#1 bestselling authors Preston & Child return with the next book in a series featuring archaeologist Nora Kelly and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson.

Following OLD BONES, the second "happily anticipated" new thriller in Preston & Child's new series will once again feature Nora Kelly, archaeologist at the Santa Fe Archeological Institute, and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson investigating a new case that requires both their skills (Booklist).

After a shoot-out Swanson is involved in leaves a senior FBI agent gravely wounded, Corrie finds herself under investigation. Her supervisor assures her she's not to blame and the black mark on her record will be cleared in short order. But Corrie finds herself shake her overwhelming guilt.

As a distraction, she takes on a new case involving a fifty-year-old, mummified corpse discovered in a hidden enclave at High Lonesome, a long-abandoned New Mexico ghost town. Quickly out of her depth, she quickly realizes she needs the help of her foe-turned-ally, archaeologist Nora Kelly, who soon uncovers a startling truth: the deceased had been poisoned, and died clutching a priceless artifact from outside High Lonesome.

Published
January 12, 2021
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Nora Kelly

The series

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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.

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As Nora navigates ancient ruins and untangles the threads of forgotten histories, she finds herself drawn into deadly situations where the line between scientific exploration and life-threatening peril blurs. With each new mystery, she uncovers more than just lost artifacts; she unearths dangerous secrets that others would rather keep buried. The series moves seamlessly from one gripping adventure to the next, from the chilling discoveries in The Scorpion's Tail to the high-stakes action in Diablo Mesa.

Set against stunning backdrops—whether it's the rugged desert of New Mexico or the eerie remnants of ancient civilizations—Nora Kelly immerses readers in a world where the past and present collide. With its sharp focus on historical suspense, dynamic characters, and nail-biting thrills, the series weaves a complex web of danger and discovery. Each book unravels a unique puzzle, leading Nora into deeper, darker territories.

If you're drawn to tales where archaeology meets the unknown, where every dig brings new dangers, and where strong-willed protagonists navigate both physical and intellectual challenges, Nora Kelly will take you on a journey you won’t soon forget.

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