Deceit Runs Red: Sierra Justice Series

by Robert Falkenberg

Sierra Justice, a brilliant environmental attorney is drowning in debt and haunted by her past. She has two dreams: a better life for her young son, Benny, and continuing her mother’s legacy of protecting the environment. Caught at a crossroads where one dream comes at the cost of the other, she must choose between remaining principled in poverty or unsettled in unbelievable wealth.

She accepts a lucrative, yet reprehensible job offer from notorious billionaire developer, Wade Ford. A generous salary. Perks. A once-in-a-lifetime bonus for one year of her legal work on Ford’s controversial construction project deep in pristine Grand Canyon National Park.

As the year draws to a close, a brutal mercenary sent by a clandestine organization sets a deadly plan in motion. As Sierra discovers the sinister truth she is forced once again to choose between her conscience and her child; only this time the stakes are far higher than financial security.

Paths converge.

Lies are exposed. Blood is spilled.

Deceit Runs Red.

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2025

Reviews

[Barry Bridges]

Adventure thriller not located in an urban environment? Falkenberg delivered an innovative take on the genre by a dramatic setting in the Grand Canyon. Competing mysterious entities try to take out a young mother who is only focused on making a life for her son. Those entities hint at the currently popular "deep state" actors who are getting blamed for everything out of control. Of course there is cover up and multilayered conspiracies.

Well researched from both interview and personal hiking experience, the geography checks out. Character development is well done, layered, with motives being uncovered over time. Included is a romantic dilemma that might even qualify this thriller as a beach read.

[Sarah Tasker Burrell]

This is the first novel in a new trilogy and really sets the hook! The characters feel real and pull you into their story, you struggle through the challenges alongside them, and the plot is gripping. I really enjoyed the personal growth of the main character and her grit and determination.

[Roxi]

Sierra Justice novel

Fast paced and we'll written. It is evident Mr. Falkenberg believes in his subject and is very capable of weaving an entertaining thriller. I had a hard time putting my book down so I could sleep. I definitely recommend this book to read.

[Falon]

Needed a break from my fantasy and romance novels. This was a great read for a change of pace. The action begins early on and it's a great ride all the way to the end. Looking forward to the second book in this series!

[Denise Ekk]

A great debut novel by Robert Falkenberg! Although it took me a minute to get into it, once I was hooked, I was fully invested in Sierra's story. I laughed, I teared up, I shook my head and sighed. I had to put the book down in frustration or shock several times. I can't wait to see what Sierra gets up to in the next book!