From Publishers Weekly
Narrator Neil Hamel, an attorney and liberated woman who made her first appearance in North of the Border , seems puny in contrast to the real star of Van Gieson's second novel, a never-tamed female gyrfalcon. A chance to see the raptor takes Neil from her young lover at home in Albuquerque to the wilds of Montana, where she joins March Augusta and the birdwatchers in his charge. Staring up at the bird's aerie from the foot of a cliff, they witness the fall of Sandy Pedersen, a poacher for hire. While trying to grab the falcon to sell to an Arabian prince, Sandy was killed by a device set off at his approach, and March is arrested for the murder. Neil is sure the guide, a naturalist and avowed protector of wildlife, isn't a killer, so she prepares to defend him in court. Meantime she checks on others she suspects, human raptors, lusting for the great bird. There is excitement in the story but more in vivid details about the wonderful gyr, who makes Neil and the other humans seem rather shabby by comparison. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
A steady law practice, a stash of tequila, a lover she calls the Kid—only a debt of the heart to her dear, dead aunt Joan could compel Neil Hamel to leave Albuquerque for Montana in search of a bird. No ordinary winged creature, the Arctic falcon is a near-mythic figure, a cool killer who likes the meat around the heart. In pursuit of this elusive species, Neil witnesses a sight even more awesome—a body plunging off a cliff. Soon she is swept into a murder case that brings together militant environmentalists and high-stakes poachers, federal investigators, and even an Arabian prince. Suddenly, in a wilderness where she has no shelter and little chance for survival, Neil is the target of human predators.

From the Publisher
Lawyer/sleuth Neil Hamel is swept into a murder case that involves militant environmentalists and high stakes poachers.

About the Author
Judith Van Gieson is the author of eleven mystery novels, including the popular Neil Hamel series. She lives in Albuquerque. She was the winner of the Bravos Award for Literary Excellence from the Albuquerque Arts Alliance in April, 2002.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Lawyer/sleuth Neil Hamel is swept into a murder case that involves militant environmentalists and high stakes poachers.

SYNOPSIS

A steady law practice, a stash of tequila, a lover she calls the Kid-only a debt of the heart to her dear, dead aunt Joan could compel Neil Hamel to leave Albuquerque for Montana in search of a bird. No ordinary winged creature, the Arctic falcon is a near-mythic figure, a cool killer who likes the meat around the heart.