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Forensic Geology #2
Badwater
DEATH VALLEY EARNS ITS NAME when a terrorist threatens to unleash lethal radioactive toxins in America's most fragile national park.Forensic geologists Cassie Oldfield and Walter Shaws embark upon a perilous mission to find and stop the terrorist. Mineral clues lead them deep into the desert, and the canyons, pushing them to their limits. The summer heat is brutal. The material they seek is hotter than the desert in August, and they are each vulnerable to its effects.The geologists soon learn that they are up against more than human malice. The unstable atom--in the hands of an unstable man--is governed by Murphy's Law. Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.And it does.-- All books in the series are complete novels and can be enjoyed in any order.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 21, 2011
What the heck is a forensic geologist? Don’t let fear of the unknown make you skip this book. Jump right in and find out. Just make sure you have stocked up on bottled water. Trust me.
I had no idea Death Valley was such a lively place. That’s what Ms. Dwiggin injects into her setting: life. You come to see more than a hot, dry desert; you see a fascinating, diverse eco-system. Add to that characters as textured and layered as the scenery she describes, and you have a novel that educates as it entertains.
I’ll admit to misgivings when the first person POV switched to third, but the author handled it masterfully, and it never bothered me after. Getting into the antagonist’s head every few chapters added another dimension to the story and worked quite well for me.
This book highlights the dangers we face in this nuclear age, without bashing you over the head with strong political views. Just the facts, ma’am. All it takes is one nut-job and some higher-ups covering their butts to put an entire eco-system—and the people who inhabit it—at risk. No safety net is fool-proof. Human error happens. Badwater presents a totally believable premise and a new sort of crime-solver.
The mystery kept me guessing, the suspense made me sweat, and the pace was at times as blistering as the heat in Death Valley. I tore through the second half of this book, iced drink in hand.
I had no idea Death Valley was such a lively place. That’s what Ms. Dwiggin injects into her setting: life. You come to see more than a hot, dry desert; you see a fascinating, diverse eco-system. Add to that characters as textured and layered as the scenery she describes, and you have a novel that educates as it entertains.
I’ll admit to misgivings when the first person POV switched to third, but the author handled it masterfully, and it never bothered me after. Getting into the antagonist’s head every few chapters added another dimension to the story and worked quite well for me.
This book highlights the dangers we face in this nuclear age, without bashing you over the head with strong political views. Just the facts, ma’am. All it takes is one nut-job and some higher-ups covering their butts to put an entire eco-system—and the people who inhabit it—at risk. No safety net is fool-proof. Human error happens. Badwater presents a totally believable premise and a new sort of crime-solver.
The mystery kept me guessing, the suspense made me sweat, and the pace was at times as blistering as the heat in Death Valley. I tore through the second half of this book, iced drink in hand.
December 4, 2011
I'm not big on crime investigation stories, but I do have a degree in geology, so I couldn't resist this book. The story brings us a pair of forensic geologists who use soil samples and rock types to solve crimes. In this case, they are on the trail of stolen radioactive waste, through Death Valley, California, one of the most amazing places on the planet.
This is simply one of the best books I've ever read. The characters are strong, realistic, and sympathetic. The lead character is Cassie, and yes, I'm delighted she's a woman. Lots of geologists are women, but geology somehow still has a macho, guy-thing reputation. This story has Cassie tramping through the heat and hills of Death Valley and enduring radiation exposure, while protecting Walter, her older boss and mentor, who is strong, but has a heart problem. Cassie carries the action with a believable blend of ethics, intelligence, and humor.
Geology and radioactivity are explained in seamless narrative or dialogue, never once detracting from the action. This is not a simple thing to pull off, but author Toni Dwiggins makes it look easy. The book is not long, but she layers plot twists and "who-dun-it" mystique throughout, taking the reader on a high-stakes guessing game scattered with scientists, truck drivers, mine owners, and government managers.
Highly recommended.
This is simply one of the best books I've ever read. The characters are strong, realistic, and sympathetic. The lead character is Cassie, and yes, I'm delighted she's a woman. Lots of geologists are women, but geology somehow still has a macho, guy-thing reputation. This story has Cassie tramping through the heat and hills of Death Valley and enduring radiation exposure, while protecting Walter, her older boss and mentor, who is strong, but has a heart problem. Cassie carries the action with a believable blend of ethics, intelligence, and humor.
Geology and radioactivity are explained in seamless narrative or dialogue, never once detracting from the action. This is not a simple thing to pull off, but author Toni Dwiggins makes it look easy. The book is not long, but she layers plot twists and "who-dun-it" mystique throughout, taking the reader on a high-stakes guessing game scattered with scientists, truck drivers, mine owners, and government managers.
Highly recommended.
August 21, 2011
Synopsis: When a freight truck is hijacked, forensic geologists Cassie Oldfield and her partner Walter Shaws track the mineral trail into Death Valley. The stolen cargo they seek is hotter than the desert in August: radioactive waste.
As scientists, Cassie and her partner Walter are familiar with background radiation in the rocks they study. But as a woman of child-bearing age and a man of advancing years, they become acutely aware of the risk of their hunt. How many exposures are too many? What's safe? More immediately, what's lethal?
The geologists find out when the unstable radwaste thief unleashes the power of the unstable atom.
