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The Johnson and Nance Mysteries #2
The Hidden River: A Murder in the Everglades
In the Everglades, a senseless murder unearths long-buried secrets.
“This is a winner.” —Publishers Weekly
When artist Hezekiah Freeman is found drowned in the shallow waters of Everglades National Park, Special Agent Alison Nance and Clarence Johnson are tasked with uncovering the truth behind his death. What initially seems like a tragic accident soon reveals itself to be part of a larger, more intricate conspiracy.
As they begin their investigation, Clarence and Alison discover that Hezekiah’s artwork holds more than his artistic genius. Beneath layers of paint lay cryptic clues to a hidden history that some want to keep buried. The details suggest that Hezekiah was searching for something within the park, something that might have led to his untimely death.
With each step closer to finding answers, the danger intensifies, forcing Johnson and Nance to untangle the connections between the murder and stories that the Everglades have long held.
In The Hidden River, Mark Thielman crafts a riveting narrative where the past and present intertwine in a captivating dual timeline novel. Perfect for fans of Dan Brown and Gary McAvoy.
_________________________
Praise for The Hidden River and the Johnson and Nance
“Thielman intertwines history with the atmospheric ambiance of southern Florida to create an intriguing mystery.” —Library Journal
“Beautifully written, slyly crafted.” —Jane K. Cleland, Agatha Award winning author
“One fantastic read!” —Bruce Robert Coffin, international bestselling coauthor of The Turner and Mosley Files
“…a masterful blend of historical intrigue and contemporary mystery.” —Gary McAvoy, bestselling author of The Magdalene Deception
“This is a winner.” —Publishers Weekly
When artist Hezekiah Freeman is found drowned in the shallow waters of Everglades National Park, Special Agent Alison Nance and Clarence Johnson are tasked with uncovering the truth behind his death. What initially seems like a tragic accident soon reveals itself to be part of a larger, more intricate conspiracy.
As they begin their investigation, Clarence and Alison discover that Hezekiah’s artwork holds more than his artistic genius. Beneath layers of paint lay cryptic clues to a hidden history that some want to keep buried. The details suggest that Hezekiah was searching for something within the park, something that might have led to his untimely death.
With each step closer to finding answers, the danger intensifies, forcing Johnson and Nance to untangle the connections between the murder and stories that the Everglades have long held.
In The Hidden River, Mark Thielman crafts a riveting narrative where the past and present intertwine in a captivating dual timeline novel. Perfect for fans of Dan Brown and Gary McAvoy.
_________________________
Praise for The Hidden River and the Johnson and Nance
“Thielman intertwines history with the atmospheric ambiance of southern Florida to create an intriguing mystery.” —Library Journal
“Beautifully written, slyly crafted.” —Jane K. Cleland, Agatha Award winning author
“One fantastic read!” —Bruce Robert Coffin, international bestselling coauthor of The Turner and Mosley Files
“…a masterful blend of historical intrigue and contemporary mystery.” —Gary McAvoy, bestselling author of The Magdalene Deception
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 8, 2025
3.75 stars rounded up for the second installment in this mystery series with historical elements. This time, Johnson and Nance are back to solve another murder at one of our National Parks - the Everglades.
Similar to our first installment, we are following a dual timeline and art is being used to hide secrets. This story follows a Black artist, Hezekiah, and his family secrets that are submerged within the Everglades.
I listened to the audiobook of this and didn’t really enjoy the narrator and I think that contributed to me checking out from time to time.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and love how Thielman blends art, mystery and history together while also featuring our National Parks.
Similar to our first installment, we are following a dual timeline and art is being used to hide secrets. This story follows a Black artist, Hezekiah, and his family secrets that are submerged within the Everglades.
I listened to the audiobook of this and didn’t really enjoy the narrator and I think that contributed to me checking out from time to time.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and love how Thielman blends art, mystery and history together while also featuring our National Parks.
October 22, 2025
This is the second Johnson and Nance mystery and can easily be read as a standalone. Johnson and Nance have been reassigned by the National Park Service to Everglades National Park and are immediately enmeshed in the investigation of the murder of Heka Freeman, the artist in residence. The journey of a group of runaway slaves (Heka Freeman’s ancestors) is interwoven throughout the unfolding current murder investigation, offering a glimpse into history and the family’s artistic legacy. This is a well crafted, entertaining mystery.
