Nora Kelly · #5

Badlands

Lincoln Child, Douglas Preston

8.0 / 10
1 rating

In the New Mexico badlands, the skeleton of a woman is found—and the case is assigned to FBI Agent Corrie Swanson. The victim walked into the desert, shedding clothes as she went, and then died in agony of heatstroke and thirst. Two rare artifacts are found clutched in her bony hands—lightning stones used by the ancient Chaco people to summon the gods.

Is it suicide or… sacrifice?

Agent Swanson brings in archaeologist Nora Kelly to investigate. When a second body is found—exactly like the other—the two realize the case runs deeper than they thought. As Corrie and Nora pursue their investigation into remote canyons, haunted ruins, and long-lost rituals, they find themselves awakening a slumbering menace: a dark power brought to life once again, which threatens a malevolency beyond all understanding.

Published
June 3, 2025
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Author

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…