Review: When I first started reading this book I honestly didn't think I was going to be able to finish it. The first few chapters were largely just telling about the radioactive waste. I have never been big on science (that's why my Bio Anatomy class is gonna kick my butt this semester)! It was hard to keep reading since I really have no interest in what the acronyms RERT or CTC stand for! I have to tell you that this book is FULL of acronyms!
I am glad that I stuck it out though. The book got much better after I got past the first few chapters. There were still LOTS of acronyms and lots of explanation that I didn't feel was necessary BUT the story was GREAT. I never would have guessed that the person behind it all was even involved! Toni Dwiggins did a great job keeping me in suspence!
In the end I LOVED this book! Even with all of the acronyms :)
As scientists, Cassie and her partner Walter are familiar with background radiation in the rocks they study. But as a woman of child-bearing age and a man of advancing years, they become acutely aware of the risk of their hunt. How many exposures are too many? What's safe? More immediately, what's lethal?
The geologists find out when the unstable radwaste thief unleashes the power of the unstable atom.
Review: When I first started reading this book I honestly didn't think I was going to be able to finish it. The first few chapters were largely just telling about the radioactive waste. I have never been big on science (that's why my Bio Anatomy class is gonna kick my butt this semester)! It was hard to keep reading since I really have no interest in what the acronyms RERT or CTC stand for! I have to tell you that this book is FULL of acronyms!
I am glad that I stuck it out though. The book got much better after I got past the first few chapters. There were still LOTS of acronyms and lots of explanation that I didn't feel was necessary BUT the story was GREAT. I never would have guessed that the person behind it all was even involved! Toni Dwiggins did a great job keeping me in suspence!
In the end I LOVED this book! Even with all of the acronyms :)
December 9, 2011
I enjoyed BADWATER by Toni Dwiggins, an independently published thriller that compares well with traditionally published paperbacks available at any bookstore.
Cassie Oldfield and Walter Shaws are forensic geologists—a new term to me, but I know about it now thanks to the book—who are called in to assist in the investigation of missing radioactive waste in Death Valley. The setting is well described, the technology well researched, and the bad guys engineer diabolical plot twists. The action continues right up to the end.
My only gripe worth mentioning has to do with the narrative perspective. The book is written in a mix of first and third person that I personally find to be distracting. I don’t know if this is a recent trend in fiction—this is the second book I’ve recently read that does this—but I find it jarring at each change. It may well be a personal preference, but I can’t help but penalize a star for it.
BADWATER gets three stars from me, others who don’t mind the narrative perspective would likely rate it higher.
Cassie Oldfield and Walter Shaws are forensic geologists—a new term to me, but I know about it now thanks to the book—who are called in to assist in the investigation of missing radioactive waste in Death Valley. The setting is well described, the technology well researched, and the bad guys engineer diabolical plot twists. The action continues right up to the end.
My only gripe worth mentioning has to do with the narrative perspective. The book is written in a mix of first and third person that I personally find to be distracting. I don’t know if this is a recent trend in fiction—this is the second book I’ve recently read that does this—but I find it jarring at each change. It may well be a personal preference, but I can’t help but penalize a star for it.
BADWATER gets three stars from me, others who don’t mind the narrative perspective would likely rate it higher.
August 22, 2020
Interesting plot. There was quite a bit of information regarding the geology of hills and mines in Death Valley, CA.
June 16, 2024
One of my favorite places is Death Valley. This book gives you a feel for it. The end was true suspense.
December 14, 2014
This is a strong mystery investigation novel. I was drawn to it by the unusual premise of investigative geologists. Cassie and Walter are well drawn characters. We see most of the book through Cassie's first person POV. Our geologists protagonists are called in by the FBI supervising agent in charge of investigating an attack on a radioactive waste transporting truck.
I almost put the book down. I felt the villain was too amazing. He can do anything. He can track, fight, hide, steal valuable equipment and transport vast amounts of radioactive material without detection. There is a team of multiple agencies trying to track down the villain in Death Valley. The FBI, the Energy Department, and our intrepid forensics geologists. The villain is able to attack the investigators with impunity. Our heroes are attacked multiple times by the one villain who moves around the countryside freely and anticipates each action of the FBI led team. The villain can overcome armed FBI agents as if they are civilians. There is no explanation of why this individual is so amazing, except to say that he has had many jobs in his life.
I am glad I stayed with the book and finished it. It had a very dramatic roller coaster finale. There were three strong elements of the book, for me. The experiences of the heroine involved me, the description of desert and mountains brought Death Valley to life for me, and the tension and danger felt strong throughout the book.
It probably helped to keep the level of suspense high by having radioactive material on the loose controlled by a madman or madmen. The geologists take some trips surrounded by armed agents and some trips by themselves. They are not armed, except with scientific knowledge and tools of geological investigation. Our heroes are in danger, as well as the wilder region.
The author does a good job of bringing the desert area near the border between California and Nevada in the Southwest of the USA to life. I have been to Death Valley and found the descriptions credible. I did not recognize the exact locations mentioned, but they felt realistic.
The most enjoyable aspect of the book is Cassie's POV. When she is close to death from dehydration, I feel thirsty. When Cassie's hands are hurt but she needs to keep climbing up a rock, my hands hurt with her. When she finds that water could be contaminated, I felt uncomfortable with her swimming in the motel swimming pool the previous day. The author does a good job of making the reader feel what the main character is going through.
