Canyon of Death

Faith in the Parks #2

by J. Carol Nemeth

When Kate Fleming arrives at the Grand Canyon National Park, she’s anxious to begin her new job as park service liaison to an archeological team. However, artifacts begin to disappear and the lead archeologist is found murdered. Kate soon receives a deadly warning as well, so archeologist Ethan Wagner steps in to safeguard her. Although Kate finds herself captivated by her ruggedly handsome protector, she already lost love once and refuses to surrender to those feelings again. After a second murder occurs, park police are determined to locate the killer, but it may be too late when Kate finds herself in the crosshairs.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2018

Reviews

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

La storia non era male, ma questo libro è davvero "forte" sull'aspetto inspirational... Credo che sia la seconda volta che leggo di scavi archeologici nel Grand Canyon: mi viene il dubbio che ci sia qualcosa di vero su questo argomento... devo indagare...

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is christian romantic suspense at it's best. The writing is so vivid that you can picture the scenery of the Grand Canyon in your mind. The action and suspense will keep you turning the pages. I love how J.Carol Nemeth weaves the power of God's protection through this story. I highly recommend this book

[Lori Crabill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Nemeth is my favorite author, and her concept for a series about faith in our national parks is pure genius. Usually, I lose interest in long descriptions of settings, but not with her—she weaves iconic landscapes with such vivid detail that you can feel the heat, smell the air, and picture the park rangers in action. As someone who loves fact-checking, I appreciate that the Anasazi city at the center of the story is real. Her depiction of artifact theft and sales to private collectors adds an urgent, gripping tension to the plot. Thoughtful details, like notes about footwear in the Grand Canyon and the dangers of climbing in and out, make it all feel authentic, and even the injuries are spot-on. Kate, serving as liaison between the Park Service and an unexpected archaeological dig, is there when a professor uncovers a mummy and gold artifacts. He asks her to hide them and trust no one, suspecting a team member of stealing smaller pieces from a safe. Before they can secure the find, he’s murdered, and Kate discovers his body. Now she’s the only one who knows about the larger discovery and has to keep it safe. Ethan, a PhD archaeologist and forensic anthropologist, realizes she’s in danger and steps in as her protector. More deaths follow, and the black market for artifacts looms large. Kate and Ethan alone know where the gold is hidden. The culprit isn’t entirely shocking, but the trail of clues keeps you guessing. Carol Nemeth’s storytelling is unmatched—there’s not a single dull passage, and her rich, well-researched writing pulled me in so deeply I felt like I was right there alongside Kate and Ethan, guarding the artifacts and each other.

[Readnponder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian romantic-suspense writer—and former National Park Aid—Carol Nemeth is midway through a series called “Faith in the Parks.” Canyon of Death is the second installment of the series and is set in the Grand Canyon.

While Carol’s books are fun, comfy reads—perfect for the beach or bathtub— I nevertheless learn something in the process. She researches the backdrop of her stories and brings geographic settings to life. I discover a part of the country I have yet to visit or a period in history. With Canyon of Death, I learned about the Native American Anasazi tribe, archeology digs, and the terrain of the Grand Canyon. Although it momentarily pulls me away from the story, I love going down “google holes” prompted by an unfamiliar term in a novel. E.g. “Does this tribe really exist? Or is the author making it up?” After viewing photos and articles on the internet, I return to the story with renewed interest in the plotline and stunning scenery in my mind’s eye.

Next, I’m going back to read Book 1 in the series, Mountain of Peril set in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hopefully, before too long, Book 3 Ocean of Fear set at Cape Hatteras will be published. This is an author to watch.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

A story of discovery and suspense set in the Grand Canyon. A new archeology discovery with missing artifacts…who did it? So many suspects, so much danger, so many unsolved questions.

Kate moved to the Canyon as a park ranger for a new start after a tragic, heartbreaking experience that shook her faith in God. Now her life is in grave danger for reasons she can’t understand.

Ethan is an archeologist with a secret second job. He is smart, handsome, a little flirty toward a certain new ranger, and has a heart of gold that has been betrayed. As he spends time with Kate protecting her from unseen dangers, his heart starts to open again and he also prays for her broken heart to make room for him.

Together they face down danger, gunshots, scary “accidents”, and secrets to find friendship, love, and a stronger faith in God.

This is one of my favorite authors and I enjoy her novels because they are always focused on the spiritual growth of the characters. Oh, the romance is good, clean, and wholesome, but the spiritual touches make a story on the next level. I highly recommend her work. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has it all. There is intrigue, romance, wonderful scenery, faith, and even some archaeology. What more could you want? The author, again, does a great job of developing the characters. I like how she sets this series in national parks, so you can get a feel for the real places. And, with this one, I learned some things about the Anasazi tribe that lived in the Grand Canyon at one time. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one in this series. I don't think you'll go wrong reading this one.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book drew me in from the first page, and I had to keep reading to find out what happened!! I was on the edge trying to figure out who did it, and I found out when Ethan and Kate did. Loved this!! There were sparks flying everywhere, and I didn't figure it out til they did, though I did have my suspicions, and they were confirmed. I like books that keep me guessing!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canyon of Death is great romantic suspense! The intensity and action start early and carry throughout the entire book. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down! The setting is idyllic - having visited the park several times, it was fun reading about and being able to picture the various locations throughout the park. The story is compelling, the romance is sweet, and the characters are engaging. I highly recommend this book!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book in the Faith in the Parks series! It has adventure, mystery, tasteful romance and faith. The author paints such a clear picture of the surroundings, that I felt like I was right there hiking in the Grand Canyon and participating in the archaeological dig. I am eagerly awaiting the third in the series!

[Robin Densmore Fuson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to J. Carol Nemeth's work but this will not be the last time I read her books. This is a great love story-who done it. Nemeth brought the Grand Canyon to my living room in bright color. I loved the tension between Kate and Ethan when under duress they fall in love. A page turner. I recommend this stand alone yet in a series book.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic Suspense

Suspense with many twists and turns,pulls you through this book.
I loved the story and the characters.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romantic suspense.

[Tom Show · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol is a gifted author. A story with Christian values and centered around livng with Gods will in mind. Our ranger has moved from her last post and at the Grand Canyon Park. Shes working with an archologist, experiences new thrills, excitment and falls in love. A must read!

[Michael Withem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

One of the best Christian romance...mystery...suspense filled stories I’ve read.
The setting in the Grand Canyon reminded me of our visit there!!!! Very enjoyable.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, easy slightly suspenseful read.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canyon of Death by J Carol Nemeth, is one of those books I won in a drawing. However, I actually had read one of her other national park mysteries before I read this one, and the previous book was a great motivator to choose this one. Can you say “ great location?” I love books that actually prominently feature the location throughout the story with details, descriptions, and tidbits of the locale. Nemeth does a wonderful job of not only describing the Grand Canyon, but through her mystery lets you see other facets of the Canyon that you might otherwise be totally unaware of. Score!

I had some trepidation as I started, realizing that Nemeth is not as well-known an author as many I read. Would her work be up to par? Would it keep my interest or lag? Would the story make sense and have a good sense of continuity? Actually, Nemeth writes in such a way that I was sucked into the canyon depths and didn’t want to escape until all was satisfactorily solved. I immediately went out and bought the last two books of the series, Faith in the Parks. One note: a little more attention to editing would clean up the grammar/spelling errors that struck once too many times for my taste.

Clean, suspenseful, romantic, faith-infused, this is a book and a series Christian romantic suspense readers need in their TBRs. Totally enthralling!!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. No review was required, and all opinions are my own.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. Carol Nemeth will keep you turning the pages to see what's going to happen next. Some of the things that she puts into her books are based on her own experience as a Park Aid. Some she was a part of and some stories based on other Rangers' experiences.

I've read several of Carol's books and she never disappoints. Mountain of Peril brings in a new Ranger, Molly, and on her first day she has to be rescued by an archaeologist. The setting is the Grand Canyon and Carol has captured the God's magnificent artwork. Standing on the rim is truly awe inspiring. There are no words to describe that first glimpse of one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Molly seems to find trouble without trying. Falling through the floor of a cave? Murder, theft, missing crew members, the list goes on. Highly recommend this wonderful book by one of my favorite authors. I received this book from the author as a gift. All opinions in this review are my own and all the author asked was for me to leave a honest review. J. Carol Memeth's faith shows in her writing and her characters will feel like someone you will want to know better.