Old Bones
The first in the groundbreaking Nora Kelly series from #1 bestselling authors Preston & Child blends the legend of the Donner party with a riveting suspense tale, taking the dynamic duo's work to new heights.
Nora Kelly, a young but successful curator with a series of important excavations already under her belt, is approached by the handsome Historian, Clive Benton, to lead an expedition unlike any other. Clive tells his story--one involving the ill-fated Donner Party, who became permanently lodged in the American consciousness in the winter of 1847, when the first skeletonized survivors of the party stumbled out of the California mountains, replete with tales of courage, resourcefulness, bad luck, murder, barbarism--and, finally, starvation and cannibalism.
Captivated by the Donner Party, Nora agrees and they venture into the Sierra Nevada in search of the camp. Quickly, they learn that the discovery of the missing starvation camp is just the tip of the iceberg--and that the real truth behind those long-dead pioneers is not only far more complex and surprising than they could have imagined...but it is one that puts them both in mortal danger from a very real, present-day threat in which the search for the lost party, and its fabled fortune in gold, are merely means to a horrifying end.
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Lincoln Child
Lincoln Child is a master of suspenseful, intricately woven thrillers that leave readers on the edge of their seats. Known for his captivating storytelling and atmospheric world-building, Child has earned a reputation as one of the leading authors in the genre. Whether crafting standalone novels or co-authoring series with Douglas Preston, his works are filled with tension, unexpected twists, and a deep exploration of the human condition.
Born in Westport, Connecticut, Child's early years were marked by a keen interest in science, which often finds its way into his writing. This fascination with science, technology, and the unexplained gives his books a unique edge, blending cutting-edge ideas with page-turning plots. His partnership with Douglas Preston led to the creation of the popular Pendergast series, a set of thrillers featuring the enigmatic FBI agent Aloysius Pendergast. The success of this series cemented Child's place in the literary world, making him a household name for thriller enthusiasts.
Nora Kelly
In the world of archaeology, few discoveries are as perilous as those tied to the past's darkest secrets. This is the world of Nora Kelly, a brilliant archaeologist whose expeditions often take her far beyond academic curiosity into the realm of gripping mystery and untold danger. Her journey begins with the search for the legendary remains of the Donner Party in Old Bones, a mission that plunges her deep into a world of historical intrigue, betrayal, and hidden truths.
Nora Kelly consists of five primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
