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Keeper of the Rituals

   (8 reviews)
Genres: Mystery
Sub-genres: Detective

Murder or tragic accident? When his ex-lover is mauled by a supposedly tame wolf, Micco races to discover how such a thing happened at his animal refuge. Strength in the face of adversity is at the core of Micco’s Seminole upbringing. But is he strong enough to handle Special Agent Chase Becker, his best childhood friend and secret first love? Chase can still twist Micco’s emotions into a knot and draw out secrets he’s desperate to keep buried -- secrets that could get him arrested for murder.

I started this book a few years ago, and then, when I lost my parents, it went by the wayside. Finishing it has been a bittersweet journey. Funny thing: I never anticipated posting it in 2023; it had been meant for publication in 2021. So the timeline of Keeper of the Rituals, the summer of 2023, is appropriate, except for the fact that the hurricane that frames the majority of the story has already had its fifteen minutes of fame. The actual Arlene of 2023 was a short-lived tropical storm that formed in early June and took an unusual southward track over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. It remained offshore and did not directly impact land. The hurricane Arlene in Keeper of the Rituals is far more menacing.  
I hope you enjoy the story, and, as always, thanks for reading!
 
Copyright © 2023 Libby Drew; All Rights Reserved.

Story Recommendations (20 members)

  • Action Packed 16
  • Addictive/Pacing 17
  • Characters 19
  • Chills 12
  • Cliffhanger 13
  • Compelling 16
  • Feel-Good 7
  • Humor 6
  • Smoldering 10
  • Tearjerker 7
  • Unique 17
  • World Building 7

Select Chapter
Table of Contents
  • 1. Chapter 1
    • 2,980 Words
    • 3,808 Views
    • 25 Comments
  • 2. Chapter 2
    • 3,296 Words
    • 2,758 Views
    • 33 Comments
  • 3. Chapter 3
    • 6,668 Words
    • 2,442 Views
    • 24 Comments
  • 4. Chapter 4
    • 2,808 Words
    • 2,230 Views
    • 17 Comments
  • 5. Chapter 5
    • 3,042 Words
    • 2,274 Views
    • 32 Comments
  • 6. Chapter 6
    • 3,788 Words
    • 2,957 Views
    • 36 Comments
  • 7. Chapter 7
    • 3,516 Words
    • 2,598 Views
    • 35 Comments
  • 8. Chapter 8
    • 2,574 Words
    • 1,864 Views
    • 13 Comments
  • 9. Chapter 9
    • 2,861 Words
    • 1,911 Views
    • 10 Comments
  • 10. Chapter 10
    • 3,485 Words
    • 1,741 Views
    • 18 Comments
  • 11. Chapter 11
    • 2,791 Words
    • 2,116 Views
    • 15 Comments
  • 12. Chapter 12
    • 5,721 Words
    • 2,365 Views
    • 17 Comments
  • 13. Chapter 13
    • 4,697 Words
    • 1,684 Views
    • 16 Comments
  • 14. Chapter 14
    • 3,501 Words
    • 1,599 Views
    • 12 Comments
  • 15. Chapter 15
    • 4,520 Words
    • 1,636 Views
    • 15 Comments
  • 16. Chapter 16
    • 2,535 Words
    • 1,550 Views
    • 19 Comments
  • 17. Chapter 17
    • 4,625 Words
    • 1,536 Views
    • 24 Comments
  • 18. Chapter 18
    • 3,697 Words
    • 1,579 Views
    • 21 Comments
  • 19. Chapter 19
    • 4,117 Words
    • 1,480 Views
    • 17 Comments
  • 20. Chapter 20
    • 3,857 Words
    • 1,547 Views
    • 19 Comments
  • 21. Chapter 21
    • 5,470 Words
    • 1,474 Views
    • 26 Comments
  • 22. Chapter 22
    • 3,814 Words
    • 1,573 Views
    • 26 Comments
  • 23. Chapter 23
    • 4,932 Words
    • 1,357 Views
    • 15 Comments

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drsawzall

   6 of 6 members found this review helpful 6 / 6 members

Every now and then a story comes along that touches the reader in so many ways, eliciting so many different reactions as noted in the comments. And boy did I comment in reaction to the various chapters they elicited from me. 

It is the hallmark every author strives for in the crafting of their work, to be able to reach their readers, and this story has it in spades. One of the finest authors to grace these pages, this story is a "can't miss"!!!

Response from the author:

Thank you! ❤️

  • Love 11
pvtguy

   5 of 5 members found this review helpful 5 / 5 members

A beautiful tale of intrigue, murder, a massive hurricane, Native American (Seminole) culture, love and hope.  Each chapter is filled with high emotion and intrigue.  A thrilling read!  Masterful writing keeps the reader on edge until the very end. 

Response from the author:

Thank you for the review!

  • Love 10
weinerdog

   5 of 5 members found this review helpful 5 / 5 members

What is not to like? A intriguing murder mystery and whodunit. Add to it Mother Nature making it more difficult along with how different cultures clash, communicating with animals and two soul mates crossing paths after years of seperation and you have ingredients for a great story when done right. Well this wasn't done right........It was done perfect

Response from the author:

Thank you for reviewing!

  • Like 1
  • Love 10
Summerabbacat

   3 of 3 members found this review helpful 3 / 3 members

I echo the comments of my fellow readers of this outstanding story as told by an exceptionally talented and generous writer @Libby Drew. Similarly to @Rkench, this is my favourite story of all the wonderful stories we readers have been gifted from her.

Predictably (for me), the greatest intrigue and most satisfying plot line in this story is the relationship between Micco and his non-human friends, the wolves and the panthers. The relationship does have a "supernatural" element to it (perhaps), but I for one was prepared to accept that this "supernatural" element may in fact be possible. A gift for Micco like no other gift he could ever receive; a gift which made him a better person.

Thank you @Libby Drew for writing this remarkable story. I found it very comforting to read at a time of great sadness in my life.

  • Love 4
flesco

   3 of 3 members found this review helpful 3 / 3 members

This was an absolutely fabulous story with a well thought out plot, truly believable characters and a deep look into the culture of native American society. There were plenty of interesting plot  twists and a supernatural element which were fascinating. I highly recommend this story!😃❤️

 

 

 

 

Response from the author:

Thank you!

  • Love 7
Rkench

   2 of 2 members found this review helpful 2 / 2 members

What a beautifully told tale. Ostensibly, a murder mystery. At its core, though, is a saga of the heart with well-established annd earned elements of mysticism. Our narrator and main character knows much of loss and angst and despair, yet retains a goodness and an optimism that allows his spirit to commune with animals. Circumstances reunite him with the man he shares a soul.  How their reunification unfolds is delightful. I’ve always been leery of those who dismiss different perspectives and wisdoms out of hand, as one main character appears to do at first. Yet, this beautifully told tale reinforces my belief. No one knowledge is bad or wrong, or for that matter perfect. Opening up to other insights rewards, as does following along the journey presented here. I guessed, correctly. a good amount of the whodunit. That my answers were on point did not in any way lesson the appeal of enjoying how this plays out. Well worth your time. @Libby Drew: this is the most rewarding of the excellent stories you’ve penned and posted here to date. Many thanks. 🙏 

Response from the author:

Thank you for reading and reviewing!

  • Love 6
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