March 16, 2026
Astonishingly good!
I started reading Thielman's books because he is a friend of a friend. I was very surprised and impressed by the Yellowstone mystery, but I had put off reading The Hidden River because I was just "meh" about reading about the Everglades. Well, I was wrong to procrastinate.
The first book surprised me with how well Thielman interwove the French Revolution, art, and a contemporary mystery. This one travels a different road, this time one I knew little about. The historical part of the story focuses on a group of runaway slaves who escape south (rather than north) into what is known as the saltwater railroad. We meet them trudging and hiding in the Everglades, trying to make their way to the Eastern Coast of southern Florida where they might catch a ship to Bermuda, where they will be free. Since I am in the middle of teaching a unit on Slavery to Freedom in one of my English classes, the timing of reading this book was perfect. My students had just finished researching multiple slave narratives, so I was in that mindset.
The modern portion of the book picks up in volunteer Ranger Johnson and Special Agent Alison Nance arriving in the Everglades where they have both been sent after Yellowstone. Nance is none too happy about the relocation and sees it as punishment. The romantic tension of their building or not building a relationship or friendship adds a layer of interest that will attract many readers, but the focus of the modern portion of the story is a complex murder mystery. Again, art is part of the formula, as Johnson is there to assist the artist in residence, Heka Freeman. Heka is an African American artist of some renown who has battled with addiction and whose career has had a resurgence. The simple mystery of why his newer paintings make people "feel" the way they do is a lovely and meaningful plot twist on its own.
As the plot unfolds connections are made between past and present, murders are committed and solved in a complicated and satisfying manner, and many layers of personal and cultural corruption are revealed.
You don't have to be interested in the history of slavery in American, the fate of little known Native American tribes, the wildlife and plant life in the Everglades, the destruction and pollution of national treasures due to corporate greed, or political corruption in order to enjoy this book. But if you are at all intrigued by any of the above, you will find it doubly satisfying.
I am both awed by and jealous of Thielman's incredibly ability to craft such astonishingly good novels as a second or third career.
I started reading Thielman's books because he is a friend of a friend. I was very surprised and impressed by the Yellowstone mystery, but I had put off reading The Hidden River because I was just "meh" about reading about the Everglades. Well, I was wrong to procrastinate.
The first book surprised me with how well Thielman interwove the French Revolution, art, and a contemporary mystery. This one travels a different road, this time one I knew little about. The historical part of the story focuses on a group of runaway slaves who escape south (rather than north) into what is known as the saltwater railroad. We meet them trudging and hiding in the Everglades, trying to make their way to the Eastern Coast of southern Florida where they might catch a ship to Bermuda, where they will be free. Since I am in the middle of teaching a unit on Slavery to Freedom in one of my English classes, the timing of reading this book was perfect. My students had just finished researching multiple slave narratives, so I was in that mindset.
The modern portion of the book picks up in volunteer Ranger Johnson and Special Agent Alison Nance arriving in the Everglades where they have both been sent after Yellowstone. Nance is none too happy about the relocation and sees it as punishment. The romantic tension of their building or not building a relationship or friendship adds a layer of interest that will attract many readers, but the focus of the modern portion of the story is a complex murder mystery. Again, art is part of the formula, as Johnson is there to assist the artist in residence, Heka Freeman. Heka is an African American artist of some renown who has battled with addiction and whose career has had a resurgence. The simple mystery of why his newer paintings make people "feel" the way they do is a lovely and meaningful plot twist on its own.
As the plot unfolds connections are made between past and present, murders are committed and solved in a complicated and satisfying manner, and many layers of personal and cultural corruption are revealed.
You don't have to be interested in the history of slavery in American, the fate of little known Native American tribes, the wildlife and plant life in the Everglades, the destruction and pollution of national treasures due to corporate greed, or political corruption in order to enjoy this book. But if you are at all intrigued by any of the above, you will find it doubly satisfying.
I am both awed by and jealous of Thielman's incredibly ability to craft such astonishingly good novels as a second or third career.
October 6, 2025
I received an ARC through "Severn River" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Nance and Johnson arriving at their new assignment, Everglades National Park, after previously being at Yellowstone. Shortly they are met by their boss and Johnson is assigned to babysit the resident artist while Nance is assigned to arrest poachers. The next day when Heka, the artist, is to be at a seminar and doesn't show up, Johnson is pushed into participating. It is later learned that Herk has been killed and it is now Nance and Johnson's task to find the killer. The next day at the seminar, Johnson discovered something in Heka's paintings which may relate to why he was killed. The investigation continues and eventually another body is found which is associated with their case.
As a side story, a tale relating to Heka's forefathers is told and explains how Samuel, a relative that goes back to the civil war time, eventually became an artist. The story explains how Samuel's father, William and mother, Myrna along with Samuel escaped and were hunted by slave catchers. It tells the sacrifice that William made to see his family to safety. This act plays a role later in the story.
Read along and follow the duo as they hunt Heka's killer Discover what was the puzzle piece that put the picture together.
This is a great story and the ending provides all answers to questions that you might. This is a definite read, don't miss out!
The story begins with Nance and Johnson arriving at their new assignment, Everglades National Park, after previously being at Yellowstone. Shortly they are met by their boss and Johnson is assigned to babysit the resident artist while Nance is assigned to arrest poachers. The next day when Heka, the artist, is to be at a seminar and doesn't show up, Johnson is pushed into participating. It is later learned that Herk has been killed and it is now Nance and Johnson's task to find the killer. The next day at the seminar, Johnson discovered something in Heka's paintings which may relate to why he was killed. The investigation continues and eventually another body is found which is associated with their case.
As a side story, a tale relating to Heka's forefathers is told and explains how Samuel, a relative that goes back to the civil war time, eventually became an artist. The story explains how Samuel's father, William and mother, Myrna along with Samuel escaped and were hunted by slave catchers. It tells the sacrifice that William made to see his family to safety. This act plays a role later in the story.
Read along and follow the duo as they hunt Heka's killer Discover what was the puzzle piece that put the picture together.
This is a great story and the ending provides all answers to questions that you might. This is a definite read, don't miss out!
October 27, 2025
I was thrilled to see when I saw that there was a 2nd book featuring Special Agent Alison Nance and Ranger Clarence Johnson.
Nance is transferred to Everglades National Park, far cry from being in Yellowstone National Park, and is tasked to track down poachers
Johnson, who requested the transfer to go with her, is tasks to keep artist Hezekiah Freeman (Heka) on schedule for a fundraiser/seminar. The day of the seminar finds Heka missing, and Johnson leads the art discussion.
Heka is not missing but is found dead, accidentally or murder … all points to accident but as Johnson starts really looking into Heka’s art an amazing family history emerges.
Once again, a great researched book, that flows well and is a treat to read.
Nance is transferred to Everglades National Park, far cry from being in Yellowstone National Park, and is tasked to track down poachers
Johnson, who requested the transfer to go with her, is tasks to keep artist Hezekiah Freeman (Heka) on schedule for a fundraiser/seminar. The day of the seminar finds Heka missing, and Johnson leads the art discussion.
Heka is not missing but is found dead, accidentally or murder … all points to accident but as Johnson starts really looking into Heka’s art an amazing family history emerges.
Once again, a great researched book, that flows well and is a treat to read.
October 18, 2025
Spellbinding!
Clarence Johnson and Special Agent Alison Nance, on assignment in Everglades National Park, find evidence that the death of the current resident artist was not accidental. Hezekiah Freeman’s paintings hold secrets someone would kill to keep hidden.
The plot is intricate. The scenes are chilling. The murder is brutal. I am hooked on this series! I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Clarence Johnson and Special Agent Alison Nance, on assignment in Everglades National Park, find evidence that the death of the current resident artist was not accidental. Hezekiah Freeman’s paintings hold secrets someone would kill to keep hidden.
The plot is intricate. The scenes are chilling. The murder is brutal. I am hooked on this series! I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
July 16, 2026
Another great entry into the most unlikely settings to pair art theft and setting but here it is much more successful than the first book. I do love Clarence Nance as both an art historian and an investigative agent but most of all I love the Everglades and learning so much about its history. The exploration of Black and Native Histories in this part of the world is much needed and welcome. The Hoopla Audiobook is wonderful.
