by Nevada Barr
Part of Anna Pigeon, book 1
First published 1993
Anna Pigeon discovers a colleague's body in the remote backcountry of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The victim appears to have been mauled by a mountain lion, but Anna suspects something more sinister. As the newest ranger on staff, she faces skepticism from her coworkers and superiors who want to close the case quickly. Anna digs deeper into the circumstances surrounding the death, uncovering tensions and secrets among the small park community. Her investigation puts her at odds with both her colleagues and the harsh desert environment. The isolated wilderness becomes increasingly dangerous as Anna realizes the killer may strike again. She must navigate office politics, personal relationships, and her own self-doubt while pursuing the truth. The case forces Anna to confront not only a murderer but also her own place in this unforgiving landscape and tight-knit community.
Genres: adventure, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, investigation, small-town
Setting: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Period: 20th-century
218 pages · Paperback · Avon