SPIRIT OF THE GAZELLE

Rodney's latest book is a follow-up to his award-winning novel GLORY OF THE LEOPARD and features his most memorable character, the relentless but caring detective Blessing Okeke.

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You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.

Detective Blessing Okeke investigates the bludgeoning death of an exotic dancer and soon believes the woman’s killer is Houston’s most high-profile athlete, a multi-millionaire basketball player . . . and the victim’s abusive ex-boyfriend.

When Zelly Chadwick realizes the growing danger in her own life, she manages to escape her violent husband. She ends up several states away, in Texas, alone except for her rebellious twelve-year-old son. Aided by Blessing Okeke, they find sanctuary with a new family, far from the monster back home. 

As the homicide investigation grows more puzzling and media scrutiny intensifies, Blessing races to uncover the truth about the murdered woman . . . while protecting her new friend Zelly from suffering the same fate.

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​Awards include:

• Winner, 2024 SouthWest Writers (Mystery/Thriller)

• Winner, Houston Writers Guild

• Winner, West Virginia Writers

• Finalist, 2024 Claymore Award (Killer Nashville)

• Finalist, 2024 Pacific Northwest Writers Association

• Third Place, 2024 Wyoming Writers

• Finalist, Writers League of Texas​