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Where Dead Things Stand
An archaeological thriller with an X-Files feel that will take you on a pulse-pounding ride you won't soon forget.
When an unknown American explorer goes missing in the Patagonia, not many people notice—at first. But as Chilean authorities investigate, they’re alarmed. This isn’t a one-off disappearance.
In fact, scores of people have vanished in this vast swath of nature in recent years. And no one knows why.
Journals left behind by the explorer suggest he was searching for a mythical Inca city and the promise of unimaginable wealth and power. Chilean officials doubt the wild claims but know there’s only one group of experts who can verify if any of this is the International Archaeology Association.
And while husband-and-wife team Alex Simms and Tara Watson aren’t thrilled to cut short their skiing vacation in Utah to search for an amateur treasure hunter in the middle of the rain forest, they answer the call for help.
Their to unravel the enigma surrounding the disappearance of so many who ventured so deep into the heart of the Andes, perhaps in search of the mythical Wandering City of Patagonia. Armed with their wits, determination, and a trove of cryptic clues left behind by the vanished explorer, Alex and Tara plunge into their deadliest quest yet, where danger and ancient secrets await.
Best known for the fan-favorite Sean Wyatt series, USA Today best-selling author mixes science with ancient sorcery in the latest installment of his Paranormal Archaeology series—a white-knuckle ride through the modern-day perils of a world lost to history.
When an unknown American explorer goes missing in the Patagonia, not many people notice—at first. But as Chilean authorities investigate, they’re alarmed. This isn’t a one-off disappearance.
In fact, scores of people have vanished in this vast swath of nature in recent years. And no one knows why.
Journals left behind by the explorer suggest he was searching for a mythical Inca city and the promise of unimaginable wealth and power. Chilean officials doubt the wild claims but know there’s only one group of experts who can verify if any of this is the International Archaeology Association.
And while husband-and-wife team Alex Simms and Tara Watson aren’t thrilled to cut short their skiing vacation in Utah to search for an amateur treasure hunter in the middle of the rain forest, they answer the call for help.
Their to unravel the enigma surrounding the disappearance of so many who ventured so deep into the heart of the Andes, perhaps in search of the mythical Wandering City of Patagonia. Armed with their wits, determination, and a trove of cryptic clues left behind by the vanished explorer, Alex and Tara plunge into their deadliest quest yet, where danger and ancient secrets await.
Best known for the fan-favorite Sean Wyatt series, USA Today best-selling author mixes science with ancient sorcery in the latest installment of his Paranormal Archaeology series—a white-knuckle ride through the modern-day perils of a world lost to history.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2023
198 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Ernest Dempsey
71 books480 followersErnest Dempsey is a huge fan of action/adventure thrillers and science fiction.
He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.
His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.
He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.
He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.
His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.
He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 7, 2023
Fantastic read
I totally enjoyed the story. As with all of Ernests book. I do love the paranormal. Alex and Tara are great characters, and they have definitely got better with their training.
I totally enjoyed the story. As with all of Ernests book. I do love the paranormal. Alex and Tara are great characters, and they have definitely got better with their training.
July 17, 2024
This was definitely notches below the quality of story Hell's Gate is. Likewise, the characters in this second installment had nowhere near the depth of those in the first. Every character was as linear as possible with absolutely zero depth.
Let me touch on something that I thought was somewhat 'cute' in the first book, but got absolutely sick of while reading this second book, and that was the absolute absurd way our two protagonists talk to each other. Honestly, this 'her eyes are still like the ocean,' and 'even after all these years, I still get butterflies when I look at her' nonsense needs to go. It has been made VERY CLEAR the multiple dozens of times the author has decided to divert the story to the two of these characters' teenage crush on each other that although they may have adult minds with archaeology, they clearly are still in their adolescent years when it comes to their dialog. Answer me this: how many times in this book did Tara giggle at something Alex said? Not laugh, not chuckle (safe once or twice, maybe), but giggle? Giggling is mostly attributed to kids and female adolescents. Every damn time Tara giggled, it was just cementing my theory that she's really a 14-year-old savant with self defense training.
Lastly, the ending of this book was an absolute abomination. Further proof to me that Tara acts like an adolescent, too.
Tip of the day: a group of girls is called a giggle. Yes, I'm serious.
Let me touch on something that I thought was somewhat 'cute' in the first book, but got absolutely sick of while reading this second book, and that was the absolute absurd way our two protagonists talk to each other. Honestly, this 'her eyes are still like the ocean,' and 'even after all these years, I still get butterflies when I look at her' nonsense needs to go. It has been made VERY CLEAR the multiple dozens of times the author has decided to divert the story to the two of these characters' teenage crush on each other that although they may have adult minds with archaeology, they clearly are still in their adolescent years when it comes to their dialog. Answer me this: how many times in this book did Tara giggle at something Alex said? Not laugh, not chuckle (safe once or twice, maybe), but giggle? Giggling is mostly attributed to kids and female adolescents. Every damn time Tara giggled, it was just cementing my theory that she's really a 14-year-old savant with self defense training.
Lastly, the ending of this book was an absolute abomination. Further proof to me that Tara acts like an adolescent, too.
Tip of the day: a group of girls is called a giggle. Yes, I'm serious.
November 21, 2023
Can Alex and Tara succeed where so many have previously failed?
When I finished Hell’s Gate, the first book of the Paranormal Archeology Division series, I knew the series was going to be one of my favorite Ernest Dempsey series. Having just finished Where Dead Things Stand, the second book in the Paranormal Archeology Division series, I have one thought for Mr. Dempsey. “Please sir may I have another.” I’ve read all the Sean Wyatt, Adrian Villa, Adventure Guild, Guardians of Earth, and Relic Runner books and loved each and every one of them. But These stories with Tara & Alex are quickly becoming my favorite, maybe because the subject of each so far are in tune with not just my own interests, but my personal beliefs as far as the ancient world goes. If you haven’t read this series, I would strongly suggest starting with Hell’s Gate and then reading Where Dead Things Stand if you want the best reading experience for this series. I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author and chose to provide my review.
When I finished Hell’s Gate, the first book of the Paranormal Archeology Division series, I knew the series was going to be one of my favorite Ernest Dempsey series. Having just finished Where Dead Things Stand, the second book in the Paranormal Archeology Division series, I have one thought for Mr. Dempsey. “Please sir may I have another.” I’ve read all the Sean Wyatt, Adrian Villa, Adventure Guild, Guardians of Earth, and Relic Runner books and loved each and every one of them. But These stories with Tara & Alex are quickly becoming my favorite, maybe because the subject of each so far are in tune with not just my own interests, but my personal beliefs as far as the ancient world goes. If you haven’t read this series, I would strongly suggest starting with Hell’s Gate and then reading Where Dead Things Stand if you want the best reading experience for this series. I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author and chose to provide my review.
November 26, 2023
This is the second book in this series featuring Tara and Alex, the IAA’s two computer geniuses. Once again they are sent to South America, this time to investigate a lost city in Patagonia in Chili, in conjunction with possibly finding a missing American investigator who was looking for the city also. The Interior Minister of Chili has requested the IAA’s assistance due to their reputation and successes in completing this type of search. The story is full of intrigue, conniving bad guys, and tons of adventure pulling Tara and Alex back into the world of the paranormal - a world that Tara has not yet fully recovered from her terrifying experience in Hells Gate. This is a superb adventure that takes you down the road of our favorite Sean, Adrian, and Tommy stories, but veers off into areas of possible other worlds and mysteries beyond human. I thoroughly enjoyed this second adventure and am looking forward to the next. Be prepared to read well into the night with this one.
November 27, 2023
Tara and Alex are back in this sophomore follow up mystery! They are told of missing people in Patagonia and of a journal that speaks of gateways and artifacts, things right up their balliwick! So, they cut short their vacation, hop a plane, and head to warmer climes. They a met by the interior minister of Chile, who was the one needing the help, and whisked off to review the journal for any hints as to where to start looking. The first night they are there, they head out for some local nightlife and their car is boobytrapped! And they are off and running! In secret now, they head out on their journey to various South American historical sites, like Cuzco, searching for clues, meeting bad guys, going to strange places, and doing things not in the norm, but is for them. In the end, they do find what they were looking for but make sure they stay hidden. Its a great paranormal mystery and read and follow up!
June 11, 2024
Another Dempsey Hit for the IAA
This book leads us straight from archaeology to the undead. A city, maybe the city of gold that drew the greedy and occasionally a good man or woman. But no one had ever found the key until one of Tommy Schultz's IAA teams, one that took on cases that specialised in the supernatural as well as archaeology finally found the many clues that finally led to the key. But they also found that they'd been duped by the supposedly good side as by the bad. Greed and lust for power once again led those with black hearts to loose the city again. But what a tale, and two good people who never wanted the gold or the powr only the history made sure it was lost again. Forever? Who knows, but it was a fascinating tale of people who may start out wanting only good but a daily dose of politics changed their souls and justified even murder if it kept those they thought of as truly evil from taking the dark power that had taken their own souls.
This book leads us straight from archaeology to the undead. A city, maybe the city of gold that drew the greedy and occasionally a good man or woman. But no one had ever found the key until one of Tommy Schultz's IAA teams, one that took on cases that specialised in the supernatural as well as archaeology finally found the many clues that finally led to the key. But they also found that they'd been duped by the supposedly good side as by the bad. Greed and lust for power once again led those with black hearts to loose the city again. But what a tale, and two good people who never wanted the gold or the powr only the history made sure it was lost again. Forever? Who knows, but it was a fascinating tale of people who may start out wanting only good but a daily dose of politics changed their souls and justified even murder if it kept those they thought of as truly evil from taking the dark power that had taken their own souls.
November 27, 2023
A Great Adventure with Alex and Tara into the Paranormal realm
Tara and Alex, International Archaeological Agency’s top researchers and computer experts, are skiing in Utah when a request for help with a mystery involving the Incan Empire comes into IAA and they are asked to take the case.
The interior minister of Chile, the nation’s second-in-command has asked IAA to help with a missing American explorer. They have been asked to see if they can solve the mystery of the mythical Inca city “the Wandering City of Patagonia” in order to locate the missing explorer.
I think you will enjoy this book as the story unfolds, with all of the twists and turns as the travel around a number of countries in their search for truth and the answer to their quest. It will keep you in suspense as to what will happen next.
I really enjoyed this book! I think you will also!
Tara and Alex, International Archaeological Agency’s top researchers and computer experts, are skiing in Utah when a request for help with a mystery involving the Incan Empire comes into IAA and they are asked to take the case.
The interior minister of Chile, the nation’s second-in-command has asked IAA to help with a missing American explorer. They have been asked to see if they can solve the mystery of the mythical Inca city “the Wandering City of Patagonia” in order to locate the missing explorer.
I think you will enjoy this book as the story unfolds, with all of the twists and turns as the travel around a number of countries in their search for truth and the answer to their quest. It will keep you in suspense as to what will happen next.
I really enjoyed this book! I think you will also!
November 24, 2023
Alex Simms and Tara Watson are back in this explosive episode in the paranormal Archaeological series.
Tara is still suffering from their first expedition in Hell's Gate, but like all of the IAA agents she and her husband Alex still look forward to their next mission.
When the head of the IAA Tommy Schultz gets an email from the Chilean Minister to look into the disappearance of several tourists but particularly the most recent treasure hunter Michael Buford Tommy's interest is spiked due to the nature of his disappearance.
On old Inca tale of a lost city that has untold wealth and powers, how can they refuse to not look into this phenomenon.
But what dangers are awaiting them to try and find the Wondering City and who wants to see them dead?
A fantastic follow up to Hell's Gate.
Tara is still suffering from their first expedition in Hell's Gate, but like all of the IAA agents she and her husband Alex still look forward to their next mission.
When the head of the IAA Tommy Schultz gets an email from the Chilean Minister to look into the disappearance of several tourists but particularly the most recent treasure hunter Michael Buford Tommy's interest is spiked due to the nature of his disappearance.
On old Inca tale of a lost city that has untold wealth and powers, how can they refuse to not look into this phenomenon.
But what dangers are awaiting them to try and find the Wondering City and who wants to see them dead?
A fantastic follow up to Hell's Gate.
December 5, 2023
Tara and Alex are asked to help in the finding of some individuals who had gone missing. What could possibly go wrong? As they continue to follow the clues, there are other people wanting to stop them. What are these people looking for and what evil exists? Will Tara and Alex survive the trials? This is a very good read as are all of Ernest Dempsey’s books. Can’t wait until another paranormal book comes out.
December 19, 2023
Consistently Awesome
Ernest Dempsey strikes again. Alex and Tara are in their element. Great to see them out of the lab at the IAA and into the field again. From start to finish they brave the unknown in their search for Wandering City, a mythical city in South America aka The City of the Caesars. Many perils arise from known and unknown adversaries. Twists and turns are Dempsey’s stock-in-trade and what makes his stories so amazing. Book 2 in the series doesn’t disappoint.
Ernest Dempsey strikes again. Alex and Tara are in their element. Great to see them out of the lab at the IAA and into the field again. From start to finish they brave the unknown in their search for Wandering City, a mythical city in South America aka The City of the Caesars. Many perils arise from known and unknown adversaries. Twists and turns are Dempsey’s stock-in-trade and what makes his stories so amazing. Book 2 in the series doesn’t disappoint.
