Review by ThePOBoxBlog -- Desert Sanctuary by Fred G. Baker

[ThePOBoxBlog]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Desert Sanctuary" by Fred G. Baker.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Desert Sanctuary by author Fred G. Baker is an action-packed mystery that draws readers in from the very beginning. This is the second book in a series following Detective Lori Sanchez as she combats corruption in the Phoenix police force. When she's assigned to a drug bust that goes bad fast, her quick thinking leads to all fingers pointed at her. With a team of friends from the police force, Sanchez has to prove that she didn't commit the crime, all while trying to figure out who really did.

Baker has created a strong and unique protagonist in Lori Sanchez. In this book, she comes against many extreme obstacles, both physical and mental, which she is able to work through and overcome. She works to help others and stands for justice, even when it might hurt her in the end. Though she can be crass at times, she's full of life, wit, and jokes that keep the reader wanting more of her.

This story is targeted for an adult readership. It features prominent profanity. Though there are no "sexual" scenes, sex is briefly referred to. This book does describe action scenes that are bloody and violent, which though interesting for many, might not be suitable for some audiences. If you are going to read this book, be prepared for gunfights, stabbings, and oddly placed bodily fluids.

One thing that could be improved about the writing of this story was the author's use of exposition. I disliked the use of description that spanned multiple paragraphs just to describe one object or scene. At times it felt like the author's words were very heavy-handed, especially in his initial descriptions. There is little room for the reader's own imagination and intuition in these scenes. However, this wasn't overly noticeable when reading the book, there were only a few areas where the language really stood out as long-winded.

This book was a very good read and one that I read in one day. The story was interesting and fresh, the characters were well-rounded, and the mystery was well planned out. For the most part, the plot twists were strong and unsuspected. As for the mystery element, over the progression of the story, it becomes more and more apparent who is involved in the crime though I would have liked more time to get to know the characters and develop my own suspicions before the author reveals the bad actors in the story. Overall, I would rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars. It was engaging and interesting enough that I would recommend it to others and I would read it again. It wasn't a perfect book but it was very strong and one that kept me interested the whole way through, which is why I believe it deserves more than 3 stars.

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Desert Sanctuary
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[kobby95]

Seems an interesting read. However, I am put off by "prominent profanity," but even more so by scenes of violence and blood. So, unfortunately, this book passes me by.

[Ellie Gatillo]

It reminds me a little of an old film about a drug bus gone wrong. I wonder how Detective Sanchez would clear her name. This book sounds amazing, so I am adding this to my to-read list.