Leave No Trace

National Parks Thriller #1

by A.J. Landau, Jon Land, Jeff Ayers

In a daring, brutal act of terrorism, an explosion rocks and topples the Statue of Liberty. Special Agent Michael Walker of the National Park Service is awakened by his boss with that news and sent to New York as the agent-in-charge. Not long after he lands, he learns two things - one that Gina Delgado of the FBI has been placed in charge of the investigation as the lead of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and two, that threats of a second terrorism attack are already being called into the media. While barred from the meetings of the Joint Task Force for his lack of security clearance, Walker finds a young boy among the survivors with a critical piece of information - a video linking the attackers to the assault.

As a radical domestic terrorist group, led by a shadowy figure known only as Jebediah, threatens further attacks against America's cultural symbols, powerful forces within the government are misleading the investigation to further their own radical agenda.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Audiobook, Crime

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2024

About the author

A. J. LANDAU is the pseudonym for two authors, Jon Land, the award-winning, bestselling author and co-author of more than fifty books, and Jeff Ayers, reviewer, former-librarian, and author. Land lives in Providence, Rhode Island, and Jeff Ayers lives in Seattle, Washington.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave No Trace by A. J. Landau (pseudonym for authors Jon Land and Jeff Ayers) starts with an explosion that topples the Statue of Liberty and maintains a relentless pace. Special Agent Michael Walker of the National Park Service is awakened by his boss with the news and sent to New York as the agent-in-charge. However, upon arrival he quickly learns that Gina Delgado of the FBI will be overseeing the investigation. Due to Michael’s lack of a security clearance, he is barred from meetings of the Joint Task Force so he scours the grounds and finds a witness with key information on the attackers.

Michael and Gina are likeable characters and readers get to see their points of view as well as that of a key supporting character and two antagonists. The multi-angled view of the characters allows readers to see how each character connects to the story; adding depth and complexity that is effective.

The authors kept me rapidly turning the pages with gripping scenes, plenty of action and danger, a superb plot, and excellent writing. Along the way, readers also learn a bit about several national parks making this an educational as well as an exceptional thriller read. Despite the short chapters and switching scenes and characters, the flow worked well for me. A constant sense of urgency, a state of uneasiness, and lots of action combined with great characters and a well-written plot make this suspenseful novel a must read.

Overall, this is a gritty, intense, and chilling story with complex characters. It’s intense and dramatic and kept this reader rapidly turning the pages. This is the first book in the National Parks Thriller series and I can’t wait for the next one. I recommend it to those who like political, action, and military thrillers.

St. Martin’s Press and A. J. Landau (Jon Land and Jeff Ayers) provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 27, 2024.
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My 4.5 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a tense investigative thrill ride. Set in America's national parks, this story is filled with the continual threat of bombs and other forms of danger at every turn. A large group of active and inactive military personnel, along with local militia groups lead by a disgruntled citizen seeking revenge, are planning a cataclysmic assault that would kill millions of people and lead to the takeover of the U.S. government.

If I didn't know better, I never would have guessed that there are three authors credited with writing this book: two experienced writers and one debut author. The ideas are cohesive and the narrative flows seamlessly, blending into an ingenious plot and an overall successful storyline.

The main characters, Michael Walker and Gina Delgado are a unique combination, and both have interesting backgrounds. Michael is a special agent with the National Park Services Branch (ISB) and Gina is the assistant special agent in charge (ASAC) of the FBI New York field office. Michael works as a detective investigating crimes that happen within any National Park, and along with her normal duties with the FBI, Gina is also a bomb specialist.

With courage and determination and disregard for their own safety, this duo races to find out who is behind the devastating bomb attacks and bomb threats that are targeting memorials, monuments, and national landmarks all across the U.S. The excitement builds to a predictable but satisfying ending. This is a very good start to an exciting new series by these authors. I hope there will be more.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot of fun. Very fast paced. Right from the get-go, lots of action and drama. Could've done without all the Bible quotes, but I guess I can understand why it was done. Feels like it might've been written with the hope it would be optioned for film (I think that's the goal for a lot of writers these days). I think this one could translate well to the screen.

Almost tempted to give this an extra star just because the current Oval Office seat warmer would HATE this book. It is DE&I up and down on every page. 🤣

[Donne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, full disclosure here! One of the reasons I requested this book was because of the series name. I know, so stupid, but I love national and state parks and a terrorist group running around blowing up statues and icons at national parks? I just knew it was going to be a good read. I was right!!!

The book summary lays out the premise for the primary storyline of the bombing of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty that results in the statue falling down. While Special Agent Michael Walker of the National Parks Service was initially in charge of the site, he loses it pretty quickly (less than an hour) to FBI Agent Gina Delgado. However, while Gina is busy with setting up a tactical command center, Michael meets a kid, Danny, who is looking for his parents. Michael soon discovers that Danny can identify the bombers. Michael takes responsibility for Danny and doesn’t immediately turn him over to Gina, because Michael suspects that that the bombing was probably an inside job, a suspicion that Gina also holds. None of this is a spoiler since it’s revealed really early in the story.

There are also secondary storylines with one being that Ethan Turlidge, the Secretary of Interior, hates Michael’s gut and does whatever he can to make life miserable for Michael. Turlidge is still angry that Michael married his daughter, Allie, who was a park ranger when Michael met and married her; Allie was later killed while trying to apprehend a poacher. There is another one where an environmental activist, Lantry, a member of the Lakota Sioux nation, is tracking a shipment of chemicals that are known to be used to destroy their lands and the environment.

Most of the story revolves around investigating the leads that Danny’s video provides. There are more bombings, at various other national parks and historical sites, as well as an attempted bombing that Gina and Michael foil by locating the bomb before it goes off and having it defused, which pisses the bombers off. It’s well into the second half that storylines all merge and Gina finally realizes who the bombers are and what their motivations are and what their endgame is going to be resulting in an explosive ending of military proportions.

This was a fast-paced, action-packed read with intense, Kindle gripping scenes that kept me reading last night well passed my bedtime on a work night because I simply could not go to sleep until I knew how it ended. I also really liked how each chapter started with some history and trivia on all the various national parks, locations, and historical statutes/icons. I love learning stuff like that. This was an amazing start to a new series and Landau definitely has a new fan. I look forward to the next installment.

I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #LeaveNoTrace

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a rip-roaring romp through some of our most popular National Parks/Monuments as we follow the coordinated attempts of internal terrorists to kill millions of people and take over the government. All this follows the fiasco of January 2021 and the those who feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. Get tired of always being "right-wing extremists" in these sorts of books, but I will admit they are dastardly villains. A young boy tapes an attack on the Statue of Liberty and that sets one Park Ranger and one FBI agent to basically lead the search team to track down the military/militia individuals involved. Not sure it is based in reality, but it was a fun read and I just got Book 2 in the series and am looking forward to more exciting National Park excitement!

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Statue of Liberty is toppled Special Agent Michael Walker of the National Parks service is called in to help the FBI. With threats of more attack, they must race to fight off the attack before it can take place.

This was an action packed, fast paced thriller. I love the factoid that was listed at the start of each chapter regarding the national parks, it was a lot of fun! I had never read anything about this branch of the National Parks before, so it was entertaining though I’m not sure how realistic it is. It’s fun to think that it is real though!

I loved that the main character was based at Mt. Rainier National Park as that is right in my backyard, and we go about once or twice a year. My husband actually proposed to me in Mt Rainier National Park so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Now we like to go up and play in the snow or go for hikes. We are lucky to have several National Parks in our area and they are all gorgeous.

The characters were a lot of fun despite this being a fairly far-fetched plot. This was more of a plot driven novel, so the author didn’t dive too deep into each of the characters, which was fine with me though getting a little more of each character would have been nice.

This entire book was a cat and mouse game with the stakes being very high. The writing was well done and really drew me in. This is one that made me want to binge it really quickly because I absolutely needed to know what was going on.

If you are up domestic terrorism focused thriller, then check this one out. The reason that this one is a four star and not a five star for me is just how far out there the whole idea felt to me. Maybe it’s good that this didn’t feel realistic to me, I can probably find some comfort in that.

A copy of this review will be placed on my blog, speedreadstagram.com during publication week.

If you are up domestic terrorism focused thriller, then check this one out.

Thank you to Minotaur books for sending me an arc copy as well as Minotaur and netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me, but the description hooked me and I wanted to read it. This is quite and intense thriller.

Description:
In a daring, brutal act of terrorism, an explosion rocks and topples the Statue of Liberty. Special Agent Michael Walker of the National Park Service is awakened by his boss with that news and sent to New York as the agent-in-charge. Not long after he lands, he learns two things - one that Gina Delgado of the FBI has been placed in charge of the investigation as the lead of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and two, that threats of a second terrorism attack are already being called into the media. While barred from the meetings of the Joint Task Force for his lack of security clearance, Walker finds a young boy among the survivors with a critical piece of information - a video linking the attackers to the assault.

As a radical domestic terrorist group, led by a shadowy figure known only as Jebediah, threatens further attacks against America's cultural symbols, powerful forces within the government are misleading the investigation to further their own radical agenda.

My Thoughts:
Gripping, fast-paced, and action-packed, I couldn't put this one down and raced through it. The first attack was at the Statue of Liberty at Liberty State Park and Agent Michael Walker from the National Parks Service was sent to New York as the agent in charge, joined soon after by Gina Delgado from the FBI, who took charge of the investigation. Soon after another crisis called and they were moved to another national park site with another attack. Together the pair made great inestigators with dedication and patriotism. They were determined to find answers and stop the perpetrtors. Each chapter was introduced with factual information about national parks. It was obvious the information was well-researched in the descriptions of the sites during the investigation. I liked the way the group of native american envrionmental group played a part in assisting. This is a debut novel by Jon Land and Jeff Ayers (A.J.Landau) together, although Jon Land has written many books on his own. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers, conspiracy theories, or political intrigue.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication February 27, 2024.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a bright sunny day in New York City when an explosion fills the air and the Statue of Liberty falls to the ground. National Park Service Investigator Michael Walker is sent to represent the Park Service in the investigation. Together with Agent Gina Delgado of the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the pair must stop a right-wing terrorist network from carrying out more of its threats of attack.

This book is a fast-paced thriller ride around the country as Walker and Delgado try to hone in on who's perpetrating the attacks as well as preventing new ones from happening. I really liked the pairing of these two characters, and I like how the author made Walker an amputee and portrayed him struggling with his prosthetic realistically. I feel like the characters were fully fleshed out as we got to hear quite a lot about their backstories, as well as those of the bad guys. I would definitely recommend this to those who love a good thriller.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, author A.J. Landau, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave No Trace is a fast-paced fantastic read!
A mystery/thriller about an attempt to overthrow the U.S. government.
The story begins with an explosion at the Statue of Liberty, having her topple over killing hundreds of people and hurting more. And the perpetrators are just getting started. They take aim at various National Parks across the U.S.
Special Agent Michael Walker of the Investigative Services Branch of the National Parks Service and ASAC Gina Delgado of the FBI work together to save lives no matter the cost.
Well-written and well-researched with quite a bit of interesting historical information included.
I was thoroughly engaged from start to finish being on the edge of my seat much of the time.
This is the first book in a new series (National Parks Thriller) by A. J. Landau, the pseudonym for two authors, Jon Land and Jeff Ayers. I look forward to the next book in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon Land and Jeff Ayers or as they call themself when they write together, A.J. Landau has written Leave No Trace which I sincerely will be the first of many books in a series. Someone blows the Statue of Liberty to pieces, but who and why? Just as agent Michael Walker from National Parks Services and Gina Delgado from FBI starts investigate the attack, they get news of more attacks on other parks. Will they stop it and figure out what is the reason for this? Well in February you can get a copy of this great book and see for yourself. It will be one of this years most pleasant surprises. I must thank Minotaur Books , Macmillan and Edelweiss for supplying me with this advance copy of a great and wild thrilling story.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: Feb. 27, 2024

“Leave No Trace” is a joint effort for authors A.J. Landau, Jon Land and Jeff Ayers and is the first installment of the “National Park Thriller” series of novels.

A heinous act of terrorism rocks New York City again, this time felling the Statue of Liberty and leaving the surrounding areas in ruin. FBI Special Agent Gina Delgado, in charge of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, calls all her available agents to the area and quickly realizes that the tragedies of the day are far from over, and there will be more attacks. Michael Walker, of the National Park Service, is the only one with enough knowledge of the areas surrounding the National Parks and Monuments to protect them from another terror attack. Together, the two discover the group behind the attack and as locations around the United States are in danger, it is going to take everything they have to save their country.

“Leave No Trace” is a pulse-pounding, action- packed thriller. Uniquely, it focuses on the National Parks and monuments of the United States, reinforcing just how important the often-overlooked landscapes are to the country as a whole. Each chapter begins with a tidbit of information about the park, area or landscape where the story is taking place, which reads like a love letter to the incredible majesty of the Parks, and the Park Services officers and employees who protect them.

The story is told from Michael’s point of view and, once Gina is introduced, she takes over narration for some chapters as well. Although the story starts in New York City, its setting spans the continental United States, including the Zion National Park in Utah and Mt. Rainier National Park (to name a few). The dangerous group behind the attacks are led by a particularly zealous individual by the name of Jeremiah, determined to cause as much damage as possible in the name of vengeance.

“Trace” flows so well that it does not read like a novel that has many authors. Each chapter blends seamlessly into the next, and the tension and suspense is rife from page one. This is the first in a series, so the ending obviously hints that more is to come, but all of the plotlines in this novel are wrapped up in a conclusive way so there are no outstanding questions.

I thoroughly enjoyed both Michael and Gina, and the unique backdrop of the National Parks along with the constant action and drama has me eager to enjoy the second novel in the “National Park Thriller” series.

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3-3.5 stars. An exciting suspense thriller with domestic terrorists attacking our national parks with a bigger agenda in mind. There are two main characters: Michael Walker, an agent with the Investigative Service Branch of the National Park Service, and Gina Delgado, ASAC for the FBI's New York field office. At first, they struggle over who has the authority to lead the investigation after the first attack but soon appreciate each other's expertise as the scope of the threat widens. Tense action and some surprising plot twists keep the reader turning those pages. Action movie material, for sure.

A.J. Landau is a pseudonym for two authors who have teamed up to write this series: Jon Land and Jeff Ayers. What I appreciated most about this book are the strong female characters with even a woman serving as US President, the close look at the kind of radical minds operating in the current political climate, and the information/history about individual parks at the beginning of each chapter. I think this series has definite possibilities as I now plunge into an arc of book two in the series: Cold Burn.

[Fiona Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a beautiful day on Liberty Island, New York—until a sudden explosion rocks the air, toppling Lady Liberty, killing hundreds, and unleashing a new wave of terror across the United States. Michael Walker, a special agent with the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB), and Gina Delgado, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New York field office, find themselves thrown together as they work to prevent further tragedy at America’s major landmarks. But when your enemies could be anyone, how can they know who to trust—or where the next strike may be coming from?

A.J. Landau, a writing team comprised of Jon Land and Jeff Ayers, has made quite the impression—when the first chapter of your first novel includes the Statue of Liberty collapsing due to a terrorist action, you’re definitely letting your readers know that you mean business. And you have to be able to follow up the shock and awe with a book that’ll keep them hooked—luckily for us, they rose to the challenge.

It’s clear that this book is well-researched—as a non-resident of the US, I actually really appreciate a little background information, and the parks and monuments visited in the course of the story were brought to life in a way that really helped me keep my bearings despite the action-fueled, tense pace. Gina and Michael were great characters whom I was able to care about quickly, and I’ll admit—I’m more than a little intrigued by Gina’s backstory, especially when it comes to her fascination with explosives. More than once, the story defied my expectations, too, in ways that really surprised and pleased me—some of the brilliant guesses the protagonists made turned out to be wrong, or the way they included a grassroots environmentalist organization.

This was an action-filled, smart, and seriously readable thriller that I read in one sitting—there just wasn’t a moment that felt right to put it down. A.J. Landau is off to quite the start, and I can’t wait to see where we go with them next.

This review originally appeared at mysteryandsuspense.com. Good popcorny fun, with a much more well-researched background than you normally get with these ones!

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Statue of Liberty has been toppled! An explosion at the base of the monument has gone off and the statue is down. Hundreds of people have been killed and injured. It is a terrorist attack and the first of many, targeting the country’s most important landmarks.

How could you not want to read this! it was a wild, fast paced action thriller that will keep you guessing and holding your breath. I loved the inclusion of a National Parks Investigator working with the FBI at the very highest level.

An easy book to binge, the narrator did a fantastic job with all the different characters.

Published February 27th, hold onto your hats. Thanks to RB Media for the advanced listening copy of this book.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This high quality audio throws you straight into the action of terrorism woth an attack on the statue of liberty witnessed and filmed by a young boy.. i love the use of facts between chapters denoting historic fscts.
All the characters were well developed . Their relevant backstory was gradually revealed. It waa engaging. The final act seemed to be over quite quickly. It was full of just enough deta about terrorism for it not be bogged down. Dadly although a work of fiction this could happen. It was rather long but such a worthwhile listen. Highly recommended. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator.

[Dani Boise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to RB for the approval to read Leave No Trace! I loved the preview chapters of this in the last Minotaur Sampler so was super pumped to get to read the whole book!

Pub date: Feb 27th.

I loved this story and I'd recommend to you if you love:
-political aspects (but really only in that we are dealing with federal law enforcement agencies, the military, potus, etc)
-HIGH action throughout
-National Parks <3
-lots of police procedural (as we are following several law enforcement agencies)

This was SO fast paced, packed with action, some thrilling moments and a big ol' mystery for these agents to solve. I didn't know an investigator for the Natl Parks Service was a thing but now I do, and we have one as the main character here. The characters are flawed but completely likable. They're really well fleshed out and we get glimpses of their backgrounds with (very few) flashback chapters included. This was great to get an idea of what brought our main characters to where they are in present day of this story.

In the beginning the multi-story lines were sliiiightly hard to keep track of but I figured they'd all converge and BOY do they come together with a (literal) BANG. I could NOT read this fast enough.

[Keri Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this startling realistic tale of domestic terrorism, Special Agent Michal Walker of the National Park Service is called in to investigate after an explosion sends the Statue of Liberty toppling and hundreds are killed and wounded. He meets Gina Delgado of the FBI, and quickly they realize that there are plots to attack other national parks and the country. To further complicate matters, Michael's agent wife was killed in a random attack a year prior where he was also injured, and his father-in-law, who is high ranking in his agency blames Michael.

The investigation and race to save people and national treasures keeps the book moving along. The culprits are much too realistic in today's political environment. As this is the first in a new series, I'm curious to see where they will lead, and if my heart can deal with the intense, potential future forecasted.

[Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this could definitely be a great read for someone else, but it just wasn’t the best read for me. I found myself annoyed by the lengths of the chapters being SO short, I kept putting the book down. The constant separation of story prevented me from being absorbed and hooked into the events happening. The very beginning of the book had me, but as it went on, it lost me.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This chilling read is all about domestic terrorism, with the first target being the bombing at the Statue of Liberty. Chilling indeed. The Statue of Liberty has been an American icon since the late 1800s and was only the first of many planned targets that could destroy the very fiber of life in America if these planned attacks all came to fruition.

Our principal protagonists are Gina Delgado, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI and National Park Service Special Agent Michael Walker. Michael has no idea what he is walking into. His job is very important to him, after he lost his wife and more during an attack years previously. Michael's job is hindered for more than one reason, and part of that reason is lack of security clearance when it comes to the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Gina also has her challenges as they seek to locate the terrorists before more innocent lives could be lost.

Michael doesn't miss a thing, and manages to protect a witness as he works independently, as well as with Gina when it comes to looking for the terrorists. Michael is an amazing character, a man who lost a foot at the same time he lost his wife, but managed to overcome the impossible to continue his work with the National Park Services, albeit in a different capacity.

Danger, political intrigue and vendettas are part and parcel of this engaging read. The story started off strong with danger and action, with quite a bit of drama mixed in. Personally, I found the first half of this book more exciting than the second half, but found myself really drawn into the story beyond the travesty of domestic terrorism, as a lot of it took place across different national parks, highlighting dangers that were almost unimaginable. I can't wait to see what next lies in store for Michael and hopefully Gina.

Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leave No Trace starts off with a bang when The Statue of Liberty is attacked, and there are multiple casualties! Special Agent Michael Walker of the National Parks Service is called in to investigate, as The Statue of Liberty is one of their sites. Michael starts working with Gina Delgado, an FBI agent also sent in.

Unfortunately, this is the first of several planned attacks on key National Parks around the States. Michael and Gina race to keep up and disable the attacks before more are injured, but along the way they uncover an even more diabolical plan against the US Government. It’s easy to picture real-life homegrown terrorists hatching similar plans, which adds a layer of fear to the story!

I love National Parks, so the snippet of history included at the beginning of each chapter was a fun addition!

I enjoyed learning about Michael and Gina’s personal history, both likable characters, and wonder how they’ll work together again.

This is a fast-paced, action-packed story and I was on the edge of my seat hoping Michael and Gina would get ahead of these nutjobs and squash their nefarious plans! I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting thriller and look forward to the next installment!

I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of Minotaur Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Angela Y (yangelareads) ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by RB Media.

In a daring, brutal act of terrorism, an explosion rocks and topples the Statue of Liberty. Special Agent Michael Walker of the National Park Service is awakened by his boss with that news and sent to New York as the agent-in-charge. Not long after he lands, he learns two things - one that Gina Delgado of the FBI has been placed in charge of the investigation as the lead of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and two, that threats of a second terrorism attack are already being called into the media. While barred from the meetings of the Joint Task Force for his lack of security clearance, Walker finds a young boy among the survivors with a critical piece of information - a video linking the attackers to the assault.

As a radical domestic terrorist group, led by a shadowy figure known only as Jebediah, threatens further attacks against America's cultural symbols, powerful forces within the government are misleading the investigation to further their own radical agenda.

This book was definitely very well researched - as a person who does not live in the US, I really appreciate a little background information, and the parks and monuments visited in the course of the story. But there was so much historical information and backstory that was shared about each site and the logistics which may have taken away some of the thrill and action of the book. However, was this one really a thriller? It was so slow and about halfway through I was bored. Gina was the backbone and main character of the story, but I wished we got to know more of the other characters. I just did not feel like we got invested in them. The book could of definitely used some editing when it came to the details. The plot just seemed more telling rather than showing. It really took everything in me to finish it and I ended up having to force myself to finish this one. This one did sound really promising but it was not for me.

Rating: 2.5/5

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to divert from my usual literary fiction and read a thriller so I turned to this book.

The setting: An act of terrorism leads to death and destruction at the Statue of Liberty. Enter Special Agent Michael Walker of the National Park Service sent to New York as the agent-in-charge. Gina Delgado, FBI [formerly stationed in Iraq and a munitions expert] enters as the person in charge of the investigation, head of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. They learn of a radical domestic terrorist group led by "a shadowy figure" known as Jeremiah who wants to take down 10 milion people and start a new world [US] order. WHOA.

The writing is fine. It is a fast read. BUT. IT WAS TOO DEPRESSING GIVEN THE CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS [for me]. As a thriller, I kept turning the pages--a good thing. A disconnect was I did figure out one of the trajectories [a negative for me when reading a thriller] less than halfway through,

There's a factoid built into the beginning of each chapter [on the National Park Service/sites, military bases, etc.] --I enjoyed these tidbits of information.

Although Walker and Delgado [and Jeremiah] are the main characters, there are many others populating this novel, including a female president, Cabinet members, miitary -- present and former [the latter of which form a large part of Jeremiah's force --"read" January 6], a Native American tribe that plays a role in thwarting the attack, and much more.

If this type of book is your jam--go for it. I'd give it a 2 but as there were no nails on the chalkboard writing and it kept me going, I'll rate it 3 stars. But I'm not recommending. And too neat and tidy an ending.

