What do you think?
Rate this book
Where the Basilisk Dreams: A Native American Historical Mystery Series
From
New York Times
bestselling authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear comes part two in the thrilling Anasazi mystery series.
Archaeologists Dusty Stewart and Maureen Cole are excavating a bizarre site in the American Southwest, and the clues are tantalizing. There’s a mass grave of battered women and children, a legendary assassin, a kingdom to kill for, and the site dates back eight centuries to the time of the Anasazi—an ancient and sophisticated empire shrouded in mystery.
When they discover a witch’s amulet, a basilisk, their scientific study veers into the paranormal. More bone chilling is the revelation that the crushed skulls of the dead show a distinct pattern—the murderer’s blows were not random, but precise. What was he looking for? As Dusty and Maureen seek the help of an old woman who can reputedly hear the voices of the dead, they begin to question whether some secrets are better left buried.
Meanwhile, in the past, Stone Ghost is hunting the primeval monster known as Two Hearts. But the legendary killer is methodic and patient, and with each new victim, it becomes clear that Two Hearts knows something that Stone Ghost does not—and it just might be an old and powerful secret worth killing for.
Can Dusty and Maureen unravel the profound mystery of an ancient evil that lurks in the shadows of their world’s past and present?
Embark on a thrilling expedition into the enigmatic depths of history and bone-chilling mysteries…or risk forever being ensnared by unexplained entities that transcend time.
Archaeologists Dusty Stewart and Maureen Cole are excavating a bizarre site in the American Southwest, and the clues are tantalizing. There’s a mass grave of battered women and children, a legendary assassin, a kingdom to kill for, and the site dates back eight centuries to the time of the Anasazi—an ancient and sophisticated empire shrouded in mystery.
When they discover a witch’s amulet, a basilisk, their scientific study veers into the paranormal. More bone chilling is the revelation that the crushed skulls of the dead show a distinct pattern—the murderer’s blows were not random, but precise. What was he looking for? As Dusty and Maureen seek the help of an old woman who can reputedly hear the voices of the dead, they begin to question whether some secrets are better left buried.
Meanwhile, in the past, Stone Ghost is hunting the primeval monster known as Two Hearts. But the legendary killer is methodic and patient, and with each new victim, it becomes clear that Two Hearts knows something that Stone Ghost does not—and it just might be an old and powerful secret worth killing for.
Can Dusty and Maureen unravel the profound mystery of an ancient evil that lurks in the shadows of their world’s past and present?
Embark on a thrilling expedition into the enigmatic depths of history and bone-chilling mysteries…or risk forever being ensnared by unexplained entities that transcend time.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2023
150 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
W. Michael Gear
181 books730 followersW. Michael Gear was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the twentieth of May, 1955. A fourth generation Colorado native, his family had been involved in hard-rock mining, cattle ranching, and journalism. After his father's death in 1959, Michael's mother received her Master's degree in journalism and began teaching. In 1962 she married Joseph J. Cook, who taught tool and die making, and the family lived in Lakewood, Colorado, until 1968. At that time they moved to Fort Collins so that Joe could pursue his Ph.D.. During those years the family lived in the foothills above Horsetooth Reservoir.
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 19, 2023
Where the Basilisk Dreams: A Native American Historical Mystery Series (The Anasazi Mysteries Book 2).
by W. Michael Gear, Kathleen O'Neal Gear
A dark mystery over laid between Prehistoric past, and late 20th century. A reprint of the original beloved series of the Anasazi mysteries, this is the second half of the original The Visitant.
The book does do the name drop in these pages as the antagonist is labeled for the first time as the Visitant. The deep psychological thriller this book shows in this later half. The dark twisted result of abuse is finally shown to the light. It is a heartbreaking reality of the wickedness of a disturbing line of abuse and corruption. This is balanced with some resolution to the modern anthropological mystery, and a wonderful description of the modern conflicts in anthropology and archeology. The book shows the living strength of native beliefs and practices. Their beauty of understanding of nature and man's role. Yet also shows the remarkable adaptation of belief to handle this dark and astounding conflict.
by W. Michael Gear, Kathleen O'Neal Gear
A dark mystery over laid between Prehistoric past, and late 20th century. A reprint of the original beloved series of the Anasazi mysteries, this is the second half of the original The Visitant.
The book does do the name drop in these pages as the antagonist is labeled for the first time as the Visitant. The deep psychological thriller this book shows in this later half. The dark twisted result of abuse is finally shown to the light. It is a heartbreaking reality of the wickedness of a disturbing line of abuse and corruption. This is balanced with some resolution to the modern anthropological mystery, and a wonderful description of the modern conflicts in anthropology and archeology. The book shows the living strength of native beliefs and practices. Their beauty of understanding of nature and man's role. Yet also shows the remarkable adaptation of belief to handle this dark and astounding conflict.
December 15, 2023
Difficult not Impossible
Where the Basilisk Dreams is a novel I looked forward to reading. The structure moves back and forth between different times. There's present day archeology combined with a Wise Woman who happens to be living with a painful terminal illness. In the past, long ago times there are Wise Women, Wise Men, lots of villagers gathering for a Solstice Celebration. The Celebration is marred by horrible, violent murders. It's a complex plot with very few clues. The characters were hard to keep straight. At one point a man apparently murders his wife (a tragic case of a very good disguise) but a few paragraphs later is telling someone about how sad it is that his daughter and son killed each other? It was complex and I tried starting over but that didn't help. Anyway maybe other readers will understand the puzzles that eluded me.
Where the Basilisk Dreams is a novel I looked forward to reading. The structure moves back and forth between different times. There's present day archeology combined with a Wise Woman who happens to be living with a painful terminal illness. In the past, long ago times there are Wise Women, Wise Men, lots of villagers gathering for a Solstice Celebration. The Celebration is marred by horrible, violent murders. It's a complex plot with very few clues. The characters were hard to keep straight. At one point a man apparently murders his wife (a tragic case of a very good disguise) but a few paragraphs later is telling someone about how sad it is that his daughter and son killed each other? It was complex and I tried starting over but that didn't help. Anyway maybe other readers will understand the puzzles that eluded me.
January 7, 2024
This is a good addition to the Anasazi Mystery series. Current day archeologists are excavating a site in the American Southwest. They uncover a mass grave that is centuries old. The book also describes the Anasazi people whose remains have been found. I really enjoy how the authors take true archeological finds from the region and incorporate them into the narrative. Both the present day and the old-time Anasazi stories are interesting. The book is not a "stand alone" novel. One must read the previous book to be up to date and the ending of the current volume leaves one wanting more. But, I am enjoying the series and will continue to read the subsequent volumes. Overall, good historical fiction of the American Southwest.
February 6, 2024
Evil beyond belief and powerful beyond all imagining stalks the Anasazi Indians murdering their women and all would seek to protect them. Madness, power, depravity, and cruelty masked in cunning....unstoppable throughout lifetimes and more. Crimes from centuries past are uncovered and pieces fitted together in partial explanations that defy belief... yet no one can stop or contain the evil that continues lifetime after lifetime. Devil, demon, evil god....or just a miasma that cannot be stopped? Fascinating, frightening, and yet I find myself opening the next in the series as I must know what happens now and if there can be any stopping this force....A solid read that 5 stars is not enough to express!
December 26, 2023
If the Gears wrote it I'll read it.
I usually read non-fiction but I'm always up for good historical fiction and the Gears feed my thirst for history, archaeology and anthropology. Browser, Dusty and Maureen are such compelling characters it is hard to put the books down. Full of good nerd humor as well as knowledge obtained without having to put up with the usual dryness. Being a native New Mexican the stories just make it that much more interesting. Now for a cup of New Mexico pinion coffee.
I usually read non-fiction but I'm always up for good historical fiction and the Gears feed my thirst for history, archaeology and anthropology. Browser, Dusty and Maureen are such compelling characters it is hard to put the books down. Full of good nerd humor as well as knowledge obtained without having to put up with the usual dryness. Being a native New Mexican the stories just make it that much more interesting. Now for a cup of New Mexico pinion coffee.
October 29, 2023
This is a fascinating series about the mysterious Anasazi Indians. I love the characters of Dusty Stewart and Maureen Cole and their developing relationship against their search for a serial killer amongst the Anasazi who lived hundreds of years ago. An interesting and truly frightening time. Glad to be able to read about this time instead of living in it.
January 5, 2024
A great book!
Part two of the Anasazi mysteries. As the archaeologists are discovering more bodies at the dig site, the past is alive in Talon Town where a killer is loose. Browser and Catkin are putting the pieces together to find the killer.
Part two of the Anasazi mysteries. As the archaeologists are discovering more bodies at the dig site, the past is alive in Talon Town where a killer is loose. Browser and Catkin are putting the pieces together to find the killer.
March 16, 2024
Good job
This couple puts out tales that are so rich with facts and fiction my hummingbird brain has it hard in its grip. I must stop between books or I just do not get enough sleep.
Love much of there writing
This couple puts out tales that are so rich with facts and fiction my hummingbird brain has it hard in its grip. I must stop between books or I just do not get enough sleep.
Love much of there writing
January 11, 2025
Another triumph
The Gears once again deliver a suspenseful, engaging tale woven from archeological findings. Their research and attention to detail are as enlightening as their storytelling is entertaining.
The Gears once again deliver a suspenseful, engaging tale woven from archeological findings. Their research and attention to detail are as enlightening as their storytelling is entertaining.
November 30, 2023
The Gears ne’er disappoint!
December 18, 2023
Great authors
Been reading there books for a very long time and enjoyed every one. Started with the people of the wolf ,
Been reading there books for a very long time and enjoyed every one. Started with the people of the wolf ,
May 4, 2024
Whoa this one sneaks up and bites!
Nothing like more than a few surprises in a book to make you love it! This one was awesome, can't help but wonder where the next one will take us.
Nothing like more than a few surprises in a book to make you love it! This one was awesome, can't help but wonder where the next one will take us.
December 10, 2025
Good book
Loved the back and forth of time. Well done and clearly seperated. Leaves me wanting more! Looking forward to.next one
Loved the back and forth of time. Well done and clearly seperated. Leaves me wanting more! Looking forward to.next one
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews