Dire Wolf of the Quapaw: A Jubal Smoak Mystery

Jubal Smoak Mysteries, Book 1

By: Phil Truman

Narrated by: Richard Peterson

Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's Summary

It is said, among the Downstream People, the Dire Wolf has awakened.

An Indian family is brutally murdered. Greenhorn Deputy US Marshal Jubal Smoak figures he knows the killer: the renegade Crow Redhand. In pursuit of the outlaw, the lawman rides deep into the tribal lands of the Quapaw and encounters a legend. A legend where the stirring of an ancient demon terrorizes the land. Smoak's pursuit of the killer winds him deeper into the Indian lore, on a trail that can only end in death....

"Truman redefines the action western/mystery novel with his latest, Dire Wolf of the Quapaw. An intricately woven, fast-paced story featuring a perfectly flawed, easy to under-estimate lawman as the hero." (DB Jackson, Western Heritage Wrangler award winner)

©2018 Phil Truman (P)2019 Phil Truman

I look forward to more Jubal Smoak Mysteries.

First off, I received this audio book from the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I liked this story. The protagonist, Jubal Smoak, is a very likable character. My only criticisms were that in one place the progression of the story seemed a bit choppy and the ending seemed a bit abrupt.

A Great New Voice in Westerns

Deputy Marshal Jubal Smoak is hard on the trail of Quapaw bandit, Crow Redhand. Redhand has shot Smoak twice so the deputy is highly motivated to bring him to justice. Then Redhand becomes the prime suspect in a massacre of a Quapaw family and the stakes raise considerably. Smoak needs to get his man before more people are senselessly butchered. The problem is that—dangerous as Redhand is—he’s not the only suspect in the murder. A drifter had a fight with two of the now-dead family members and more troubling yet—for the superstitiously minded—there’s a Quapaw legend about an evil spirit that takes the form of a giant dire wolf and the locals clearly fear this monster is behind the crime. Smoak isn’t big on superstition, but the reader will certainly find themselves seriously considering this possibility…

As if that isn’t enough of a mystery/adventure, there are very intriguing side mysteries that keep wrapping around the main problem. One of these was so cleverly inserted that I missed its possible connection to the main story until Smoak started putting the pieces together. Once he did, I started to figure out the whole plot—and isn’t that a significant part of what the reader wants in a good mystery? A fair chance to figure out what’s going on and then the excitement of seeing the hero try to bring the villain to justice.

This is a good mystery, but it’s also a good western. If you like both, you’ll want to read this novel.

I received this book free from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review, but before I got the free audiobook, I had purchased an e-book copy to read. I just hadn’t gotten to it yet when I had the chance to listen to it instead on my daily commute.

YOU WILL LIKE DIRE WOLF OF THE QUAPAWS

Well narrated. The story of Jubal Smoak is well presented. The man with the smoky name is a tough Marshall. I have read the book and truly enjoyed the story. the audiobook from 'Audible' brings added dimensions to an already memorable book.
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an 'honest' review. This is the remainder of my review and reflects my own opinion of "Dire Wolf of the Quapaws, both as to the book and audiobook format.
Phil Truman and his narrator have produced a 'Keeper'. Read the dang thing and listen to it.
YOU WILL LIKE IT!

Bob Schrader (and, yes, I am an author too.)

I really enjoyed this book!

It's not my usual genre and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I have now added a few more to my wish list!

👍

👍good read and story line you will enjoy to the end
hard to put down

Really liked this book

I received this book for free in exchange for a fair honest review

This is the best free book i have ever received. The narrator Richard Peterson was very easy to listen to and did a terrific job with the voices. I have a hard time finding narrators that i really enjoy and was very happy to find another here, BUT, he hasn't really narrated anything else i might like so that's a bummer. It appears there will be more books coming in this Jubal Smoak series which is good news. I hope the next ones are longer, my only real criticism is this book is a bit short and i have trouble spending a $15 credit on a sub 10 hour book.
The author did a great job with the story and it really kept me engaged and wanting to listen to more. I liked the story, the characters he created for the good guys, the bad guys, and of course the animals lol. The author also doesn't seem to have much of anything else on audible - i hope more is coming.
The author and narrator were a great duo on this one. MORE PLEASE

a really great book

one of the best books I have come across in a long time. Would love to experience more of this author's good work

A 5 star read

Dire Wolf. ..
A western set in the first years of the 20th century, while the west was changing from wild to modern. A beautifully written story that is fast paced and gripping. Lots of action and 1st nation beliefs as well as the beginnings of civilization.
The narration is excellent and compliments the book.
I received a free copy of this audio book at my own request and voluntarily leave this honest review.

Pour rocker

I enjoyed the characters and the way the story was told great job both writer and narrator

Dire Wolf

Loved this story! Definitely want to read more of his books! A must listen! Great!

Excellent

A perfectly narrated audiobook with everything you want from an adventure story. It held my attention throughout.