This book is a fast and enjoyable read. I recommend it to mystery readers. My one complaint is how the villain is drawn, but the book is good enough to overcome that complaint, for me.
I almost put the book down. I felt the villain was too amazing. He can do anything. He can track, fight, hide, steal valuable equipment and transport vast amounts of radioactive material without detection. There is a team of multiple agencies trying to track down the villain in Death Valley. The FBI, the Energy Department, and our intrepid forensics geologists. The villain is able to attack the investigators with impunity. Our heroes are attacked multiple times by the one villain who moves around the countryside freely and anticipates each action of the FBI led team. The villain can overcome armed FBI agents as if they are civilians. There is no explanation of why this individual is so amazing, except to say that he has had many jobs in his life.
I am glad I stayed with the book and finished it. It had a very dramatic roller coaster finale. There were three strong elements of the book, for me. The experiences of the heroine involved me, the description of desert and mountains brought Death Valley to life for me, and the tension and danger felt strong throughout the book.
It probably helped to keep the level of suspense high by having radioactive material on the loose controlled by a madman or madmen. The geologists take some trips surrounded by armed agents and some trips by themselves. They are not armed, except with scientific knowledge and tools of geological investigation. Our heroes are in danger, as well as the wilder region.
The author does a good job of bringing the desert area near the border between California and Nevada in the Southwest of the USA to life. I have been to Death Valley and found the descriptions credible. I did not recognize the exact locations mentioned, but they felt realistic.
The most enjoyable aspect of the book is Cassie's POV. When she is close to death from dehydration, I feel thirsty. When Cassie's hands are hurt but she needs to keep climbing up a rock, my hands hurt with her. When she finds that water could be contaminated, I felt uncomfortable with her swimming in the motel swimming pool the previous day. The author does a good job of making the reader feel what the main character is going through.
This book is a fast and enjoyable read. I recommend it to mystery readers. My one complaint is how the villain is drawn, but the book is good enough to overcome that complaint, for me.
August 3, 2019
I can't write a review better than this one, found on Page 316 of the book: Death Valley earns its name when a terrorist threatens to unleash lethal radioactive toxins. The only ones who can find and stop him are the forensic geologists, and they are up against more than pure human malice. The unstable atom -- in the hands of an unstable man -- is governed by Murphy's Law. Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.
Errors found in Kindle text: Page 9, Whoa Cassie / Whoa, Cassie ; 10, Pinch me coach / Pinch me, coach ; 12, Well then / Well, then ; 14 after the truck crash he'd gone home / crash, he'd gone ; 14, Hells bells / Hell's bells ; 15, started to bark he'd howl / bark, he'd howl ; 15, on job eighteen it gave / eighteen, it gave ; 16, the crash site nobody came / site, nobody came ; 16, Listen Roy / Listen, Roy ; 29, the cases I've worked the personal / I've worked, the personal ; 29, fifteen minutes ago the personal / ago, the personal ; 33, it's a swap then we / a swap, then we ; 36, Of course once you left / course, once you ; 38, Now think Roy / Now think, Roy ; 38, so early but would / early, but would ;
Page 38, Oh Roy / Oh, Roy ; 39, the dump he had / dump, he had ; 40, theory the perp / theory THAT the perp ; 42, Put it away Hap / Put it away, Hap ; 46, No he's not / No, he's not ; 46, well that cask isn't / well, that ; 50, So okay lady / So, okay, lady ; 50, Hey there Roy / Hey there, Roy ; 50, No we're not / 50, No, we're not ; 51, the ones who'd snuck in / who'd SNEAKED in ; 66, Yes but does the Park / Yes, but does ; 70, Easy Milt / Easy, Milt ; 86, Hey pardner / Hey, pardner ; 97, I laughed recognizing my own / I laughed, recognizing ; 97, oh Walter that is / oh, Walter, that is ; 106, Thanks but I'll just / Thanks, but I'll just ; 119, Yeah but we haven't / Yeah, but ; 130, And now of course I had / now, of course, I had ;
