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Raleigh Harmon Mysteries #2
The Rivers Run Dry
When a routine case turns deadly, forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon finds her career on the rocks . . . and her life at stake.
Special Agent Raleigh Harmon is good at her job, but not as good at bureau politics. As one of the few females on the team, she finds herself in a strange land when she's transferred from Richmond to drought-stricken Seattle. When a hiker suddenly goes missing and a ransom note arrives, Raleigh realizes there's no time for transitions. Vowing to find the missing college girl, she must rely on her forensic geology skills to uncover the truth, leaving no stone unturned.
Gritty and poetic, with an evocative sense of place, a quirky cast of characters, a fast-twisting plot, and a compelling, complicated heroine, this superbly crafted mystery will keep you reading compulsively as hope runs short, the clock runs down, and the rivers run dry.
Special Agent Raleigh Harmon is good at her job, but not as good at bureau politics. As one of the few females on the team, she finds herself in a strange land when she's transferred from Richmond to drought-stricken Seattle. When a hiker suddenly goes missing and a ransom note arrives, Raleigh realizes there's no time for transitions. Vowing to find the missing college girl, she must rely on her forensic geology skills to uncover the truth, leaving no stone unturned.
Gritty and poetic, with an evocative sense of place, a quirky cast of characters, a fast-twisting plot, and a compelling, complicated heroine, this superbly crafted mystery will keep you reading compulsively as hope runs short, the clock runs down, and the rivers run dry.
317 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2009
37 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Sibella Giorello
24 books243 followersSibella Giorello writes the award-winning and bestselling mystery series starring forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon. The first book in the series, "The Stones Cry Out," won a Christy Award for excellence. Since then, many more Raleigh Harmon mysteries have followed, including a bestselling YA series in which the 15-year-old budding geologist uses mineralogy to solve crimes in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. A former newspaper reporter, Sibella's journalism was twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Find out more by visiting her website, www.sibellawrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
October 8, 2024
Years ago, I read multiple books by Sibella Giorello; I even followed her on Facebook. Though that was a long time ago, I remembered enough of Raleigh Harmon's story to follow this second entry in the series. It was an exciting read, with plenty of plot twists and intensity.
September 16, 2024
This was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed featuring a forensic geologist, so I thought it might be an interesting read to try out.
Unfortunately, this is book 2, so I was a bit at a disadvantage. I don’t know if there was more to learn about the main protagonist, Special Agent Raleigh Harmon from book 1, but I had a hard time connecting to her character in this story. She seemed hard to reach emotionally. It was if her character was so barren, she came across flat. She was dogged in her pursuit of justice, which I could appreciate, but her interaction with others was robotic, for lack of a better description.
She is involved in a missing persons case in which her supporting team isn’t quite supportive, thus not making it easy for her and causing her to be frustrated and overwhelmed. And, perhaps that was the only time emotion was observed from her character.
The pace of the story was slow. And, there was a side story with her Dad, which didn’t seem to be worked through by the end of this novel. Based on everything shared here, it is hard to feel energized about pursuing interest in the series.
Unfortunately, this is book 2, so I was a bit at a disadvantage. I don’t know if there was more to learn about the main protagonist, Special Agent Raleigh Harmon from book 1, but I had a hard time connecting to her character in this story. She seemed hard to reach emotionally. It was if her character was so barren, she came across flat. She was dogged in her pursuit of justice, which I could appreciate, but her interaction with others was robotic, for lack of a better description.
She is involved in a missing persons case in which her supporting team isn’t quite supportive, thus not making it easy for her and causing her to be frustrated and overwhelmed. And, perhaps that was the only time emotion was observed from her character.
The pace of the story was slow. And, there was a side story with her Dad, which didn’t seem to be worked through by the end of this novel. Based on everything shared here, it is hard to feel energized about pursuing interest in the series.
August 11, 2015
I'm not real sure how I came across this writer but I do know I want to read more of her works. NOW. Our local library is going to have to get the rest of the series. Pronto.
February 16, 2015
This book has become one of my favorite books of all time. I read it through, then immediately turned around and read it outloud to my family on a long road trip. You can't do that with every book. I love how Giorello describes things in such unique ways, has created a wonderfully three-dimensional character in Raleigh Harmon, and kept me guessing all the way til the end. Highly recommended!
Here's the review I wrote in 2009:
After writing a noteworthy debut, a sophomore novel can be an author's bane. The pressure of the follow-up can cause writers to try too hard, and that much anticipated second book sometimes ends up a flop. Or worse, the author freezes with fear, and as in the case of masters Harper Lee, Margaret Mitchell and Emily Bronte, never publishes again.
Sibella Giorello's first book The Stones Cry Out placed her on our radar. It won a Christy award for 1st novel and introduced us to an author whose storytelling ability and knack for description caused me to call the book "one of 2007's most compelling novels". Needless to say, Giorello had a lot to live up to in The Rivers Run Dry. Would Raleigh Harmon remain the interesting, three-dimensional character we'd come to love?
Instead of a sophomore slump for Sibella Giorello, The Rivers Run Dry stands head and shoulders above The Stones Cry Out. It's richer, deeper, funnier. Raleigh has just been transferred to the Violent Crimes unit of the Seattle field office, and she's brought her mother with her. They've both moved in with eccentric Aunt Charlotte whose attempts to help Raleigh with her cases provide many of the book's lighter moments.
Nineteen-year-old Courtney VanAlstyne is missing. Her very rich parents think she's been kidnapped and since the local police are skittish of lawsuits, they've called in the FBI for technical backup. Raleigh expects to do nothing more than collect soil from the wheel wells of Courtney's abandoned Land Rover, make prints of the tire treads, and file the paperwork. But she can't help but dig deeper. A compulsive gambler, a high-stakes poker game, and VanAlstyne secrets quickly confirm this case is much more complex than first meets the eye. Will they find Courtney before it's too late?
The Rivers Run Dry is a rare gem in the suspense genre, paying as much attention to character development as to plot twists. Even minor characters are created with Giorello's trademark attention to detail. Take her description of a park ranger from chapter one: "I turned to see a small woman walking toward us, looking like an elf purged from a fairy tale. Her long red hair leaped over her shoulders in ropes of lava and her enormous black boots scuffed across the loose gravel shards on the ground, creating the sound of belligerent applause."
Raleigh is a woman who's trained to keep her wits about her, but she's not strong to a fault like some female leads. She isn't afraid to call for backup when needed, and she finds herself in more than one scrape due to her react-first-ask-for-clearance-later tendencies.
If you enjoyed the insider angle of Richmond, VA in Stones, you'll agree Giorello's portrayal of Seattle and its surroundings in Rivers is up to par. Clearly she knows of what she writes. Pull up a Google map, and you'll discover all the locations are real.
One or two Deus ex Machina moments seemed a bit convenient, especially in light of Raleigh's mantra of "not believing in luck". But as Raleigh's father used to say, "there are two kinds of people in the world: those who believe in coincidence, and those who have the courage to recognize God." Perhaps the serendipity was Giorello's way of showing us providence in everyday life.
There are several other welcome spiritual insights in Rivers that add depth and meaning, setting this novel apart from its secular counterparts. One passage on God's adoptive love choked me up. And since Raleigh is a Christian, she sees the world through that lense.
From the inside of a hot FBI surveillance van to the craggy hiking trails of Cougar mountain, The Rivers Run Dry is character driven suspense at its finest. Layered with prowess, each revelation unfolds in perfect time to keep us guessing all the way to the final pages. Don't be surprised if you finish the novel one day, then pick it up and read it over again the next.
Here's the review I wrote in 2009:
After writing a noteworthy debut, a sophomore novel can be an author's bane. The pressure of the follow-up can cause writers to try too hard, and that much anticipated second book sometimes ends up a flop. Or worse, the author freezes with fear, and as in the case of masters Harper Lee, Margaret Mitchell and Emily Bronte, never publishes again.
Sibella Giorello's first book The Stones Cry Out placed her on our radar. It won a Christy award for 1st novel and introduced us to an author whose storytelling ability and knack for description caused me to call the book "one of 2007's most compelling novels". Needless to say, Giorello had a lot to live up to in The Rivers Run Dry. Would Raleigh Harmon remain the interesting, three-dimensional character we'd come to love?
Instead of a sophomore slump for Sibella Giorello, The Rivers Run Dry stands head and shoulders above The Stones Cry Out. It's richer, deeper, funnier. Raleigh has just been transferred to the Violent Crimes unit of the Seattle field office, and she's brought her mother with her. They've both moved in with eccentric Aunt Charlotte whose attempts to help Raleigh with her cases provide many of the book's lighter moments.
Nineteen-year-old Courtney VanAlstyne is missing. Her very rich parents think she's been kidnapped and since the local police are skittish of lawsuits, they've called in the FBI for technical backup. Raleigh expects to do nothing more than collect soil from the wheel wells of Courtney's abandoned Land Rover, make prints of the tire treads, and file the paperwork. But she can't help but dig deeper. A compulsive gambler, a high-stakes poker game, and VanAlstyne secrets quickly confirm this case is much more complex than first meets the eye. Will they find Courtney before it's too late?
The Rivers Run Dry is a rare gem in the suspense genre, paying as much attention to character development as to plot twists. Even minor characters are created with Giorello's trademark attention to detail. Take her description of a park ranger from chapter one: "I turned to see a small woman walking toward us, looking like an elf purged from a fairy tale. Her long red hair leaped over her shoulders in ropes of lava and her enormous black boots scuffed across the loose gravel shards on the ground, creating the sound of belligerent applause."
Raleigh is a woman who's trained to keep her wits about her, but she's not strong to a fault like some female leads. She isn't afraid to call for backup when needed, and she finds herself in more than one scrape due to her react-first-ask-for-clearance-later tendencies.
If you enjoyed the insider angle of Richmond, VA in Stones, you'll agree Giorello's portrayal of Seattle and its surroundings in Rivers is up to par. Clearly she knows of what she writes. Pull up a Google map, and you'll discover all the locations are real.
One or two Deus ex Machina moments seemed a bit convenient, especially in light of Raleigh's mantra of "not believing in luck". But as Raleigh's father used to say, "there are two kinds of people in the world: those who believe in coincidence, and those who have the courage to recognize God." Perhaps the serendipity was Giorello's way of showing us providence in everyday life.
There are several other welcome spiritual insights in Rivers that add depth and meaning, setting this novel apart from its secular counterparts. One passage on God's adoptive love choked me up. And since Raleigh is a Christian, she sees the world through that lense.
From the inside of a hot FBI surveillance van to the craggy hiking trails of Cougar mountain, The Rivers Run Dry is character driven suspense at its finest. Layered with prowess, each revelation unfolds in perfect time to keep us guessing all the way to the final pages. Don't be surprised if you finish the novel one day, then pick it up and read it over again the next.
June 21, 2010
If you're looking for a great, edge-of-the-seat crime novel with a unique perspective, you've found it. In The Rivers Run Dry, Ms. Giorello introduces you to the gritty world of FBI field work, but through the eyes of Special Agent Raleigh Harmon, a forensic geologist by training. Forensic geology. I didn't even know that existed--but then, why wouldn't it?
The story is set in and around the Cascade Mountains in Washington state (what better setting for a geological slant?). A young woman, Courtney VanAlstyne, goes missing while hiking the trails of Cougar Mountain. The only child of a wealthy and well connected family, political pressure is intense and immediate that Courtney be found. The family is convinced it's a kidnapping; the law enforcement establishment, not so convinced.
Enter Special Agent Harmon, recently transferred for disciplinary cause from her home state of Virginia to the Pacific Northwest. Her technical and professional skills are beyond reproach. Her political acumen is not. We meet Raleigh perservering under a cloud of distrust from both the professional black mark in her records and a concrete gender barrier in the male-dominated Violent Crimes unit. Prodded and pushed without mercy or support by her supervisor and her training agent, she navigates the back streets of Seattle and the back trails of the Cascades in search of anything that may shed light on the rich girl's disappearance. She tackles the case the hard way: clue by clue, step by misstep.
Ms. Giorello delves into a wide variety of issues through Raleigh's personal and professional life as she touches and is touched by a colorful supporting cast. She does a marvelous job of weaving them seamlessly into the story line instead of basting them awkwardly over the fabric of... Wait. This is supposed to be a geological slant. What am I doing at the sewing machine? Let me try again.
Crystalline flecks of humor, pathos, frustration and dogged determination sparkle across the lustrous grain of a polished, rock-solid story line...
Okay, okay. Now you know why Sibella got the publishing contract and not me. (sigh!)
Enough fun. This was a great read. Ms. Giorello constructs a squeaky-tight, well paced plot involving multi-dimensional characters who are real enough that you love them one moment and want to slap them silly the next. You learn a lot about both geology and crime-investigation techniques without getting lost in technical jargon. You also learn a lot about human nature as it bends, and sometimes breaks, under the pressure of society, religion and its own weight.
Highly recommended. The Rivers Run Dry rocks! (Sorry, I had to do that.)
The story is set in and around the Cascade Mountains in Washington state (what better setting for a geological slant?). A young woman, Courtney VanAlstyne, goes missing while hiking the trails of Cougar Mountain. The only child of a wealthy and well connected family, political pressure is intense and immediate that Courtney be found. The family is convinced it's a kidnapping; the law enforcement establishment, not so convinced.
