Canyon Sacrifice

by Scott Graham

Overview

"A terrific debut novel."
—C.J. BOX, New York Times bestselling author of Stone Cold

Canyon Sacrifice brings the rugged western landscape, the mysterious past of the ancient Anasazi Indians, and the Southwest's ongoing cultural fissures vividly to life. A deadly struggle against murderous kidnappers in Grand Canyon National Park forces archaeologist Chuck Bender to face up to his past as he realizes every parent's worst nightmare: a missing child.

SCOTT GRAHAM is the author of the acclaimed National Park Mystery series, featuring archaeologist Chuck Bender and Chuck's spouse, Janelle Ortega. In addition to the National Park Mystery series, Scott is the author of five nonfiction books, including Extreme Kids, winner of the National Outdoor Book Award. Scott is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys backpacking, river rafting, skiing, and mountaineering. He has made a living as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, radio disk jockey, and coal–shoveling fireman on the steam–powered Durango–Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. He lives with his spouse, who is an emergency physician, in Durango, Colorado.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781937226312
Publisher:	Torrey House Press
Publication date:	06/09/2014
Series:	National Park Mystery Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	245
Sales rank:	170,889
File size:	519 KB

About the Author

SCOTT GRAHAM is the author of the acclaimed National Park Mystery series, featuring archaeologist Chuck Bender and Chuck's spouse, Janelle Ortega. In addition to the National Park Mystery series, Scott is the author of five nonfiction books, including Extreme Kids, winner of the National Outdoor Book Award. Scott is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys backpacking, river rafting, skiing, and mountaineering. He has made a living as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, radio disk jockey, and coal–shoveling fireman on the steam–powered Durango–Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. He lives with his spouse, who is an emergency physician, in Durango, Colorado.

Editorial Reviews

05/01/2014
A family trip to the Grand Canyon goes scary when one of the young daughters is abducted from their campsite. It turns out the mother's ex-husband is irrationally jealous of her new spouse, Chuck Bender. An archeologist in his 40s who specializes in Anasazi artifacts, Chuck is admittedly in over his head. Nonetheless, he wants to step up and be a real dad to his new stepdaughters. Miguel, the ex-husband, has orchestrated Carmelita's kidnapping, and Chuck is the bait. Unfortunately, other players enter during a delicate moment of negotiation, and a park ranger is shot dead. Chuck is guilt ridden by this turn of events and tensions build. The park superintendent thinks Chuck murdered his ranger, and it's only later during a dramatic showdown that Chuck is able to prove him wrong. VERDICT This riveting series debut showcases Graham's love of nature and archeology, simultaneously interjecting some serious excitement. Graham is to be commended for weaving together several cultures into one story. Recommend to readers who enjoy Tony Hillerman, Nevada Barr, and C.J. Box's Joe Pickett series.

Library Journal

"Graham has created a beautifully balanced book, incorporating intense action scenes, depth of characterization, realistic landscapes, and historical perspective."
—REVIEWING THE EVIDENCE

"This riveting series debut showcases Graham's love of nature and archeology, simultaneously interjecting some serious excitement. Graham is to be commended for weaving together several cultures into one story. Recommend to readers who enjoy Tony Hillerman, Nevada Barr, and C.J. Box's Joe Pickett series."
—LIBRARY JOURNAL

"A gripping tale of kidnapping and murder…in a style similar to mysteries by Tony Hillerman."
—ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL

"Graham has created a story of richness and depth…Graham's comfort and familiarity with his subject make the story an enjoyable read."
—DURANGO HERALD

"A riveting mystery…Graham takes readers intimately into the setting, his knowledge of the places he writes about apparent at every turn."
—DURANGO TELEGRAPH

"A terrific debut novel."
—C.J. BOX, New York Times bestselling author of Stone Cold

"The real star of this engrossing mystery novel is the Grand Canyon itself. Scott Graham clearly knows the territory. Graham delivers a glorious portrait of one of the most compelling landscapes on earth, a place that can kill just as easily as it thrills. This is a topnotch read."
—WILLIAM KENT KRUEGER, New York Times bestselling author of Tamarack County

"Canyon Sacrifice delivers it all and then some."
—MARGARET COEL, New York Times bestselling author of Killing Custer

"Bring an extra–large bowl of popcorn while you read Sacrifice in one sitting."
—C.M. WENDELBOE, author of Death on the Greasy Grass

"In this gripping, imaginative mystery set in Grand Canyon National Park, ancient Anasazi culture collides with the modern world in the most unexpected of ways. Like Tony Hillerman, Scott Graham uses his deep knowledge of the region to fashion a thrilling, compulsively readable story."
—FRANK HUYLER, author of The Blood of Strangers

"As unpredictable and twisty as a switchback trail plummeting into its depths, Graham's thriller sucks you into the mysteries of the canyon and the story of an unsuspecting family whose lives will never be the same."
—TED BOTHA, author of The Girl With the Crooked Nose

"Graham deftly weaves a first–rate mystery through the caves and canyons and winding roads of the Grand Canyon. If you've been, you'll immediately be drawn into the story. If you've never been, this may be your motivation to buy the ticket! I can't wait to read which national park he tackles next!"
—TRICIA FIELDS, Hillerman Prize–winning author of Scratchgravel Road

From the Publisher