This book had a very good plot. The details concerning the history of the native people and the region could have been less; it kind of took away from the direction and the pace of the story. The book was good until the ending, which completely made me feel as though I wasted my time reading the beginning and the middle. It was as though the author's deadline was upon her and she wrapped up the ending all neat and packaged. Absolutely ruins the book.

I was seriously disappointed in the ending of this book. I couldn't wait to turn every page and find out what was going to happen next, although I was completely mystified as to why a Siberian tiger was left on the island and who put it there (I assume it was Lima, but that was never confirmed). I was also disappointed with the way the murders were "solved" (was the little girl's murder ever solved?). The imagery Ms. Stokes creates is undeniably spectacular, however, there were too many loose ends left at the end of this particular novel, and it seemed like she just got tired of writing and ended it too quickly, with not enough explanation. I must have told at least six people what a great book I was reading, and they all wanted to borrow it when I was finished; now I'm not sure I even want to lend it out! I haven't read the Tree People yet; I will though, as I would like to know if all her books end in a similarly disappointing fashion - I sure hope not! The Listening Ones sure had great potential, but the ending fell totally flat.

I felt this book was wonderfully done. Being from the Pacific Northwest I could relate to much of what the author was trying to portray in regards to the area and the people. What I enjoyed the most is an insight of our wonderful Native American culture. I was quite intrigued by such a beautiful outlay of one of the Indian cultures. I have just completed this magnificent book and have just purchased "The Tree People" this weekend. I hope to finish that very soon. To the author, please continue writing. I really have enjoyed "The Listening Ones", please don't stop now!