I was thrilled to receive an Advance Reading Copy of Tamara Siler Jones’s upcoming release, Valley of the Soul. I read the accompanying letter that arrived in the package. The surprising words, “This final Dubric Byerly blend of fantasy…” gave me pause, and I remember thinking, “I hope it isn’t the final story in the series.” Of course, technically, that statement is correct. To my knowledge, Tambo hasn’t formally proposed or been contracted to write more Dubric Byerly novels, but she does have story ideas that would make several more possible. I hope that becomes a reality, because there’s so much more to tell in this world with these characters.

Valley of the Soul takes place a few months after the crushing events of Threads of Malice in an entirely different situation. Dubric and his team have been called to a neighboring town to investigate why people’s sheep keep disappearing. Then stranger things start happening. There are more fantasy elements in this book than in the previous two books, but the mystery is still strong as are several sub-threads that weave throughout the story. Tammy writes a complex story with much conflict while bringing everything together in the end, leaving enough matters open to make you realize these characters have lives outside of the book making the reader want to read more. Lars and his roommates figure prominently as do Dien and his family. Dubric’s new love, Maeve, has a critical role in the conflict of this story as old issues are resolved.

I’d read an earlier draft of this book a few months ago, yet this copy was fresh and enticing — including a new, more satisfying ending. Pay attention toward the end. As the pace picks up, it’s possible to get lost as you try to keep up. Tammy’s characters are people the reader will care about. I highly recommend this book — slated for release on October 31, 2006. You don’t have to read Ghosts in the Snow or Threads of Malice to understand this story, but why not? You have time between now and Halloween.