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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Review

This book is not only entertaining and action-packed, but it is educational too.

I have enjoyed several of this author’s books, and this one is no different. It begins in South Texas, but then jumps around the globe, spanning from Mexico to Florida, Arizona, and Europe. There is a mystery surrounding the quest that they are on and why each individual was chosen for this mission. There are many unanswered questions until near the end when all is revealed.

I liked Savannah’s character. While she had a rough upbringing, she realizes that maybe she wanted to take the world by storm and change her destiny. It is an impetuous decision on her part, and anything could have happened to her. However, this is a time when the world was a little more innocent. There is still danger, but it seems less than what we might see in today’s world.

I had a hard time appreciating Shifrah’s character. She is your typical socialite. She is spoiled and expects the world to cater to her. I’m not sure she has many skills, but by the end of the novel, she has matured and realized that there is more to life than shopping and parties. She has some secrets and is reluctant to share the details. Perhaps it is embarrassment, and I can’t blame her. She is 23, so that contributes to her behavior. However, Savannah is younger by a few years but hasn’t had the easy life that Shifrah has had, despite some of the bombshells revealed at the end.

Two men complete the group sent to obtain the keys worldwide. Monroe is the leader and has many contacts who help them on this journey. Reno is his number two and has military experience to help keep them safe. However, they don’t realize that Savannah is skilled with a gun. They might know, but don’t realize how skilled a shot she is, which comes in handy later on their journey.

This novel taught me a few things, such as that buttons used to be made from mussel shells. I felt that the book was well-researched, and I was immersed in each setting, as if I were there with them. I liked that at the beginning of each chapter, there is a map that reflects their journey from Texas to their current location. And in each section, we see the keys that they are obtaining worldwide.

This is an entertaining and action-packed novel, and we give it 4 paws up.

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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