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Death Valley: A Thriller
A merciless desert. An unstoppable storm. No way out.The Desert Sanctuary promises an exclusive escape for the ultra-wealthy—a five-star oasis in Death Valley's unforgiving landscape. But when a devastating sandstorm cuts the resort off from civilization, paradise becomes a prison. Then a killing ground.
Eight guests. Eight deadly secrets. A billionaire chasing immortality through illegal treatments. His trophy wife with lethal plans of her own. An eco-saboteur. A survivalist security chief. A guide haunted by the child she couldn't save. And a writer whose hunt for Spanish colonial treasure unearths horrors better left buried.
As flames consume the hotel and the storm strips away all pretense of civilization, each survivor must decide how far they'll go to escape—and who they'll sacrifice along the way.
In Death Valley, the only law is survival. The only way out is through hell itself.
Some secrets are buried for a reason. And some will kill to keep them that way.A standalone action-adventure survival thriller from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, J.F. Penn.
Eight guests. Eight deadly secrets. A billionaire chasing immortality through illegal treatments. His trophy wife with lethal plans of her own. An eco-saboteur. A survivalist security chief. A guide haunted by the child she couldn't save. And a writer whose hunt for Spanish colonial treasure unearths horrors better left buried.
As flames consume the hotel and the storm strips away all pretense of civilization, each survivor must decide how far they'll go to escape—and who they'll sacrifice along the way.
In Death Valley, the only law is survival. The only way out is through hell itself.
Some secrets are buried for a reason. And some will kill to keep them that way.A standalone action-adventure survival thriller from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, J.F. Penn.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2025
26 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
J.F. Penn
55 books2,235 followersI'm the award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, crime, dark fantasy, horror, short stories, and travel memoir.
Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...
The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."
The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.
The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...
A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.
You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/
I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page
I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.
Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...
The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."
The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.
The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...
A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.
You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/
I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page
I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
dnf-d
May 31, 2025DNF @ 23%.
There are a couple of reasons behind this. Predominantly I did not care about any of the characters, I found the pacing to be incredibly slow (the number of characters doesn't help with that,) and I just am not as interested in the story as I thought I would be at first pass. Additionally, I feel like a lot of phrases constantly repeated, and the author focused on describing the setting and environments in exhaustive detail, the former of which broke immersion and the latter just something I find to be frustrating in a lot of thrillers.
I initially backed the production of this book via its Kickstarter campaign, because the premise had intrigued me, so I was reading a physical copy. However, here's where we come to another disappointment. In going to check some details on the Kickstarter page, I noticed this time that the author had chosen to disclose the use of generative A.I. in the making of this book. Honestly, shame on me for not meticulously checking that on the campaign page beforehand. I'll be more vigilant next time. For the curious and those wanting elaboration, here is a copy-paste of the author's disclosure of the use of genA.I.:
I've combed over this statement a few times now and I feel like what I've concluded is that J.F. Penn relied on an A.I. program to come up with the idea for this book's plot (and more) for her, despite claiming the manuscript is entirely her own. I find it questionable how much of that is true, given she also says she ran it through an A.I. editing program before turning it over to a human editor, and I have to wonder if that's part of the cause for repeated phrases and language. And that's just the manuscript; that's not getting into her admission of the use of generative A.I. throughout the rest of the process of making this book. While I do not find this to be as cheap or soulless or lazy as full use of generative A.I. to make something that people claim is their work (which is theft and has horrendous environmental impacts,) I do feel like this is a case of cutting corners in the creation of this book. Perhaps others might see it as streamlining the process, but we can agree to disagree on that front. I suppose I can say that at least J.F. Penn owned up to the use of these programs and technologies, though that's a low bar to trip over.
Personally, I am very openly against the use of generative A.I. for the arts, and I know some of the other people who read my reviews are as well. I wrote this review with the inclusion of her disclosure about the genA.I. usage and my personal opinion on this for anyone who may want to avoid it for the same reasons, as well as for myself, to serve as a reminder in the future. I hope J.F. Penn's audience can enjoy this work, but clearly I am not going to be part of that audience.
There are a couple of reasons behind this. Predominantly I did not care about any of the characters, I found the pacing to be incredibly slow (the number of characters doesn't help with that,) and I just am not as interested in the story as I thought I would be at first pass. Additionally, I feel like a lot of phrases constantly repeated, and the author focused on describing the setting and environments in exhaustive detail, the former of which broke immersion and the latter just something I find to be frustrating in a lot of thrillers.
I initially backed the production of this book via its Kickstarter campaign, because the premise had intrigued me, so I was reading a physical copy. However, here's where we come to another disappointment. In going to check some details on the Kickstarter page, I noticed this time that the author had chosen to disclose the use of generative A.I. in the making of this book. Honestly, shame on me for not meticulously checking that on the campaign page beforehand. I'll be more vigilant next time. For the curious and those wanting elaboration, here is a copy-paste of the author's disclosure of the use of genA.I.:
I am an AI-Assisted Artisan Author, working with AI tools alongside human creators to create interesting and beautiful books. I used ChatGPT and Claude as part of my ideation and creative process, but the characters, story and edited, finished manuscript text are my own. Claude helped write the book sales description, and both ChatGPT and Claude helped with book marketing ideas and ad copy. I used ProWritingAid to line edit before passing the book to my (human) editor, Kristen Tate at Blue Garret. I generated the original cover image on Midjourney (which provides a commercial license) as well as the custom end papers, and then worked with my (human) cover designer, Jane Dixon Smith (JD Smith Design) who created the book cover. Jane did all the interior formatting for the print editions. I used Midjourney to make book marketing images, as well as the custom end papers. I used Midjourney, RunwayML and Canva to make the book trailer. The audiobook is my own J.F. Penn voice clone on ElevenLabs, and I am compensated for any commercial usage. I worked with (human) AI audiobook expert, Simon Patrick, to master the audiobook.
I've combed over this statement a few times now and I feel like what I've concluded is that J.F. Penn relied on an A.I. program to come up with the idea for this book's plot (and more) for her, despite claiming the manuscript is entirely her own. I find it questionable how much of that is true, given she also says she ran it through an A.I. editing program before turning it over to a human editor, and I have to wonder if that's part of the cause for repeated phrases and language. And that's just the manuscript; that's not getting into her admission of the use of generative A.I. throughout the rest of the process of making this book. While I do not find this to be as cheap or soulless or lazy as full use of generative A.I. to make something that people claim is their work (which is theft and has horrendous environmental impacts,) I do feel like this is a case of cutting corners in the creation of this book. Perhaps others might see it as streamlining the process, but we can agree to disagree on that front. I suppose I can say that at least J.F. Penn owned up to the use of these programs and technologies, though that's a low bar to trip over.
Personally, I am very openly against the use of generative A.I. for the arts, and I know some of the other people who read my reviews are as well. I wrote this review with the inclusion of her disclosure about the genA.I. usage and my personal opinion on this for anyone who may want to avoid it for the same reasons, as well as for myself, to serve as a reminder in the future. I hope J.F. Penn's audience can enjoy this work, but clearly I am not going to be part of that audience.
June 5, 2025
The Desert is Dying to Meet You
J F Penn has a triumph on her pen with Death Valley. The novel has all of the heart-pounding and death-defying action you have come to expect from her books.
Her powerhouse characters include the owner, Tara, who dreams of a luxury lodge that reflects the beauty and savagery of Death Valley. She sacrifices everything, including safety standards, to realize her dream.
Among her inaugural guests are wealthy supporters, a social media influencer, a chef famous for killing and eating endangered species, and several local artists.
Tara's plan is to impress and gather wealthy investors for the lodge.
The grand opening seems to go off without a hitch with her guests awed by the beauty of the desert as seen from the air-conditioned comfort of the lodge and its magnificent glass covering.
It isn't until Tara's Adventure guide, Casey, takes a few loads of guests out in specially outfitted Jeeps to see the sunset that things go South in a massive way.
Death Valley is one exciting novel, filled with multiple scheming people plotting no good. The thrill ride is intense watching to see who will survive the cataclysmic events almost simultaneously.
Grab your favorite snack and head for that special reading nook where you will be left alone. Death Valley is an unputdownable novel, and you have a date for this weekend.
Bravo to J F Penn! Five stars for Death Valley.
J F Penn has a triumph on her pen with Death Valley. The novel has all of the heart-pounding and death-defying action you have come to expect from her books.
Her powerhouse characters include the owner, Tara, who dreams of a luxury lodge that reflects the beauty and savagery of Death Valley. She sacrifices everything, including safety standards, to realize her dream.
Among her inaugural guests are wealthy supporters, a social media influencer, a chef famous for killing and eating endangered species, and several local artists.
Tara's plan is to impress and gather wealthy investors for the lodge.
The grand opening seems to go off without a hitch with her guests awed by the beauty of the desert as seen from the air-conditioned comfort of the lodge and its magnificent glass covering.
It isn't until Tara's Adventure guide, Casey, takes a few loads of guests out in specially outfitted Jeeps to see the sunset that things go South in a massive way.
Death Valley is one exciting novel, filled with multiple scheming people plotting no good. The thrill ride is intense watching to see who will survive the cataclysmic events almost simultaneously.
Grab your favorite snack and head for that special reading nook where you will be left alone. Death Valley is an unputdownable novel, and you have a date for this weekend.
Bravo to J F Penn! Five stars for Death Valley.
May 18, 2025
I got this book on the author's Kickstarter for my mother and decided to kick in a little extra for the audiobook and ebook for myself. So glad I did! It had been a while since I read a pure thriller, but this one was fabulous. The characters are all flawed and believable (and some are primal archetypes of 2025 society, which made it even riviting to see their strengths and flaws interact). The setting is a luxury eco-resort, and there a number of POV characters, but we start in the head of the adventure guide, Kasey (I listened to the audiobook, so I may be misspelling her name), and she anchors us in the story as the guests arrive and owner of the resort orchestrates their stay. Death Valley is a perfect setting for this, since it is too deadly to venture into to escape, especially during an epic sand and lightning storm. Plenty of the characters are exhibiting selfish and/or sketchy behavior before the storm hits, then the immediacy of survival puts pressure on them to make them all unpredictable and heightens the suspense very believably. I loved it from start to finish, did NOT have any idea how it would play out, and since I was listening to it while I was running, I got so drawn into the story that the adrenaline made me run much faster than I intended! If you enjoy a good forced proximity thriller, I highly recommend this one! And I listen to the author's podcast every week, and could not tell her digitally cloned voice from her real one. So if you are considering the audiobook and wondering about the digital narration, rest assured, it is fabulous!
May 31, 2025
This novel is an atmospheric and resonant thriller that blends psychological depth with stark natural beauty.
J.F. Penn crafts a rich, layered narrative set against the unforgiving backdrop of Death Valley, where trauma, ambition, and survival collide.
The plot unfolds with slow-burning suspense, as British adventure guide Casey Thornton seeks redemption for past mistakes while navigating the hidden agendas of ultra-wealthy guests.
The style marks a notable departure from Penn’s usual supernatural thrillers. Instead, it leans into a more literary mode, which suits her writing well.
Her prose is lush with metaphor and simile, capturing both the grandeur of the landscape and the emotional intricacies of her characters.
Penn is a gifted wordsmith, and her descriptive precision and poetic flair elevate the narrative far beyond expectations.
If there’s a flaw, it’s the slow pacing of the early chapters and occasional flatness in some secondary characters. However, once the story finds its rhythm, it’s difficult to put down.
Thought-provoking, immersive, and beautiful in its writing, Death Valley is a standout literary thriller; and a triumph for Penn.
J.F. Penn crafts a rich, layered narrative set against the unforgiving backdrop of Death Valley, where trauma, ambition, and survival collide.
The plot unfolds with slow-burning suspense, as British adventure guide Casey Thornton seeks redemption for past mistakes while navigating the hidden agendas of ultra-wealthy guests.
The style marks a notable departure from Penn’s usual supernatural thrillers. Instead, it leans into a more literary mode, which suits her writing well.
Her prose is lush with metaphor and simile, capturing both the grandeur of the landscape and the emotional intricacies of her characters.
Penn is a gifted wordsmith, and her descriptive precision and poetic flair elevate the narrative far beyond expectations.
If there’s a flaw, it’s the slow pacing of the early chapters and occasional flatness in some secondary characters. However, once the story finds its rhythm, it’s difficult to put down.
Thought-provoking, immersive, and beautiful in its writing, Death Valley is a standout literary thriller; and a triumph for Penn.
June 9, 2025
J.F. Penn delivers another edge-of-your-seat triumph with Death Valley, a scorching thriller set in a luxury eco-resort on the edge of survival. The story explodes with danger, deception, and raw natural fury as a cast of flawed, fascinating characters—including influencers, shady investors, and local creatives—gather for the resort’s grand opening. But when a deadly desert storm traps them far from help, alliances shatter and survival instincts ignite.
What really stood out to me was how Penn explores the complexity of each character—their ambitions, flaws, and hidden agendas. No one is simply good or bad; everyone is driven by something deeper, and often, it’s their own secrets that lead to their downfall. I especially loved Simone—a woman who has been cast aside because she no longer fulfilled a 'certain' criteria and how she fights not only for herself but also for her daughter. And of course, it wouldn’t be a J.F. Penn thriller without hidden treasures and a few dead bodies!
If you love thrillers that trap people in dangerous places and turn up the heat (literally), Death Valley is your next must-read. Five stars!
What really stood out to me was how Penn explores the complexity of each character—their ambitions, flaws, and hidden agendas. No one is simply good or bad; everyone is driven by something deeper, and often, it’s their own secrets that lead to their downfall. I especially loved Simone—a woman who has been cast aside because she no longer fulfilled a 'certain' criteria and how she fights not only for herself but also for her daughter. And of course, it wouldn’t be a J.F. Penn thriller without hidden treasures and a few dead bodies!
If you love thrillers that trap people in dangerous places and turn up the heat (literally), Death Valley is your next must-read. Five stars!
October 16, 2025
Rebecca, an architect by trade, has gone into hiding as the plant where she was working is overcome by activists, so as things turn nasty, she bids a hasty retreat and takes to the West Country. While there, she takes a part-time job at a vineyard, thinking she is safe, and was hoping to find out what happened to her sister, who disappeared, and was herself an activist, always trying to save the planet.
She gets on with the owners and, because of her background, has been given a special job, but not all it seems is as it seems. Something is not quite right with the vineyard. Is it a pagan ritual or something more sinister, as people always seem to be moving on, or are they just disappearing?
Due to her knowledge of architecture, she was given certain privileges, but it seems that the more she digs, the more danger she is getting into.
I did have the privilege of both the written word and the audio; both were very entertaining. I don't normally go for full-blown horror, but this was well done, and I found it a pleasure to read and listen.
.
She gets on with the owners and, because of her background, has been given a special job, but not all it seems is as it seems. Something is not quite right with the vineyard. Is it a pagan ritual or something more sinister, as people always seem to be moving on, or are they just disappearing?
Due to her knowledge of architecture, she was given certain privileges, but it seems that the more she digs, the more danger she is getting into.
I did have the privilege of both the written word and the audio; both were very entertaining. I don't normally go for full-blown horror, but this was well done, and I found it a pleasure to read and listen.
.
June 9, 2025
Death Valley is a relentless rollercoaster of action, mystery, and suspense that kept me turning the pages.
J.F. Penn masterfully blends pulse-pounding sequences with vivid, cinematic descriptions that bring the stark beauty and haunting menace of the desert setting to life.
The unique backdrop of Death Valley isn’t just scenery—it’s a character in its own right, adding intensity and atmosphere to every twist and turn.
The story is driven by compelling, layered characters whose personal struggles and motivations feel real and engaging. Whether navigating ancient secrets or modern threats, the tension never lets up.
Penn’s signature blend of historical intrigue and high-stakes adventure is on full display here, and it delivers from start to finish.
If you’re a fan of smart thrillers with heart and a sense of place, Death Valley is the book for you.
J.F. Penn masterfully blends pulse-pounding sequences with vivid, cinematic descriptions that bring the stark beauty and haunting menace of the desert setting to life.
The unique backdrop of Death Valley isn’t just scenery—it’s a character in its own right, adding intensity and atmosphere to every twist and turn.
The story is driven by compelling, layered characters whose personal struggles and motivations feel real and engaging. Whether navigating ancient secrets or modern threats, the tension never lets up.
Penn’s signature blend of historical intrigue and high-stakes adventure is on full display here, and it delivers from start to finish.
If you’re a fan of smart thrillers with heart and a sense of place, Death Valley is the book for you.
July 30, 2025
This story begins well, but it gradually deteriorates into a gruesome, depressing tale of unmitigated evil at an exclusive Death Valley resort. An adventure guide (Casey) and a young girl (Isla) are the only likable characters. The others all carry poisonous secrets that inevitably lead to betrayals and murders in the midst of a fierce desert sandstorm.
I found nothing thrilling about this seemingly endless description of human darkness, deadly ambition, and horrific violence. In the final chapters, when the main villain is chasing Casey and Isla through underground tunnels, I couldn't wait to reach the end of this disturbing, disappointing tale. I'm just glad it's over.
On the plus side, kudos for immersive settings, flawless proofreading, and very limited profanity (no f-bombs), bringing my rating to three stars overall.
I found nothing thrilling about this seemingly endless description of human darkness, deadly ambition, and horrific violence. In the final chapters, when the main villain is chasing Casey and Isla through underground tunnels, I couldn't wait to reach the end of this disturbing, disappointing tale. I'm just glad it's over.
On the plus side, kudos for immersive settings, flawless proofreading, and very limited profanity (no f-bombs), bringing my rating to three stars overall.
May 31, 2025
I found the premise of this book fascinating, as themes such as whether eco-resorts are really sustainable or simply greenwashing are extremely current.
As always, I loved the detailed descriptions of place by J.F. Penn giving a cinematic feel to the whole thriller. The raw power of nature is also a major "character" in the whole story, showing that whatever mankind thinks, the earth still can reclaim its space.
The characters are all relevant and believable, and with the exception of Isla, all have their flaws and own interests that they are pursuing.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a fast paced thriller, with a main character who I could easily imagine in a whole series of thrillers.
As always, I loved the detailed descriptions of place by J.F. Penn giving a cinematic feel to the whole thriller. The raw power of nature is also a major "character" in the whole story, showing that whatever mankind thinks, the earth still can reclaim its space.
The characters are all relevant and believable, and with the exception of Isla, all have their flaws and own interests that they are pursuing.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a fast paced thriller, with a main character who I could easily imagine in a whole series of thrillers.
June 4, 2025
I felt like I could see the story unfold visually, instead of just words on the page.
From the opening montage of character introductions, through the extremely detailed sensory details, I felt like I could see the book unfolding before me.
It felt like a deadlier version of a reality show, where it quickly became obvious that the characters desires were completely at odds with one another. The story takes us deep (sometimes too deep) into each of their heads and motivations, leaving the reader without anything to guess at or figure out, so you can kick back and relax as the breakneck pace ticks inevitably forward to the conclusion.
Note: I received an advance reader copy and am leaving a review on a purely optional basis.
From the opening montage of character introductions, through the extremely detailed sensory details, I felt like I could see the book unfolding before me.
It felt like a deadlier version of a reality show, where it quickly became obvious that the characters desires were completely at odds with one another. The story takes us deep (sometimes too deep) into each of their heads and motivations, leaving the reader without anything to guess at or figure out, so you can kick back and relax as the breakneck pace ticks inevitably forward to the conclusion.
Note: I received an advance reader copy and am leaving a review on a purely optional basis.
June 16, 2025
I liked the description of the desert and all it’s made up of. Each of the POV characters had their own agendas, but Casey was the only relatable one. Each character’s motivations are given as you read, leaving nothing to guess at (except who will survive).
The snakes were my favourite.
There were a couple of repetitive sentences and phrases (maybe that’s just me) that drew me from the story. Because there were so many POV characters, I didn’t really get any emotional depth in the story. It’s fun to read, but I won’t be rereading it.
A fast-paced thriller about what humans hide beneath a thin veneer of civility and how nature is the great equaliser.
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
The snakes were my favourite.
There were a couple of repetitive sentences and phrases (maybe that’s just me) that drew me from the story. Because there were so many POV characters, I didn’t really get any emotional depth in the story. It’s fun to read, but I won’t be rereading it.
A fast-paced thriller about what humans hide beneath a thin veneer of civility and how nature is the great equaliser.
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
August 26, 2025
Another spine-tingling story that exhibits the author’s ability to paint vivid descriptions that make me feel like I’m watching a movie; this one within a luxury resort nestled in the heart of a desert. We are presented with a cast of very shallow high society characters; most of whom harbor ill will toward others. Ms. Penn draws out their dark plans, building the suspense as the various plots play out. Meanwhile, a furious storm is building, which will imprison and overwhelm them in a whirlwind of death and destruction. I was fully engrossed, turning the pages to see if anyone could survive the maelstrom. I have enjoyed many of Ms. Penn’s books in her various series and have never been disappointed.
June 8, 2025
The characters are fully fledged, all have their own reasons for being at this luxury resort, and the majority are selfish ultra-rich stereotypes, all out for themselves.
This is very atmospheric - a kind of Mankind versus Mother Nature's rage. Admiring what Death Valley has to offer in terms of beauty, and also in fury. You. Are. Right. There. In. The. Heart. Of. The. Action.
The writing is so authentic, so genuine, that you can feel your heartbeat racing as the sandstorm rampages and you're fleeing for some respite of safety with everyone else.
I backed this JF Penn page-turner on Kickstarter.
This is very atmospheric - a kind of Mankind versus Mother Nature's rage. Admiring what Death Valley has to offer in terms of beauty, and also in fury. You. Are. Right. There. In. The. Heart. Of. The. Action.
The writing is so authentic, so genuine, that you can feel your heartbeat racing as the sandstorm rampages and you're fleeing for some respite of safety with everyone else.
I backed this JF Penn page-turner on Kickstarter.
August 14, 2025
Penn does it again! This book is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. The author's writing is engaging and well-paced, making it impossible to put the book down.
The characters are well-developed and complex, with motivations that are expertly woven throughout the story. The setting of Death Valley adds an extra layer of tension and foreboding, making the thriller even more compelling.
Overall, I highly recommend "Death Valley: A Thriller" to anyone who enjoys a good thriller. It's a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you breathless until the very end.
The characters are well-developed and complex, with motivations that are expertly woven throughout the story. The setting of Death Valley adds an extra layer of tension and foreboding, making the thriller even more compelling.
Overall, I highly recommend "Death Valley: A Thriller" to anyone who enjoys a good thriller. It's a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you breathless until the very end.
May 1, 2025
The book is set in the unforgiving landscape of Death Valley. The story revolves around an exclusive resort that promises luxury but turns into a nightmare when a devastating sandstorm cuts it off from civilization. As chaos unfolds, eight characters—each with their own secrets and ambitions—must fight for survival. Some of the themes that are included in the book are: Survival, Human Instincts, Betrayal, Secrets, the Power of Nature, Greed, Ambition, Morality, and Sacrifice. It’s a pulse-pounding thriller that blends psychological tension with action-packed survival drama.
July 15, 2025
Keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Once again Joanna Penn takes her readers on a wild trip in Death Valley that is filled with non-stop action and intrigue. Along with a story line that defies predictability, descriptions of a resort that make you feel like you are standing in its rooms, there is a cast of characters who seem to have few if any redeeming characteristics.
This is one of those stories that demands to be read in a single sitting. I couldn’t even entertain the thought of stopping for any reason once I began reading Death Valley.
Once again Joanna Penn takes her readers on a wild trip in Death Valley that is filled with non-stop action and intrigue. Along with a story line that defies predictability, descriptions of a resort that make you feel like you are standing in its rooms, there is a cast of characters who seem to have few if any redeeming characteristics.
This is one of those stories that demands to be read in a single sitting. I couldn’t even entertain the thought of stopping for any reason once I began reading Death Valley.
June 2, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the development of the different characters and how they interacted with each other. I really was not surprised by the ending because it was somewhat easy to guess which characters would make it to the end. Some of the scenarios were very probable from the beginning, but still entertaining. The description of the desert views was breathtaking. Easy to imagine being there. This book was a fast read.
June 3, 2025
Wow - this was so engrossing! With vivid descriptions, unique characters and a stunning setting, this was a terrific escape. I loved how each character had some weird underhanded reason for being at the desert resort, and each had a satisfying end. The action was relentless and the devastation explosive. Loved it!
I listened to the audiobook version read by JF Penn's cloned voice and it was fabulous.
I listened to the audiobook version read by JF Penn's cloned voice and it was fabulous.
June 9, 2025
Wow, this an excellent story for sure. It starts reasonably slowly while the different layers are put in place. Then a moment of madness starts this ball rolling, and it doesn’t stop right through to the unmissable end. I was absolutely engrossed and enthralled by the unforgettable tension in this story. I loved it, different than this author’s usual fare but excellent nonetheless. Highly recommended listen.
September 23, 2025
While on a guided adventure tour in the desert travelers are trapped by a terrible sandstorm. Unfortunately many of the individuals have a specific agenda. You have to feel empathy for the owner as she faces not only the collapse of her high-end luxury sanctuary resort but she and her guests also have to run for their lives.
If you enjoy a book with tons of suspense this is definitely the book for you.
Death valley is well written and easy to "read" either by ebook or audiobook.
If you enjoy a book with tons of suspense this is definitely the book for you.
Death valley is well written and easy to "read" either by ebook or audiobook.
June 4, 2025
Desert Sanctuary is situated in the heart of a desert aptly named Death Valley. is the locale for eight people due to struggle with survival in adverse conditions nobody could have expected or forecasted.
The owner, Tara, midst a devastating storm, in the radiance of lighting, imagined seeing these people changing from superficial civil society people to the primitive creatures they actually are.
That vision struck me as precisely the reflection of truth as the author, J F Penn, carefully revealed in the previous chapters the dark characters about to be unleashed in a fury of death and destruction.
The plot is well developed in a steadily rising tense atmosphere as motives are revealed in the fury of the storm and the first death unfolds.
Hats off to author J F Penn for a thriller that gave even me cold chills even as I simply could not seem to stop rifling through the pages fast enough.
Enjoy.
The owner, Tara, midst a devastating storm, in the radiance of lighting, imagined seeing these people changing from superficial civil society people to the primitive creatures they actually are.
That vision struck me as precisely the reflection of truth as the author, J F Penn, carefully revealed in the previous chapters the dark characters about to be unleashed in a fury of death and destruction.
The plot is well developed in a steadily rising tense atmosphere as motives are revealed in the fury of the storm and the first death unfolds.
Hats off to author J F Penn for a thriller that gave even me cold chills even as I simply could not seem to stop rifling through the pages fast enough.
Enjoy.
May 28, 2025
A nice build to a NON-STOP HIGH STAKES THRILL RIDE!
JF Penn sets up this story well with multiple points of view and various foreboding elements, most centrally the extreme setting of a fragile luxury resort in the middle of Death Valley. Once you start this one, prepare to keep reading until the end because it won't let you close the book!
JF Penn sets up this story well with multiple points of view and various foreboding elements, most centrally the extreme setting of a fragile luxury resort in the middle of Death Valley. Once you start this one, prepare to keep reading until the end because it won't let you close the book!
June 4, 2025
At first, I was unsure when all the people getting off the plane were introduced. But within a chapter I had them all straight, with their individual personalities and motivations. From then on, the book never let up. These weren't just characters on a page, but real people in dire peril.
I've read all of this author's work, and this is her best book yet.
I've read all of this author's work, and this is her best book yet.
June 6, 2025
I don't know how to describe this book, more than a thriller and less than horror, but, oh my, what a great read.
The description of the place helped me to immerse myself in the story, it was so easy to visualize. Not too many likable characters, but that just made it that much more readable, because you wanted to see what would happen to some of them.
A cautionary tale of not having enough respect for the power of nature and life itself.
I can't wait to read it again.
The description of the place helped me to immerse myself in the story, it was so easy to visualize. Not too many likable characters, but that just made it that much more readable, because you wanted to see what would happen to some of them.
A cautionary tale of not having enough respect for the power of nature and life itself.
I can't wait to read it again.
December 25, 2025
This book completely pulled me in. The setting is vivid and atmospheric, the characters are genuinely engaging, and the tension keeps building—especially in the second half, which I couldn’t put down. I also loved how much I learned along the way about Death Valley and the desert landscape. A gripping, immersive read from start to finish.
May 4, 2025
I couldn't stop listening to this fast-paced thriller set in a luxurious resort in Death Valley. This story included several characters who had secrets worth killing-or dying-for. A suspenseful, twisty story!
May 8, 2025
Absolutely venomous!
Another fantastic stand-alone by J.F. Penn... This one set it the enigmatic Death Valley...
The audiobook kept me up all night... Each character added to the captivating backdrop of the well-researched setting and engaged me to the beautifully executed end...
Another fantastic stand-alone by J.F. Penn... This one set it the enigmatic Death Valley...
The audiobook kept me up all night... Each character added to the captivating backdrop of the well-researched setting and engaged me to the beautifully executed end...
June 5, 2025
Love a good storm! It was exciting to go on a Death Valley adventure! I’m only a few hours away but never been. The story drew me into the setting, the characters, and the storm was a wild ride. The narration was great. I forgot it was even digital!
June 6, 2025
I love Joanna Penn as a business woman and a personality. Her books always clearly detail every necessary feature and provide everything as told on the back of the book. But I just wished I could learn more about the characters before the action unfurls.
June 24, 2025
I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. Fantastic roller coaster of a ride. With the uber rich and activist take on the Desert. I have lived in the Arizona desert for over 20 years accurate information.
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