Enter Special Agent Harmon, recently transferred for disciplinary cause from her home state of Virginia to the Pacific Northwest. Her technical and professional skills are beyond reproach. Her political acumen is not. We meet Raleigh perservering under a cloud of distrust from both the professional black mark in her records and a concrete gender barrier in the male-dominated Violent Crimes unit. Prodded and pushed without mercy or support by her supervisor and her training agent, she navigates the back streets of Seattle and the back trails of the Cascades in search of anything that may shed light on the rich girl's disappearance. She tackles the case the hard way: clue by clue, step by misstep.
Ms. Giorello delves into a wide variety of issues through Raleigh's personal and professional life as she touches and is touched by a colorful supporting cast. She does a marvelous job of weaving them seamlessly into the story line instead of basting them awkwardly over the fabric of... Wait. This is supposed to be a geological slant. What am I doing at the sewing machine? Let me try again.
Crystalline flecks of humor, pathos, frustration and dogged determination sparkle across the lustrous grain of a polished, rock-solid story line...
Okay, okay. Now you know why Sibella got the publishing contract and not me. (sigh!)
Enough fun. This was a great read. Ms. Giorello constructs a squeaky-tight, well paced plot involving multi-dimensional characters who are real enough that you love them one moment and want to slap them silly the next. You learn a lot about both geology and crime-investigation techniques without getting lost in technical jargon. You also learn a lot about human nature as it bends, and sometimes breaks, under the pressure of society, religion and its own weight.
Highly recommended. The Rivers Run Dry rocks! (Sorry, I had to do that.)
March 27, 2018
Wow, if you're looking for a good suspenseful crime drama with no romance, snap this up! Loved all of the Seattle references--very accurately described--and how the story perfectly fit into the setting. Totally did not figure out who the 'bad guy' was until revealed. Plenty of action and gritty characters. First book I've read by this author, but I'm looking forward to reading more in the series!
April 10, 2009
This book is a Christian suspense novel. There was plenty of conflict and trouble in this novel, both from allies and enemies, so the suspense started high and stayed high.
The setting was vividly realized which created a sense that this really could have happened. However, for me, the author's frequent use of "poetic language" tended to obscure the descriptions as often as not. I'd have to stop and think about what the author meant to convey, which took me out of the story. This didn't hamper the pacing much, but, after a while, I did find myself skimming over any adjective, adverb, or metaphor that didn't immediately create a mental image in my head.
The characters were all interesting and felt realistic and varied. While Raleigh Harmon is a Christian, she's initially not completely comfortable with her faith or God due to recent events.
God is a subtle but important element in this novel. It isn't preachy, though, so I suspect most non-Christian readers would enjoy the book.
The author does an excellent job of building conflict, but she twice fails on the follow-through near the beginning of the novel. She builds the conflict in the scene, hits the highest point, and the jumps out of the scene. It's like the author said, "I'm not sure what happens next, but I got all the important points across so I'll stop here and let the reader fill in their own details." Granted, the scene didn't need to be played out in full detail, but I wanted to know what happened. Without a summary sentence or two in transition, these two jumps jerked me out of the story.
Despite the minor problems, the book was a very good read. There was no cussing or explicit sex. Overall, I'd rate this novel as good, clean fun.
The setting was vividly realized which created a sense that this really could have happened. However, for me, the author's frequent use of "poetic language" tended to obscure the descriptions as often as not. I'd have to stop and think about what the author meant to convey, which took me out of the story. This didn't hamper the pacing much, but, after a while, I did find myself skimming over any adjective, adverb, or metaphor that didn't immediately create a mental image in my head.
The characters were all interesting and felt realistic and varied. While Raleigh Harmon is a Christian, she's initially not completely comfortable with her faith or God due to recent events.
God is a subtle but important element in this novel. It isn't preachy, though, so I suspect most non-Christian readers would enjoy the book.
The author does an excellent job of building conflict, but she twice fails on the follow-through near the beginning of the novel. She builds the conflict in the scene, hits the highest point, and the jumps out of the scene. It's like the author said, "I'm not sure what happens next, but I got all the important points across so I'll stop here and let the reader fill in their own details." Granted, the scene didn't need to be played out in full detail, but I wanted to know what happened. Without a summary sentence or two in transition, these two jumps jerked me out of the story.
Despite the minor problems, the book was a very good read. There was no cussing or explicit sex. Overall, I'd rate this novel as good, clean fun.
January 10, 2016
This book was a solid 3 stars for me, largely because of the characters. The author created a great MC named Raleigh Harmon, who happens to be an FBI agent navigating disciplinary action. She's also a geologist. I liked her character. It was strong and the best part was that she wasn't all wishy-washy. Other characters were also great, like her aunt, her mom and some of the others. They possessed their own quirky individuality. So that was fun.
My only complaint is the slowness in following the clues. The author went to great lengths incorporating geology into the story, but it was always treated as if they were saying, "Ah. That's nice." I can't say more without hiding this review.
I will read more by this author.
My only complaint is the slowness in following the clues. The author went to great lengths incorporating geology into the story, but it was always treated as if they were saying, "Ah. That's nice." I can't say more without hiding this review.
I will read more by this author.
October 26, 2019
Great read
I read in one day. Since I started reading her books, I haven't been able to stop. This makes the 5th one .
I read in one day. Since I started reading her books, I haven't been able to stop. This makes the 5th one .
January 14, 2015
A friend recommended this book, and though I'm not usually one for murder mysteries, I have to admit that I really enjoyed this.
I shouldn't have. The main character was a little more stoic than I'd usually prefer, but I quickly realized how appealing that made her. She was certainly different from the run-of-the-mill heroine--she was perceptive and intelligent, never tripped adorably, didn't have any real patience at all, and didn't put up with any crap from the very flawed people around her in spite of how reserved she was.
The plot was also perfectly paced. I don't read murder-type mysteries simply because I can usually identify the bad guy almost immediately, and while I was able to do that with this book, as well, there was enough going on in this book that it didn't destroy my enjoyment. The ending was maybe a little rushed, but I think I just wanted more from the "big reveal" as part of a personal preference, because after going back and looking at it a second time, the pacing was completely consistent with the rest of the novel.
This is a little lighter than what I usually read, but it's the sort of book I'd want to read on a rainy night, curled under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate. Very enjoyable, and though it's obviously part of a series (which I'll now be buying), it's a great stand-alone novel, and one I'd recommend for those looking for a quick read.
I shouldn't have. The main character was a little more stoic than I'd usually prefer, but I quickly realized how appealing that made her. She was certainly different from the run-of-the-mill heroine--she was perceptive and intelligent, never tripped adorably, didn't have any real patience at all, and didn't put up with any crap from the very flawed people around her in spite of how reserved she was.
The plot was also perfectly paced. I don't read murder-type mysteries simply because I can usually identify the bad guy almost immediately, and while I was able to do that with this book, as well, there was enough going on in this book that it didn't destroy my enjoyment. The ending was maybe a little rushed, but I think I just wanted more from the "big reveal" as part of a personal preference, because after going back and looking at it a second time, the pacing was completely consistent with the rest of the novel.
This is a little lighter than what I usually read, but it's the sort of book I'd want to read on a rainy night, curled under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate. Very enjoyable, and though it's obviously part of a series (which I'll now be buying), it's a great stand-alone novel, and one I'd recommend for those looking for a quick read.
August 17, 2013
Raleigh has been moved to Washington State - far from her native Virgina, in more ways than one. She isn't exactly welcomed at her new office, and once again is challenged by a seemingly deadend case. As she pieces together the puzzle, she encounters characters that challenge her faith and her confidence. The Raleigh Harmon novels so far remind me somewhat of Tim Downs' Bug Man novels and Melanie Wells' Day of Evil series - a tenacious yet vulnerable individual "doing the right thing".
July 25, 2015
Very good. Loved the behind the scenes detective work from a geologist point of view.
Thanks Courtney for introducing this author to me.
Thanks Courtney for introducing this author to me.
September 16, 2024
For some reason, Raleigh Harmon's female supervisor in Richmond Virginia couldn’t stand her. Raleigh was an exceptional FBI agent, but didn’t always follow FBI protocol. Even though her hasty actions solved a case, she was sent to Seattle for a disciplinary relocatiOn.
In Seattle Jack Stephanson was assigned to train her. He was — well — it’s impolite for me to say what he was, but let’s just say he wasn't nice.
It was expected that in Violent Crimes department there would be some hazing of the new person.
"But Jack Stephanson wanted some torture beyond hazing. An alpha among alphas, Jack was assigned by my squad supervisor to be my training agent, the person who guides the newbie through her transfer, eases the transition, shows her the ropes. Instead, Jack was fashioning my noose."
Some how Raleigh persevered.
This case was about an abduction from a hiking site in the mountains around Seattle — an extremely wealthy young woman named Courtney VanAlstyne.
There was a side case I didn’t think was too relevant to the book, however turned out to be quite interesting.
Extra characters in this story were a hoot. Her mother came with her from Richmond to Seattle. Her mother was a bit odd, eccentric you might say. But then the aunt, in whose home they both resided, was also odd. Crystals, potions, special spiritual healing herbs. It was fun to watch Raleigh‘s reaction to this. She actually called it crazy a couple times. Made me smile.
Then there was her aunt's friend (Claire the clairvoyant… her card said I see what you mean). She wanted to follow Raleigh around because she felt Raleigh was in danger. Poor Raleigh tried everything to keep her away or get off the phone.
Raleigh got herself in some pretty good scrapes throughout the book, barely surviving twice. But honestly, this was so well written, I would not have called it overplayed whatsoever.
I really like the way Ms. Giorello writes. Intelligent, fun, gritty, suspenseful and if you think you know who-done-it, you'd be wrong.
I happened to find this audiobook on Libby. The narrator is terrific!
Off to start the next book, The Clouds Roll Away.
In Seattle Jack Stephanson was assigned to train her. He was — well — it’s impolite for me to say what he was, but let’s just say he wasn't nice.
It was expected that in Violent Crimes department there would be some hazing of the new person.
"But Jack Stephanson wanted some torture beyond hazing. An alpha among alphas, Jack was assigned by my squad supervisor to be my training agent, the person who guides the newbie through her transfer, eases the transition, shows her the ropes. Instead, Jack was fashioning my noose."
Some how Raleigh persevered.
This case was about an abduction from a hiking site in the mountains around Seattle — an extremely wealthy young woman named Courtney VanAlstyne.
There was a side case I didn’t think was too relevant to the book, however turned out to be quite interesting.
Extra characters in this story were a hoot. Her mother came with her from Richmond to Seattle. Her mother was a bit odd, eccentric you might say. But then the aunt, in whose home they both resided, was also odd. Crystals, potions, special spiritual healing herbs. It was fun to watch Raleigh‘s reaction to this. She actually called it crazy a couple times. Made me smile.
Then there was her aunt's friend (Claire the clairvoyant… her card said I see what you mean). She wanted to follow Raleigh around because she felt Raleigh was in danger. Poor Raleigh tried everything to keep her away or get off the phone.
Raleigh got herself in some pretty good scrapes throughout the book, barely surviving twice. But honestly, this was so well written, I would not have called it overplayed whatsoever.
I really like the way Ms. Giorello writes. Intelligent, fun, gritty, suspenseful and if you think you know who-done-it, you'd be wrong.
I happened to find this audiobook on Libby. The narrator is terrific!
Off to start the next book, The Clouds Roll Away.
January 13, 2022
Sibella Giorello, once an award-winning feature reporter, now a Christy Award novelist (The Stones Cry Out), draws her readers’ hearts into the intense mind of geologist-turned-FBI agent Raleigh Harmon. While competing in a cut-throat male profession, Raleigh’s life and career are impossibly complicated by a neurotic “crazy” Southern belle mother, a New Age crystal-promoting aunt and an intrusive self-proclaimed clairvoyant.
Raleigh thinks rocks, beautifully. She ponders people, places, and the geology that impacts it all.
Driving to the FBI Crime Lab on the other side of Washington state, Raleigh reflects how the “armies” of evergreens ascending the Cascade Mountains remind her of a certain manmade emerald “with a hue so verdant, so luscious, it whispered sibilant promises in the ears of greedy men.” In fact, “that gorgeous emerald in the FBI lab cost three men their lives.”
Whispers. Screams. Promises broken, twisted. Chases with unexpected endings. The wealthy and powerful, the criminals turned cooperative—for a price—and the victims, sometimes agents of darkness themselves.
It’s all about choice. Or is it?
The rivers that promise wealth, happy homes, security can all run dry. In pursuit of satisfying increasing thirsts, people make horrendous choices.
Seeking to temper justice with mercy while leaning on the God she trusts (but few around her tolerate), Raleigh defies orders—to save a terrified victim of a heinous crime—at the risk of her own sanity, career, and life. I couldn’t put the book down.
Raleigh. Her journey, smashing through dangerous odds to redeem lives, draws the reader into the chase. This incredible woman was so engaging, I often forgot she was fictional! She will steal your heart and draw you into every book in the series.
Mrs. Giorello is a masterful writer, contrasting the weirdly impossible with the ordinary, challenging the assumptions most of us live by.
Raleigh thinks rocks, beautifully. She ponders people, places, and the geology that impacts it all.
Driving to the FBI Crime Lab on the other side of Washington state, Raleigh reflects how the “armies” of evergreens ascending the Cascade Mountains remind her of a certain manmade emerald “with a hue so verdant, so luscious, it whispered sibilant promises in the ears of greedy men.” In fact, “that gorgeous emerald in the FBI lab cost three men their lives.”
Whispers. Screams. Promises broken, twisted. Chases with unexpected endings. The wealthy and powerful, the criminals turned cooperative—for a price—and the victims, sometimes agents of darkness themselves.
It’s all about choice. Or is it?
