Blind Descent / Nevada Barr - 3***

[Book Concierge]

Blind Descent – Nevada Barr
3***

Book six in the mystery series starring U.S. Park Ranger Anna Pigeon takes Anna to New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns, where one of her friends, and an avid caver, has been seriously injured while exploring a new (and not open to the public) cave system. Frieda has a serious head injury and is mostly unconscious, but she has asked for Anna. So, Anna swallows her claustrophobia to come to her friend’s aid. In a brief moment of lucidity, Frieda tells Anna that it was not an accident.

Much of the action in this book takes place in the confined spaces underground, and Barr spends a lot of time setting up the mystery and going into excruciating detail on the difficulties of exploring such a cave. I felt a little claustrophobic myself a few times.

I like Anna; she’s mentally and physically strong, intelligent, independent, and fiercely determined. Barr includes issues of corporate greed and environmental concerns, while extolling the majestic beauty of pristine caves, and praising the dedication of scientists and volunteers who try to map newly discovered underground treasures.

This is a totally satisfying mystery in a series with a strong female lead.


LINK to my review

[annapi]

This is my favorite book of the series - I gave it 5 stars. Her descriptions of the underground are very strong, and being a bit claustrophobic myself they made me feel very uneasy! That last scene (which I won't describe as it would be a major spoiler) was devastating to me.

[Booknblues]

I've read a couple in this series in an out of order kind of way and like them.

As an adolescent I visited the Carlsbad Caverns and thought they were really cool.

[[deleted user]]

Oh, I have been to Carlsbad Caverns! Several times! I should read this! Good review.

[Rachel N.]

This is also my favorite Anna Pigeon book. I even have a copy signed by Nevada Barr that one of my relatives who went to the same gym as her got signed for me.