January 4, 2024
Exciting and thought-provoking
Once again, Ernie has delivered another exciting, heart-pounding, almost can't wait to get to the next page adventure. Many times I stopped to consider and wonder about unseen things that may be around us but on a different plane of existence of which we are unaware. It's those thought-provoking wonders and the thrill of the adventures of archaeological characters that keeps me coming back for more! I just love Ernie's style of writing!
Once again, Ernie has delivered another exciting, heart-pounding, almost can't wait to get to the next page adventure. Many times I stopped to consider and wonder about unseen things that may be around us but on a different plane of existence of which we are unaware. It's those thought-provoking wonders and the thrill of the adventures of archaeological characters that keeps me coming back for more! I just love Ernie's style of writing!
January 26, 2024
Another Great Read
Having been a fan of this author for years, I am so pleased at all the extra “avenues” he has taken the original story of Sean & Tommy. This is another exciting read with truth and history subtly mixed with great story telling. Exciting enough to keep me involved start to finish. Enjoy another great read as Alex and Tara cement their credentials as belonging in the world their work draws them too.
Having been a fan of this author for years, I am so pleased at all the extra “avenues” he has taken the original story of Sean & Tommy. This is another exciting read with truth and history subtly mixed with great story telling. Exciting enough to keep me involved start to finish. Enjoy another great read as Alex and Tara cement their credentials as belonging in the world their work draws them too.
November 25, 2023
Tara and Alex aka "the kids" get drawn into an adventure looking for an ancient mysterious city when they are called to find out why people have been disappearing... Can they survive the trials set before them to find the key and the city? Also can they find the most recent missing person who disappeared near "Where Dead Things Stand"
November 27, 2023
Where Dead Things Stand
This is shaping up to be a very good series. I have always enjoyed ‘the kids’ in the original Sean Wyatt series and it’s nice that they now have their own series. This goes in a different direction than the other and it’s a nice change. Good characters, nicely developed. Interesting story line. Plenty of action. Highly recommended.
This is shaping up to be a very good series. I have always enjoyed ‘the kids’ in the original Sean Wyatt series and it’s nice that they now have their own series. This goes in a different direction than the other and it’s a nice change. Good characters, nicely developed. Interesting story line. Plenty of action. Highly recommended.
December 6, 2023
Real or dream
Tara and Alex get called to South America, to find the Key to a hidden city. Trials and lies, bad guys and an unexpected twist force them to Manchu Picchu and the end of the dream. They end up saving the day, and an American who was lost. Once again, Ernest Dempsey combines reality with fantasy for a great story.
Tara and Alex get called to South America, to find the Key to a hidden city. Trials and lies, bad guys and an unexpected twist force them to Manchu Picchu and the end of the dream. They end up saving the day, and an American who was lost. Once again, Ernest Dempsey combines reality with fantasy for a great story.
December 9, 2023
great book
Another great book by Ernest Dempsey. I really enjoy the characters and settings that involve real architectural wonders. It is enjoyable and a learning experience for me since I look up many of the places and cities referenced in his books. Another winner I highly recommend
Another great book by Ernest Dempsey. I really enjoy the characters and settings that involve real architectural wonders. It is enjoyable and a learning experience for me since I look up many of the places and cities referenced in his books. Another winner I highly recommend
January 6, 2024
Growing up
Tara and Alex are coming of age. Not only are they highly intelligent, they are quite capable of solving mysteries like other members of IAA. Retrieving artifacts and being pure of heart saved a life before bit was too late. Looking forward to more of their adventures. Great job. Thank you.
Tara and Alex are coming of age. Not only are they highly intelligent, they are quite capable of solving mysteries like other members of IAA. Retrieving artifacts and being pure of heart saved a life before bit was too late. Looking forward to more of their adventures. Great job. Thank you.
January 8, 2024
Nice action novel - Indiana Jones-esque
Basically a paranormal archaeology thriller - if you like Indiana Jones, you’ll like this. I felt like I would’ve enjoyed more depth in the characters, but it was a nice, light, quick and entertaining read, which is all you want sometimes. Overall, I enjoyed it, and felt it was worthy 4/5 stars.
Basically a paranormal archaeology thriller - if you like Indiana Jones, you’ll like this. I felt like I would’ve enjoyed more depth in the characters, but it was a nice, light, quick and entertaining read, which is all you want sometimes. Overall, I enjoyed it, and felt it was worthy 4/5 stars.
January 28, 2024
This was a good, fast moving story much in the style of Indiana Jones paranormal adventures. It entails Alex Simms and Tara Watson going to the aid of the Chilean Minister of the Interior to solve a mystery of disappearing tourists in a specific area of Chile. Obviously the story takes many twists and turn as Alex, Tara, and a host of "bad guys" compete to find the Wandering City of Patagonia.