The rivers that promise wealth, happy homes, security can all run dry. In pursuit of satisfying increasing thirsts, people make horrendous choices.
Seeking to temper justice with mercy while leaning on the God she trusts (but few around her tolerate), Raleigh defies orders—to save a terrified victim of a heinous crime—at the risk of her own sanity, career, and life. I couldn’t put the book down.
Raleigh. Her journey, smashing through dangerous odds to redeem lives, draws the reader into the chase. This incredible woman was so engaging, I often forgot she was fictional! She will steal your heart and draw you into every book in the series.
Mrs. Giorello is a masterful writer, contrasting the weirdly impossible with the ordinary, challenging the assumptions most of us live by.
September 25, 2018
Raleigh Harmon is a forensic geologist whose backstory is revealed in a trilogy of mysteries in the Youth Fiction genre. That is where I was first introduced to this likable character and the equally enjoyable writing style of Sibella Giorello. The Raleigh Harmen series falls somewhere between a crime drama (which I enjoy) and the cozy mystery genre (which I avoid). The series overall has not quite grown up into a true "adult" mystery; it still reads like youth fiction, and is suitable for teens and adults.
There are a number of things I like about Giorello's writing style. She writes Christian fiction in which Raleigh's faith is believable and more biblical than I often encounter in this genre. Although she has a tendency to overuse simile, she pulls it off well because she is almost never cliche. She writes with a freshness I appreciate. Five books in, and I'm not sure she has ever used the same simile twice. Raleigh doesn't possess super powers. She just sticks with a case as tenaciously as a dead bug clings to your windshield as you fly down the road at 70 miles an hour. The plots are believable, and the solution to the crime is fairly well concealed until Giorello solves the mystery.
If you like mysteries, the Rivers Run Dry will probably hold your attention. The further I got into it, the less I wanted to put it down. It's clean and free of romance, which earns two thumbs up from me. I recommend reading Book One first, if not the entire prequel teen trilogy, but it isn't necessary.
There are a number of things I like about Giorello's writing style. She writes Christian fiction in which Raleigh's faith is believable and more biblical than I often encounter in this genre. Although she has a tendency to overuse simile, she pulls it off well because she is almost never cliche. She writes with a freshness I appreciate. Five books in, and I'm not sure she has ever used the same simile twice. Raleigh doesn't possess super powers. She just sticks with a case as tenaciously as a dead bug clings to your windshield as you fly down the road at 70 miles an hour. The plots are believable, and the solution to the crime is fairly well concealed until Giorello solves the mystery.
If you like mysteries, the Rivers Run Dry will probably hold your attention. The further I got into it, the less I wanted to put it down. It's clean and free of romance, which earns two thumbs up from me. I recommend reading Book One first, if not the entire prequel teen trilogy, but it isn't necessary.
June 26, 2017
Why would you ever need to watch TV when you have books like these? Fast-paced, action-packed, suspense-filled, clean and fun to boot. Another terrific read.
I love the authors intriguing descriptions. Not only do you get an image and sound, but an emotional overtone as well. For example when a rude, unhelpful courthouse clerk walks away on her stiletto heels she writes, "her high heels clicking across the marble floor, a sound like an empty chamber tumbling in a revolver." These kinds of vivid descriptions are plentiful and never get tiresome.
I had a couple issues, though. I don't know how this one got past the editors. The FBI agent, Raleigh, opens up a Gideon Bible while in a hotel room. It says that she opened up to Luke and read about the women at the well. What? Not in Luke she didn't. There were a few gross things that I could have done with out but I skimmed some of that.
These books are dangerous because they are rather addictive and all-absorbing. Only read them if you don't need sleep or don't have a lot to do. Her books are very hard to put down and when you are away from them your only thought is when you can steal a few minutes to read some more.
I love the authors intriguing descriptions. Not only do you get an image and sound, but an emotional overtone as well. For example when a rude, unhelpful courthouse clerk walks away on her stiletto heels she writes, "her high heels clicking across the marble floor, a sound like an empty chamber tumbling in a revolver." These kinds of vivid descriptions are plentiful and never get tiresome.
I had a couple issues, though. I don't know how this one got past the editors. The FBI agent, Raleigh, opens up a Gideon Bible while in a hotel room. It says that she opened up to Luke and read about the women at the well. What? Not in Luke she didn't. There were a few gross things that I could have done with out but I skimmed some of that.
These books are dangerous because they are rather addictive and all-absorbing. Only read them if you don't need sleep or don't have a lot to do. Her books are very hard to put down and when you are away from them your only thought is when you can steal a few minutes to read some more.
