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There are currently 19 member reviews
for Desert Cut
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Phoenix Martin (Eclectic AL)
Desert Cut - Excellent
This is the first time I have read Betty Webb. I will be searching for all the Lena Jones series.
Webb gives the reader an excellent mystery of the missing girls and addresses a very touchy subject with compassion.
The American woman in general does not know of the practice of female genital amputation. Betty Webb allows the reader to see the cultural basis and the horror of the act as well. This is a very well written book.
If you have not read Betty Webb, this is a great chance to experience her writing.
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Gary (Bolingbrook IL)
desert cut
This was my first time reading Betty Webb's Lena Jones mystery.Being set in the southwest,I may have been expecting a Hillerman knockoff,but was pleasantly surprised. Lena is a tenacious P.I. who's out to solve a grisly murder case without any cooperation from the town's police or the townfolk for that matter. Did I also mention she's carrying around some serious baggage? Read the book, then hunt down the other ones in the series, I am!
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Deb (Belpre OH)
Lena rides again!
I have enjoyed all of Betty Webb's books, especially as I lived in Scottsdale for a long time on the outskirts of the rez. Betty captures the essence of the desert and lifestyle of the Native American in a very real way. You would be doing yourself a favor if you read all her books, as they are very timely as well as enjoyable.
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Beverly (Tallahassee FL)
A Cut Above
This was the first Lena Jones mystery I have read...but certainly won't be the last. Betty Webb has written a fast paced story with a not-so-perfect heroine and a not-so-pleasant plot line. The victims in Webb's mysteries are generally women -- or children -- who suffer abuse at the hands of not just the abuser but an out of control social system as well. The story could come right out of todays headlines -- if anyone is brave enough to name it.
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Kristen (Lowell MA)
Serious Issue using Fiction
This book called attention to a serious issue, female genital amputation,happening around the world using fiction as a way of drawing people into the story. It had many moments where my breath just left my body or tears were close to spilling over. I love how the author has a note at the end of the book about the facts of this issue and other media sources as well.
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Kathryn (Oceanside CA)
An Enlightening Page-turner
Betty Webb’s fifth book in her Lena Jones series is another page-turner. This is not one of those “formula” mysteries that seem to flood the bookshelves. The Arizona desert setting is authentic. Her characters are complex and interesting. The plot twists and turns enough to keep you interested until the very last page. The subject of the book is horrifying and current; Webb has done her homework. She even shares resources on the topic in her author’s notes at the back of the book. You will not only enjoy the mystery but learn something as well. Wow!
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Cheryl (Tucson AZ)
Desert Cut-A Cut Above the Rest.
This is the first time I've read about Lena Jones, she's a PI with a past. The book is the 5th in a series set in Southern Arizona with a lot of old west history behind it. A mystery involving some disturbing, but very engrossing matters.
Some readers may not enjoy the subject matter, but it was a fascinating learning experience for me. I consider myself a very well-read and street smart person, this book points out some things that are just not written about in today's world.
Like Jodi Picoult, Webb addresses a very serious religious and cultural practice which is very illegal in the U.S. Unlike Picoult she doesn't give all points of view; however she weaves the mystery in and out of Jones's past and you can see how vulnerable Lena is as well and why she works so hard to find the people who commit these crimes.
The book is a very fast-paced, engrossing read. Once I had throughly immersed myself in it, I couldn't put it down. I have even gone to my local library to read the first book in the series, they do have all of Webb's works.
I had asked to review this book because I live in Southern Arizona, Webb keeps with the facts, the geography and the correct environment. I love finding local authors and new authors, it adds more flavor to my reads. This book is not for the squeamish, Webb did her research well and I was truly enlightened by the book.
I really enjoyed Webb's work and will now go back and become more acquainted with Lena Jones. The book does stand alone very nicely, until I read her other titles I didn't know it was a series book. I will definitely read this author again and hope it addresses another issue like this book. It made some mighty good reading!!
