The Mystery of Ruby Lode by Scotty Cade (2nd edition)

MysteryofRubyLodeLGTitle: The Mystery of Ruby Lode

Author: Scotty Cade

Genre: Mystery, Ghost, Historical (1914), Contemporary

Length: Novel (214pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (15th April 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After six months of research, adventure seekers Bowen McAlister, Cyrus Curran, Duff Gentry, and Lockhart Dawson make their way to Boulder, Colorado, to explore the abandoned gold mine Ruby Lode. But when they arrive, Duff, a born psychic, senses something isn’t quite right—and the closer they get, the more his unease grows.

Something long-buried in the deep shafts and drifts of Ruby Lode makes its presence known by exposing dark, guarded secrets. Preying on the adventurers’ weaknesses and insecurities, Ruby Lode’s own destructive secret threatens their sanity, friendship, and ultimately their lives. Bo, Cy, Duff, and Lockey must work together to unravel the century-old mystery before they become another footnote in the mine’s history.

First Edition published by Silver Publishing, June 2012

Warning: Some scenes may upset readers – Near rape and a flash back to child abuse.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3765

Review: Frink, Counter, Hepp and Shull buy a mine together in 1914, but something happens to destroy all their dreams and they mysteriously disappear. In 2011, four friends, Bowen, Cyrus, Duff and Lockhart love to explore abandoned gold mines. But, even before they set off for Ruby Lode Mine, Duff, a psychic, has a sense of foreboding about the trip. Arriving at Rudy Lode, his disquiet deepens as insecurities, fears and hidden secrets are dragged out in the four friends. Something doesn’t want them at the Ruby Lode and is trying to drive them away. Duff, Bo, Cy and Lockey must band together to discover the mystery of Ruby Lode and lay the past to rest.

Scotty Cade delivers a wonderful, slightly spooky story that has a wonderful mix of past and present. The story starts in 1914 with Frink and Counter biding on Rudy Lode. When they are successful in their bid they are approached by the other bidders, Hepp and Shull, and agree to buy into the mine together as Hepp and Shull have the equipment needed. But, things go drastically wrong. Flash forwards to 2011 and we have Cy, Bo, Duff and Lockey about to embark on exploring the Ruby Lode gold mine. But, something in the Ruby Lode doesn’t want them there and it delves into each man, dragging out secrets and fears. The men have a choice: confront their pasts or be driven from the mine by a spirit that doesn’t want his secret found.

Well, this is the second edition of this story and the original was reviewed by ‘da boss’ Portia. I never even got a sniff in the first time round but now is my chance ;-). The storyline and plot are brilliant, past and present collide when four friends explore Ruby Lode, but that isn’t all this story is about. Each friend also has to face their own pasts and are basically psychologically tortured by a nasty spirit who doesn’t want its own past revealed. Friendship comes in many forms and depths and before their journey is over, each friend discovers that no matter how close they thought they were or how much they thought they dealt with the past, the truth is harder to bear.

There are several relationships in this story, each beautiful in its own way… well, except one where all the trouble stems from. Long-term relationships still going strong and their love unbreakable, still beautiful and passionate. Discovering new love that has been right in front of you, digging beneath the surface and finally laying to rest an old fantasy. All the love scenes are just that love-making, sweet, passionate and loving… well; nearly all of them are anyway. I will give a warning that there is near rape scene as well.

The characters are very well written and each deals with their past with regret, anger, shock and fear. There are tears shed, as they come to terms with what their friends share and there is great support and love. The flashbacks throughout the story are nicely done, but be prepared to be horrified as we have kidnapping, child abuse, bullying and abandonment. Bo, Cy, Duff and Lockey are great friends, but at times I got annoyed with how they seemed to interact, un-needed and unmindful comments and flippancy at friends requests. And they all seemed to do it at one time of another.

I will recommend this to those who love history and the present meeting, a spirit who has a secret to hide, four friends becoming strong, a new-found love, a long-lasting love, hot sex and a very happy ending.    

 

2 thoughts on “The Mystery of Ruby Lode by Scotty Cade (2nd edition)

  1. Thank you Ms. Pixie for a lovely review. I’m so glad you enjoyed this book as these four characters are near and dear to my heart! 🙂

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