Lion’s Pride

Debbie Jordan
Outskirts Press (2007)
ISBN 9781432703301
Reviewed by Danielle Feliciano for Reader Views (8/08)

There is one thing that sets “Lion’s Pride” apart from other books of its like and that is the fact that although it is set nearly 100 years ago, it could happen today.  The recent Texas polygamy case notwithstanding, the themes of love, marriages to the wrong person, devotion and yes, polygamy, are all topics that weave in and out of our lives daily. 
           
Paco Alaniz is the Sheriff of Moon Valley.  He is a good man down to the core.  He is dedicated to his family and his job, in that order.  His wife, Connie, supports him and helps him without being interfering.  They live with the knowledge of a renegade polygamist sect just outside of town and this sect has an impact on their lives in many ways.

Don Santiago Castillo de Leon is referred to as “patron” publicly, but as “el Diablo” privately.  A rich and powerful man, he is evil to the core.  He wields his power as a weapon and brutalizes woman nearly as a hobby.  His young wife does her best to hide the abuse but her priest knows otherwise. 
           
When Don Santiago is murdered while on a hunting trip, it is Paco’s job to investigate the murder of a man nobody is truly mourning.  He questions the true nature of the relationship between priest and widow, finds himself involved with the sect more than he wants to be and has trouble walk into his town in the form of Jacob Strong, a man who left the sect and is back to help his sister and the woman he loves escape.
           
Throughout this book, every aspect of the story rings true and authentic. There were times when the descriptions made it so possible to picture the past it was as though I lived a century ago.  By the same token, there were plenty of times that I had to remind myself this did not take place in the present. The author did a sound job of writing historical fiction that is still relatable to the reader.  “Lion’s Pride” by Debbie Jordan was a wonderful read and I thank the author of bringing me into the world of Moon Valley and its inhabitants.

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