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National Parks Thriller #2
Cold Burn
Agent Michael Walker returns when multiple deaths at Glacier Bay National Park are just the first steps in a potential global disaster.
In Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park, a frozen woolly mammoth is uncovered by a geological survey team. When all of them are found dead at the site of the thawed-out carcass, National Park Service ISB special agent Michael Walker is called in to investigate.
In Florida’s Everglades National Park, FBI special investigator Gina Delgado traces the murder of an environmental science intern back to another U.S. Geological Survey team’s ongoing experiments that are decimating the fragile ecosystem.
Beneath the icy waters of Alaska’s Elfin Cove, the crew of a stranded Los Angeles class attack submarine is wiped out by a mysterious contagion, inexplicably causing their lungs to freeze. The link between these apparently disparate events lies in a deadly, prehistoric microbe that killed the mammoth the same way it did the USGS survey team in Glacier Bay and the crew members of the submarine. A microbe that a rogue billionaire is desperate to attain, and a Russian strongman will do anything to weaponize to achieve even greater, wide-ranging power. Fighting a battle on several fronts—militarily, intellectually, and biologically—Walker and Delgado are running out of time to stop a devastating attack that would reshape the entire world
In Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park, a frozen woolly mammoth is uncovered by a geological survey team. When all of them are found dead at the site of the thawed-out carcass, National Park Service ISB special agent Michael Walker is called in to investigate.
In Florida’s Everglades National Park, FBI special investigator Gina Delgado traces the murder of an environmental science intern back to another U.S. Geological Survey team’s ongoing experiments that are decimating the fragile ecosystem.
Beneath the icy waters of Alaska’s Elfin Cove, the crew of a stranded Los Angeles class attack submarine is wiped out by a mysterious contagion, inexplicably causing their lungs to freeze. The link between these apparently disparate events lies in a deadly, prehistoric microbe that killed the mammoth the same way it did the USGS survey team in Glacier Bay and the crew members of the submarine. A microbe that a rogue billionaire is desperate to attain, and a Russian strongman will do anything to weaponize to achieve even greater, wide-ranging power. Fighting a battle on several fronts—militarily, intellectually, and biologically—Walker and Delgado are running out of time to stop a devastating attack that would reshape the entire world
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2025
83 people are currently reading
7299 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Landau
5 books103 followersA. 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
April 23, 2025
If you enjoy action packed thrillers set in parks in the United States, then look no further than A. J. Landau’s (pseudonym for authors Jon Land and Jeff Ayers) national park thriller series.
Cold Burn
is the second book in the series and it continues to feature book one protagonists FBI Special Agent Gina Delgado and National Park’s Investigative Services Branch Agent Michael Walker.
Michael has been assigned to a smuggling case involving artifacts in Alaska, but he’s soon sent to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve to help search for a team of scientists who are missing. Meanwhile, Gina has been sent to Florida’s Everglades National Park to find the killer of an environmental science intern. After teaming up with local Law Enforcement Park Ranger Clark Gifford, she is dispatched to Alaska to the scene of a sunken U.S. submarine in which the enter crew has died. Once again, there is a connection between the cases, but the story takes readers on a thrilling adventure before the big picture is revealed.
Michael and Gina are likeable characters and readers get to see their points of view as well as that of a couple of protagonists. 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. Additionally, it is written with smooth transitions that keep the flow going and the intensity level high.
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 both national parks making this an educational as well as an exceptional thriller read. There are several twists and a couple of surprises. Additionally, the world-building is excellent. 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. There are several topics woven throughout the novel including cultural differences, greed, power, grief, climate change, death, lies, corruption, and much more.
The authors’ note talks about when they used creative license with folklore and legends while the facts at the beginning of each chapter give readers more insight into the various locations. There is also a fair amount of scientific information included in the storyline that was shared in a way that was easy to understand.
Overall, this is a gritty, intense, and chilling story with complex characters. It’s intense and dramatic and kept this invested in the investigations from beginning to end. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I recommend it to those who like political, action, and military thrillers.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and A. J. Landau (Jon Land and Jeff Ayers) provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for April 29, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.45 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Michael has been assigned to a smuggling case involving artifacts in Alaska, but he’s soon sent to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve to help search for a team of scientists who are missing. Meanwhile, Gina has been sent to Florida’s Everglades National Park to find the killer of an environmental science intern. After teaming up with local Law Enforcement Park Ranger Clark Gifford, she is dispatched to Alaska to the scene of a sunken U.S. submarine in which the enter crew has died. Once again, there is a connection between the cases, but the story takes readers on a thrilling adventure before the big picture is revealed.
Michael and Gina are likeable characters and readers get to see their points of view as well as that of a couple of protagonists. 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. Additionally, it is written with smooth transitions that keep the flow going and the intensity level high.
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 both national parks making this an educational as well as an exceptional thriller read. There are several twists and a couple of surprises. Additionally, the world-building is excellent. 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. There are several topics woven throughout the novel including cultural differences, greed, power, grief, climate change, death, lies, corruption, and much more.
The authors’ note talks about when they used creative license with folklore and legends while the facts at the beginning of each chapter give readers more insight into the various locations. There is also a fair amount of scientific information included in the storyline that was shared in a way that was easy to understand.
Overall, this is a gritty, intense, and chilling story with complex characters. It’s intense and dramatic and kept this invested in the investigations from beginning to end. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I recommend it to those who like political, action, and military thrillers.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and A. J. Landau (Jon Land and Jeff Ayers) provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for April 29, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.45 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
April 27, 2025
This was a fantastic read! I love a meaty book and this one was stuffed with so much goodness.
I’m an avid reader of suspense set in Alaska and was impressed right from the start at how quickly I was immersed in the location.
I also love to learn as I read and this one was packed with knowledge of life in Alaska and facts about Glacier Bay. Learning more about locations I’ve been to makes reading more enjoyable for me.
The characters were fantastic!
I think the thing that stood out to me the most was how much of the Tlingit culture was incorporated into the story. I appreciated the attention to their language, customs, and their struggle.
If I were to point out three things that irritated me they would be:
(1) that it took quite a while before the two threads (Alaska and Florida) were united. I’d almost given up by chapter 40.
(2) that it felt like the author was beating a dead animal with his repetition of facts. Yes, I even eye-rolled as I read. It wasn’t just once or twice, but multiple times. Overkill.
(3) that the facts immediately below the chapter titles took my focus away from the story and disrupted the flow. More often than not, they didn’t contribute to the chapter.
Regardless, this was a great, tension-filled read about a potential global disaster set in a part of the world I love to visit.
I was gifted this copy by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I’m an avid reader of suspense set in Alaska and was impressed right from the start at how quickly I was immersed in the location.
I also love to learn as I read and this one was packed with knowledge of life in Alaska and facts about Glacier Bay. Learning more about locations I’ve been to makes reading more enjoyable for me.
The characters were fantastic!
I think the thing that stood out to me the most was how much of the Tlingit culture was incorporated into the story. I appreciated the attention to their language, customs, and their struggle.
If I were to point out three things that irritated me they would be:
(1) that it took quite a while before the two threads (Alaska and Florida) were united. I’d almost given up by chapter 40.
(2) that it felt like the author was beating a dead animal with his repetition of facts. Yes, I even eye-rolled as I read. It wasn’t just once or twice, but multiple times. Overkill.
(3) that the facts immediately below the chapter titles took my focus away from the story and disrupted the flow. More often than not, they didn’t contribute to the chapter.
Regardless, this was a great, tension-filled read about a potential global disaster set in a part of the world I love to visit.
I was gifted this copy by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 10, 2025
The writing duo of AJ Landau has given us another exciting and complex thriller in Cold Burn, the second book in their National Parks Thriller series. Most of the action takes place in two very different national parks: Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska and Everglades National Park in Florida. I have been to both places so I was really intrigued to see how they would be linked in this story.
Michael Walker and Gina Delgado are both back in this book, which I was happy about, as they are interesting characters who worked well together in book one, Leave No Trace. Walker is an agent with the Investigative Services Bureau of the National Park Service and Delgado is an FBI Special Agent reporting directly to the White House. As with the first book, each chapter starts with a quick fact about the location.
Cold Burn is a complex story with a lot of twists. It also highlights the Tlingit culture and environmental issues. I found the constant bouncing around a bit frustrating but all chapters are clearly labeled so there was no confusion.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Michael Walker and Gina Delgado are both back in this book, which I was happy about, as they are interesting characters who worked well together in book one, Leave No Trace. Walker is an agent with the Investigative Services Bureau of the National Park Service and Delgado is an FBI Special Agent reporting directly to the White House. As with the first book, each chapter starts with a quick fact about the location.
Cold Burn is a complex story with a lot of twists. It also highlights the Tlingit culture and environmental issues. I found the constant bouncing around a bit frustrating but all chapters are clearly labeled so there was no confusion.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 19, 2025
I discovered this series last year and enjoyed it very much, where the storylines are centered around crimes in National Parks across the country. Michael Walker, Special Agent of ISB, which is kind of like the FBI for the National Park Services, and Gina Delgado, Special Agent of the actual FBI, are both back, and initially, are investigating two different crimes: one in the Florida everglades and the other in the Alaskan territory of the native Tlingits, who are very distrustful of outsiders, especially any government representative. There is another storyline of retrieving the bodies of the crew members of a sunken submarine. Needless to say, there is a lot going on here.
The book summary is pretty vague and just basically introduces the three different storylines. As Michael and Gina begin their separate investigations, it’s not long before it’s revealed that climate change is at the center of both of their cases. Shortly thereafter, Gina is assigned to the investigation of the deaths of the crew of the sunken submarine and is off to AK. It’s there that she catches up with Michael, and the two of them realize that all their cases and the deaths of the sub crew are all connected.
It’s well into the second half that Michael and Gina realize that an event that is the result of climate change is the connection between all three of the incidents. There are scores of frozen fish washed ashore, a defrosted wooly mammoth and the plight of the crew members of the sunken submarine, add in a dreaded Russian sub in the area and scores of Russian hitmen stalking a glacier near the Tlingits village, and you have a really interesting story depicting the dangers of climate change as well as the extent that greed and corruption has infected a few people in power.
The continuing character development of Michael and Gina was good to see. The pacing was steady to fast and never seemed to drag, at least not for me. I enjoyed all the passages about how climate change affected the way of life for both mammals and sea creatures. The writing was well done and, once again, enjoyed the educational passages as well. Don't know if the info provided is accurate but it seems feasible. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.3 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley, St Martin’s Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
NetGalley #StMartinsPress #ColdBurn
The book summary is pretty vague and just basically introduces the three different storylines. As Michael and Gina begin their separate investigations, it’s not long before it’s revealed that climate change is at the center of both of their cases. Shortly thereafter, Gina is assigned to the investigation of the deaths of the crew of the sunken submarine and is off to AK. It’s there that she catches up with Michael, and the two of them realize that all their cases and the deaths of the sub crew are all connected.
It’s well into the second half that Michael and Gina realize that an event that is the result of climate change is the connection between all three of the incidents. There are scores of frozen fish washed ashore, a defrosted wooly mammoth and the plight of the crew members of the sunken submarine, add in a dreaded Russian sub in the area and scores of Russian hitmen stalking a glacier near the Tlingits village, and you have a really interesting story depicting the dangers of climate change as well as the extent that greed and corruption has infected a few people in power.
The continuing character development of Michael and Gina was good to see. The pacing was steady to fast and never seemed to drag, at least not for me. I enjoyed all the passages about how climate change affected the way of life for both mammals and sea creatures. The writing was well done and, once again, enjoyed the educational passages as well. Don't know if the info provided is accurate but it seems feasible. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.3 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley, St Martin’s Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
NetGalley #StMartinsPress #ColdBurn
April 29, 2025
**Happy Publication Day!**
An exciting thriller set in National Parks in Florida and Alaska. National Parks Investigative Agent Michael Walker and FBI Special Investigator Gina Delgado have their separate assignments but several odd developments tie their cases together and once again, they find themselves fighting to save the world as we know it. Quite an intriguing and complex plot which I thoroughly enjoyed. There is a lot of respect shown for Native Americans, their history and culture, which I appreciate. Each chapter leads off with interesting information and historical facts about the land and parks. This book reminded me of Marc Cameron's Marshall Arliss Cutter series set in Alaska, which I also highly recommend.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. I will look forward to more books to come in this series.
An exciting thriller set in National Parks in Florida and Alaska. National Parks Investigative Agent Michael Walker and FBI Special Investigator Gina Delgado have their separate assignments but several odd developments tie their cases together and once again, they find themselves fighting to save the world as we know it. Quite an intriguing and complex plot which I thoroughly enjoyed. There is a lot of respect shown for Native Americans, their history and culture, which I appreciate. Each chapter leads off with interesting information and historical facts about the land and parks. This book reminded me of Marc Cameron's Marshall Arliss Cutter series set in Alaska, which I also highly recommend.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. I will look forward to more books to come in this series.
did-not-finish
July 17, 2025Finished Reading
DNF @ 11%
Pre-Read notes
Honestly, I came for the scary snow.
Final Review
Review summary and recommendations
This author makes a lot of stylistic choices that are not my cup of tea, like changing the font for any number of reasons. DNF @ 11%. I just know if I keep going with this one I won't enjoy it.
I do love stories set in really cold places, especially thrillers and horror books. The cold just really scares the 🌬️ out of me! If you like this one, check out Trophy Kill by R.J. Norguard.
In wilderness is the preservation of the world. —HENRY DAVID THOREAU p5
Reading Notes
One thing I loved:
1. The concept here is pretty great: a legal case involving people smuggling artifacts out of Alaska on cruise ships.
Three quibbles:
1. Jargon doesn't make a scene more realistic unless it's actually necessary to the story. Dozens of lines of dialog about bubbles and rudders is not necessary. I can't even say if the use of all the jargon is accurately used because it means nothing to me.
2. “Sh-t, sh-t, sh-t!” Massick screeched, suddenly feeling nauseous. Which was pretty much what he was covered in. p16 The jargon might be meant to hide the bad writing, but it doesn't work.
3. The onomatopoeia for the gun shots reminds me unavoidably of little boys pointing sticks at each other and shouting, "Pew! Pew!"
4. This author makes a lot of stylistic choices that are not my cup of tea, like changing the font for any number of reasons. DNF @ 11%. I just know if I keep going with this one I won't enjoy it.
Notes
1. Great concept, but I'm not getting along with the execution.
Rating: DNF @ 11%
Recommend? for sure, for readers who aren't as sensitive to style as I am
Finished: May 3, '25
Format: accessible digital arc, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🔎 mystery thrillers
👨🏻✈️ political thrillers
❄️ icey setting
🌊 stories containing natural science
Thank you to the author A.J. Landau, publishers Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of COLD BURN. All views are mine.
--------------
DNF @ 11%
Pre-Read notes
Honestly, I came for the scary snow.
Final Review
Review summary and recommendations
This author makes a lot of stylistic choices that are not my cup of tea, like changing the font for any number of reasons. DNF @ 11%. I just know if I keep going with this one I won't enjoy it.
I do love stories set in really cold places, especially thrillers and horror books. The cold just really scares the 🌬️ out of me! If you like this one, check out Trophy Kill by R.J. Norguard.
In wilderness is the preservation of the world. —HENRY DAVID THOREAU p5
Reading Notes
One thing I loved:
1. The concept here is pretty great: a legal case involving people smuggling artifacts out of Alaska on cruise ships.
Three quibbles:
1. Jargon doesn't make a scene more realistic unless it's actually necessary to the story. Dozens of lines of dialog about bubbles and rudders is not necessary. I can't even say if the use of all the jargon is accurately used because it means nothing to me.
2. “Sh-t, sh-t, sh-t!” Massick screeched, suddenly feeling nauseous. Which was pretty much what he was covered in. p16 The jargon might be meant to hide the bad writing, but it doesn't work.
3. The onomatopoeia for the gun shots reminds me unavoidably of little boys pointing sticks at each other and shouting, "Pew! Pew!"
4. This author makes a lot of stylistic choices that are not my cup of tea, like changing the font for any number of reasons. DNF @ 11%. I just know if I keep going with this one I won't enjoy it.
Notes
1. Great concept, but I'm not getting along with the execution.
Rating: DNF @ 11%
Recommend? for sure, for readers who aren't as sensitive to style as I am
Finished: May 3, '25
Format: accessible digital arc, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🔎 mystery thrillers
👨🏻✈️ political thrillers
❄️ icey setting
🌊 stories containing natural science
Thank you to the author A.J. Landau, publishers Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of COLD BURN. All views are mine.
--------------
March 18, 2025
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: Apr. 29, 2025
A.J. Landau has created a police procedural series with a twist- his protagonist, Michael Walker, is an agent for the National Parks Service. In “Cold Burn”, the second novel in the series, the mystery Michael is investigating spans all the way from the Florida, Everglades, to the Arctic tundra of Alaska.
Michael Walker is called to Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska after a group of scientists disappear. On the other side of the country, FBI agent Gina Delgado is investigating the death of an environmental science researcher. Somehow, though thousands of miles apart, the two mysteries appear to be connected to an extremely deadly material that has the possibility to change the world, especially in the hands of the wrong people.
A.J. Landau is a pseudonym for a pair of authors, Jon Land (author of the Strong Enough to Die series of novels, among others) and Jeff Ayers. Together, they have used their combined experience and writing talent to create a taut, pulse-pounding crime thriller that had me on the edge of my seat.
“Burn”, similar to the previous novel in the series, “Leave No Trace”, is not a novel you can skim (not that you’d want to). There are so many government agencies at play here, with all of their acronyms, and all of their important players, plus the residual scientific organizations and multi-billionaires across the globe that take part in the plot, it is definitely one of those “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” type plots. Although the characters are plenty, they are also all relevant to the detailed, yet well-crafted, plot.
“Burn” has a scientific component that fans of Michael Crichton will adore, and with its modern and relevant focus on environmental climate change, it is definitely an engaging and informative story with powerhouse characters.
There are police procedurals aplenty out there, and I have been known to enjoy many, but Landau’s National Park Services novels provide an enjoyable new spin on the genre. Not only is the plot full of non-stop action and plot twists, but “Burn” also served the dual purpose of teaching me quite a few things, without burying me in scientific or technical jargon (something that is difficult to do).
Landau’s “Burn” is a great addition to the Michael Walker series and I look forward to hearing more from these authors.
Expected publication date: Apr. 29, 2025
A.J. Landau has created a police procedural series with a twist- his protagonist, Michael Walker, is an agent for the National Parks Service. In “Cold Burn”, the second novel in the series, the mystery Michael is investigating spans all the way from the Florida, Everglades, to the Arctic tundra of Alaska.
Michael Walker is called to Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska after a group of scientists disappear. On the other side of the country, FBI agent Gina Delgado is investigating the death of an environmental science researcher. Somehow, though thousands of miles apart, the two mysteries appear to be connected to an extremely deadly material that has the possibility to change the world, especially in the hands of the wrong people.
A.J. Landau is a pseudonym for a pair of authors, Jon Land (author of the Strong Enough to Die series of novels, among others) and Jeff Ayers. Together, they have used their combined experience and writing talent to create a taut, pulse-pounding crime thriller that had me on the edge of my seat.
“Burn”, similar to the previous novel in the series, “Leave No Trace”, is not a novel you can skim (not that you’d want to). There are so many government agencies at play here, with all of their acronyms, and all of their important players, plus the residual scientific organizations and multi-billionaires across the globe that take part in the plot, it is definitely one of those “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” type plots. Although the characters are plenty, they are also all relevant to the detailed, yet well-crafted, plot.
“Burn” has a scientific component that fans of Michael Crichton will adore, and with its modern and relevant focus on environmental climate change, it is definitely an engaging and informative story with powerhouse characters.
There are police procedurals aplenty out there, and I have been known to enjoy many, but Landau’s National Park Services novels provide an enjoyable new spin on the genre. Not only is the plot full of non-stop action and plot twists, but “Burn” also served the dual purpose of teaching me quite a few things, without burying me in scientific or technical jargon (something that is difficult to do).
Landau’s “Burn” is a great addition to the Michael Walker series and I look forward to hearing more from these authors.
April 29, 2025
Cold Burn is the second book in the National Park Thriller series and it is filled with action and adventure.
In the first book Leave No Trace, the main characters joined together to thwart terrorist attacks on national landmarks across the U.S. This time, they are investigating mysterious deaths that have taken place in Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska and in Everglades National Park in Florida.
Michael Walker is a special agent with the National Park Service who is working undercover to find whoever is stealing and smuggling Native artifacts from museums in Alaska. He is also assigned to find a group of United States Geological Survey (USGS) scientists who were lost after an avalanche in Glacier Bay National Park.
Meanwhile, Gina Delgado, a special FBI investigator working for the President, is investigating the murder of an intern working with the USGS in Everglades National Park. There she learns about a secret project called Operation Cold Burn. Then, the President sends her to Anchorage, Alaska to look into the unusual deaths of an entire submarine crew.
There was a lot going on in this story. It seemed that no sooner each of the protagonists were deeply involved in important cases, they were removed and assigned to different cases. This was a little disconcerting at first. Nonetheless, Gina and Michael's teamwork eventually link all of the mysterious events.
With the inclusion of an evil nemesis (or two), a prehistoric fuel source, and dangerous microbes threatening mankind, parts of the story were hard to believe and almost read like something out of a science fiction novel. However, the nonstop action and thrilling conclusion kept me glued to the pages. I will be looking forward to reading the next book in this series when it comes out.
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 in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
In the first book Leave No Trace, the main characters joined together to thwart terrorist attacks on national landmarks across the U.S. This time, they are investigating mysterious deaths that have taken place in Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska and in Everglades National Park in Florida.
Michael Walker is a special agent with the National Park Service who is working undercover to find whoever is stealing and smuggling Native artifacts from museums in Alaska. He is also assigned to find a group of United States Geological Survey (USGS) scientists who were lost after an avalanche in Glacier Bay National Park.
Meanwhile, Gina Delgado, a special FBI investigator working for the President, is investigating the murder of an intern working with the USGS in Everglades National Park. There she learns about a secret project called Operation Cold Burn. Then, the President sends her to Anchorage, Alaska to look into the unusual deaths of an entire submarine crew.
There was a lot going on in this story. It seemed that no sooner each of the protagonists were deeply involved in important cases, they were removed and assigned to different cases. This was a little disconcerting at first. Nonetheless, Gina and Michael's teamwork eventually link all of the mysterious events.
With the inclusion of an evil nemesis (or two), a prehistoric fuel source, and dangerous microbes threatening mankind, parts of the story were hard to believe and almost read like something out of a science fiction novel. However, the nonstop action and thrilling conclusion kept me glued to the pages. I will be looking forward to reading the next book in this series when it comes out.
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 in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 20, 2025
Once again we get to follow Michael Walker and Gina Delgado while they try to unravel some National parks mystery in Cold Burn the second book by A.J. Landau or Jon Land and Jeff Ayers which are the pair behind it. It begins with a death in Florida and smugling in Alaska. After a while it's clear that it is so much more and the race is on. This is a very good series and I hope we get many more in the future. I must thank Minotaur Books and Edelweiss for letting me read this advance copy.
May 7, 2025
Special Agent of the National Park Service, Michael Walker is in Alaska tracking down the multiple thefts of Tlingit artifacts but is pulled off the assignment when a U.S. Geological Survey team has gone missing after an avalanche in Sitka, Alaska. He’s sent to help find them, but the Tlingit tribe settled in the area may not cooperate as there have been strained relations between them and the government.
Meanwhile, Gina Delgado, now working directly under the White House, is sent to investigate the murder of a man found in the Everglades. Her case ends up being connected to another U.S. Geological Survey team, but she is also called away to Alaska on a separate disaster involving a submarine.
There was an Elon Musk type of character, as well. This guy felt like his riches and intelligence put him above others and the law and didn’t care who he stepped on to get what he wanted.
The story was fast paced with chapters alternating between Michael and Gina’s investigations, and I wasn't sure when or even if the mysteries would connect. There was a lot going on and all of it interesting! With cutting edge science, nefarious characters and world ending possibilities!
Cold Burn was an exciting and satisfying thriller! I look forward to Michael and Gina’s next mystery!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Meanwhile, Gina Delgado, now working directly under the White House, is sent to investigate the murder of a man found in the Everglades. Her case ends up being connected to another U.S. Geological Survey team, but she is also called away to Alaska on a separate disaster involving a submarine.
There was an Elon Musk type of character, as well. This guy felt like his riches and intelligence put him above others and the law and didn’t care who he stepped on to get what he wanted.
The story was fast paced with chapters alternating between Michael and Gina’s investigations, and I wasn't sure when or even if the mysteries would connect. There was a lot going on and all of it interesting! With cutting edge science, nefarious characters and world ending possibilities!
Cold Burn was an exciting and satisfying thriller! I look forward to Michael and Gina’s next mystery!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
May 16, 2025
Creative, menacing, and suspenseful!
Cold Burn is a fast-paced, addictive thriller that sees FBI ASAC Gina Delgado and National Park Service ISB agent Michael Walker working together once again when their cases collide in Alaska, and it quickly becomes apparent that something extremely secretive, sinister, and worth killing for is underway.
The writing is seamless and smooth. The characters are relentless, driven, and knowledgeable. And the plot is an eerie tale full of twists, turns, secrets, deduction, mayhem, experimentation, power, grandiose delusions, violence, and murder.
Overall, Cold Burn is an intricately woven, highly entertaining, fantastic addition to the National Parks Thriller series by Landau with its flawed characters, great pace, and consistent sense of urgency.
Cold Burn is a fast-paced, addictive thriller that sees FBI ASAC Gina Delgado and National Park Service ISB agent Michael Walker working together once again when their cases collide in Alaska, and it quickly becomes apparent that something extremely secretive, sinister, and worth killing for is underway.
The writing is seamless and smooth. The characters are relentless, driven, and knowledgeable. And the plot is an eerie tale full of twists, turns, secrets, deduction, mayhem, experimentation, power, grandiose delusions, violence, and murder.
Overall, Cold Burn is an intricately woven, highly entertaining, fantastic addition to the National Parks Thriller series by Landau with its flawed characters, great pace, and consistent sense of urgency.
May 18, 2025
Not sure about action packed, definitely information packed though! The action was sprinkled throughout and thick at the end.
About 5 different storylines from numerous characters at each location must come together to make sense. It does but was a struggle for me to keep up with each geographical location plus the character there.
I loved that it wasn’t super scenery descriptive. Enjoyed it but was a lot of information to take in and work through. Had to read in shorter bursts or i became overwhelmed. Definitely not a binge read for me.
Thanks to netgalley and Minotaur books for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
About 5 different storylines from numerous characters at each location must come together to make sense. It does but was a struggle for me to keep up with each geographical location plus the character there.
I loved that it wasn’t super scenery descriptive. Enjoyed it but was a lot of information to take in and work through. Had to read in shorter bursts or i became overwhelmed. Definitely not a binge read for me.
Thanks to netgalley and Minotaur books for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 8, 2025
DNF at 50%. This just wasn't for me. Way too cerebral, I felt like I was reading a textbook instead of a thriller. I just couldn't do it. Respect to the authors for the amount of research that must have gone into this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
May 1, 2025
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the ARC to read! Out now!
I loved the first National Parks Thriller by this author duo so I was excited to get to read Michael and Gina's next story.
This book is packed with knowledge! So while you get a fictional mystery storyline you also get to learn some things along the way, lol
This story gets wild so buckle in folks. The seemingly unrelated characters and investigations will all converge into an explosive conclusion that left my jaw on the floor. I loved Michael & Gina's characters in the first book and I loved them in this story too. We also get to meet a great cast of new characters, including one of my favorites: Amka.
Well-researched, thrilling moments, multi-POV, PACKED with action, plotting on point: these are all things I love in books and this one made them all work very well!
I loved the first National Parks Thriller by this author duo so I was excited to get to read Michael and Gina's next story.
This book is packed with knowledge! So while you get a fictional mystery storyline you also get to learn some things along the way, lol
This story gets wild so buckle in folks. The seemingly unrelated characters and investigations will all converge into an explosive conclusion that left my jaw on the floor. I loved Michael & Gina's characters in the first book and I loved them in this story too. We also get to meet a great cast of new characters, including one of my favorites: Amka.
Well-researched, thrilling moments, multi-POV, PACKED with action, plotting on point: these are all things I love in books and this one made them all work very well!
April 23, 2025
4.5 rounded up
This is the second book in the author's National Parks Thriller series, and I will most definitely go back and read the first book.
National Park Service ISB Special Agent Michael Walker is tracking a man who killed a couple stealing native artifacts when he is called to Glacier Bay National Park to locate a missing USGS team. When he finds the team dead alongside a frozen woolly mammoth, he must figure out what happened. FBI Special Investigator Gina Delgado is in the Everglades investigating the murder of an environmental science intern, linking it to a USGS team's experiments that are destroying the fragile ecosystem. There is also a sunken submarine; the crew should have survived, but they all perished, frozen from the inside out. Can Agents Walker and Delgado connect the dots and prevent a global catastrophic event?
Told in multiple POVs, this book was a riveting, action-packed thriller! It was totally my kind of book! From the compelling story to the diverse settings, I was completely captivated! I absolutely love national parks and love reading books set in them. I loved how all the settings connected, from Glacier Bay in Alaska to the Everglades in Florida, and there was even a mention of Crazy Horse in South Dakota! I absolutely loved that each chapter started with a tidbit of information about the location. I was also fascinated by the Tlingit tribe and the scientific aspects. This book was definitely an adventure, and I really enjoyed it. I would highly recommend it!
This is the second book in the author's National Parks Thriller series, and I will most definitely go back and read the first book.
National Park Service ISB Special Agent Michael Walker is tracking a man who killed a couple stealing native artifacts when he is called to Glacier Bay National Park to locate a missing USGS team. When he finds the team dead alongside a frozen woolly mammoth, he must figure out what happened. FBI Special Investigator Gina Delgado is in the Everglades investigating the murder of an environmental science intern, linking it to a USGS team's experiments that are destroying the fragile ecosystem. There is also a sunken submarine; the crew should have survived, but they all perished, frozen from the inside out. Can Agents Walker and Delgado connect the dots and prevent a global catastrophic event?
Told in multiple POVs, this book was a riveting, action-packed thriller! It was totally my kind of book! From the compelling story to the diverse settings, I was completely captivated! I absolutely love national parks and love reading books set in them. I loved how all the settings connected, from Glacier Bay in Alaska to the Everglades in Florida, and there was even a mention of Crazy Horse in South Dakota! I absolutely loved that each chapter started with a tidbit of information about the location. I was also fascinated by the Tlingit tribe and the scientific aspects. This book was definitely an adventure, and I really enjoyed it. I would highly recommend it!
March 1, 2025
This book presents an interesting alternative to the last mass extinction event that arises now due to climate change warming up the atmosphere causing melting of ice and releasing the cause. It also includes the Everglades and a government experiment that ascorbates the situation. It is an engaging and thought provoking read.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.
April 28, 2025
4.25 stars
I've read other books by Jon Land, but this even though Cold Burn is the second in the National Parks Thriller series, it's the first I've read. For the most part, I think the important information about the two main characters' backstories is included. There was one scene near the end that confused me a bit, and it may have been because I didn't read the first book. Michael Walker is a special agent for the National Park Service looking into artifacts from indigenous people in Alaska being stolen. In the past, Michael has worked with FBI Special Agent Gina Delgado. Gina is looking into the death of an environmental science intern in the Florida Everglades.
Supporting characters include a ruthless Russian leader, a billionaire who wants to go to Mars, native Tlingit people protecting their land, and researchers looking for ways to reverse the effects of climate change. Somehow all of these loose ends come together in a suspenseful thriller that is part environmental adventure and part political intrigue. Some of the scientific details included in the story went over my head and slowed the pace of the book, but overall, this is a story that moves quickly and is full of action and suspense. I wasn't surprised by the identity of another villain in the story when it was revealed, but I still enjoyed the tense situations and complex story.
I received an advance copy of this ebook for review consideration from NetGalley and Minotaur Books. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
I've read other books by Jon Land, but this even though Cold Burn is the second in the National Parks Thriller series, it's the first I've read. For the most part, I think the important information about the two main characters' backstories is included. There was one scene near the end that confused me a bit, and it may have been because I didn't read the first book. Michael Walker is a special agent for the National Park Service looking into artifacts from indigenous people in Alaska being stolen. In the past, Michael has worked with FBI Special Agent Gina Delgado. Gina is looking into the death of an environmental science intern in the Florida Everglades.
Supporting characters include a ruthless Russian leader, a billionaire who wants to go to Mars, native Tlingit people protecting their land, and researchers looking for ways to reverse the effects of climate change. Somehow all of these loose ends come together in a suspenseful thriller that is part environmental adventure and part political intrigue. Some of the scientific details included in the story went over my head and slowed the pace of the book, but overall, this is a story that moves quickly and is full of action and suspense. I wasn't surprised by the identity of another villain in the story when it was revealed, but I still enjoyed the tense situations and complex story.
I received an advance copy of this ebook for review consideration from NetGalley and Minotaur Books. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
December 11, 2025
The 2nd book in this series featuring FBI agent Gina Delgado and National Park Service investigator Michael Prescott. l have been reading Jon Land's books for years and am very pleased to see his old protagonists Blaine McCracken and Johnny Wareagle make a cameo in this one.
Gina is investigating a murder in the Everglades and Michael chasing an antiquities thief in Alaska. No apparent tie between their cases but it quickly becomes apparent.
Another exciting adventure blending scientific possibilities along with area history make this a winner.
Gina is investigating a murder in the Everglades and Michael chasing an antiquities thief in Alaska. No apparent tie between their cases but it quickly becomes apparent.
Another exciting adventure blending scientific possibilities along with area history make this a winner.
May 8, 2025
This is the first I've read in the National Parks Thriller series. Cold Burn takes us to Alaska and New Orleans as cases intersect that could ravish the world. The authors immerse the readers in its various locations, often educating them on the ecosystem that is so important to the area.
Give this book time for the threads to connect. Its a tension filled global implication thriller!
Thank you, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
Give this book time for the threads to connect. Its a tension filled global implication thriller!
Thank you, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
June 26, 2025
I am a National Park Enthusiast! I absolutely love visiting National Parks, reading about them and researching them. I immediately wanted to read this book because it is based in 2 National parks, neither of which I have visited. While I did receive an e-arc of this book, I ended up being behind and having some extra audible credits and listened to it. I do believe that I lost some of the story due to listening rather than reading this book. There were times that I felt distracted. This book is the second in a series, I did not read the first one but I do not feel like it impacted my ability to enjoy this book.
This book had a lot of non-stop action going on in multiple locations. There was a lot of scientific and geological information being shared. It was hard for me to keep up with. I loved the story, the characters of Michael and Gina. But what I loved the most was learning about Glacier Bay, the Everglades and the Tlingit culture. It really makes me want to visit these locations more!
Thank you to NetGalley Minotaur Books and the author for the opportunity to read this book. My opinions are honest and my own!
This book had a lot of non-stop action going on in multiple locations. There was a lot of scientific and geological information being shared. It was hard for me to keep up with. I loved the story, the characters of Michael and Gina. But what I loved the most was learning about Glacier Bay, the Everglades and the Tlingit culture. It really makes me want to visit these locations more!
Thank you to NetGalley Minotaur Books and the author for the opportunity to read this book. My opinions are honest and my own!
February 11, 2025
Money and power can’t control the weather gods.
This book was action-packed from the coastal towns of Alaska to the Everglades in Florida. The first part jumped around. It went from three college interns studying the effects of a glacier in Alaska with climate change to a state-of-the-art submarine that was now at the bottom of the ocean. Then, there was a park ranger tracking stolen artifacts from the Tlingit tribe in Alaska museums. It moved next to the Everglades with a murder investigation.
Yet, the story started to come together and it was captivating with the effects of climate change and the government’s lack of concern for the environment.
There were a lot of characters with long official titles except one: big man who had just killed a married couple in a museum. Michael Walker, Investigative Service Branch of the National Park Serve, was following the husband and wife with a suspicion of theft. Now he went after the big man who was a trained killer. Michael had a prosthetic foot and I was trying to figure out how he could possibly catch up and take this man down.
That’s not all. There was a lot of movement at the same time in Florida with a dead body that had washed up. FBI and National Park Service were on the case. All the characters were fiction except Elon Musk with his starships.
It took some time to get through with my curiosity running high. I wanted to know more about the Tlingit warriors in Alaska and the battle of 1802. I was curious about why Russia would sell Alaska to the US and also why it took so long for it to become a state. And then there was the Everglades in Florida. I wanted to find out how a Burmese python can swallow a body whole. And there was much more.
It’s a story that deserves attention regarding our world and politics. A spiritual man of the Tlingit nation said the gods of the sea are angry. It certainly makes one contemplate what’s important. While it's the second book of a series, I read it as a standalone. However, it makes me want to go back and read more about the first investigation.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of April 29, 2025.
This book was action-packed from the coastal towns of Alaska to the Everglades in Florida. The first part jumped around. It went from three college interns studying the effects of a glacier in Alaska with climate change to a state-of-the-art submarine that was now at the bottom of the ocean. Then, there was a park ranger tracking stolen artifacts from the Tlingit tribe in Alaska museums. It moved next to the Everglades with a murder investigation.
Yet, the story started to come together and it was captivating with the effects of climate change and the government’s lack of concern for the environment.
There were a lot of characters with long official titles except one: big man who had just killed a married couple in a museum. Michael Walker, Investigative Service Branch of the National Park Serve, was following the husband and wife with a suspicion of theft. Now he went after the big man who was a trained killer. Michael had a prosthetic foot and I was trying to figure out how he could possibly catch up and take this man down.
That’s not all. There was a lot of movement at the same time in Florida with a dead body that had washed up. FBI and National Park Service were on the case. All the characters were fiction except Elon Musk with his starships.
It took some time to get through with my curiosity running high. I wanted to know more about the Tlingit warriors in Alaska and the battle of 1802. I was curious about why Russia would sell Alaska to the US and also why it took so long for it to become a state. And then there was the Everglades in Florida. I wanted to find out how a Burmese python can swallow a body whole. And there was much more.
It’s a story that deserves attention regarding our world and politics. A spiritual man of the Tlingit nation said the gods of the sea are angry. It certainly makes one contemplate what’s important. While it's the second book of a series, I read it as a standalone. However, it makes me want to go back and read more about the first investigation.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of April 29, 2025.
April 29, 2025
Cold Burn is the 2nd National Parks Thriller by A.J. Landau.
"National Park Service Investigator Michael Walker is running down smugglers when he is sent to Alaska to find a missing team of scientists.
Special Agent Gina Delgado is in the Florida Everglades investigating the murder of an environmental science intern.
A top secret US Navy submarine sinks with all crew dying in an impossible way.
What is the common thread between the incidents and why do the Russians care about a small village in Alaska?"
This book has the feel of James Rollins and Sigma Force. There's an unknown thing that's been dormant for thousands of years. Now it's back and civilization is in danger of extinction. The author takes his time getting you invested but once the pieces start connecting it's a wild, fast-paced story. The bad guys come from an unexpected direction.
The wild ending is history repeating itself but with a different result. And watch out for those gators
"National Park Service Investigator Michael Walker is running down smugglers when he is sent to Alaska to find a missing team of scientists.
Special Agent Gina Delgado is in the Florida Everglades investigating the murder of an environmental science intern.
A top secret US Navy submarine sinks with all crew dying in an impossible way.
What is the common thread between the incidents and why do the Russians care about a small village in Alaska?"
This book has the feel of James Rollins and Sigma Force. There's an unknown thing that's been dormant for thousands of years. Now it's back and civilization is in danger of extinction. The author takes his time getting you invested but once the pieces start connecting it's a wild, fast-paced story. The bad guys come from an unexpected direction.
The wild ending is history repeating itself but with a different result. And watch out for those gators
June 9, 2025
Cold Burn is the 2nd National Parks Thriller by A.J. Landau featuring National Park Service Investigator Michael Walker and FBI Special Investigator Gina Delgado.
As I started this one, I was wondering how are these settings, Alaska and the Everglades going to come together in this fast paced thriller? Well they did and the authors give the reader quite a thrill ride making this happen. This story has a lot of moving parts, threats to the future of the world and a plethora of cliffhangers.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
As I started this one, I was wondering how are these settings, Alaska and the Everglades going to come together in this fast paced thriller? Well they did and the authors give the reader quite a thrill ride making this happen. This story has a lot of moving parts, threats to the future of the world and a plethora of cliffhangers.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
February 24, 2025
Back with Walker & Delgado for a frightening look
at the resources we have in Alaska, and the fight
to keep away folks who aim to steal and destroy
natural wilderness, along with infiltration at high
levels of several government agencies.
I adore the Alaska backdrop which provided both
education and entertainment.
This second book paves the way for the next book
and more adventures & near death adventures with
Walker & Delgado.
My thanks to Minotaur Books via Netgalley for the
download copy of this book for review purposes.
at the resources we have in Alaska, and the fight
to keep away folks who aim to steal and destroy
natural wilderness, along with infiltration at high
levels of several government agencies.
I adore the Alaska backdrop which provided both
education and entertainment.
This second book paves the way for the next book
and more adventures & near death adventures with
Walker & Delgado.
My thanks to Minotaur Books via Netgalley for the
download copy of this book for review purposes.
May 3, 2025
This book took a bit to get into. It starts out with events that are interesting, but then I felt it got bogged down with a lot of technical information that slowed the flow of the story. The action does pick up in the last third of the book as the threads of the two investigations are woven together. The series focus on national parks along with a bit of their history that is interwoven with current murder, terrorism and corruption, is an interesting premise. It’s evident that a lot of research has gone into the development of the storyline and it does make an interesting story, but this one was just a little too slow.
February 25, 2025
My problems with this book probably lie in my expectations. I'd been a big Nevada Barr reader until her national park series ended a few years back. I enjoyed working out the mysteries and I loved getting to know the parks. The emphasis in Cold Burn is definitely on thriller rather then national parks. Yes, some key scenes took place in the Everglades, Sitka, and Glacier Bay, but I don't feel like I learned a great deal about the areas and most of the action took place elsewhere. The body count was in the hundreds, and there were plenty of explosions. It was actually a really good book, just not my usual flavor.
p-h, s-n, v-H
p-h, s-n, v-H
April 18, 2025
I had a hard time finishing this book. It had a lot going on. I found the premise of the mysterious contagion and the eco disasters fascinating, and the disconnected stories were pulled together well. However, the military, Russian, and governmental involvements turned me off.
June 6, 2025
Real thriller.. but I should have read the first one first!
November 9, 2025
The second in a series but can be read as a standalone, this book involves crimes set in the US National Parks. There are facts at the beginning of each chapter that are fun to read. This book involves indigenous people on Alaska lands and the storied history of land ownership and insight into their culture. I really enjoyed this part of the book.
February 21, 2025
Thanks for another great ARC book! I normally don't read many thrillers yet this one caught my attention and was really good!
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