August 28, 2025
Fantastic adventure
A quest, an adventure,thrilling yet deadly in nature, Tara and Alex hired to help find and secure a mystery a treasure beyond belief yet as expected greed takes over and lives are at risk. Well done Mr Dempsey it had me transfixed from page one I highly recommend this book
A quest, an adventure,thrilling yet deadly in nature, Tara and Alex hired to help find and secure a mystery a treasure beyond belief yet as expected greed takes over and lives are at risk. Well done Mr Dempsey it had me transfixed from page one I highly recommend this book
December 2, 2023
A Good Read!!
I enjoyed reading a story with Alex and Tara as the main characters. Good storyline, fast paced, and of course lots of intrigue. All the things you'd expect from an Ernest Dempsey book.
I enjoyed reading a story with Alex and Tara as the main characters. Good storyline, fast paced, and of course lots of intrigue. All the things you'd expect from an Ernest Dempsey book.
December 5, 2023
Dead ends and new beginnings
Alex and Tara take on a new adventure that takes them to places not many have traveled. Their wit and faith keep them on task and leads them to the ultimate destination.
Another great story from a master storyteller.
Thanks again Ernest Dempsey!
Alex and Tara take on a new adventure that takes them to places not many have traveled. Their wit and faith keep them on task and leads them to the ultimate destination.
Another great story from a master storyteller.
Thanks again Ernest Dempsey!
December 6, 2023
The Kids did it again!
Another paranormal mystery solved by Alex and Tara! I wonder if Mr. Dempsey will include the babysitter in the next book? Loved that he included Machu Pichu too! Lots of mystery and guessing as usual. Couldn't put it down! Ready for the next one!!
Another paranormal mystery solved by Alex and Tara! I wonder if Mr. Dempsey will include the babysitter in the next book? Loved that he included Machu Pichu too! Lots of mystery and guessing as usual. Couldn't put it down! Ready for the next one!!
December 16, 2023
Awesome as Always
Thanks Ernest for another Amazing Adventure !
As always you do not disappoint your readers.
Captivating and consuming ! Just finished and its after midnight !
I'm looking forward to many more hours of your next entertaining series.
Thanks Ernest for another Amazing Adventure !
As always you do not disappoint your readers.
Captivating and consuming ! Just finished and its after midnight !
I'm looking forward to many more hours of your next entertaining series.
December 27, 2023
Here we go again!!!!
Another adventure for Alex and Tara following on from their strange encounter at The Devils Gate. As the story weaves through famous and mysterious settings. Another brilliant story for the Paranormal Archaeology Division and I can't wait for the next one!
Another adventure for Alex and Tara following on from their strange encounter at The Devils Gate. As the story weaves through famous and mysterious settings. Another brilliant story for the Paranormal Archaeology Division and I can't wait for the next one!
January 3, 2024
Alex and Tara get more than great powdery snow on their vacation
When the boss contacts Alex and Tara on their vacation at the holiday, they don't want to refuse a potential paranormal archeological event!
When the boss contacts Alex and Tara on their vacation at the holiday, they don't want to refuse a potential paranormal archeological event!
February 5, 2024
Good, entertaining story
Received book for free and am providing an honest review
Fun story with good twists and turns. Good blending of history and myths. Tara and Alex are fun to follow in their escapades.
Enjoyable book.
Received book for free and am providing an honest review
Fun story with good twists and turns. Good blending of history and myths. Tara and Alex are fun to follow in their escapades.
Enjoyable book.
February 14, 2024
Another Good Read from Ernest
Alex and Tara never fail to disappoint as they look for the key of Inti - taking you through their adventures into a different world. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Alex and Tara never fail to disappoint as they look for the key of Inti - taking you through their adventures into a different world. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
April 3, 2024
Excellent! My first book I’ve read by Ernest Dempsey. I loved the Characters Alex and Tara, and look forward to going back and reading previous books. My favorite character though was Antonio, because it’s how I would expect people to be. I liked the ending! And it surprised me.
July 31, 2024
Wow!
I love these 2 computer geeks who fell in love while working with Sean in AAI. I love the paranormal archeology aspect in keeping with the treasure hunters. Dempsey introduced them a long time ago building their story. I am excited for the PAD book 3.
I love these 2 computer geeks who fell in love while working with Sean in AAI. I love the paranormal archeology aspect in keeping with the treasure hunters. Dempsey introduced them a long time ago building their story. I am excited for the PAD book 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews