Desert Gold: A Dane Maddock Adventure

Dane Maddock #15

by David Wood

“ A perilous hunt for a lost Spanish treasure!”

Trouble and treasure hunts. That’s life for former Navy SEALs Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebrake.

So, when Maddock discovers the body of a cold case victim beneath a crypt in a Hollywood cemetery, he is not surprised. What is shocking is the victim swallowed a cryptex before his death. Inside is a clue to lost Treasure of the Golden Jesus. But they are not the only ones on the hunt.

Maddock and Bones soon find themselves dodging their old enemies, the Dominion, as they follow the trail of the legendary treasure. Joined by aging actor Steven Segar and faded rock star Terry Gold, the pair set off on a search that will take them from the streets of Hollywood to the world’s most famous theme park and into the desert as they search for Desert Gold .

Classic adventure for the modern reader! Fans of Indiana Jones, Dirk Pitt, and National Treasure will love the Dane Maddock Adventures!

Praise for David Wood!

“Rip roaring action from start to finish. Wit and humor throughout. Just one question - how soon until the next one? Because I can’t wait.” Graham Brown, author of Shadows of the Midnight Sun

“With the thoroughly enjoyable way Wood has mixed speculative history with our modern-day pursuit of truth, he has created a story that thrills and makes one think beyond the boundaries of mere fiction and enter the world of ‘why not’?” David Lynn Golemon, Author of the Event Group series

“David Wood has done it again. Within seconds of opening the book, I was hooked. Intrigue, suspense, monsters, and treasure hunters. What more could you want? David's knocked it out of the park with this one!” Nick Thacker, author of The Enigma Strain

“What an adventure! A great read that provides lots of action, and thoughtful insight into strange realms that are sometimes best left unexplored.” Paul Kemprecos, author of Cool Blue Tomb and the NUMA File

“A twisty tale of adventure and intrigue that never lets up and never lets go!” Robert Masello, author of The Einstein Prophecy

“A page-turning yarn blending high action, Biblical speculation, ancient secrets, and nasty creatures. Indiana Jones better watch his back!” Jeremy Robinson, author of SecondWorld

“An adrenaline-fueled thrill ride!” Alan Baxter, author of Hidden City “An all-out blitzkrieg of a globe-trotting mystery-adventure that breaks from the action just long enough for a couple of laughs.” Rick Chesler, author of kiDNApped and Wired Kingdom

“Let there be no David Wood is the next Clive Cussler. Once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop until the last mystery plays out in the final line.” Edward G. Talbot, author of 2012: The Fifth World

“Dourado is a brisk read, reminiscent of early Cussler adventures, and perfect for an afternoon at the beach or a cross-country flight. You'll definitely want more of Maddock.” Sean Ellis, author of Into the Black

“I like my thrillers with lots of explosions, global locations, and a mystery where I learn something new. Wood delivers!” J.F. Penn, author of Desecration

“David Wood has done it again. Quest takes you on an expedition that leads down a trail of adventure and thrills. David Wood has honed his craft and Quest is proof of his efforts!” David L. Golemon, Author of the Event Group series

“A genuine up all night got to see what happens next thriller that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go until the last.” Steven Savile

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2023

About the author

David Wood is the USA Today bestselling author of the Dane Maddock Adventures and many other titles and series. He also writes Science Fiction under the pen name Finn Gray and fantasy as David Debord. He is also a book reviewer, podcaster, and a member of International Thriller Writers and The Horror Writers Association. David and his family live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visit him online at www.davidwoodweb.com.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next Up. Yet again, Wood shows that he knows his characters and audience quite well - this is yet another excellent Maddock and Bones tale with both of them working together, along with a wide range of the friends they've picked up over the years, to solve some puzzle involving some long lost artifact. We get the same banter and action that the audience has come to expect, and we get the same quick (120 page or so) tale that has come to typify these later works in particular - meaning they're never too much of a time commitment even for people new to the series. Though this one does reference *several* prior tales, so those who are anti-spoiler absolutists... well, this *is* listed as Book 15 of the series... :D The addition of an in-world park that is clearly distinct from, yet also clearly similar to, a certain real world park with complexes in both Los Angeles and Florida is even better, with quite a few solid jokes (and some mild, one-line and move on type, commentary). Adventure fans and/ or anyone looking for a quick read that could likely be completed while sitting in a doctor's waiting room, look over here. Very much recommended.

[Linda A. Blanchette]

Full of wit and insult humor

This was definitely Bones and Maddock light. Much less substance and more biting humor from nearly the entire cast of characters, not just Bones and Maddock. Not one of my favorites.

[Vicky Coughlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but full of action and adventure tale where Maddock and Bones go in search of another treasure. The banter and laughs continue as well as the relentless pursuit by the Dominion. Another must read.

[AR bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desert Romp

Maddock and his crew pursue a rumored old Spanish treasure. Hounded by a nemesis, they follow clues through the southern Utah badlands.

Filled with thrills and typical team jovial banter, this is a classic Dane Maddock adventure.

[John Tanaschovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Good book good read lots of action kept you interested . author very good one of the best .Maddox adventures are a good read

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddock and Bones stumble upon another quest, as the secret of missing stolen treasure begins a race against the Dominion.

[Jenny Clifford · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book Maddock and Bones find themselves helping two c-list celebrities search for a lost treasure in the desert. It is a little bit weird that I like these books as much as I do, but I think they are a kind of guilty pleasure. Also, they are potato chips books, as in you always want one more. The characters of Maddock and Bones are very, very stereotypical ex navy seals, and somewhat one dimensional. Each book is based on a historical myth, and they are sometimes a little bit repetitive. But the action and adventure is great and very fast paced, and the books are enjoyable.

[Nigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ive not read a Dane Maddock adventure for a while, but this was a great little story and has certainly got my thirst back for more of Maddock and Bones