Page 135, Well did it look like / Well, did it ; 136, Sorry Hector / Sorry, Hector ; 139, Well he never complained / Well, he never ; 139, No Milt / No, Milt ; 143, Okay lady / Okay, lady ; 144, Come on come on / Come on, come on ; 147, Hey Cassie / Hey, Cassie ; 147, Jesus Scotty / Jesus, Scotty ; 148, but no worry Buttercup / no worry, Buttercup ; 148, somewhere down the road apiece. / down the road A PIECE." (add end quote) ; 152, hells bells it was a flood / hell's bells, it was ; 156, Well we g-----n cleaned up / Well, we g-----n ; 156, No I have not / No, I have not ; 158, Well, he didn't threaten / Well he didn't ; 159, Well it sure ain't / Well, it sure ; 160, Well I think you're / Well, I think ;
Page 160, Well thanks, Milt / Well, thanks, Milt ; 163, Well you started it / Well, you started ; 163, Come on Walter / Come on, Walter ; 166, God my daddy hated / God, my daddy ; 169, eh daddy / eh, daddy ; 175, Look Pria / Look, Pria ; 176, Who the hells knows / Who the HELL knows ; 181, highway 95 he could / highway 95, he could ; 181, off this road there's lots / this road, there's lots ; 182, for a road then so could / a road, then so ; 184, Look Pria / Look, Pria ; 184, Well Grandfather / Well, Grandfather ; 185, Look Pria / Look, Pria ; 185, Well yeah / Well, yeah ; 185, Well duh / Well, duh ; 187, all over he was going / all over, he was ; 187, those weapons he could / weapons, he could ;
Page 188, she didn't he still / she didn't, he still ; 188, the canyon he was / the canyon, he was ; 189, well yes he would but / well, yes, he would, but ; 191, days ago I'd seen dawn / days ago, I'd seen ; 192, Morning Buttercup / Morning, Buttercup ; 193, Okay fine / Okay, fine ; 194, Well I'll teach you / Well, I'll teach ; 194, Well yeah / Well, yeah ; 195, Well I'll be darned / Well, I'll be ; 204, Well I took some / Well, I took ; 204, Hey dimwits / Hey, dimwits ; 205, Ooooh baby / Ooooh, baby ; 207, Wait girl / Wait, girl ; 207, of your soul let me / soul, let me ; 209, And then please I will need / then, please, I will ; 210, Well sure worked on me / Well, sure worked ; 214, ditch it then why / ditch it, then why ;
Page 217, of that well they'd find / that well, they'd find ; 220, No dear / No, dear ; 221, squall of half-hour ago / squall of A half-hour ago ; 222, No you don't see / No, you don't see ; 226, Stop it Roy / Stop it, Roy ; 230, hey bro / hey, bro ; 231, she walked hither thither and yon / walked hither, thither, and yon ; 231, hand lens I was struck / lens, I was ; 236, to be had we will / be had, we will ; 237, No we don't / No, we don't ; 240, Walter in front of me ran / Walter, in front of me, ran ; 245, sudden here's Roy / sudden, here's Roy ; 247, oh shit he thinks / oh, shit, he thinks ; 248, yes yes I understand I'll do / yes, yes, I understand, I'll do ; 250, rushed forward my headlamp / rushed forward, my headlamp ;
Page 250, Oh no / Oh, no ; 253, Aw Buttercup / Aw, Buttercup ; 254, first Walter then me then Hap / first Walter, then me, then Hap ; 258, Yeah that worked / Yeah, that worked ; 263, Okay then / Okay, then ; 264, Sorry Cassie / Sorry, Cassie ; 264, Well I know that / Well, I know ; 267, I imaged they were / I IMAGINED they ; 271, his breather but as he / breather, but ; 272, floodable canyon but how / canyon, but how ; 272, you're going turn clean / you're going TO turn clean ; 272, I watched stunned / I watched, stunned ; 273, an MP-5 but if she / an MP-5, but if ; 274, I tried help her myself / I tried TO help her ; 274, No Pria / No, Pria ; 274, Yeah that's true / Yeah, that's true ; 275, Walter no / Walter, no ;
Page 277, That's true Grandfather / true, Grandfather ; 277, programmed me I started / programmed me, I started ; 279, What was I thinking letting him go / was I thinking, letting ; 291, Okay then / Okay, then ; 291, Hey Buttercup / Hey, Buttercup ; 292, won't work now either / work now, either ; 292, Damn you do it / Damn you, do it ; 292, Sooner or later Soliano was / later, Soliano was ; 293, long moment I did not / moment, I did ; 294, And then with a shout of pain he pushed / And then, with a shout of pain, he pushed ; 298, Ah Jesus / Ah, Jesus ; 300, safe side I took / safe side, I took ; 300, before impact my vision / impact, my vision ; 300, down deep the gun sling / deep, the gun ;
Page 300, Oh Jesus cold / Oh, Jesus, cold ; 301, Oh no Hap / Oh, no, Hap ; 301, crawled along I found / along, I found ; 302, his hair "let us / his hair, "Let us ; 304, for this but my gaze / for this, but my ; 306, if he can't go he won't go / can't go, he won't ; 307, outside our door I guess / door, I guess ; 310, over on him I am reminded / on him, I am ; 310, out loud I had / out loud, I had ; 311, the urge put them / the urge TO put them ; 312, drawing hand thank the good / drawing hand, thank ; 313, I'm scared Buttercup / I'm scared, Buttercup ; 313, was a kid I'd go / a kid, I'd go ; 313, finished reading I handed / reading, I handed ; 313, looked up I brought / looked up, I brought ; 313, Yes we do / Yes, we do .
Errors found in Kindle text: Page 9, Whoa Cassie / Whoa, Cassie ; 10, Pinch me coach / Pinch me, coach ; 12, Well then / Well, then ; 14 after the truck crash he'd gone home / crash, he'd gone ; 14, Hells bells / Hell's bells ; 15, started to bark he'd howl / bark, he'd howl ; 15, on job eighteen it gave / eighteen, it gave ; 16, the crash site nobody came / site, nobody came ; 16, Listen Roy / Listen, Roy ; 29, the cases I've worked the personal / I've worked, the personal ; 29, fifteen minutes ago the personal / ago, the personal ; 33, it's a swap then we / a swap, then we ; 36, Of course once you left / course, once you ; 38, Now think Roy / Now think, Roy ; 38, so early but would / early, but would ;
Page 38, Oh Roy / Oh, Roy ; 39, the dump he had / dump, he had ; 40, theory the perp / theory THAT the perp ; 42, Put it away Hap / Put it away, Hap ; 46, No he's not / No, he's not ; 46, well that cask isn't / well, that ; 50, So okay lady / So, okay, lady ; 50, Hey there Roy / Hey there, Roy ; 50, No we're not / 50, No, we're not ; 51, the ones who'd snuck in / who'd SNEAKED in ; 66, Yes but does the Park / Yes, but does ; 70, Easy Milt / Easy, Milt ; 86, Hey pardner / Hey, pardner ; 97, I laughed recognizing my own / I laughed, recognizing ; 97, oh Walter that is / oh, Walter, that is ; 106, Thanks but I'll just / Thanks, but I'll just ; 119, Yeah but we haven't / Yeah, but ; 130, And now of course I had / now, of course, I had ;
Page 135, Well did it look like / Well, did it ; 136, Sorry Hector / Sorry, Hector ; 139, Well he never complained / Well, he never ; 139, No Milt / No, Milt ; 143, Okay lady / Okay, lady ; 144, Come on come on / Come on, come on ; 147, Hey Cassie / Hey, Cassie ; 147, Jesus Scotty / Jesus, Scotty ; 148, but no worry Buttercup / no worry, Buttercup ; 148, somewhere down the road apiece. / down the road A PIECE." (add end quote) ; 152, hells bells it was a flood / hell's bells, it was ; 156, Well we g-----n cleaned up / Well, we g-----n ; 156, No I have not / No, I have not ; 158, Well, he didn't threaten / Well he didn't ; 159, Well it sure ain't / Well, it sure ; 160, Well I think you're / Well, I think ;
Page 160, Well thanks, Milt / Well, thanks, Milt ; 163, Well you started it / Well, you started ; 163, Come on Walter / Come on, Walter ; 166, God my daddy hated / God, my daddy ; 169, eh daddy / eh, daddy ; 175, Look Pria / Look, Pria ; 176, Who the hells knows / Who the HELL knows ; 181, highway 95 he could / highway 95, he could ; 181, off this road there's lots / this road, there's lots ; 182, for a road then so could / a road, then so ; 184, Look Pria / Look, Pria ; 184, Well Grandfather / Well, Grandfather ; 185, Look Pria / Look, Pria ; 185, Well yeah / Well, yeah ; 185, Well duh / Well, duh ; 187, all over he was going / all over, he was ; 187, those weapons he could / weapons, he could ;
Page 188, she didn't he still / she didn't, he still ; 188, the canyon he was / the canyon, he was ; 189, well yes he would but / well, yes, he would, but ; 191, days ago I'd seen dawn / days ago, I'd seen ; 192, Morning Buttercup / Morning, Buttercup ; 193, Okay fine / Okay, fine ; 194, Well I'll teach you / Well, I'll teach ; 194, Well yeah / Well, yeah ; 195, Well I'll be darned / Well, I'll be ; 204, Well I took some / Well, I took ; 204, Hey dimwits / Hey, dimwits ; 205, Ooooh baby / Ooooh, baby ; 207, Wait girl / Wait, girl ; 207, of your soul let me / soul, let me ; 209, And then please I will need / then, please, I will ; 210, Well sure worked on me / Well, sure worked ; 214, ditch it then why / ditch it, then why ;
Page 217, of that well they'd find / that well, they'd find ; 220, No dear / No, dear ; 221, squall of half-hour ago / squall of A half-hour ago ; 222, No you don't see / No, you don't see ; 226, Stop it Roy / Stop it, Roy ; 230, hey bro / hey, bro ; 231, she walked hither thither and yon / walked hither, thither, and yon ; 231, hand lens I was struck / lens, I was ; 236, to be had we will / be had, we will ; 237, No we don't / No, we don't ; 240, Walter in front of me ran / Walter, in front of me, ran ; 245, sudden here's Roy / sudden, here's Roy ; 247, oh shit he thinks / oh, shit, he thinks ; 248, yes yes I understand I'll do / yes, yes, I understand, I'll do ; 250, rushed forward my headlamp / rushed forward, my headlamp ;
Page 250, Oh no / Oh, no ; 253, Aw Buttercup / Aw, Buttercup ; 254, first Walter then me then Hap / first Walter, then me, then Hap ; 258, Yeah that worked / Yeah, that worked ; 263, Okay then / Okay, then ; 264, Sorry Cassie / Sorry, Cassie ; 264, Well I know that / Well, I know ; 267, I imaged they were / I IMAGINED they ; 271, his breather but as he / breather, but ; 272, floodable canyon but how / canyon, but how ; 272, you're going turn clean / you're going TO turn clean ; 272, I watched stunned / I watched, stunned ; 273, an MP-5 but if she / an MP-5, but if ; 274, I tried help her myself / I tried TO help her ; 274, No Pria / No, Pria ; 274, Yeah that's true / Yeah, that's true ; 275, Walter no / Walter, no ;
Page 277, That's true Grandfather / true, Grandfather ; 277, programmed me I started / programmed me, I started ; 279, What was I thinking letting him go / was I thinking, letting ; 291, Okay then / Okay, then ; 291, Hey Buttercup / Hey, Buttercup ; 292, won't work now either / work now, either ; 292, Damn you do it / Damn you, do it ; 292, Sooner or later Soliano was / later, Soliano was ; 293, long moment I did not / moment, I did ; 294, And then with a shout of pain he pushed / And then, with a shout of pain, he pushed ; 298, Ah Jesus / Ah, Jesus ; 300, safe side I took / safe side, I took ; 300, before impact my vision / impact, my vision ; 300, down deep the gun sling / deep, the gun ;
Page 300, Oh Jesus cold / Oh, Jesus, cold ; 301, Oh no Hap / Oh, no, Hap ; 301, crawled along I found / along, I found ; 302, his hair "let us / his hair, "Let us ; 304, for this but my gaze / for this, but my ; 306, if he can't go he won't go / can't go, he won't ; 307, outside our door I guess / door, I guess ; 310, over on him I am reminded / on him, I am ; 310, out loud I had / out loud, I had ; 311, the urge put them / the urge TO put them ; 312, drawing hand thank the good / drawing hand, thank ; 313, I'm scared Buttercup / I'm scared, Buttercup ; 313, was a kid I'd go / a kid, I'd go ; 313, finished reading I handed / reading, I handed ; 313, looked up I brought / looked up, I brought ; 313, Yes we do / Yes, we do .
July 3, 2013
Forensic Geology wasn’t a term I can remember coming across until I saw this book. The meaning seemed obvious: according to Wikipedia it is “the study of evidence relating to minerals, oil, petroleum, and other materials found in the Earth, used to answer questions raised by the legal system.” Just what I thought. Maybe if I watched more of the CSI TV series franchise I’d have been familiar with the term. The same Wikipedia article says this science goes back at least as far as the late 1800s when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had Sherlock Holmes use some rudimentary forensic geology techniques (at least compared to what the primary characters, Cassie and Walter, use in Badwater) to catch the bad guys. With the popularity of forensic science in general on TV and in books (both fictionalized and not), this specialty is an interesting variation on the theme.
This story hooked me early and kept me interested throughout. Unlike many forensic types, the nature of their specialty means Cassie and Walter aren’t spending most of their time “back in the lab,” but are out in the field and at risk. They’re well developed characters with a unique relationship and history that adds to the story. Even though the reader knows who the culprit is fairly early and the main characters along with the FBI agents they’re supporting figure it out soon afterward, the whodunit isn’t the draw as much as “what’s he going to do next.” Then at the climax we discover that there’s more to the story than what we’d thought. A real page turner.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
This story hooked me early and kept me interested throughout. Unlike many forensic types, the nature of their specialty means Cassie and Walter aren’t spending most of their time “back in the lab,” but are out in the field and at risk. They’re well developed characters with a unique relationship and history that adds to the story. Even though the reader knows who the culprit is fairly early and the main characters along with the FBI agents they’re supporting figure it out soon afterward, the whodunit isn’t the draw as much as “what’s he going to do next.” Then at the climax we discover that there’s more to the story than what we’d thought. A real page turner.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
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August 8, 2011Synopsis: When a freight truck is hijacked, forensic geologists Cassie Oldfield and her partner Walter Shaws track the mineral trail into Death Valley. The stolen cargo they seek is hotter than the desert in August: radioactive waste.
As scientists, Cassie and her partner Walter are familiar with background radiation in the rocks they study. But as a woman of child-bearing age and a man of advancing years, they become acutely aware of the risk of their hunt. How many exposures are too many? What's safe? More immediately, what's lethal?
The geologists find out when the unstable radwaste thief unleashes the power of the unstable atom.
Review: When I first starte reading this book I honestly didn't think I was going to be able to finish it. The first few chapters were largely just telling about the radioactive waste. I have never been big on science (that's why my Bio Anatomy class is gonna kick my butt this semester)! It was hard to keep reading since I really have no interest in what the acronyms RERT or CTC stand for! I have to tell you that this book is FULL of acronyms!
I am glad that I stuck it out though. The book got much better after I got past the first few chapters. There were still LOTS of acronyms and lots of explanation that I didn't feel was necessary BUT the story was GREAT. I never would have guessed that the person behind it all was even involved! Toni Dwiggins did a great job keeping me in suspence!
- Christy
As scientists, Cassie and her partner Walter are familiar with background radiation in the rocks they study. But as a woman of child-bearing age and a man of advancing years, they become acutely aware of the risk of their hunt. How many exposures are too many? What's safe? More immediately, what's lethal?
The geologists find out when the unstable radwaste thief unleashes the power of the unstable atom.
Review: When I first starte reading this book I honestly didn't think I was going to be able to finish it. The first few chapters were largely just telling about the radioactive waste. I have never been big on science (that's why my Bio Anatomy class is gonna kick my butt this semester)! It was hard to keep reading since I really have no interest in what the acronyms RERT or CTC stand for! I have to tell you that this book is FULL of acronyms!
I am glad that I stuck it out though. The book got much better after I got past the first few chapters. There were still LOTS of acronyms and lots of explanation that I didn't feel was necessary BUT the story was GREAT. I never would have guessed that the person behind it all was even involved! Toni Dwiggins did a great job keeping me in suspence!
- Christy
January 21, 2013
I came across 'Badwater' last Friday on Amazon/Kindle and instantly knew this was a book I wanted to read. 'Badwater' is the first book in a new Forensic Geology Series by Toni Dwiggins. I have to say this is a first rate beginning. Loved the fast paced, action packed, technical suspense thriller. I think this series will appeal to those readers who love Nevada Barr, Jessica Speart, J. A. Jance. The setting is Death Valley, which is a place I know well from growing up in Southern California. I intend to start reading the second book in the series, 'Volcano Watch,' asap.
August 1, 2024
An exciting thriller with accurate scientific details
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I absolutely loved this earth science-based mystery/thriller. As an earth scientist myself, I really appreciate the accuracy of all the geographic details of Nevada, the forensic geology, and the radioactive dangers. I was blown away by the excellent research by the author. I am totally addicted to this Forensic Geology series, and I will re-listen to this one in the future.
The storyline was very well constructed. It was a very rewarding listen with twists and a really intelligent heroine. The frequent peril for Cassie and Walter really kept me on the edge of my seat. Lots of thrills and chills! I also love the grit, determination, courage, logical minds, and the good sense of humor of Cassie and Walter. The book has occasional graphic violence, graphic descriptions of severe injuries, and vague sexual references, so I recommend it only for adults. I highly recommend this to adults who enjoy smart thrillers.
The narrator Nellie Scott did a wonderful job. She was very good at making all the character voices distinctive. She was excellent at pacing, enunciation, pronunciation, and accents. I especially love the accent of the FBI agent. I appreciate that the characters from California and Nevada all had accents that seemed accurate. I enjoyed Nellie Scott’s alto vocal tone, and she vividly brought the book to life with her vibrant performance.
I requested and received a free audio copy via the publisher, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #FiresideAudio
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I absolutely loved this earth science-based mystery/thriller. As an earth scientist myself, I really appreciate the accuracy of all the geographic details of Nevada, the forensic geology, and the radioactive dangers. I was blown away by the excellent research by the author. I am totally addicted to this Forensic Geology series, and I will re-listen to this one in the future.
The storyline was very well constructed. It was a very rewarding listen with twists and a really intelligent heroine. The frequent peril for Cassie and Walter really kept me on the edge of my seat. Lots of thrills and chills! I also love the grit, determination, courage, logical minds, and the good sense of humor of Cassie and Walter. The book has occasional graphic violence, graphic descriptions of severe injuries, and vague sexual references, so I recommend it only for adults. I highly recommend this to adults who enjoy smart thrillers.
The narrator Nellie Scott did a wonderful job. She was very good at making all the character voices distinctive. She was excellent at pacing, enunciation, pronunciation, and accents. I especially love the accent of the FBI agent. I appreciate that the characters from California and Nevada all had accents that seemed accurate. I enjoyed Nellie Scott’s alto vocal tone, and she vividly brought the book to life with her vibrant performance.
I requested and received a free audio copy via the publisher, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #FiresideAudio
July 27, 2025
Our favorite forensic geologists, Cassie Oldfield and Walter Shaws, get called in when an unstable thief threatens to release barrels of very nasty radiation waste in Death Valley. The stakes are high and the clock is ticking.
The story starts perhaps a little slowly as the early chapters bring the reader up to speed on the various agencies and specialists that get called in to deal with the potential disaster. But after that the story really gets going with plenty of action and a multi-layered mystery.
Cassie and Walter are supposed to just use their geological skills to trace a nut-ball perp's movements. But, in the end they will be required to do much more than that. Cassie proves that she is one tough lady.
Good crime fiction; 4+ stars.
The story starts perhaps a little slowly as the early chapters bring the reader up to speed on the various agencies and specialists that get called in to deal with the potential disaster. But after that the story really gets going with plenty of action and a multi-layered mystery.
Cassie and Walter are supposed to just use their geological skills to trace a nut-ball perp's movements. But, in the end they will be required to do much more than that. Cassie proves that she is one tough lady.
Good crime fiction; 4+ stars.
June 6, 2024
This is a good one! Full of intrigue, suspense and drama. I enjoyed getting to know Cassie and Walter more in this one. They both have smarts, patience and integrity. I like how the adventure is woven through a suspenseful and informative storyline. It easily keeps my interest and I was surprised at where this tale went. That ending is always exciting and there is some feelings of “oooh” for a certain character. I almost wished him well.
I listened to this on audio. Nellie Scott does another wonderful job with the narration in here. I am excited for the next!
I listened to this on audio. Nellie Scott does another wonderful job with the narration in here. I am excited for the next!
September 29, 2018
Second in the series of forensic geology novels. I love this stuff. Quite a different kind of CSI. In this book, the geologists track down the source of mud and minerals left by a nuclear dump employee who stole toxic material to poison the aquifer and get retribution for the dump's sloppy management. The geologists are nearly killed twice in their attempts to find and stop the perpetrator. It would be great to be able to read the rocks the way they do.
June 25, 2024
This was my first Toni Dwiggins's book, and won't be my last. This is the second book in the Forensic Geology series. This thriller is enthralling. The world building is captivating, and suspenseful, filled with intrigue, danger, and twists and turns. The characters are well developed, and intriguing. I liked Cassie and Walter. Nellie Scott did an excellent job bringing this story to life. Looking forward to more in the series. #PFPAudio
June 25, 2024
Great Mystery and Suspense! Audiobook Review 🎧
This is my first Toni Dwiggins book and I loved it. The characters were great and Cassie and Walter, the forensic geologists, were very detailed and great at their job. There was lots of adventure, suspense and excitement in this book. The story held my interest and kept me guess to figure out how it was going to end. I am excited to listen to the next book. Nellie Scott did a great job with the narration.
#AudiobookObsession #TheFlock
This is my first Toni Dwiggins book and I loved it. The characters were great and Cassie and Walter, the forensic geologists, were very detailed and great at their job. There was lots of adventure, suspense and excitement in this book. The story held my interest and kept me guess to figure out how it was going to end. I am excited to listen to the next book. Nellie Scott did a great job with the narration.
#AudiobookObsession #TheFlock
June 13, 2024
I loved the narration of Nellie Scott
Forensic geologists Cassie Oldfield and Walter Shaw are both geologists, who have to track down the source of mud and minerals that was left by a nuclear dump employee who stole toxic material. It is get retribution for the dump's slopy management. Cassie and Walter are nearly killed twice in their attempts to find and stop the perpetrator.
Forensic geologists Cassie Oldfield and Walter Shaw are both geologists, who have to track down the source of mud and minerals that was left by a nuclear dump employee who stole toxic material. It is get retribution for the dump's slopy management. Cassie and Walter are nearly killed twice in their attempts to find and stop the perpetrator.
June 14, 2024
I really enjoyed listening to this suspenseful,exciting mystery.
This story takes place in Death Valley. The geologists have more than the intense heat to worry about. A terrorist on the loose. Who is going to stop it?
Nellie Scott narration is very good. She bring an intensity to this story. Well done.
#the flock on tour. #Fireside audio
This story takes place in Death Valley. The geologists have more than the intense heat to worry about. A terrorist on the loose. Who is going to stop it?
Nellie Scott narration is very good. She bring an intensity to this story. Well done.
#the flock on tour. #Fireside audio
March 27, 2025
Just the thing to escape for a couple of days. Fans of outdoor settings and geological murder mysteries will enjoy this one. It was fun to see the forensic geologists use mineralogy and geomorphology to figure things out. I was in Death Valley National Park last year and was delighted to match the different park and nearby locations from the book to my memory of the trip.
March 11, 2019
I wasn't loving this book as much as Quick Silver. A terrorist has stolen spent radioactive material and no one noticed! Its up to our fantastic forensic geologist to follow the subtle clues to find the stash and the criminals and of course, save the day.
June 27, 2021
I enjoy the first in the series and tis one was even better. Stronger plot, deep characters and a nice twist. Picked it up for the geology, stay with it for the story!
Looking forward for the next one.
Looking forward for the next one.
December 24, 2017
Closer to three and half stars. A pretty decent mystery and a fight scene at the end. Bonus for rock geeks like myself.. this is a lady geologist and the rock chatter is pretty darn cool.
July 29, 2019
Well written, good descriptions of geology and Death Valley. For a geologist to say this is meaningful.
September 30, 2020
This was recommended to me by an official book recommendation service because I indicated I liked forensic stories. It was an interesting concept but I wasn't overly thrilled with it.
September 7, 2023
profanity
Get a vocabulary! Maybe then you could use words other than profanity. I will not read anything that takes Gods name in vain!
Get a vocabulary! Maybe then you could use words other than profanity. I will not read anything that takes Gods name in vain!
August 16, 2024
super good
Very exciting ,kept me guessing the whole time. Can hardly wait to start the next book in the series. Thanks for the good read
Very exciting ,kept me guessing the whole time. Can hardly wait to start the next book in the series. Thanks for the good read
August 27, 2024
Well written and intriguing story. Unfortunately, the geology got a bit too deep for me. Loved the ending.
August 7, 2025
Low 3. Very low. They aren't riveting, and only slightly engaging, kind of like having the tv on for company. I'll finish reading the series, but they definitely won't be on the reread list.
September 17, 2012
Cassie and her older partner and mentor, Walter, are forensic geologists. They are called in by the FBI to help trace some highly radioactive waste stolen from a nuclear storage facility in Death Valley.
The opening sequence hooked me. The author did a terrific job of pulling me right into the story by describing a mysterious figure walking down the road. The lead characters—Cassie and Walter—are multi-faceted and interesting in their own right, and the interaction between them works well throughout the piece. Their background (necessary because this is the first in a series) is well explained as the story progresses—no back-story info dump required. I found the nuclear science interesting and the people dealing with the radioactive waste felt real especially in the way they used nicknames for the highly dangerous materials they were dealing with—it humanized what might otherwise have been a dry subject. Having radioactive material as the quest raised the stakes considerably.
The writing is tight. I jarred a little at first with the mixed use of first and third person, but once I understood what was going on, I no longer noticed. My only issue with the story was the difficulty I found in visualizing the scenes. Partly this is because the protagonists are geologists and so they describe the world as a geologist would see it. Partly though, the author didn’t give enough specifics about size and distance, or some similes that would have offered a guide (is it bigger than a football field etc). I often found myself not knowing if something was twenty yards away, or twenty miles. A large part of the end-game is played out in mine shafts and I had no concept of how far, how deep, how tall or wide these tunnels where. There are a couple of maps at the front of the book, which I didn’t see until after I’d finished (doh!). But even so, they aren’t a lot of use when reading on an e-book.
Baring that gripe, this is a solid story. I think it would appeal in particular to readers with an interest in geology and/or with knowledge of the Death Valley region.
Disclaimer: This review was originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. I may have received a free review copy.
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