July 20, 2026
Mark Thielman weaves another fantastic tale. The stories come together very nicely, playing between the past and present almost seamlessly.
Johnson and Nance - I really like the personalities of both investigators. They are such a night and day duo, but they work well together. I like that they play off each other well, and while they come at investigations differently, they are both working to find the truth.
A great read! I am really enjoying this series.
Johnson and Nance - I really like the personalities of both investigators. They are such a night and day duo, but they work well together. I like that they play off each other well, and while they come at investigations differently, they are both working to find the truth.
A great read! I am really enjoying this series.
March 26, 2026
I'm giving this four stars because I love reading about the Everglades, and the author does a wonderful job of making that endangered locale the star of the story. He also interweaves the tragic fate of slaves who tried to flee by heading south in hopes of being able to escape to an island off the coast. Nevada Barr fans who miss her National Park series might want to check this one out.
November 23, 2025
What an amazing story that will have you intrigued until you find out the truth. A murder and long ago secrets that might surface and create more danger. Impossible to not want to read more by this outstanding author.
March 9, 2026
Chilling!
Wow, Wow, wow! What a great book. Each novel in the Johnson and Nance series is a thrilling, suspenseful, edge of your seat read! The Hidden River is a not to be missed delight!
Wow, Wow, wow! What a great book. Each novel in the Johnson and Nance series is a thrilling, suspenseful, edge of your seat read! The Hidden River is a not to be missed delight!
May 13, 2026
History lesson and a who done it!
I enjoy the mix of history, art and a homicide investigation. Good supporting characters and villains. Good page turner, kept me guessing who did it!
I enjoy the mix of history, art and a homicide investigation. Good supporting characters and villains. Good page turner, kept me guessing who did it!
November 16, 2025
Good read
Good plot twists. Moves quickly. Enjoyed the Everglades details. I believe I have written enough. Posting requirements for this review are ridiculous!
Good plot twists. Moves quickly. Enjoyed the Everglades details. I believe I have written enough. Posting requirements for this review are ridiculous!
November 30, 2025
Great story
It's a obvious story to someone that lives next to the Everglades on Tamiami Road love the detail and the banter.
It's a obvious story to someone that lives next to the Everglades on Tamiami Road love the detail and the banter.
November 30, 2025
Great Mystery
This was so good. I didn’t see the ending coming until the end. The little bit of history that it adds it great too.
This was so good. I didn’t see the ending coming until the end. The little bit of history that it adds it great too.
December 2, 2025
Suspenseful, for sure. First 1/2 was great, second 1/2 felt long and a little bit contrived. Some of the voices/accents I could not abide. JoeBob literally sounded like Goofy.
December 7, 2025
I loved learning about the Everglades and the history from the 1800s. Midway through the book the history storyline disappears and I found myself wanting more there.
January 26, 2026
Another good mystery
Art history and mystery. A great unique combination. A great story with two great leads. Highly recommend. Can't wait to delve into the next story.
Art history and mystery. A great unique combination. A great story with two great leads. Highly recommend. Can't wait to delve into the next story.
January 28, 2026
Love this series and these characters!
March 16, 2026
Plot felt pretty thin--predictable ending. I liked the historical aspects that were sprinkled in, but just never felt invested in the characters on this one.
March 27, 2026
These two characters are interesting, provocative, and funny. Good read!
April 13, 2026
Love this series!
Read
April 16, 2026Enjoyed the story, good read.
June 9, 2026
I look forward to more adventures in more park and monuments!
August 1, 2026
this is a fun series. and I learned some things about the Everglades
August 14, 2026
Really enjoying this series . Different type of law officers and great locations in National Parks
February 27, 2026
I received an advance reader copy.
I like the setting and the characters were well defined. I got a little lost with the back-and-forth with the prior slave and slave hunter generations as context.
The story kept me captivated and I was reading quickly once I got into it. I had suspected the outcome but it was still well written with interesting tid bits on life in the Everglades.
I like the setting and the characters were well defined. I got a little lost with the back-and-forth with the prior slave and slave hunter generations as context.
The story kept me captivated and I was reading quickly once I got into it. I had suspected the outcome but it was still well written with interesting tid bits on life in the Everglades.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews