita brings history into the story which is well researched.
“Something was in the wind.”
As a former police officer, Anita wrote every word of this thriller with authority. So much authority that nothing in this story made me stop and go “there is no way that could’ve happened.” At the end of the book, The Story Behind the Fiction is briefly given to readers on the Special Rangers, U.S. Marshal Service, and Cattle DNA.
I do want to say the only thing I did not like about this book was its cover. It just does not do the amazing story justice to the amazing breadth of what the story encompasses. The artful graphics throughout the book brings the story together.
This character-driven unputdownable book is Texas writing at its best. I say this because it includes deep family loyalty, cattle ranching, pickup trucks, strong women and everything else that makes Texas – Texas! If you love a mystery thriller genre then you must check out Deadly Business. Also, I would be remiss if I did not give a special shout-out to Leopold! Love the name Anita gave him.
Author’s Note:
What made this a Texas plot were the Special Rangers. And because of that I am so sorry you were disappointed in the cover. I was remiss in not commenting on the cover in the Story behind the Fiction at the end of the book. I should have explained the reason behind the cover and title. I wrote this book because of the Special Rangers. It’s why a Special Ranger is a lead character. They are a link to Texas history and the days of the big cattle drives. They are still on the front lines, investigating the same type of crimes their predecessors did. Yet, most people don’t even realize this truly unique group of Texas officers even exist. When I designed the cover, I wanted it to represent the Special Rangers and their role in Texas justice since it spoke to heart of the plot. They don’t wear uniforms, but their badge is proudly displayed on their holsters. On the cover, the badge is on the holster.
FOUR WINNERS:
1st: Autographed hardcover copy + tote back, mousepad, pen, & bookmark;
2nd: Tote bag, coaster, pen, & bookmark;
3rd & 4th: eBook copy.
Click to visit the LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE TOUR PAGE
for direct links to each tour stop, updated daily.
Or visit the blogs directly:
| 7/20/21 | Review | Bibliotica |
| 7/20/21 | BONUS Promo | LSBBT Blog |
| 7/21/21 | Notable Quotable | Missus Gonzo |
| 7/21/21 | BONUS Promo | Hall Ways Blog |
| 7/22/21 | Review | It’s Not All Gravy |
| 7/23/21 | Author Interview | That’s What She’s Reading |
| 7/24/21 | Video Excerpt | StoreyBook Reviews |
| 7/25/21 | Video Excerpt | All the Ups and Downs |
| 7/26/21 | Review | Reading by Moonlight |
| 7/27/21 | Guest Post | The Plain-Spoken Pen |
| 7/28/21 | Review | Chapter Break Book Blog |
| 7/29/21 | Review | Forgotten Winds |
| 7/29/21 | BONUS Review | Jennie Reads |
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Forgotten Winds 
Great review! I loved the book, too!
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Thank you so very much hosting my book and your review. I love that you hit the essence of the book. It is Texas. What made this a Texas plot were the Special Rangers. And because of that I am so sorry you were disappointed in the cover. I was remiss in not commenting on the cover in the Story behind the Fiction at the end of the book. I should have explained the reason behind the cover and title. I wrote this book because of the Special Rangers. It’s why a Special Ranger is a lead character. They are a link to Texas history and the days of the big cattle drives. They are still on the front lines, investigating the same type of crimes their predecessors did. Yet, most people don’t even realize this truly unique group of Texas officers even exist. When I designed the cover, I wanted it to represent the Special Rangers and their role in Texas justice since it spoke to heart of the plot. They don’t wear uniforms, but their badge is proudly displayed on their holsters. On the cover, the badge is on the holster.
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Anita – Thank you SO much for explaining the meaning behind the book cover. With such a strong lead character in Piper, I thought it should’ve been her on the cover or even Leopold. That background connects the cover and the story. Thank you! You’re so welcome. I loved this story from the beginning to the end.
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It was my fault. I should have explained. Lesson learned.
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This is such good info to know about the cover & the Special Ranger badge! Thanks for sharing it here. And great review here, too! The book sounds like a thrill-fest.
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Yes, so glad Anita shared this about the cover and badge.
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