[shannon (books by the glass) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was super engrossed in this one from the start! it gave me designated survivor vibes with the government conspiracy and race again time to stop it!

however, it got progressively slower and more boring as the plot continued. instead of intensity, the storyline was repetitive and predictable 🤷🏼‍♀️ and maybe that’s because I’ve read so many thriller books and watched so many spy movies…

BUT, other than gina (who was the backbone of this entire story), I would have liked to see more likable characters. I didn’t feel invested in them at all, and the ones that I felt a pull to (like danny) were quickly shoved to the side and never mentioned again.

this book could definitely have used some editing when it came to the details of the science and technology, making the dialogue seem more “telling” rather than “showing”

thank you to minotaur books for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! this one’s out in february!

rating: 2.5 stars
wine pairing: napa valley merlot

[Guisel Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gina is my favorite character, a Latina climbing the ranks and in charge ok queen.

The beginning of this book instantly had my attention from a young teen out with his family witnessing and recording a domestic attack at the Statue of Liberty (not a spoiler, as it happens early on and in the description of the book). His video helps aid the FBI and the National Parks Service identifying who is behind the attack. At each National Park, military installation, or new location you learn a new historical fact.

I feel like you would enjoy this if you want something related to domestic terrorism, political background, conspiracy theories, and ex military gone rogue.

I received this audiobook from NetGalley for an honest review. The narrator speaks slow for my taste so I listened at 2x speed. There were also long pauses in between chapters.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Propulsive, twisty, and intense!

Leave No Trace is a sinister, action-packed thrill ride featuring the tenacious FBI ASAC Gina Delgado and the steadfast National Park Service ISB agent Michael Walker as they join forces to hunt down a group of cold, calculating mercenaries who are driven by vengeance, have their own deadly agenda, and are intent on causing as much destruction and devastation as they possibly can.

The writing is tight and crisp. The characters are astute, tenacious, and persistent. And the plot, with its short, intense chapters, keeps you on the edge of your seat as it immerses you, page after page, into a world full of terrorism, politics, revenge, corruption, coercion, military operations, and domestic terrorist drama.

Overall, Leave No Trace is a meticulous, compelling, intricate mystery by this creative writing duo that kept me highly entertained from the very first page and left me more than a little eager to read what Walker and Delgado manage to get mixed up in next.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kasa Cotugno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leave No Trace, which starts with a bang, literally, sadly does not continue the momentum to hold my interest. There's got to be some semblance of truth for me to remain engaged in a thriller, but on the plus side, there was originality in its style. At the head of the short, almost cinematic chapters, there was a snippet of historical fact concerning the National Landmark being threatened and exposed. Very interesting and made the progression of the plot viable.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story interesting and giving us information on the national parks by these authors, The story line was well blended from a terrorist attack to the national parks. With a park service investigator working with the FBI agent. Well done and glad I had the chance to read.
Given arc by Net Galley and St Martins Press for my voluntary review

[Linda (Lily) Raiti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts off with a literal bang! A terrorist attack has set off explosives at the Statue of Liberty with hundreds of innocent people losing their lives and injured. A National parks investigator comes in to work with the FBI.

A fast, intense, action packed thriller that will keep you on you toes. This is my first book by this dynamic writing duo and I look forward to reading more from them in the future.

Many thanks to @netgalley and #rbmedia for a thoroughly entertaining audiobook 🎧

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a great thriller, national parks, and trivia. This book has it all. The story of domestic terrorists who are taking down our national treasures starting with the Statue of Liberty. In response is Michael Walker, Special Agent with the National Park Service, where he connects with Gina Delgado of the FBI and Joint Terrorism Task Force. Together they discover how deep this plot against democracy goes and they are hot on the trail of the leaders behind it which takes them across the country's favorite national parks. This story moves at warp speed and has a very satisfying ending.

I think my favorite part though was the small bit of trivia that begins each chapter which taught me a lot I didn't know about places have have already visited or now I want to visit.

I can wait to read the next one in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[christene_littlelibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leave No Trace by A.J. Landau is packed with action, some thrilling moments and a big mystery for these agents to solve. I didn't know an investigator for the Natl Parks Service was a thing but now I do, and we have one as the main character here. Michael and Gina who works hand in hand to solve these mystery. I loved the representation of the Statue of Liberty mentioned at the end of the book. Also I loved how they put glimpse of historical background before the chapters. I unexpectedly enjoyed this fast paced thrilling novel. Will totally recommend it to my action thriller book lover friends!

cw: Death, Violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood