About the Book:
Coal companies, environmentalists, and local ranchers divide a small town in Southern Utah over the use of public land. When an environmental activist is found shot to death, just about everyone becomes a suspect.
My Review:
On Deadly Ground by Michael Norman is thrilling murder mystery set in the surrounding area of Kanab, a small town in southern Utah. Former Denver police officer J.D. Books returns to his home town as a Bureau of Land Management Ranger and immediately gets caught up in a murder investigation.
The story takes many twists when J.D. and Sheriff Sutter investigate the likely suspects and their motives. As the story unfolds there are also surprises both for the investigation and personally for J.D. The plot moves very quickly and the action doesn’t stop.
J.D.’s character is very likeable with a laid-back attitude and a past that haunts him. J.D.’s return to the place where he grew up added greatly to the character development as he interacted with old friends and family.
Michael Norman’s previous novels also take place in Utah, and he conveyed a good sense of where the story was located in On Deadly Ground. This is a new author for me, and I look forward to reading his previous novels, Silent Witness and The Commission. Michel spent 25 years as a Professor of Criminal Justice at Weber State University, Ogden, Utah. During that time, he served on the Utah State Youth Parole Authority followed by a term on the State Board of Pardons and Parole.
On Deadly Ground is the perfect mystery with tension, action, surprises, and a satisfying conclusion.
A link for Michael Norman's website is here: Michael Norman Author
Thank you to Poison Pen Press for the advanced reader copy.
It's always great when a new to you author or book ends up being a good fit! Glad to hear you enjoyed it! =0)
ReplyDeleteThanks. Sounds like one I'd like.
ReplyDeleteMike just finished reading your latest On Deadly Ground. I have enjoyed your books this book was excellent also. Keep up the good work I do enjoy your books. I especially enjoyed the picture of you with Joyce and Eddy. The preface almost made me cry it was beautiful that you thought so much of your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pamela Spencer (Jed's friend)
(yes this did take me an hour to send this message to you)