Talking Rock
Publisher: PublishAmerica
Published: August 8, 2005
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 191
ISBN-13: 9781413772715
Subjects: Adventure / thriller; Fiction; Fiction - General; Action & Adventure; Fiction / Adventure
First sentence: The breeze was cool, the sun warm.
Description: A stone with writing scrawled upon it is discovered near Bear Butte in western South Dakota. The rock quickly makes its way to Rand Red Owl, a tribal policeman who in turn enlists his longtime friend, Mason Tate, whose knowledge of history and local lore will aid in deciphering  the intriguing text upon the rock. Further aided by Rayne LaCroix, a renowned relic hunter, the trio ultimately learns of a map drawn by a Frenchman who had shadowed Lewis and Clark  on their epic journey. The historical ramifications soon become apparent. The tale the rock tells of gold discovery and treachery leads the seekers on an adventure filled with peril, rewards, and perhaps an opportunity to amend some frontier history. From the Badlands of the Pine Ridge Indian reservation to the sacred Bear Butte, the search ensues for the answers to the voice that speaks from Talking Rock.
Notes: Talking Rock     
Karla South Dakota, USA  (12/14/2007) 
      	Wealth, in worldly standards, is measured mostly by what one owns. There is a deeper meaning to wealth and the author displays this through the unique bond of loyalty between friends and family. I was captivated by the mystery, enriched by the lives of the characters and drawn closer to the enchanting landscape of the Black Hills. It will leave you wanting more. What a remarkable book! Karla Senne

Talking Rock   
Tamara Virginia  (8/30/2006) 
      	This book is part mystery, part western, part history and mostly a love song to a place. A feast for the senses and the imagination. Shawda brings the praire and the Black Hills vividly to life, and you care about his people and his story. I can hardly wait for the next book...there IS a next book right?!

Talking Rock     
Patrick Wyoming, USA  (7/13/2006) 
      	I received this book as a gift and all I can say is "WOW"! I love the adventure and the characters, and I can almost smell that prairie wind. I can easily see Graham Greene in the role as Rand Red Owl. I am pumped for the sequel! 

Talking Rock     
Len South Dakota / USA  (7/12/2006) 
      	KJ Shawda knows the west. As a native son of the western states, Shawda became a careful observer of its history and people at an early age. He can capture the essence of explorers, settlers, cowboys, and Indians like few others. In his second novel, he takes the reader on an adventure to solve a modern-day mystery that had its beginnings in the mid nineteenth century. From Lewis and Clark to the Thoen Stone, he mixes facts and folklore to weave a tale that leaves the reader wanting more. If you like the west, KJ Shawda will take you there. Dr. Leonard Austin Associate Professor Black Hills State University Spearfish, South Dakota 

Talking Rock     
Carol Georgia  (6/30/2006) 
      	Having spent time in South Dakota and having been drug from one point of interest to another by this author, I am amazed that he continues to catch my rapt attention and keep me "hooked" until the very end. The story transcends borders and ages and paints an engrossing picture by introducing the reader to another culture and doing it well. The book is a great read for all family members and kudos to KJ for demonstrating that a book can be wonderful without an offensive story line or language. I am anxious for a follow up. 

Talking Rock     
Mitch South Dakota  (6/30/2006) 
      	"The mystery behind TALKING ROCK simply makes this book difficult to put down! KJ Shawda is masterful at weaving together relationships between all the players in this book. It's exciting to see how TALKING ROCK can link together a father and his prodigal son, two old best friends, and two old flames. If you've ever visited the beautiful Black Hills, you can easily imagine the settings in the book. TALKING ROCK is a wonderful combination of history, places, culture, and mystery. It would be awesome if we could read more about Mason, Rand and Rayne in an adventure again." 

TALKING ROCK     
Duane SOUTH DAKOTA  (6/30/2006) 
      	"A great Dakota story that also reminds me of remarkable native people I have met and done business with over the years."