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The Devil in the Desert Wind: A Smoke Tree Series Novel
It's January of 1974, and relentless winter winds on the Mojave Desert bring trouble to Smoke Tree. The trouble includes the brutal murder of a man in the witness protection program, the shooting of a sheriff's deputy, and the arson-fueled destruction of Smoke Tree City Hall. Hauke Hunter, a lateral transfer from the San Diego Sheriff's Department, also arrives with the north winds, as does a troubled and troublesome teenage orphan from the Big Smoky Valley in Nevada,As one of his deputies lies near death, Captain Carlos Caballo, known as Horse throughout the Lower Colorado River Basin, has his hands full.
304 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2024
117 people are currently reading
1212 people want to read
About the author
Gary J. George
16 books96 followersGary George spent his teenage years in Needles, California, and his Smoke Tree novels are set in the Mojave Desert of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Gary was blessed with a long and happy marriage to his beloved, Ginny Boyd, author of the book "Birdy Bird." When Ginny died in January 2018, Gary could not write for a while. However, during a seventy-mile backpacking trip across the desert from the Colorado River to the middle of the Mojave National Preserve in May of that year, he began to come to terms with her death. When he returned home, he discovered that immersing himself in his writing allowed him a few hours of relief from sadness, and he began work on "The Carnival, The Cross, and the Burning Desert."
In 2024, Gary was diagnosed with four severely blocked arteries in his heart and underwent open-heart surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He wrote a book about his experience and recovery, "Out of the Cabbage (CABG) Patch," while concurrently working on the twelfth novel in the Smoke Tree series, "Mojave Desert Jezebeth," which was published in July of 2025. Gary is currently working on the thirteenth book in the series.
In 2024, Gary was diagnosed with four severely blocked arteries in his heart and underwent open-heart surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He wrote a book about his experience and recovery, "Out of the Cabbage (CABG) Patch," while concurrently working on the twelfth novel in the Smoke Tree series, "Mojave Desert Jezebeth," which was published in July of 2025. Gary is currently working on the thirteenth book in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 6, 2024
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and I'm glad I was introduced to this series!
First off let me say this book grabbed me at the start but there were times I felt lost.
It is a series and that was were you could get lost with the different characters and the different story lines.
The story centers around The Smoke Tree and the San Bernardino sheriff's department. The main story line was about a murder outside a bar were one responding officer got wounded and you're introduced to rookie Hauke Hunter. Along with his boss Horse and deputy Johnny Quentin. Along with a side story featuring Chemehuevi Joe and another side story of orphan teen boy Brett. .
I can't wait to read other books in the series to find out more about these characters. I'm not a series girl but there was something about the mystery crime aspect and the side story of people in this small town that left me wanting more!
First off let me say this book grabbed me at the start but there were times I felt lost.
It is a series and that was were you could get lost with the different characters and the different story lines.
The story centers around The Smoke Tree and the San Bernardino sheriff's department. The main story line was about a murder outside a bar were one responding officer got wounded and you're introduced to rookie Hauke Hunter. Along with his boss Horse and deputy Johnny Quentin. Along with a side story featuring Chemehuevi Joe and another side story of orphan teen boy Brett. .
I can't wait to read other books in the series to find out more about these characters. I'm not a series girl but there was something about the mystery crime aspect and the side story of people in this small town that left me wanting more!
February 8, 2024
I've read every book in this series and always wait hopefully for the next. I was entranced with the first book, especially when I realized that a chase scene was going right past where I had just moved to...across the river on the Arizona side!
So yes, it's especially great to be able to actually picture the area but the depth of this author's characters is really what makes me keep coming back for more. I know that I would love to meet every one (except the ones they are chasing) and I just love how the stories pick up where they left off but still can go back to pick up old threads of other characters.
I highly recommend going back to the beginning if this was the first one you read also!
So yes, it's especially great to be able to actually picture the area but the depth of this author's characters is really what makes me keep coming back for more. I know that I would love to meet every one (except the ones they are chasing) and I just love how the stories pick up where they left off but still can go back to pick up old threads of other characters.
I highly recommend going back to the beginning if this was the first one you read also!
February 9, 2024
Amazing and involving, best series I've read
This book, like rest of the series, is well written and pulls you in. The history and vivid word pictures painted in my mind by the author draw me back in time to the places of my youth. The books are all too short, because once I start reading I cannot put them down. Thank you for engaging my mind and memories of the beauty of the desert and the fickle nature of my fellow human beings. If you have not read the rest of the series, buy them now because if your anything like me you will read them over again.
This book, like rest of the series, is well written and pulls you in. The history and vivid word pictures painted in my mind by the author draw me back in time to the places of my youth. The books are all too short, because once I start reading I cannot put them down. Thank you for engaging my mind and memories of the beauty of the desert and the fickle nature of my fellow human beings. If you have not read the rest of the series, buy them now because if your anything like me you will read them over again.
June 27, 2024
I'm so glad that Gary George chose to continue the Smoke Tree mysteries. If you haven't read the earlier novels, I recommend starting at least with "The Carnival, The Cross, and the Burning Desert." There are characters it is important to know. The story lines are tight, the characters are 'real' (even the ones that are a bit mystic) so the stories aren't forced at all. George writes well and clearly cares about the people and places that fill his pages. I'm definitely looking forward to see how the more recent characters develop.
August 17, 2024
Another great story from Smoke Tree
I love this series. The characters are interesting and real. The time lines of the dates in the 50s, 60s, and 70s make it an interesting stroll down memory lane. There is a lot of detail in the story's of this series that give you the feel of what it was like to be there and experience how life was like to a different sections of humanity in America. Small town America where a lot of great Americans dwell doing their version of the American dream.
I love this series. The characters are interesting and real. The time lines of the dates in the 50s, 60s, and 70s make it an interesting stroll down memory lane. There is a lot of detail in the story's of this series that give you the feel of what it was like to be there and experience how life was like to a different sections of humanity in America. Small town America where a lot of great Americans dwell doing their version of the American dream.
June 2, 2024
Another great Gary George novel
Superb writing. Have followed series from beginning. Exceptional characters, story telling, and description of the locations and era of events. As someone familiar with the areas in California and Nevada that George describes with great details, I can visualize just where the characters are and what they are seeing and experiencing in these subtle landscapes.
Superb writing. Have followed series from beginning. Exceptional characters, story telling, and description of the locations and era of events. As someone familiar with the areas in California and Nevada that George describes with great details, I can visualize just where the characters are and what they are seeing and experiencing in these subtle landscapes.
September 15, 2025
Read them all
This series has really great characters. Everyone of them are so unique, and the uniqueness is what makes them form the Smoke Tree family. So many cultures represented, and they compliment each other. Makes me want to live in Smoke Tree and work for Horse. So glad I stumbled upon this series. Start with book one if you love Native American mysteries. You won't be disappointed.
This series has really great characters. Everyone of them are so unique, and the uniqueness is what makes them form the Smoke Tree family. So many cultures represented, and they compliment each other. Makes me want to live in Smoke Tree and work for Horse. So glad I stumbled upon this series. Start with book one if you love Native American mysteries. You won't be disappointed.
February 12, 2024
Finally
Seems like forever since I had this new book to read in this series. To say I was pleased is an understatement. So happy. Hope he writes many more. The characters are outstanding. And since I used to live in the area, it makes them even more enjoyable. Thank you Mr. George
Seems like forever since I had this new book to read in this series. To say I was pleased is an understatement. So happy. Hope he writes many more. The characters are outstanding. And since I used to live in the area, it makes them even more enjoyable. Thank you Mr. George
March 12, 2024
Another wonderful story!
I was so happy to see another book by Gary George about the Smoke Tree folks! I love his stories, his writing and the place setting. Have driven thru the area going and coming across the country and have built a love for land. Never have lived in the desert but these stories makes it real for me. Thank you, Mr George!
I was so happy to see another book by Gary George about the Smoke Tree folks! I love his stories, his writing and the place setting. Have driven thru the area going and coming across the country and have built a love for land. Never have lived in the desert but these stories makes it real for me. Thank you, Mr George!
April 14, 2024
Great Read
Great series!! I started with The carnival the cross and the burning desert . Got hooked and read the rest from the beginning. Great descriptions of the desert and plants the characters are integration and you want to follow them though the books. Looking forward to the next book from Gary J George
Great series!! I started with The carnival the cross and the burning desert . Got hooked and read the rest from the beginning. Great descriptions of the desert and plants the characters are integration and you want to follow them though the books. Looking forward to the next book from Gary J George
May 26, 2025
Another Great Smoke Tree Book
Just another great read amongst the many other books in this series. They are all connected by Horse the officer of San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, I'm writing this because of the authors request so that's why it's so disjointed, I need to fill in Amazon's word requirements. lol
Just another great read amongst the many other books in this series. They are all connected by Horse the officer of San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, I'm writing this because of the authors request so that's why it's so disjointed, I need to fill in Amazon's word requirements. lol
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January 29, 2024Smoke Tree like reliving the past
I have read all the series and enjoyed them all. My only regret is that there is not more
in the series. I spent a lot of time in the Mojave desert when I was younger. This series of stories brings back a lot of memories. Great writing.
I have read all the series and enjoyed them all. My only regret is that there is not more
in the series. I spent a lot of time in the Mojave desert when I was younger. This series of stories brings back a lot of memories. Great writing.
February 2, 2024
Amazing series
Thoroughly enjoyed all of the Smoke Tree series, am rereading earlier ones. Relatable characters, great storylines, sorry when each book ends and waiting patiently for the next. I highly recommend
Thoroughly enjoyed all of the Smoke Tree series, am rereading earlier ones. Relatable characters, great storylines, sorry when each book ends and waiting patiently for the next. I highly recommend
February 4, 2024
A winner again
I have read all of this series. Some more than once. Love the stories, the characters and the history of the area. I find the desert beautiful and his descriptions outstanding.
I have read all of this series. Some more than once. Love the stories, the characters and the history of the area. I find the desert beautiful and his descriptions outstanding.
February 17, 2024
Devil in the Desert Wind
One of the best reads I have read in a great while. Looking forward to all by this author! Exceptional and sounds like a cliche but I couldn’t stop reading it. Great story and well written.
One of the best reads I have read in a great while. Looking forward to all by this author! Exceptional and sounds like a cliche but I couldn’t stop reading it. Great story and well written.
March 11, 2024
A favorite author
These Smoke Tree books are so pleasurable to read. Have read them all and enjoyed every single one of them as much as Sue Grafton's books. They are easy to read, like having a conversation with a friend. I look forward to the next one(s).
These Smoke Tree books are so pleasurable to read. Have read them all and enjoyed every single one of them as much as Sue Grafton's books. They are easy to read, like having a conversation with a friend. I look forward to the next one(s).
June 16, 2024
Back to Smoke Tree
Reading a burned out building, fording a series of flooded low spots, taking a close look at former puddles, soon justice prevails!! Clean air washed by the rain, good living just ahead, y’all come.
Reading a burned out building, fording a series of flooded low spots, taking a close look at former puddles, soon justice prevails!! Clean air washed by the rain, good living just ahead, y’all come.
August 15, 2024
Wonderful series, great character development!
I'm hoping this author Mr. George will continue this series. Ill be wondering about how Horse, Johnny, Joe, Esperanza, and the kids are doing. Thank you Amazon for the good reads.
I'm hoping this author Mr. George will continue this series. Ill be wondering about how Horse, Johnny, Joe, Esperanza, and the kids are doing. Thank you Amazon for the good reads.
May 28, 2025
Every book gets better!
I really enjoy this series and love following the twists and turns in each book. I also love seeing how each character is developed and how the path of their lives are taking.
I really enjoy this series and love following the twists and turns in each book. I also love seeing how each character is developed and how the path of their lives are taking.
January 29, 2024
I have read this book in one day
Happy to see it on Kindle and a day off together worked out well. I have read this entire series and enjoyed it.
Happy to see it on Kindle and a day off together worked out well. I have read this entire series and enjoyed it.
January 30, 2024
Good read
I live in lake havasu city. Worked with tribes in Parker Az. Good to read a suspense novel that has good flow plus great characters.
I live in lake havasu city. Worked with tribes in Parker Az. Good to read a suspense novel that has good flow plus great characters.
February 3, 2024
very good
I enjoyed all of Mr. George’s books in this series. Hope for more soon. Story moves right along and keeps me interested the whole time.
I enjoyed all of Mr. George’s books in this series. Hope for more soon. Story moves right along and keeps me interested the whole time.
February 8, 2024
The Devil in the Desert Wind
Gary J. George, Always a good read from the Smoke Tree series. Good story line and well developed characters. Keep on please???
Gary J. George, Always a good read from the Smoke Tree series. Good story line and well developed characters. Keep on please???
February 13, 2024
I have enjoyed this series so much. The characters are like old friends. I look forward to the next book.
March 27, 2024
Smoke tree family are back with some new faces. George’s books continue to entertain and enlighten. So good, you can reread. Feels like family. Look forward to each installment.
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May 22, 2024Loved book
I really enjoyed this book. I could not put it down. I recommend this book highly to everyone. It kept me guessing who did the murder
I really enjoyed this book. I could not put it down. I recommend this book highly to everyone. It kept me guessing who did the murder
October 26, 2024
fantastic read
Really enjoyed this story! Thank you Gary. Excellent characters and wonderful flow. I look forward to reading more of your works in the future.
Really enjoyed this story! Thank you Gary. Excellent characters and wonderful flow. I look forward to reading more of your works in the future.
February 26, 2024
Gary George rocks again!
The author's ability to make you feel part of " Smoke Tree" and the surrounding area, plus the way he combines characters introduced in previous books in the series with interesting new characters likely to appear in future stories, is why I really look forward to new books by Gary George. The stories combine a lot of reality and physical detail with a dash of mysticism in an appealing way, and I hope there are more stories coming. Thank you, Mr. George!
The author's ability to make you feel part of " Smoke Tree" and the surrounding area, plus the way he combines characters introduced in previous books in the series with interesting new characters likely to appear in future stories, is why I really look forward to new books by Gary George. The stories combine a lot of reality and physical detail with a dash of mysticism in an appealing way, and I hope there are more stories coming. Thank you, Mr. George!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews