Death Valley Duel

Description:

In the ninth book in Graham's National Park Mystery Series, an archeologist must stop a century-old crime to save his daughter.

"Death Valley Duel is a taut, smart, and propulsive thriller that will keep you spellbound. Scott Graham has written a love letter to the California desert, and to parenthood, and to the athletes who push themselves past limits most of us cannot even imagine. This novel is a steady, dangerous, and addictive race toward justice."
--NINA DE GRAMONT, New York Times bestselling author

When archaeologist Chuck Bender makes a stunning discovery of a century-old crime, he believes it may be related to a series of deadly accidents plaguing the Whitney to Death 150, the world's toughest ultra trail-running race. While Chuck's teenage stepdaughter Carmelita races to win the competition, Chuck races to uncover the wicked intent lying behind the tragedies--before Carmelita becomes the next victim.

Review Quotes: "Move over, Chuck Bender, because it's Carmelita Ortega's turn.
Fans of Scott Graham's novels will relish in watching one of their
most adored characters take center stage. By turns a life-and-death
thriller and a fascinating examination of endurance sports, Death
Valley Duel is an adrenaline-soaked journey through one of the most
forbidding and alluring places in the United States. Expertly paced
and compelling, you'll find it hard to put down."
--C. MATTHEW SMITH, Twentymile

"The latest installment in Scott Graham's National Park Mystery series
will not disappoint. Death Valley Duel is a propulsive, page-turning
murder mystery with an environmental cold case at its core that
asks thoughtful questions surrounding water rights and American
colonialism that keeps it from being just another whodunit. I found
myself reading into the early hours of the morning, compulsively
devouring this dynamic novel."
--MOLLY IMBER, Maria's Bookshop

A twisty thriller that promises an epic race to the finish."
--CLAIRE KELLS, Forgotten Trail

"A winning blend of archeology and intrigue, Graham's series turns our National Parks into places of equal parts beauty, mystery, and danger."
--EMILY LITTLEJOHN, Shatter the Night

Praise for National Park Mystery Series

"Terrific."
--C.J. BOX, New York Times bestselling author

"Filled with murder and mayhem, jealousy and good detective
work--an exciting, nonstop read."
--ANNE HILLERMAN, New York Times bestselling author

"One part mystery, one part mysticism, one part mayhem--and all
parts exciting."
--CRAIG JOHNSON, New York Times bestselling author

"One of the most engaging mysteries I've read in a long while . . .
delivers it all and then some."
--MARGARET COEL, New York Times bestselling author

"Lush descriptions of natural beauty and twisted false leads
create an exciting, rewarding puzzle."
--PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"As always, the highlight of Graham's National Park Mystery Series is
his extensive knowledge of the parks system, its lands, and its people."
--KIRKUS REVIEWS

"A winning blend of archaeology and intrigue,
Graham's series turns our national parks into places of equal parts
beauty, mystery, and danger."
--EMILY LITTLEJOHN, Shatter the Night

"Engrossing . . . a glorious portrait of one of the most compelling
landscapes on earth. Graham clearly knows the territory.
A topnotch read."
--WILLIAM KENT KRUEGER, New York Times bestselling author

"Stunning setting, intriguing plot, and likeable characters."
--ANDREA AVANTAGGIO, Maria's Bookshop

"Only a truly gifted novelist is able to keep a reader turning pages
while imparting extensive knowledge about the people, the landscape,
and the park system. Scott Graham proves yet again
that he is one of the finest."
--CHRISTINE CARBO, A Sharp Solitude

"Graham has a true talent for allowing his readers to feel almost as if
they were trekking the park themselves."
--MYSTERY SCENE MAGAZINE

"A multilevel mystery that plumbs the emotions of
greed and jealousy."
--THE DURANGO HERALD

A beautifully balanced book, incorporating intense action scenes,
depth of characterization, realistic landscapes,
and historical perspective."
--REVIEWING THE EVIDENCE

"Only the best novelists have the gift of propelling readers into the
middle of artfully crafted adventures . . . Scott Graham once again
proves he belongs in the very first rank."
--JEFF GUINN, New York Times bestselling author

"An extraordinary ride! You know when a reader says they couldn't
put the book down? Yellowstone Standoff is one of those rare books
. . . a tour de force."
--WIN BLEVINS, New York Times bestselling author

"Get ready for leave-you-breathless high country
southwestern adventure."
--MICHAEL McGARRITY, New York Times bestselling author