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Em Hansen Mystery #10
Dead Dry
Sarah Andrews' newest geological mystery finds geologist and investigator Em Hansen helping out the Salt Lake City police on the murder of a fellow geologist. Dumped in a gravel quarry, his arms and legs removed and his face bashed in so he'll be unrecognizable, Em IDs him anyway because of a strange tattoo--a geological map of the world--she spots on his body: It's Afton McWain, a controversial figure who worked in big oil in Colorado but who now works in the field of water and droughts.
In Andrews' universe, things are never what they seem, and the murder may have as much to do with McWain's personal life (his ex or his common-law wife?) or his overzealous dedication to the "green" lifestyle (the traditional neighbors of his liberal ranch)? as it does with his job. Either way, the combination of suspense and science makes this novel another winner.
In Andrews' universe, things are never what they seem, and the murder may have as much to do with McWain's personal life (his ex or his common-law wife?) or his overzealous dedication to the "green" lifestyle (the traditional neighbors of his liberal ranch)? as it does with his job. Either way, the combination of suspense and science makes this novel another winner.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
2 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Andrews
46 books81 followersSarah Andrews is a geologist who writes mystery novels about a geologist.
She currently lives in northern California and invests her free time on community pursuits and flying, skiing, and sailing with her husband and son.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
She currently lives in northern California and invests her free time on community pursuits and flying, skiing, and sailing with her husband and son.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 1, 2020
The geology and water discussions were interesting... but a bit too much information that had nothing to do with the story. I find the idea that the police would even have such a person as a forensic geologist on their staff, let alone want her to get involved in solving a mystery...somewhat unbelievable. Another disturbing thing was the way the men in Em's life talked and speculated about her. This seemed to be sexual harassment and not professional on either her part or theirs. The murder was an interesting one in all it's "goriness"...hence the 3 stars. It could have easily been a 4 star, or even a 5 for some, if more time had been spent on the mystery itself.
May 6, 2014
Within the pages of this book is one of the best explanations I've ever read of what it's like to be a geologist:
"He had worked for one of the mid-sized oil companies for a while, and now was teaching part-time at a couple of different schools, eking out a living as geologists so often find themselves doing. People want oil? We'll find oil until it gluts the market and people think they don't need us anymore. Folks got ground-water contamination to clean up or landfills to be built to ensure that additional groundwater isn't fouled? We'll all jump on that until that's done, and folks think they're done spilling things, and again we're out of a job. Humankind wants to be safe from earthquakes? We'll map the fault lines and advise legislatures until public policy is enough improved that everyone forgets what we did for them lately and . . . yeah, same story, we fall prey to the next budget cut. Folks don't comprehend how long it takes to build such knowledge, and how quickly it can be lost."
The book is a murder mystery. The protagonist, the author and I all have something in common: we are females working in the profession of geology with experience in the oil industry. Although my life has not been nearly as adventurous as Em's (which may be a good thing), I do relate to her on more levels than I do most of the main characters in the other mystery novels I read. Her character development through each book in the series rings true, and I love that at the age of 40 she's still tentative and uncertain about some things. I'm jealous of her, too, as most of us went into geology for the field work but few of us get to keep doing it so long into our careers. And Em gets to do it out west, where you can really see the geology!
As usual, within the context of the mystery, Andrews cogently explains geologic concepts in terms of both scientific interest and public importance. She explains both sides of earth-related controversies - in this case, overdevelopment in an arid region - although this time I thought some of the characters involved were a little more cartoonish than I remembered from her previous books (hence 4 stars instead of 5).
Em's love interest in this book, Fritz, remains inscrutable to the reader as well as to Em until near the end which is a little frustrating at times but I sense we'll get to know him better in the next book. Her ex-boyfriend, Ray, is still around and has acquired a bit of a creepy aspect that takes an interesting turn at the end. The relationship between Em and her college friend, Julia, explores how friendships change when life paths that were similar eventually diverge.
Like all good murder mysteries, some drama and surprises at the end.
All in all, a great read and I highly recommend it and the series.
"He had worked for one of the mid-sized oil companies for a while, and now was teaching part-time at a couple of different schools, eking out a living as geologists so often find themselves doing. People want oil? We'll find oil until it gluts the market and people think they don't need us anymore. Folks got ground-water contamination to clean up or landfills to be built to ensure that additional groundwater isn't fouled? We'll all jump on that until that's done, and folks think they're done spilling things, and again we're out of a job. Humankind wants to be safe from earthquakes? We'll map the fault lines and advise legislatures until public policy is enough improved that everyone forgets what we did for them lately and . . . yeah, same story, we fall prey to the next budget cut. Folks don't comprehend how long it takes to build such knowledge, and how quickly it can be lost."
