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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
    • 3,711 Views
    • 25 Comments
  • 2. Chapter 2
    • 3,296 Words
    • 2,543 Views
    • 33 Comments
  • 3. Chapter 3
    • 6,668 Words
    • 2,411 Views
    • 24 Comments
  • 4. Chapter 4
    • 2,808 Words
    • 2,195 Views
    • 17 Comments
  • 5. Chapter 5
    • 3,042 Words
    • 2,251 Views
    • 32 Comments
  • 6. Chapter 6
    • 3,788 Words
    • 2,875 Views
    • 36 Comments
  • 7. Chapter 7
    • 3,516 Words
    • 2,484 Views
    • 35 Comments
  • 8. Chapter 8
    • 2,574 Words
    • 1,816 Views
    • 13 Comments
  • 9. Chapter 9
    • 2,861 Words
    • 1,890 Views
    • 10 Comments
  • 10. Chapter 10
    • 3,485 Words
    • 1,658 Views
    • 18 Comments
  • 11. Chapter 11
    • 2,791 Words
    • 2,077 Views
    • 15 Comments
  • 12. Chapter 12
    • 5,721 Words
    • 2,307 Views
    • 17 Comments
  • 13. Chapter 13
    • 4,697 Words
    • 1,625 Views
    • 16 Comments
  • 14. Chapter 14
    • 3,501 Words
    • 1,561 Views
    • 12 Comments
  • 15. Chapter 15
    • 4,520 Words
    • 1,572 Views
    • 15 Comments
  • 16. Chapter 16
    • 2,535 Words
    • 1,495 Views
    • 19 Comments
  • 17. Chapter 17
    • 4,625 Words
    • 1,487 Views
    • 24 Comments
  • 18. Chapter 18
    • 3,697 Words
    • 1,530 Views
    • 21 Comments
  • 19. Chapter 19
    • 4,117 Words
    • 1,397 Views
    • 17 Comments
  • 20. Chapter 20
    • 3,857 Words
    • 1,505 Views
    • 19 Comments
  • 21. Chapter 21
    • 5,470 Words
    • 1,386 Views
    • 26 Comments
  • 22. Chapter 22
    • 3,814 Words
    • 1,459 Views
    • 26 Comments
  • 23. Chapter 23
    • 4,932 Words
    • 1,314 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
Link to review
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
Link to review
CincyKris

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

This is a memorable, tension filled masterpiece!  There is romance, mystery, animals, a major hurricane, and more than a little suspense!  It's so well written and I wouldn't change a thing!

Response from the author:

Thank you very much!

  • Like 1
  • Love 10
Link to review
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
Link to review
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
Link to review
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
Link to review
vonfoto

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

A great story, a fair amount of mystery  (not only whodunit), and many interesting characters, some of whom are very simpatico. 
The action is well paced and the spiritual and magical elements make it even more interesting

  • Love 4
Link to review
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
Link to review
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