"Spirit Woman Legends and Lies" By Elaine Faber: Review/Giveaway

Review by Sarah Erwin

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase it.

While Spirit Woman Legends and Lies by Elaine Faber is book two in the Spirit Woman Mystery Adventures series, it can be read as a standalone and will be especially enjoyed by readers who like a touch of the mystic in their cozy mysteries.

Legend says that Native American Spirit Woman and her mountain lion companion appear in times of trouble, and Lou Shoemaker is worried when they are once again sighted near Lockleer Mountain.

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Lou is a widow of three years, owner of Pooper Scooper (the local septic tank disposal service), and engaged to Deputy Nate Darling. They live in a small California town in the Sierra Mountains foothills. The two just happen to be out to dinner when the winning lottery numbers are announced and a local, Joe, is holding the winning ticket. Unfortunately, Joe and his brother Cyrus argue over the ownership of said ticket, and Cyrus storms out. A day later, Cyrus’s mutilated body is found in the mountains.

Sheriff Peabody and Deputy Nate must determine if Cyrus’s death was an accident or murder. The investigation becomes more complex with the discovery of drugs stolen from the local Veterans Hospital in Cyrus’s bedroom. 

The announcement of the winning lottery ticket brings all sorts to Lockleer Mountain, including Rosita Ramirez and her two children. Rosita hopes to park her old motorhome in town and sell her homemade tamales to help make ends meet. Lou befriends her, but soon after Rosita’s arrival malicious gossip begins to spread about her. Sheriff Peabody and Deputy Nate are now also roped into exposing the source of the gossip, as well as determining the truth behind Cryus’s death.

This is such a unique cozy mystery, as it combines mystical elements (the appearance of Spirit Woman) with a truly puzzling mystery in a cozy small town setting. Lou herself is a delightful amateur sleuth, both kind to others and self-reliant (she fixes plumbing issues!). Her relationship with Deputy Nate felt real in its ups and downs. None of the characters were too perfect and that’s what made them enjoyable to follow as they worked to uncover the many twists and turns of the mystery. A quick read that kept me on my toes.

To enter to win an ebook copy of Spirit Woman Legends and Lies, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "legend,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen May 4, 2024. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter.If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors!

You can click here to purchase this book.

Sarah Erwin started her career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director and now she’s a stay at home mom. While her career might have changed, her love of reading has been a constant since 4th grade and she reads over 200 books a year. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband and a family dog and cat.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.