The deaths of a group of hikers is tied to a military coverup. ( )

There's already been plenty written about this book by other reviewers, so let me suffice to say that if you enjoyed the 1st 3 books in the series, you're certainly not gonna enjoy this one. The familiar characters from books 1-3 are back again and better than ever. ( )

Dead Mountain is a story that builds impossible stories that thankfully culminate at the very end. It takes place in New Mexico with our favorite FBI agent Cory Swanson and favorite archaeologist, Nora Kelly. Both ladies are placed in terrible situations that culminate in the end of the book. Four stars were given to this book. ( )

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's Nora Kelly series has turned into a must-read for me whenever I want some high-octane fun-- although I do wonder if Nora will ever turn Corrie down when she asks for help because, every time she says yes, she finds herself in a big mess.

I fell in love with New Mexico on a visit a few years ago, and I always look forward to what bits of that state's history these two men will use to fuel their story. Although Nora does help Corrie with the Dead Mountain 9 investigation, she finds herself pulled away by her impulsive brother Skip who runs afoul of a corrupt sheriff when the two help people from the Isleta Pueblo repatriate ancient remains found in the cave. Learning more about NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) laws was very interesting, and I enjoyed how Skip was extricated from his dire situation.

The major storyline involving the Dead Mountain 9 uses Kirtland Air Force Base as a possible focus for Corrie's investigation. Watching Corrie and her new mentor, Agent Sharp, unravel all the knots surrounding the coverups of what happened during that blizzard fifteen years ago was a blast. I love how Preston and Child's minds work!

No matter how good the story, it wouldn't really work if the characters weren't up to the same high standards, and they are. Archaeologist Nora Kelly is the more seasoned of the two and keeps Corrie's worst impulsiveness in check. She also has valuable knowledge to bring to the table. Neither woman is someone you want to mess with when you're in the wrong. Nora's brother Skip is the class clown, the comic relief. Will he ever learn when to keep his mouth shut? You can count on me to keep reading to find out. And of course, there's Sheriff Homer Watts, the handsome six-gun-toting lawman who takes special care of his cowboy hat. He can be counted on to ride in and help save the day. Seeing these recurring characters develop is one of the best parts of reading the series.

This cast of characters is one that is determined to confront injustice, and watching how Agents Swanson and Sharp and all the rest bring justice to the Dead Mountain 9 is the icing on the cake of an extremely enjoyable read. I can't wait for the next book in the series! ( )

An entertaining mystery involving nine missing mountaineers.

What happened to the college students who went on a winter backpacking trip into the Manzano Mountains? Sure, conditions were brutal in the high New Mexico mountain range but they were experienced and well provisioned. Something made them flee from their tent out into a blizzard and certain death. A search and rescue effort found 6 of them -- with some disturbing injuries. The case went cold, and the FBI put it on the back burner.

Years later, in a cave that also contained ancient remains of Pueblos, two additional bodies are recovered. FBI Agent Corrie Swanson and Nora Kelly, an archeologist, team up to investigate, examine the new evidence, and analyze the events of that fateful camping excursion.

I really love the writing style and these characters. This is the 4th in the series and although it could be read as a standalone, I think it best to read them all, in order. The unlikely pair of Corrie and Nora make a great team despite their personalities and different backgrounds. The combination of law and order with archeology is a good fit especially with historical mysteries. The plot and ensuing discoveries were quite interesting, and the pace was fast. Looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. The entire series is excellent. ( )