The characters, the interwoven stories, and the location are truly amazing. I appreciate the clearly researched descriptions of the Native American Pueblo tribe, culture, practices, and daily challenges. My heart rate was elevated quite often. It's not a happily ever after, everything is fine kind of book. But there certainly is hope.

I love police procedurals and this one kept me turning pages until the end. A gripping, atmospheric and emotional story with a female heorine that you’ll love. Havoc is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗰 by Deborah J Ledford released July 30, 2024.

I have an excellent police procedural for you on #thrillerthursday. HAVOC is complex, layered, and deals with crimes affecting the Taos Pueblo community.

Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran, a tribal officer, is called to a bank robbery that has left an officer down. The suspect has fled, and officers are in pursuit. Before Eva can catch her breath, a young member of the Taos Pueblo tribe is killed with a 3D-printed gun.

The narrative crackles with racial tension and violence, and I was fascinated with Eva and the other tribal officers - watching them walk the line of duty and sacred traditions. The mystery is well-crafted, keeping me glued to the pages and entertained to the satisfying conclusion.


🎧Told through multiple POVs, pairing my reading with the audiobook made for a great experience.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @djledford
for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

Thank you @brilliancepublishing for the gifted audiobook.

This mystery is absolutely brilliant.
The book is titled perfectly.

It’s told in multiple points of view but that only adds to the story. It’s set around 3D printed firearms and its criminal consequences both on and off the Taos Pueblo Reservation.

Eva Duran is a tribal police officer and is a pivotal part in putting multiple pieces together to figure out

I was interested in reading the description of the burial rituals, the reservation culture, and the integral workings of the tribal police.

This book is the second featuring Eva Duran. You can read this one as a stand alone, but I will be going back to read the first book, REDEMPTION. There are references and characters in HAVOC that circle back to REDEMPTION.

What a fun series. Yes, it's a police procedural, but it's a fresh take. I love the characters, the Toas Pueble community as a setting and the cultural experience. Deb Ledford immerses you in her stories with vibrant descriptions of the same community featured in the first novel- Havoc. Eva Duran is a police office on the reservation and returns after some time away to investigate a bank robbery. With a suspect to track down Eva takes on many tasks and vows to find the suspect and bring them in.

Jennice Ontiveros narrates this story and does an amazing job. Her voice was smooth, and the book transitioned well between chapters. Jennice's narration elevates the suspense and really brings the story together to be a really cool experience.

Also love that Deb L. is a local author. I have seen her speak in person. Deb's books are thoughtful and well written. I am excited to read more by this author.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

I absolutely LOVE this mystery series, the author made sure it has everything - a compelling mystery, suspense, and best of all, wonderfully multi-dimensional characters that are so well defined they rapidly feel like real-life friends and family.

In the gripping sequel to “Redemption,” Deborah J Ledford takes us back to the heart of the Taos Pueblo community in “Havoc.” Narrated by the talented Jennice Ontiveros, this audiobook weaves a tale of justice, conspiracy, and cultural tensions.

Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran, a tribal police officer, returns to duty after a year away. When a bank robbery leaves an officer wounded and a suspect on the run, Eva’s determination kicks in. But tragedy strikes when a member of the Taos Pueblo tribe is shot and killed by an untraceable 3D printed gun. Eva vows to find justice, even as violence escalates, fueling racial tensions between the Taos Pueblo people and the Hispanic community.

Ledford’s meticulous research shines through, painting a vivid portrait of contemporary crime-fighting in tribal communities. The characters—Eva, her fellow officers, and the community members—are multifaceted, balancing their duties with traditional obligations. As the mystery deepens, Eva must unravel the connection between the bank robbery and the elusive crime ring behind the 3D guns.

Jennice Ontiveros’s narration adds depth to the story, capturing the nuances of each character. Her expressive voice draws listeners into the unfolding drama, making “Havoc” an immersive experience.

 Why You Should Listen:

Engaging Characters: Eva Duran’s resilience and determination make her a compelling protagonist.

Thought-Provoking Themes: Ledford delves into cultural identity, justice, and the clash between tradition and modernity.

Taut Pacing: The plot keeps you on the edge, with twists and turns that surprise and captivate.

Whether you’re a fan of police procedurals, Native American literature, or thrillers, “Havoc” delivers a powerful narrative that lingers long after the final chapter. Ledford’s storytelling prowess shines, and Jennice Ontiveros’s narration brings it to life. 

This audiobook is stellar, and Ledford's series is a joy to read (or listen to).

Deborah J Ledford is an author that ALWAYS delivers top quality mysteries that you are sure to 💕 love. An author to watch, as she is sure to become a bestseller, the talent is definitely there!🌹

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BrillancePublishing for the book #Havoc by #DeborahJLedford. This book is super good and I highly recommend it. A little boy from the Taos Pueblo tribe has been shot because he was carrying a 3D printed gun. Around the same time, there is a bank robbery which left an office shot. Are these two instances connected? Who is making the 3D printed guns and what could they be used for?

This story masterfully intertwines complexity and emotional depth, crafting a narrative that is as intricate as it is poignant. The plot unfolds with a nuanced approach, weaving together multiple layers of meaning that challenge the reader to engage deeply with the material. The characters are vividly portrayed, their journeys reflecting both the vibrant highs and the somber lows of their experiences. While the story is undeniably melancholic, it is this very sadness that infuses it with a profound sense of reality and relatability. Each moment feels alive, resonating with authenticity and depth. This tale stands out as a powerful testament to the beauty of well-crafted storytelling that, despite its sadness, leaves a lasting impression through its depth and vitality.

This one was a bit overwhelming in the beginning with all the POVs. There's over 4 POVs. Once I became familiar with the narrators the story wasn't hard to follow. Everything was tied up nicely. The narrator for the audio did a great job.

🎧4.25⭐️

This is a sequel, however it’s the first book I’ve read. It reads well as a standalone

Narrated by Jennice Ontiveros who does a good job with the narration but I feel that her voice is too young for Kai.

Eva “Lightening Dance” Duran joins the Toas Pueblo tribal police department to help with a robbery at the New Mexico bank.

I found this a really easy enjoyable listen. I enjoyed the easy going writing style, I found the book engaging, the characters are well written, I just loved Eva and her relationship with people in the community, especially troublesome teenage brothers. Eva is really caring. Kai and Shadow were brilliant too, for quite awhile (due to the narration) I thought that Kai was a kid, but he is at college. His relationship with Shadow is adorable. I even had some sympathy for one of the antagonists, as we also hear from their pov.

The plot isn’t complex, but there’s enough going on to keep my interest. I liked the insight into problems faced by the Taos Pueublo, it’s something very different for me.

I am keen to catch up with the first book and look forward to more by this author.

This was a fascinating thriller for me. It was suspenseful and action packed plus shed light on interesting and beautiful tribal customs and rituals. Eva was an awesome character and I developed a tremendous amount of respect for her. She was passionate about her job and her people. The story was also very timely with regard to gun violence. I absolutely devoured this audiobook and the narrator was wonderful.