March 20, 2019
Having run afoul of a vindictive superstar FBI agent Raleigh Harmon finds herself transferred to the Northwest. Institutional misogyny and an egotistical supervisor make her professional life miserable. Not to say her personal life is any better. Living with her eccentric aunt and schizophrenic mother is like walking on eggs. But the case of a missing rich girl gives Raleigh the opportunity to demonstrate her skills, investigative and scientific.
I enjoyed this book. It is well written and Raleigh is a nice deviation from the usual simpering heroine. Strong and smart, she can stand up to the men. although this is described as a Christain novel the reader is not clobbered with dogma or religion. Christianity factors in many of the characters' lives but one does not feel bulldozed. The pacing is uneven but overall it is a satisfying read.
I enjoyed this book. It is well written and Raleigh is a nice deviation from the usual simpering heroine. Strong and smart, she can stand up to the men. although this is described as a Christain novel the reader is not clobbered with dogma or religion. Christianity factors in many of the characters' lives but one does not feel bulldozed. The pacing is uneven but overall it is a satisfying read.
February 9, 2022
I have enjoyed the first two books in Sibella Giorello's Raleigh Harmon series. They can be classified as Christian fiction, and the author won a Christy award for the first book in the series, The Stones Cry Out. In this novel, Raleigh is trying to find a kidnapped woman who is the daughter of a very rich family. Her investigation leads her into brushes with some unsavory characters and puts her in a situation that is harmful to herself. The theme of rivers running dry is subtly worked into the plot, but the reader must pay attention to see it. I am ready to begin the third book in this series if it is available at my library.
January 14, 2020
This is another one of those books where I want to add stars. This is the second in the series, but I started here because a friend sent it to me and I didn't have immediate access to number one. I didn't have any trouble jumping in at number two or following Raleigh's story, and I absolutely loved the book. Relatable characters that draw you in and get you involved, right from the beginning. I really, really want to meet Danato :). You'll have to read the book if you want to know who that is!
July 17, 2022
The last 25 pages sent this book from a solid four stars throughout to five stars. I appreciate the integration of Christianity throughout as well as expressions of faith. Characterization is strong and the story holds true, sometimes making me want to reach out to Raleigh's superiors with a smack upside the head. I am backtracking with my next read to check out the first in this series, especially since it's set in my area. This should not be a quick read; it is smart and quirky and thoughtful and a delight to have discovered.
November 30, 2020
My first Raleigh Harmon book. I have to say this book taught me a lot. It is full of information about the state of Washington, about geology and about the FBI. It is also written from a Christian perspective which I appreciated. I liked the heroine and all the quirky characters that make up the agency. The plot is very suspenseful and I would never have figured out who the bad guy was. If you like a good police action suspense without the romance then you will enjoy this one.
June 8, 2017
A pleasant surprise. Set in Seattle, a savvy young FBI special agent juggles relations with her new age Aunt and her bipolar Southern belle mother, as she withstands the all male society of her office in search of a missing, possibly kidnapped daughter. I will add more by Ms Giorello to my list of artists to watch for.
November 13, 2017
Love this series
Isabella Giorello writes with imagination, beautiful descriptions, and in a way that catches the interest of the reader from the first page. Looking forward to reading all of the Raleigh Harmon series.
Isabella Giorello writes with imagination, beautiful descriptions, and in a way that catches the interest of the reader from the first page. Looking forward to reading all of the Raleigh Harmon series.
February 18, 2018
This was a good book. I enjoyed the main character a it. She wasn’t perfect and actually learned something which was good. I didn’t keep up with all the technical jargon that well but it wasn’t overwhelming so it didn’t take away from the story.
June 1, 2020
I wish I could find the first one! I have a new author to read and will now record the next two books. I'm currently reading the fourth! What a relief to travel to different places where I've either lived or loved, for a detailed intelligent mystery.
June 18, 2025
I grabbed this book out of a little free library for no specific reason, but it was a great choice. It's a page-turner!!! I will search out the first book in this series and keep my eyes open for future ones. This is a nice mesh of southern US meeting the Pacific Northwest.
September 6, 2017
Love this series
September 20, 2017
Predictable. None of the characters were engaging except for maybe the new age aunt and even she was annoying. Not enough science to be interesting.
October 3, 2017
I have given the story 3 stars because I found it OK, but not a "special mystery"! I certainly is OK, but I felt it lacked substance that would make it exceptional!
August 24, 2018
Love The characters
I love the characters in the Raleigh Harmon novels. They are well developed. And the message doesn’t hit you over the head but it resonates and sticks with you.
I love the characters in the Raleigh Harmon novels. They are well developed. And the message doesn’t hit you over the head but it resonates and sticks with you.
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