The Bulls of Bashan by Jodi Lea Stewart

 THE BULLS OF BASHAN

By Jodi Lea Stewart

Historical Fiction; Mystery Action and Adventure, Quest Fiction 

Publisher: Progressive Phoenix Rising

Publication Date: June 17, 2025

SYNOPSIS

In a diner on the edge of a dusty Texas border town, a young waitress's life takes an unexpected turn when she is swept into a high-stakes adventure. Recruited by a charismatic former World War II Army major, a glamorous New York socialite, and a charming daredevil who effortlessly flies planes and rides bulls, she embarks on a shadowy mission that promises both wealth and danger.

 This unlikely team will plunge into the heart of the perilous Amazon rainforest, navigate the depths of the world’s most treacherous canyon, brave the open seas, and traverse the ruins of postwar Europe. Their quest? To retrieve a set of mysterious keys while evading a relentless pursuer who seems to be one step ahead at every turn. Who is this enigmatic figure stalking them, and what sinister agenda does he have planned in Budapest?

As they race against time, each member of the team must confront his or her own demons and hidden truths. With the fate of their mission hanging in the balance, they inch closer to the elusive head of operations—the only one who can unlock the secrets of The Bulls of Bashan. 

Prepare for a suspenseful journey filled with danger, intrigue, and self-discovery, a globetrotting historical thriller with evocative international settings, strong female arcs, and cross-generational themes. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jodi Lea Stewart is a multi-award-winning fiction author who believes in and writes about the triumph of the human spirit despite adversity through grit, humor, and stubborn tenacity. Her lifetime friendships with all nationalities, different social stratas, cowpunchers, the Southern gentry, the California crazies (she was once one, too … well, sort of, LOL!), not to mention outliers, allow Jodi      to write comfortably about, oh … practically anything. 

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REVIEW

Savannah has had a single mission since childhood: to own the local diner. She’s worked there since her early teens following the death of her father. The diner has become her home and her family — that is until two strangers arrive. Amazingly, this handsome and intriguing couple talk Savannah into leaving her home and dreams and joining them on the adventure of a lifetime, the recovery of a set of mysterious keys.

The BULLS OF BASHAN reads like an Indiana Jones adventure novel, as the group of four  — Malone, Reno, Savannah and Shifrah — zoom around the world in order to complete a mysterious mission. From the deepest jungles of the Amazon to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, to post-WWII Europe the foursome collects the keys, well Malone does anyway. The two women are pretty much in the dark as to what is going on, as was I. I mirrored their growing frustration as the book progressed, feeling very much left in the dark about what exactly was going on.

Meanwhile, a strange man is following them, but eagle eye Savannah, a sharp-shooting Texas gal, has her eye on him. But the story is not all business; no there is not one but two slow-burn romances happening under our noses. Shifrah, a spoiled rich New Yorker is learning that life isn’t always champagne and roses. Sheltered Savannah enjoys flexing her intellectual muscles and learning there is a whole wide world out there, far from Laredo, Texas.

The writer does a great job of fleshing out her characters. I especially enjoyed Savannah, and it was interesting to watch Shifrah grow emotionally over the course of the book and the ending of her story was really interesting.

All in all this was a fun adventure. The writing is good; the story moves briskly along. There are moments of laughter and a bit of tension. The satisfactory resolution of the mystery explains the title of the book. I would recommend this book to those who love to read adventure stories, world travel and history.  A four and a half star read for me. 

To learn more about the book, look for #LSLLTheBullsofBashan on your preferred social media platform.

 

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