Desert Intrigue

The Adventures of John and Julia Evans, Book 4

By: Linda Weaver Clarke

Narrated by: Carolyn Kashner

Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's Summary

Mystery…Adventure...Romance...Humor...Intrigue! 

When Julia’s brother announces that his dude ranch is haunted, she believes that someone is trying to sabotage his place and force him to sell. The mysterious happenings have to do with Superstition Mountain, the lost Dutchman’s goldmine, and the great Thunder God. Is it possible that the legend of the Thunder God is actually true? After a terrible thunderstorm, everyone begins to wonder. John and Julia quickly head to Mesa, Arizona and discover a few mysterious events. Will they find out who is behind these disasters before Uncle Kelly’s dude ranch is ruined?

©2012 Linda Weaver Clarke (P)2019 Linda Weaver Clarke

Wonderful

This was a well written and narrated book. I loved the story line. This pulls you in and keeps you interested through the whole thing. I enjoyed the unfolding of Julia's brother. It was fast paced, had humor, romance, and possibly ghosts. I recommend it to all. I received it as a gift and this is my voluntary review.

Suspense and mystery in the high desert

Desert Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke takes place near the Superstition Mountains of metro Phoenix. I love the legend that is told here. The imagery the author writes is very well done, the characters are endearing, and the adventure is delightful. Julia and John Evans are wife/husband in this clean story. Carolyn Kashner is wonderful in how she performs the book. I can easily hear who is speaking. This book is a standalone listen and part of a series. Its a treasure!

Another Great Installment in the Series

As I have stated in my reviews of previous books in this series, I am an an avid reader but also almost exclusively audiobooks due to my schedule. Because of this, I can be critical of narrators and am a true believer that a narrator can make or break an audiobook. Especially when books have a single narrator required to speak with different voices for multiple characters. Most cannot do it without having some errors where they use the wrong 'voice' for the wrong character. While I still prefer books narrated with multiple narrators, narrator Carolyn Kashner continues to do a great job in this series. I didn't have any problem listening to this book and was glad I didn't because, once again, the story kept me entertained throughout.

I am not a fan of including spoilers in my reviews, but John and Julia are a fun couple with three adult daughters. Book 4 focuses on helping Julia's brother discover who is causing him problems with his ranch, and as always, they stumble into more than planned. The story kept me entertained and I enjoyed meeting Julia's brother and hearing more about her childhood. If you are looking for heavy sex and over the top language, this book and series isn't for you. However, if you are looking for a good clean family friendly story that will hold your interest and make you laugh at times, I highly recommend this book and what I have read (or listened to) in the series so far, which are books 1 - 4. Hopefully there will be more Evans Family stories to come.

I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Mystery and Suspense

I have listened to the other books of the series, so was happy to listen again. I enjoy Audible books because I can take them with me anywhere. Right on my phone. So it's handy!

This book takes place in the Superstition Mountains. Even just the title points to a great read! I enjoyed the tale of the Lost Dutchman and all the mysterious adventures that take place in the lives of John and Julia. Evans.

In this read you will find, mystery, suspense, wedding plans gone awry, a trip to the hospital and a very exciting backdrop in the Arizona desert.

The narrater was Carolyn Kashner, who has narrated several other books of this author. She does a great job of helping the listener know who's who.

I received an Audible copy from the author. All thoughts are my own.

A complete joy

I downloaded this book intending to save it for a few weeks when I have a long drive ahead of me but I just couldn’t wait and I’m glad I didn’t. What a delight. The mystery and intrigue is there as always and it was interesting to learn at the end of the book what parts of the story were true and based in research. The characters are great and I especially liked a scene that featured jelly beans. I won’t say more so I don’t ruin it for others. Can there be another book so I have something for my trip?!

Desert Intrique

I loved this mystery read. I really enjoy these kind of mysteries. To me this is a real page turner, with twists and turns. I loved this audio the Narrator does a fantastic job. The Author has brought forth an a fantastic read and series. I love putting together puzzle like reads like this one, It had me on the edge of my seat. I felt like I was watching them through my minds eye invisioning the scenes there written so well and come out fantastic in this audio. A definite must listen.
Shauna Joesten

Mystery, intrigue and humor

I really enjoyed this clean fast pace, well written little mystery. The characters and storyline are well developed. The story has it all intrigue, romance, humor, and superstition. I highly recommend this book for lovers of clean mysteries with a touch of realism.

Engaging Story with Rich History

This is the first book by this author that I’ve read. Linda Clarke created a lovable family with strong female characters in healthy and stable relationships. I enjoyed the inclusion of the history and legends and believe the story resolved in a believable manner.

The narrator turned in a credible performance. I believe that narrating books is very difficult and switching between male/female voices and giving different inflections for each character is highly demanding. On top of that - turning in this performance while not sounding like you are reading a book - well it’s certainly not something I could do. This rendition was simply not my favorite.


I enjoyed the story and recommend the book. I plan to look for other books by Linda Weaver Clark.

Overall, good

"Ju-li-a" pronunciation got old. Spead it up to 1.15 helped a lot. Great, safe book for young adults

Great Narration & Series

We are taken to Southern Arizona and Superstition Mountain. Julia’s brother has a dude ranch, is the place haunted, or is something else causing the happenings. The area is full of history with the Dutchman mines, and the Thunder.God, with the spirits of those lost. Full of adventure and a touch of romance, in this good series. The narration by Carolyn was good and added to the story.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

Sweet

The family dynamics we sweet and endearing. I enjoyed listening to their relationships and the love they felt for each other.

Good old fashion

This is my first book by Linda Weaver Clarke.

It promises Mystery, Adventure, Romance and Intrigue. All are delivered. The book is based on true stories . I think knowing the book is based on history , makes it more interesting.

This book reminds me of a good old fashioned mystery book. I love those books. Sit back and enjoy the story, you will not be disappointed. Like a proper mystery, adventure book the last chapter brings the book together.