The book is a murder mystery. The protagonist, the author and I all have something in common: we are females working in the profession of geology with experience in the oil industry. Although my life has not been nearly as adventurous as Em's (which may be a good thing), I do relate to her on more levels than I do most of the main characters in the other mystery novels I read. Her character development through each book in the series rings true, and I love that at the age of 40 she's still tentative and uncertain about some things. I'm jealous of her, too, as most of us went into geology for the field work but few of us get to keep doing it so long into our careers. And Em gets to do it out west, where you can really see the geology!
As usual, within the context of the mystery, Andrews cogently explains geologic concepts in terms of both scientific interest and public importance. She explains both sides of earth-related controversies - in this case, overdevelopment in an arid region - although this time I thought some of the characters involved were a little more cartoonish than I remembered from her previous books (hence 4 stars instead of 5).
Em's love interest in this book, Fritz, remains inscrutable to the reader as well as to Em until near the end which is a little frustrating at times but I sense we'll get to know him better in the next book. Her ex-boyfriend, Ray, is still around and has acquired a bit of a creepy aspect that takes an interesting turn at the end. The relationship between Em and her college friend, Julia, explores how friendships change when life paths that were similar eventually diverge.
Like all good murder mysteries, some drama and surprises at the end.
All in all, a great read and I highly recommend it and the series.
March 3, 2018
"YOU NEVER MISS YOUR WATER--TILL YOUR TIME RUNS OUT...
For Em Hansen, things couldn't be better professionally and personally. She's got a full-time gig with the Utah Geological Survey; she's the go-to forensic geologist for state law enforcement--and a long-simmering acquaintance with a handsome pilot is turning into more than friendship. But when she's called in to investigate how a massive quarry wall collapsed, she's shocked to discover that the viciously-mutilated body that was trapped beneath belongs to none other than Em's old colleague, Afton McWain, an oil tycoon-turned-controversial geological consultant.
It doesn't take much digging for Em to uncover a deluge of motives for Afton's murder--from his scandalous "three's company" private life...to his one-man investigation into a mysterious water shortage and a billion-dollar real-estate fraud. And with adversaries as treacherous as a sudden canyon flood, Em also must employ her cutting-edge skills to explore the dark territory of the heart, where love and loyalty are the most deadly mirages of all..."
~~back cover
The tenth book in the series is based on the water crisis in the West: burgeoning population and over-development combined with ever increasing drought is draining Western aquifers faster than they are being refilled -- the West will run dry in the very near future unless major changes can be made. ( Dry Spring: The Coming Water Crisis of North America) Em gets sucked into the fracas trying to help an old friend, and the plot thickens from there. New characters, rejuvenated relationships, and a very nice treatment of the mechanics of Twelve Step Programs. A very satisfying book.
For Em Hansen, things couldn't be better professionally and personally. She's got a full-time gig with the Utah Geological Survey; she's the go-to forensic geologist for state law enforcement--and a long-simmering acquaintance with a handsome pilot is turning into more than friendship. But when she's called in to investigate how a massive quarry wall collapsed, she's shocked to discover that the viciously-mutilated body that was trapped beneath belongs to none other than Em's old colleague, Afton McWain, an oil tycoon-turned-controversial geological consultant.
It doesn't take much digging for Em to uncover a deluge of motives for Afton's murder--from his scandalous "three's company" private life...to his one-man investigation into a mysterious water shortage and a billion-dollar real-estate fraud. And with adversaries as treacherous as a sudden canyon flood, Em also must employ her cutting-edge skills to explore the dark territory of the heart, where love and loyalty are the most deadly mirages of all..."
~~back cover
The tenth book in the series is based on the water crisis in the West: burgeoning population and over-development combined with ever increasing drought is draining Western aquifers faster than they are being refilled -- the West will run dry in the very near future unless major changes can be made. ( Dry Spring: The Coming Water Crisis of North America) Em gets sucked into the fracas trying to help an old friend, and the plot thickens from there. New characters, rejuvenated relationships, and a very nice treatment of the mechanics of Twelve Step Programs. A very satisfying book.
December 14, 2017
Dead Dry....indeed! One of the most boring books I've ever read. Granted I'm not a geologist and never wanted to be so maybe that's where I erred. But honestly who would have thought you needed a geology degree to read a murder mystery.
April 29, 2019
Oddly I had started another of her mysteries last week and decided not to keep reading it. This one led me on, perhaps because I am more interested in being lectured on geology, and acute analysis of how emotions drive us, than in business dealings.
As always, ymmv
As always, ymmv
December 5, 2024
A prescient topic: dropping water tables & overuse of water resources in the arid West, decades before our current awareness of the dire situation. With the bonus, of course, of the ever-resourceful (and lucky) Em Hansen discovering the truth.
May 29, 2024
Really took me out of my enjoyment reading this book because of the way the two female characters talk/think about Gilda.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2013
Em's investigation of a body found in a gravel pit wall collapse in Utah leads her to Colorado, where groundwater is in short supply. A housing development is planned for an area where wells are already running dry. The murdered man was at the heart of situation, trying to block the proposed development any way he could. Until someone decided to eliminate him from the picture. There are several possible suspects, all with a motive to want him gone, and it is up to Em to figure out who the murderer is.
This was another fast paced mystery on a very important topic - groundwater, or lack thereof. It brings an issue to light than many people are unaware of, as well as inform those that may be impacted. The story is mostly believable, but come on, how many people have access to a private airplane that they can use to help solve mysteries? Overall, and interesting story and a good read.
This was another fast paced mystery on a very important topic - groundwater, or lack thereof. It brings an issue to light than many people are unaware of, as well as inform those that may be impacted. The story is mostly believable, but come on, how many people have access to a private airplane that they can use to help solve mysteries? Overall, and interesting story and a good read.
July 4, 2015
Disappointed. Yes, I love the forensic geology and the digressions on how Colorado is made, and the plot is promising, but although the long parts of working through a love obsession, through AA, and the lovely benefits of love make it a human story, those parts also take over--to the point where I could not tell you who the actual murderers (except for one) are or how the whole case wound up. I'll keep reading Em Hansen mysteries because I've read one great one and this not-so-great one, and will see if the third time's the charm.
It's not terribly useful to point out typos, since even the top-ranked publishers' books are riddled with them these days, but I do hope "unphased" turns into "unfazed" if there is a future edition.
It's not terribly useful to point out typos, since even the top-ranked publishers' books are riddled with them these days, but I do hope "unphased" turns into "unfazed" if there is a future edition.
June 23, 2013
A body has been found buried in a gravel pit and a wall of gravel has fallen on it. Forensic geologist Em Hansen of the Utah Geological Survey is called in to help with the murder.
The body is horribly disfigured but Em recognizes a tattoo on the body and identifies him as Afton McWain, a well-known geologist from Colorado.
Andrews is an expert on geology, and the book has a lot of interesting and informative information. The mystery is well written and her descriptions are very vivid. I did not read her earlier books but will definitely go back and read the others.
The body is horribly disfigured but Em recognizes a tattoo on the body and identifies him as Afton McWain, a well-known geologist from Colorado.
Andrews is an expert on geology, and the book has a lot of interesting and informative information. The mystery is well written and her descriptions are very vivid. I did not read her earlier books but will definitely go back and read the others.
January 1, 2017
A good read. I liked the mystery. The women characters were enjoyable, strong, funny. The story read quickly. The info on geology was enlightening. And it had a good surprise ending. I felt at times I was learning too much of a lesson I wasn't looking for when it came to all the geology, and too much morality, but it didn't discourage me from the story. I think I would chance another in the series.
July 28, 2013
I've missed Em Hansen. It was good to catch up on her next-to-latest. She's smart and engaging. I care about both the mystery and the developments in her personal life. Sarah Andrews doesn't pull punches on the geology. You get an education and a good story.
January 18, 2015
The strongest Em Hansen outing I've read so far. Em's growth as a character has significant improved the last two books of this series. The water issues, for any of us who live in the West, are a real and present danger, and much more haunting than the murders.
August 20, 2025
The action parts were very choppy and anti-climatic. The Ray parts were strange and out of nowhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2009
I learn so much from these books!
Read
June 14, 2009The tenth Em Hansen book, bought new at Cultura
July 18, 2013
Everyone in Colorado should read this!! Great explanations on Denver and Douglas County's water situation and why we're all screwed if we keep building here!! Plus there's a great who dunnit
May 3, 2014
Good characters, learn a few things about dirt and fossils. A mystery with strong geology slant, and funny female protagonist.
April 13, 2015
Geologist who writes murder mysteries = YAY!
October 29, 2012
I like the story itself but I'm sick of reading about Em's (non-existant) love life.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews