Fifteen years before nine experienced hikers went missing in a blizzard. Only six bodies were recovered immediately following the event, all in bizarre circumstances never explained. Some obviously died of exposure but what drove them from their tent into a storm in the first place?

In the present day two more victims are discovered by a couple of drunk, high frat boys and FBI Special Agent Corrie Swanson and archaeologist Nora Kelly are called to the scene. Will Swanson’s career be ruined the same way the first agent in charge of the case’s was so long before?

Lots going on here—corrupt local police, high government coverup, an evil—nope, won’t spoil—and a shoot-em-up at the end when your favorite sheriff and mine gets to ride to the rescue, but Preston and Child have written a master class here on how to keep every thread of their narrative alive and your attention riveted to the very last page. Great introduction to new FBI guy Clay Sharp, too–I hope we see more of him in future.

Book Review Monday Chatter Dead Mountain Preston and Childs