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Diamonds of Devil's Tail: A Relic Novel Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 46 ratings

A moonshining hermit. An English major. A $4 million jewel heist. When diamonds appear in a remote canyon stream, whitewater rafters and artifact thieves set off in a deadly race to the source. Brayden, an aspiring writer, works in a Chicago insurance firm with his ambitious uncle when they embark on a wilderness whitewater adventure. On a remote hike, they find their colleague, Dylan, dead in the sand, a handful of gems in his fist. When thieves charge in, Brayden flees deeper into the canyon, where he encounters a gin-brewing recluse named Relic. Brayden’s uncle is cornered and cuts a deal with the thieves, but they each have a surprise for the other… and the rafters have ideas of their own about getting rich quick… Brayden and Relic must become allies, traverse the harsh desert, and beat the thieves to the hidden gems. Brayden must confront his uncle about suspicious payments at their insurance firm and what he was really doing at the stream where Dylan was killed… Can they discover the truth, find the lost jewels, and protect the rafters from grenade-tossing thieves?

#Mystery #Crime #suspense #NativeAmerican #Heist #Thieves #Jewels #ConspiracyThriler #PsychologicalFiction #MysterySeries #PsychologialThrillers #PsychologicalSuspense #Moonshining #FinancialThriller #SouthwestUnitedStates #DomesticThrillers

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an adeptly written thriller...theexcitement and tension are superb...
the entire plot [is] compelling" - Readers'Favorite Five Star Review.

"straightforward and thrilling, with humorintermixed..." -- Onlinebookclub.org perfect four out of four Star Review.

"
Relic is a unique and intriguingcharacter...passionately interested in preserving the ancient archeological sitesand conserving the land and water." -- Onlinebookclub.org.

"[We] enthusiasticallyrecommend it to readers who enjoy thrillers, action-packed adventure, and crimenovels." - Onlinebookclub.org.

"Another rollicking Relic ride from A.W. Baldwin...a bunch of double-crossing, dirt-dealing, diamond thieves run into Relic's trademark wit and ingenuity. Enjoy!" -- Jacob P. Avila, Cave Diver, Grand Master Adventure Writer's Award Winner.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08L9M5KD9
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 15, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 220 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 46 ratings

About the author

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A W Baldwin
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A.W. Baldwin has written five thrillers featuring “Relic,” a moonshining hermit living deep in the remote canyons of Utah. Raptor Canyon received the Grand Master Adventure Writers’ Finalist Award and was a finalist in the 2019-2020 Screen Craft Cinematic Book Contest. Wings Over Ghost Creek received the Grand Master Adventure Writers’ Finalist Award and the Global Book Awards Silver Medal. Broken Inn received the Grand Master Adventure Writers’ Finalist Award, the Global Book Awards Silver Medal, and the New York City Big Book Award Featured Favorite Award. Each have received rave reviews from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Dirk Cussler.

Onlinebookclub calls the plot of his latest thriller, The Antidote, “phenomenal” (can a botany student, a couple of old-timers, and genetically modified seeds provide the antidote for climate change?) Award winning author Nate Granzow says "Baldwin is one of the preeminent authors in the adventure-thriller genre and he showcases that talent in spades with his latest novel, The Antidote. A unique premise, richly drawn characters, and constantly increasing risk makes this science-gone-wrong, Crichton-esque thriller a slam dunk. Readers will delight in the protagonists deftly navigating a tangle of intrigue and mortal threats, surviving assassins and gunfights to ensure a brilliant discovery—one that could impact the future of the planet—isn’t lost to corrupt special interests and greed."

Dirk Cussler calls Raptor Canyon "[a] captivating joyride…Relentless danger mixed with dusty adventure makes for a gem of a read.” Peter Greene, award-winning author of the Jonathan Moore Adventure Series, says “Raptor Canyon will have you holding your heart and your breath at the same time.” The novel received the Grand Master Adventure Writer's Finalist Award in 2019, sponsored by New York Times best-selling author Clive Cussler. Readers' Favorites calls Raptor Canyon “a hoot of an adventure novel... most highly recommended” and "a terrific book." It was a ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Contest Finalist in 2019-2020 and has a 4 out of 4-star review from OnlineBookClub.org.

An avid backcountry hiker, canoer, and whitewater enthusiast, the author takes his readers on adventures in ancient lands that shape the motives and spirits of his characters. You can learn more about his novels at awbaldwin.com.

A graduate of Wright State University and the University of Idaho School of Law, Baldwin has practiced law for more than 35 years. He has appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court, Ninth and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeal, and other Federal, Tribal, and State Courts. He won the right of the Northern Arapaho Tribe to operate (and self-regulate) the full gamut of casino-style gaming without state control. He has successfully litigated to protect First Amendment religious liberties, voting rights, Tribal sovereignty, and the environment. He earned his private pilot’s license in 1997 and enjoys flying a Cessna 172.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
46 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an engaging adventure that keeps their interest throughout. They praise the well-crafted plot with believable characters and vivid descriptions of western US lands. The cover depicts the story well.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

7 customers mention "Adventure"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the adventure in the book. They find it entertaining and intriguing, with an exciting beginning. The mystery and adventure make it a page-turner and a great escape.

"All of the 'Relic: books are a great mix of adventure, mystery, desert know-how and respect for the southwestern region...." Read more

"...plot turns set in the canyon country that is filled with mystery and adventure make this book a page-turner and a perfect escape for these days." Read more

"...I found this adventure intriguing and it kept my interest throughout. Strong characters and detailed settings make this adventure a great read...." Read more

"Interesting and exciting beginning. As always a great story with vivid descriptions of western US lands." Read more

7 customers mention "Story quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-written tale about whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. They find the plot engaging with believable characters and vivid descriptions of western US lands. The cover accurately depicts the story. Readers appreciate the author's writing style and how it transports them to the Canyonlands.

"...The characters are well defined and the storyline so believable. Its easy to immerse yourself. You can't go wrong with these novels!!" Read more

"...If you’re looking for another well-crafted plot with believable characters surrounded by a stunning landscape, you will love this story...." Read more

"Fun characters with plenty of plot turns set in the canyon country that is filled with mystery and adventure make this book a page-turner and a..." Read more

"...I always thoroughly enjoy Baldwin's writing and the way he transports the reader to the scorching Canyonlands...." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-crafted plot with believable characters. They also like how adversity reveals character strengths and weaknesses.

"...The characters are well defined and the storyline so believable. Its easy to immerse yourself. You can't go wrong with these novels!!" Read more

"...If you’re looking for another well-crafted plot with believable characters surrounded by a stunning landscape, you will love this story...." Read more

"Fun characters with plenty of plot turns set in the canyon country that is filled with mystery and adventure make this book a page-turner and a..." Read more

"...Strong characters and detailed settings make this adventure a great read. Recommend!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2024
    All of the 'Relic: books are a great mix of adventure, mystery, desert know-how and respect for the southwestern region. The characters are well defined and the storyline so believable. Its easy to immerse yourself. You can't go wrong with these novels!!
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024
    The cover does depict the story. Well done

    Pros
    Once again, Mr. Baldwin has done a magnificent job in describing the canyons of Utah. I always tip my hat when an author has the ability to put the readers right in the thick of a scene.
    The main characters are Em, Henry, his nephew Brayden, Dylan, Henry’s co-worker and Deputy Dawson. The villains are, Jeb, Barc and Ivan.
    This trio is rafting the river in search of plundering old Pueblo artifacts using their five-finger discount.
    The first group along with some other characters are on a relaxing business trip in an effort to rejuvenate their flagging spirits.
    The story has a nice flow as all characters converge on the Colorado river for relaxation and riches.
    Oh and I can’t forget our hermit friend, Relic who is the guardian of the canyon and all of its treasures.
    The real action starts when Henry and Brayden find Dylan dead. But it’s what they find in his hand that starts this sordid tale of betrayal and deceit-Diamonds, rubies and other precious gems. Jackpot!
    While Henry and Brayden are struggling with the find, Jeb and Ivan stumble upon them and here comes the exciting chase though the canyon.
    Henry stays behind and starts battering a deal with the thugs. He will convince the crooks he can convince others in the party to help look for more stones as long as they cut him in on the take and let them all walk out alive. They agree to the tentative terms, with their own agenda.
    Enter Deputy Dawson who is still trying to find the old moonshiner in the canyon. Some say he’s a myth. Others think it’s sasquatch while others think it’s an old wife’s tale. His search will have him coming into conflict with all the parties, even Relic.
    And Relic. Once again, he is able to foil the bad guys, but he almost buys it when he gets a little careless and the gangsters get close enough to toss a hand grenade and cause a minor avalanche of rock and dirt burying him and Brayden.

    Cons
    This might be considered a spoiler alert, so be forewarned. The precious gems found in the river are the result of a plane crash, many, many months or perhaps years before the groups converged on the site. Why wasn’t this fleshed out? Every other detail is covered in triplicate, but there is nothing about the two bleached bodies found by the plane wreck. I believe this could have been cleaned up in the end, but sadly, it wasn’t.

    If you’re looking for another well-crafted plot with believable characters surrounded by a stunning landscape, you will love this story.

    Four Stars.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2020
    Fun characters with plenty of plot turns set in the canyon country that is filled with mystery and adventure make this book a page-turner and a perfect escape for these days.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2020
    This is my favorite Relic novel yet! The complexity of the story had me searching for diamonds on the ground, too. I always thoroughly enjoy Baldwin's writing and the way he transports the reader to the scorching Canyonlands. Absolutely a favorite author and this installment lives up to the reputation!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
    This was my first Relic novel but I would love to read the first 3. I found this adventure intriguing and it kept my interest throughout. Strong characters and detailed settings make this adventure a great read. Recommend!
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2020
    Well written tale about White Water rafting on the Colorado. Throw in a robbery gone wrong, greed and murder all set in the beautiful Canyonlands and you have an amazingly complex tale. A study in human nature, both good and bad and how adversity reveals your true character. A. W. Baldwin description of the canyons allows you to transport yourself there as you eagerly turn the pages in this book. Thank You Mr Baldwin, I look forward to reading your other stories.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2021
    What an adventure! There is mystery throughout. It was a really great book for me.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2021
    Interesting and exciting beginning. As always a great story with vivid descriptions of western US lands.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Julie Whitley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Deadly danger on a white water rafting trip
    Reviewed in Canada on October 31, 2020
    A jewel heist from the distant past impacts present day events for a group of white water rafters on the Colorado river. A group of bad guys looking for treasure add to the danger and tension. Braydon, afraid and unsure of himself learns some valuable life lessons from the canyon hermit named Relic who happened to be following the bad guys to thwart their nefarious plans. Relic is a memorable character who can hold his own in an existential discussion, quoting Buddha, while at the same time offering home-made moonshine.
    I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced adventure.

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