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The Visitant: A Native American Historical Mystery Series
New York Times
bestselling authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear premiere a captivating new mystery series packed with ancient myth and reminiscent of
Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon and Craig Johnson’s
Hell’s Empty
.
Archaeologist Dusty Stewart finds himself diving into a chilling excavation of an ancient massacre site when the echoes of an eight-hundred-year-old mystery reverberate, leaving tantalizing clues in its wake. But Dusty’s expertise is not enough to decode the brutality etched into the remains, and—in a twist of fate—his nemesis is summoned to aid in deciphering the cryptic puzzle.
When Dr. Maureen Cole arrives at the scene just as a formidable artifact surfaces—the basilisk, a symbol of witches and the hidden realm of duplicity—her task is to trace an ancient blood trail, a path laden with betrayal and madness. Drawing on her anthropological expertise, Maureen embarks on a quest to unveil the truth behind the heinous crime that has remained shrouded for centuries.
But the horrors of the past have a way of intertwining with the present.
Across time, in the shadowy expanse of Hillside Village, a primeval monster known as Two Hearts lurks, moving invisibly through the Katsinas’ People and casting a sinister shadow. And when War Chief Browser discovers his wife’s brutal murder at its hands, he vows to end the methodical killer’s reign by any means necessary—and uncover its terrifying secret once and for all.
Can Dusty and Maureen piece together the puzzle before the malevolent forces that span centuries ensnare them?
Join them on a gripping journey through ancient mysteries and chilling horrors in this historical mystery today…or be forever entangled in unexplained forces that haunt the shadows of our world’s past and present.
Archaeologist Dusty Stewart finds himself diving into a chilling excavation of an ancient massacre site when the echoes of an eight-hundred-year-old mystery reverberate, leaving tantalizing clues in its wake. But Dusty’s expertise is not enough to decode the brutality etched into the remains, and—in a twist of fate—his nemesis is summoned to aid in deciphering the cryptic puzzle.
When Dr. Maureen Cole arrives at the scene just as a formidable artifact surfaces—the basilisk, a symbol of witches and the hidden realm of duplicity—her task is to trace an ancient blood trail, a path laden with betrayal and madness. Drawing on her anthropological expertise, Maureen embarks on a quest to unveil the truth behind the heinous crime that has remained shrouded for centuries.
But the horrors of the past have a way of intertwining with the present.
Across time, in the shadowy expanse of Hillside Village, a primeval monster known as Two Hearts lurks, moving invisibly through the Katsinas’ People and casting a sinister shadow. And when War Chief Browser discovers his wife’s brutal murder at its hands, he vows to end the methodical killer’s reign by any means necessary—and uncover its terrifying secret once and for all.
Can Dusty and Maureen piece together the puzzle before the malevolent forces that span centuries ensnare them?
Join them on a gripping journey through ancient mysteries and chilling horrors in this historical mystery today…or be forever entangled in unexplained forces that haunt the shadows of our world’s past and present.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2023
450 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
W. Michael Gear
181 books730 followersW. Michael Gear was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the twentieth of May, 1955. A fourth generation Colorado native, his family had been involved in hard-rock mining, cattle ranching, and journalism. After his father's death in 1959, Michael's mother received her Master's degree in journalism and began teaching. In 1962 she married Joseph J. Cook, who taught tool and die making, and the family lived in Lakewood, Colorado, until 1968. At that time they moved to Fort Collins so that Joe could pursue his Ph.D.. During those years the family lived in the foothills above Horsetooth Reservoir.
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 19, 2023
The Visitant: A Native American Historical Mystery Series (The Anasazi Mysteries Book 1)
by W. Michael Gear , Kathleen O’Neal Gear
Publisher : Wolfpack Publishing (October 10, 2023)
ASIN : B0CHLDLV5P
This is a reprint of the original The Visitant book. It has been split into two books with the next part titled, Where the Basilisk Dreams: A Native American Historical Mystery Series (The Anasazi Mysteries Book 2).
Based on an actual mysterious anomaly that may change our understanding of Southwestern archaeology. The book shows the struggle of not only prehistory, but of anthropologists and archaeologists that attempt to clarify the past from partial clues and limited authentic and verified finds. It is a split time story, bouncing from chapter to chapter from Modern archeological digs in the wonderful, mysterious, and enchanting Chaco Canyon, and the fictional prehistoric occurrences that could have produced the finds the archeologists are recovering.
The prehistoric fictional story is very frightening, and awe inspiring. Showing that in history we remember things better than what happened before. The fictional characters are attempting to reconnect with the forefathers on a spiritual journey, but find that evil is not far away. The mystery of their time is terrifying, and so carnal, and repulsive, it makes each chapter more riveting.
The characters Maureen and Dusty are some of the fans favorite characters. I like that a new audience will find these two characters in the elements as they struggle to rectify and understand the astounding artifacts they find in their modern digs. They show the difficulties of politics, ideological and cultural problems that plague archeology in the modern age. This book shows the difficulties that modern archeologists have with laws, and regulations that can be very tricky and have various repercussions. Archaeology, although regulated, is not simply cut and dry.
I have finally, in re-reading this book, seen that Dusty and Maureen do not stand in for Mike and Kathy at all. I was surprised that my memory of the characters had lightened and amalgamated their personality into these two authors that I personally admire and adore.
by W. Michael Gear , Kathleen O’Neal Gear
Publisher : Wolfpack Publishing (October 10, 2023)
ASIN : B0CHLDLV5P
This is a reprint of the original The Visitant book. It has been split into two books with the next part titled, Where the Basilisk Dreams: A Native American Historical Mystery Series (The Anasazi Mysteries Book 2).
Based on an actual mysterious anomaly that may change our understanding of Southwestern archaeology. The book shows the struggle of not only prehistory, but of anthropologists and archaeologists that attempt to clarify the past from partial clues and limited authentic and verified finds. It is a split time story, bouncing from chapter to chapter from Modern archeological digs in the wonderful, mysterious, and enchanting Chaco Canyon, and the fictional prehistoric occurrences that could have produced the finds the archeologists are recovering.
The prehistoric fictional story is very frightening, and awe inspiring. Showing that in history we remember things better than what happened before. The fictional characters are attempting to reconnect with the forefathers on a spiritual journey, but find that evil is not far away. The mystery of their time is terrifying, and so carnal, and repulsive, it makes each chapter more riveting.
The characters Maureen and Dusty are some of the fans favorite characters. I like that a new audience will find these two characters in the elements as they struggle to rectify and understand the astounding artifacts they find in their modern digs. They show the difficulties of politics, ideological and cultural problems that plague archeology in the modern age. This book shows the difficulties that modern archeologists have with laws, and regulations that can be very tricky and have various repercussions. Archaeology, although regulated, is not simply cut and dry.
I have finally, in re-reading this book, seen that Dusty and Maureen do not stand in for Mike and Kathy at all. I was surprised that my memory of the characters had lightened and amalgamated their personality into these two authors that I personally admire and adore.
October 18, 2023
This story line was about the very early Indians in the New Mexico area and the archeologists that were excavating the site. Much of the book was about the early Indians. I contained a story line that would be more fully explained by the archeologists during the story. It was an interesting read and left me hanging at the end. Now I have to read the next book in the series to see what happens. I enjoyed the read after a few pages into it.
February 6, 2024
And the mystery continues
Two different time periods, Anasazi Indians are dying from what sounds like tuberculosis but that's not the only thing. In current times an archaeological dig has discovered bodies but not tribe member dying from the coughing disease. These bodies are all female and all have crush ed skills and a stone slab on their head. Who? Why? Will the archaeologists be cable to solve this centuries bold mystery? Great job. Thank you.
Two different time periods, Anasazi Indians are dying from what sounds like tuberculosis but that's not the only thing. In current times an archaeological dig has discovered bodies but not tribe member dying from the coughing disease. These bodies are all female and all have crush ed skills and a stone slab on their head. Who? Why? Will the archaeologists be cable to solve this centuries bold mystery? Great job. Thank you.
January 23, 2025
It's ok
This story is quite involved and with the addition of multiple characters, it becomes quite complicated to follow. The story plods along at a slow pace, it's not a page turner. It also feels like a half book, with an abrupt ending leaving you to decide if another book is worth your while or not,
This story is quite involved and with the addition of multiple characters, it becomes quite complicated to follow. The story plods along at a slow pace, it's not a page turner. It also feels like a half book, with an abrupt ending leaving you to decide if another book is worth your while or not,
February 5, 2024
Solid 4.5 stars. A fascinating tale of murders discovered during an excavation in New Mexico that highlights witchcraft, corrupt ancient gods, and the unveiling of secrets long hidden.... As always by these authors, well researched and totally engrossing. Am moving to the next in the series....
February 19, 2024
Terrill Nickerson
I was a field arcaeologist in the SW many years ago. Best depiction of an arcaeological excavation I've read. Brought back many good memories. Characters remind me of many people I knew and worked with in the field.
I was a field arcaeologist in the SW many years ago. Best depiction of an arcaeological excavation I've read. Brought back many good memories. Characters remind me of many people I knew and worked with in the field.
September 21, 2025
Native American murders
It really kept your attention. I enjoy stories based on these type of subjects. Murder and mystery is everywhere. The end of the book left you wanting more but that is in the next book
It really kept your attention. I enjoy stories based on these type of subjects. Murder and mystery is everywhere. The end of the book left you wanting more but that is in the next book
December 4, 2023
Magic
Always 2 of my favorite authors, like the surprise in their books. Hope the next one is as good as this one
Always 2 of my favorite authors, like the surprise in their books. Hope the next one is as good as this one
December 12, 2023
Good read.
The jury is still out on how good this book is. I'll have more to say after I finish the second book. I truly hope the killer is found long before I finish the 4th book.
The jury is still out on how good this book is. I'll have more to say after I finish the second book. I truly hope the killer is found long before I finish the 4th book.
January 4, 2024
A great book!
This is book one in the Anasazi mysteries. A look into the ancient lives and a look into the present as archaeological evidence supports the story from the past.
This is book one in the Anasazi mysteries. A look into the ancient lives and a look into the present as archaeological evidence supports the story from the past.
January 29, 2024
The Visitant
So far this book has been filled with great History and I love how it connects the past and the present.
So far this book has been filled with great History and I love how it connects the past and the present.
April 12, 2024
Whoa, what a awesome story!
This was a very good story that chilled you to the bone yet couldn't stop reading it! Going to be interesting to follow the next book!
This was a very good story that chilled you to the bone yet couldn't stop reading it! Going to be interesting to follow the next book!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews