MYSTERY

Canyon Sacrifice: A National Park Mystery

Torrey House. May 2014. 240p. ISBN 9781937226305. pap. $14.95; ebk. ISBN 9781937226312. M
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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.
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