What do you think?
Rate this book
The Johnson and Nance Mysteries #3
The Firefall: A Murder in Yosemite
A vandal’s final act in Yosemite National Park uncovers a hidden message—and a deadly legacy.
“[Thielman’s] ability to weave history into a contemporary mystery will appeal to anyone who enjoys dual-timeline historical fiction.”—Library Journal
When a graffiti artist defaces part of Yosemite National Park, Special Agents Clarence Johnson and Alison Nance expect a straightforward case. But when the suspect falls to her death from Glacier Point—just as another member of her synagogue did years earlier—the investigation takes on a far more ominous meaning.
The eerie coincidence hints at a deeper, darker truth behind the artist's final work. As Johnson and Nance unravel the layers, their search points to a historical puzzle stretching back to 1938, when a Jewish violinist, fleeing the shadows of Nazi Germany, disappeared into the park's vast wilderness, carrying a secret that could alter the course of history.
Decades later, the past refuses to remain hidden. The agents begin to link the contemporary murder to the long-unsolved disappearance and a mysterious legacy hidden in Yosemite's rugged terrain. But as they close in on the truth, they realize they are not the only ones searching. A relentless adversary is also on the trail, willing to kill to claim the secret and reignite a dark chapter of history. Now, Johnson and Nance must outwit a ruthless enemy before history’s darkest forces rise again.
In The Firefall, Mark Thielman delivers a gripping tale where history’s buried secrets collide with a modern-day investigation. With a masterful blend of mystery, suspense, and historical intrigue, this dual-timeline thriller is perfect for fans of Steve Berry and Gary McAvoy.
_________________________
Praise for the Johnson and Nance
“...offers something for nearly every reader…”—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
“[Thielman’s] ability to weave history into a contemporary mystery will appeal to anyone who enjoys dual-timeline historical fiction.”—Library Journal
When a graffiti artist defaces part of Yosemite National Park, Special Agents Clarence Johnson and Alison Nance expect a straightforward case. But when the suspect falls to her death from Glacier Point—just as another member of her synagogue did years earlier—the investigation takes on a far more ominous meaning.
The eerie coincidence hints at a deeper, darker truth behind the artist's final work. As Johnson and Nance unravel the layers, their search points to a historical puzzle stretching back to 1938, when a Jewish violinist, fleeing the shadows of Nazi Germany, disappeared into the park's vast wilderness, carrying a secret that could alter the course of history.
Decades later, the past refuses to remain hidden. The agents begin to link the contemporary murder to the long-unsolved disappearance and a mysterious legacy hidden in Yosemite's rugged terrain. But as they close in on the truth, they realize they are not the only ones searching. A relentless adversary is also on the trail, willing to kill to claim the secret and reignite a dark chapter of history. Now, Johnson and Nance must outwit a ruthless enemy before history’s darkest forces rise again.
In The Firefall, Mark Thielman delivers a gripping tale where history’s buried secrets collide with a modern-day investigation. With a masterful blend of mystery, suspense, and historical intrigue, this dual-timeline thriller is perfect for fans of Steve Berry and Gary McAvoy.
_________________________
Praise for the Johnson and Nance
“...offers something for nearly every reader…”—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
- GenresMystery
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 31, 2025
A gripping dual timeline murder that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Highly recommended!
April 14, 2026
This is an entertaining series. I do think that each book can be read as a standalone, though character dynamics would be more enjoyable and clear if the series is read in order. The varied national park settings add a fresh reading experience to each installment. The dual timelines that link past and present to the parks is creative and interesting. In this installment the search for a lost Nazi treasure that has spanned decades comes to its final conclusion within the rugged terrain of Yosemite National Park.
May 26, 2026
Page turner
As in probable as this story is,, the author has made a great job of making plausible. Its a,great read,love the characters,and the the aura of Yosemite permeates the entire story. Loved it
As in probable as this story is,, the author has made a great job of making plausible. Its a,great read,love the characters,and the the aura of Yosemite permeates the entire story. Loved it
April 14, 2026
An Engaging and Captivating Novel
The novel opens with a description of how the bodies of anyone unfortunate enough to fall, be pushed, or jump from Glacier Point arrive at and are retrieved from a rock ledge called the Catcher's Mitt. This event happens several times throughout the novel.
This novel consists of two threads. The first thread starts with the investigation into who is leaving graffiti in Yosemite. The second thread starts with a difficult escape of Clara Hoffman, a Jewish violinist and composer, from Nazi Germany, through to her almost as difficult life in Los Angeles. These two threads are the most diverse I have seen at the start of a novel. There are plenty of difficulties. The first thread reveals possible drug trafficking, and then an incident occurs that requires the FBI to take over the part of the investigation. In the second thread, Hoffman is hounded by Nazis as she carries an original manuscript of a valuable musical work. Leaving Germany was illegal and difficult; entry into the United States is illegal and difficult; and Nazi sympathizers in Los Angeles try to retrieve what she took. The flow of each thread was different. The first thread is a typical police procedural, with a good balance between action and analysis. The second thread is more of a reaction to a changing situation, typical of a thriller. Three aspects of this novel gripped my interest and didn't let go. The first thread grew more complex, with more deaths. The second thread was the high tension and suspense, driven by the constant threat that becomes physical through deaths. When the threads merge, the action becomes a deadly cat-and-mouse scenario.
While reading this novel, the character development was very strong and enhanced my enjoyment. Most of the background is provided via B-storylines. Johnson just graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. As they reacquaint themselves through their discussions and interactions, their backgrounds are revealed. The interesting example was how Johnson forces Nance to face and overcome a personal struggle. Within the second thread, there are several B-storylines, but they are just shorter. They are Hoffman's relationships with a German conductor and composer, with her brother, and with her mother. Each one offers a glimpse into different facets of her character.
Aspects that can cause readers to stop reading are few in this novel. There are no intimate scenes, but only a rather sterile description of an assault on a woman. The level of profanity is low. The level of impious language is even lower. Much of the violence is portrayed in a more edgy manner as it occurs. The majority of the violence that is described after the fact concerned the victims found at the base of cliffs. The prologue provides a very adequate description of what happened to them. While this is the third novel in the Johnson and Nance Mysteries, I did not realize that fact until writing this review. I thought that there were no previous novels. This novel can be read first as I did. Lastly, having not visited Yosemite myself, I found the easy Internet access on my ereader valuable for pulling up maps to see the geographic area where the novel was occurring.
I did not find any aspect of this novel to be bothersome. I did enjoy the lightness this novel brought, thanks to Johnson's always seeking humor in most situations. I also enjoyed how the author wove the two threads together. All the loose ends that I identified while reading were tied up by the end of the novel. I was happy with the ending and didn't see any long-term storylines. That surprised me when I learned that there were two previous novels and at least one more to come. This novel is the first by this author that I have read. Therefore, my rating of him is Pending, but he will probably be a Will-Read author. I enjoyed reading this novel and recommend it. I rate it with four stars.
I received the free, pre-publication e-book version of this novel from Severn River Publishing through NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Severn River Publishing, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
The novel opens with a description of how the bodies of anyone unfortunate enough to fall, be pushed, or jump from Glacier Point arrive at and are retrieved from a rock ledge called the Catcher's Mitt. This event happens several times throughout the novel.
This novel consists of two threads. The first thread starts with the investigation into who is leaving graffiti in Yosemite. The second thread starts with a difficult escape of Clara Hoffman, a Jewish violinist and composer, from Nazi Germany, through to her almost as difficult life in Los Angeles. These two threads are the most diverse I have seen at the start of a novel. There are plenty of difficulties. The first thread reveals possible drug trafficking, and then an incident occurs that requires the FBI to take over the part of the investigation. In the second thread, Hoffman is hounded by Nazis as she carries an original manuscript of a valuable musical work. Leaving Germany was illegal and difficult; entry into the United States is illegal and difficult; and Nazi sympathizers in Los Angeles try to retrieve what she took. The flow of each thread was different. The first thread is a typical police procedural, with a good balance between action and analysis. The second thread is more of a reaction to a changing situation, typical of a thriller. Three aspects of this novel gripped my interest and didn't let go. The first thread grew more complex, with more deaths. The second thread was the high tension and suspense, driven by the constant threat that becomes physical through deaths. When the threads merge, the action becomes a deadly cat-and-mouse scenario.
While reading this novel, the character development was very strong and enhanced my enjoyment. Most of the background is provided via B-storylines. Johnson just graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. As they reacquaint themselves through their discussions and interactions, their backgrounds are revealed. The interesting example was how Johnson forces Nance to face and overcome a personal struggle. Within the second thread, there are several B-storylines, but they are just shorter. They are Hoffman's relationships with a German conductor and composer, with her brother, and with her mother. Each one offers a glimpse into different facets of her character.
Aspects that can cause readers to stop reading are few in this novel. There are no intimate scenes, but only a rather sterile description of an assault on a woman. The level of profanity is low. The level of impious language is even lower. Much of the violence is portrayed in a more edgy manner as it occurs. The majority of the violence that is described after the fact concerned the victims found at the base of cliffs. The prologue provides a very adequate description of what happened to them. While this is the third novel in the Johnson and Nance Mysteries, I did not realize that fact until writing this review. I thought that there were no previous novels. This novel can be read first as I did. Lastly, having not visited Yosemite myself, I found the easy Internet access on my ereader valuable for pulling up maps to see the geographic area where the novel was occurring.
I did not find any aspect of this novel to be bothersome. I did enjoy the lightness this novel brought, thanks to Johnson's always seeking humor in most situations. I also enjoyed how the author wove the two threads together. All the loose ends that I identified while reading were tied up by the end of the novel. I was happy with the ending and didn't see any long-term storylines. That surprised me when I learned that there were two previous novels and at least one more to come. This novel is the first by this author that I have read. Therefore, my rating of him is Pending, but he will probably be a Will-Read author. I enjoyed reading this novel and recommend it. I rate it with four stars.
I received the free, pre-publication e-book version of this novel from Severn River Publishing through NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Severn River Publishing, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
May 19, 2026
I loved everything about this book! I’m always drawn to stories set in national parks, and I found the Yosemite setting absolutely beautiful. The author described it so vividly that it felt like I was right there alongside the characters. The prologue immediately pulled me in, and I was hooked from page one. And the mystery that followed did not disappoint!
I also loved the way the story blended a WWII backstory with a present-day crime investigation. The historical storyline was incredibly compelling, and I couldn’t stop turning pages trying to find out whether Clara would be able to escape the Nazis. At the same time, I equally enjoyed the present-day investigation. Both timelines felt tense and engaging in different ways. I especially liked Johnson and Nance’s dynamic and found the investigative process interesting to follow.
The historical elements were another standout for me. The story follows a Jewish violinist fleeing Germany, which offered a perspective I don’t often see in WWII fiction. Because Clara had already built a successful career playing the violin in a concerto in Germany, leaving meant abandoning not just her home, but also her fame, identity, and future. I thought that added an especially emotional layer to her story.
I also loved learning about the real Firefall tradition in Yosemite. It sounded absolutely breathtaking, and it sounded like such a cool, community event.
I recommend this book to any national park or nature lovers who also love crime. Fans of WWII-era historical fiction will also appreciate the unique backstory this book offers.
I also loved the way the story blended a WWII backstory with a present-day crime investigation. The historical storyline was incredibly compelling, and I couldn’t stop turning pages trying to find out whether Clara would be able to escape the Nazis. At the same time, I equally enjoyed the present-day investigation. Both timelines felt tense and engaging in different ways. I especially liked Johnson and Nance’s dynamic and found the investigative process interesting to follow.
The historical elements were another standout for me. The story follows a Jewish violinist fleeing Germany, which offered a perspective I don’t often see in WWII fiction. Because Clara had already built a successful career playing the violin in a concerto in Germany, leaving meant abandoning not just her home, but also her fame, identity, and future. I thought that added an especially emotional layer to her story.
I also loved learning about the real Firefall tradition in Yosemite. It sounded absolutely breathtaking, and it sounded like such a cool, community event.
I recommend this book to any national park or nature lovers who also love crime. Fans of WWII-era historical fiction will also appreciate the unique backstory this book offers.
May 14, 2026
I am not a professional reviewer. I don't understand how a professional reviewer could conscientiously review this book with out reading 1 and 2 for background. This book is a compelling read, and I had trouble putting it down. I grew up around Yosemite, and the author described it and the surrounds, beautifully. This is also true about the Everglades (Book 2), and Yellowstone (Book 3), where I have spent much time. I think it is important to read Books 1, 2, and 3 in order, as the characters develop throughout. The mystery itself is ok as a standalone, but the reader would greatly benefit from being introduced to Johnson and Nance from the start. As to this story, the several plot lines are well established, come together nicely, and the interplay between Johnson and Nance continue to grow their relationship. You get a hint of something personal developing. I found myself rooting for the two investigators and several of the other characters. I can hardly wait for the release of #4.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC through "Severn River" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Nance and Johnson being sent to Yosemite in relation to a graffiti artist defacing property. They were able to discover and arrest the artist, however her body was discovered in the park on a ledge and the question that needed to be answered was how, accident, suicide or a homicide. As it turns out, it was discovered that it related to an incident which happened in the 1940's
and was a precursor to more killings.
The book also described the events which were associated with the earlier incident which covered the period of WWII with starting in Germany and eventually happening in America. This is a separate theme in the story but will tie the two themes together.
This is definitely well worth reading and continues the adventures from the previous two books. Don't miss out and if you haven't read the 1st two, then pick them up, you won't be sorry!
The story begins with Nance and Johnson being sent to Yosemite in relation to a graffiti artist defacing property. They were able to discover and arrest the artist, however her body was discovered in the park on a ledge and the question that needed to be answered was how, accident, suicide or a homicide. As it turns out, it was discovered that it related to an incident which happened in the 1940's
and was a precursor to more killings.
The book also described the events which were associated with the earlier incident which covered the period of WWII with starting in Germany and eventually happening in America. This is a separate theme in the story but will tie the two themes together.
This is definitely well worth reading and continues the adventures from the previous two books. Don't miss out and if you haven't read the 1st two, then pick them up, you won't be sorry!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Firefall should have been an exciting and interesting book – a beautiful location, Yosemite, and a missing musical manuscript from Johann Sebastian Bach. However, the dual timeline and inadequate introduction of well-developed protagonists made reading a hard slog. It seemed to take forever for the two timelines to intersect. Yes, this is book #3 of the Johnson and Nance National Park Investigative Service Branch series and perhaps the author assumed the reader should have prior knowledge of this series – whatever the case, this book is not a well written standalone and as interesting as the plot could have been, it did not deliver. I received an ARC from Severn River Publishing and the opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“Dope on a rope”
Graffiti brings Special Agents Johnson and Nance to Yosemite National Park. The investigation takes a sudden turn when the suspect falls from Glacier Point. Is it an accident, suicide, or murder? A woman from the suspect's synagogue died in a similar fall there years ago. As Johnson and Nance uncover clues, they point to a young Jewish violinist fleeing Nazi Germany at the start of World War II, and a treasure in the wilderness.
Whoa! The beginning of the book is intense, in a “make your skin crawl” sort of way. The way Mark Thielman weaves past and present together as the story develops is masterful. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Graffiti brings Special Agents Johnson and Nance to Yosemite National Park. The investigation takes a sudden turn when the suspect falls from Glacier Point. Is it an accident, suicide, or murder? A woman from the suspect's synagogue died in a similar fall there years ago. As Johnson and Nance uncover clues, they point to a young Jewish violinist fleeing Nazi Germany at the start of World War II, and a treasure in the wilderness.
Whoa! The beginning of the book is intense, in a “make your skin crawl” sort of way. The way Mark Thielman weaves past and present together as the story develops is masterful. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
April 18, 2026
A piece of music by Bach becomes a bone of contention between Nazi sympathizers and a Jewish family. This music masterpiece was brought from Nazi Germany to the Yosemite in America by a famous violinist decades ago during the world war. When a graffiti artist is murdered, Nance and Johnson find out that something important was hidden in her art and a killer is targeting anyone who knows about it. Was it the piece of music by Bach? Why is it so important to the killer? An edge of the seat thriller which is suspense filled and action packed.
April 18, 2026
Be careful, these novels are addictive!
I’m retired, so I’ll admit to more leisure time than most. I generally finish Mark Thielman novels in a day or two. They are universally so engaging that I tend to want to read just one more chapter before attacking the day’s “Honey, do” list. One chapter becomes two, and the next thing I know the lawn waits until tomorrow. I won’t give hints about plot. If you haven’t discovered this series, you are in for a real treat. Personally, I can’t wait for The fourth book, in January. P.S., Mr. Thielman, please write faster!
I’m retired, so I’ll admit to more leisure time than most. I generally finish Mark Thielman novels in a day or two. They are universally so engaging that I tend to want to read just one more chapter before attacking the day’s “Honey, do” list. One chapter becomes two, and the next thing I know the lawn waits until tomorrow. I won’t give hints about plot. If you haven’t discovered this series, you are in for a real treat. Personally, I can’t wait for The fourth book, in January. P.S., Mr. Thielman, please write faster!
April 22, 2026
I thoroughly enjoy The Johnson and Nance Mysteries; I love how he combines history with the current.
Johnson and Nance are sent to Yosemite National Park to investigate a graffiti artist leaving their mark in the park. It’s not long before the have narrowed down their suspect, but when that suspect falls to their death. This leads them to a fall many years ago, and a manuscript gone missing during WWII
Looking forward to a 4th book.
Johnson and Nance are sent to Yosemite National Park to investigate a graffiti artist leaving their mark in the park. It’s not long before the have narrowed down their suspect, but when that suspect falls to their death. This leads them to a fall many years ago, and a manuscript gone missing during WWII
Looking forward to a 4th book.
May 13, 2026
This book was well written. The storyline goes between the past and the present and at first, it was a little confusing, but it made sense as the story developed. I liked the character development for characters in the past. The character development of the "present" characters was not as detailed. They were portrayed as wise-crackers (smart-asses) which is fun, but I've never met anyone who joked around as much as these in the story. I recommend for an easy read
April 25, 2026
Another good addition to the series, The Firefall, is told in a dual timeline. Crimes that happened at the beginning of WWII and the Nazi occupation of Europe will have its bearing over a family of German Jewish immigrants in the US. It's an engaging story, easy to read, and very entertaining!
I thank the author and his publisher for this ARC.
I thank the author and his publisher for this ARC.
May 1, 2026
I especially enjoy novels that incorporate a historical setting within the framework of a murder mystery. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are entertaining. What initially appears to be a routine occurrence in our National Parks develops into a complex narrative, as a dark chapter of history and its legacy guide the investigators toward the ultimate resolution.
May 10, 2026
Terrific!
Mark Thielman has written another fantastic Nance and Johnson book. Firefall is a compelling contemporary mystery; set in Yosemite National Park; highlighting Germany’s Nazi party rise in the 1930s.
Action, Adventure, Mystery. It doesn’t get any better than this book.
Excellent!
Mark Thielman has written another fantastic Nance and Johnson book. Firefall is a compelling contemporary mystery; set in Yosemite National Park; highlighting Germany’s Nazi party rise in the 1930s.
Action, Adventure, Mystery. It doesn’t get any better than this book.
Excellent!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
So glad to receive this as a giveaway! I liked the first two and am looking forward to the next. The historical reference felt a little more contrived in this one than the last one in the bayou, but it still made sense and kept moving. Nance and Johnson have so many more parks to visit!
April 30, 2026
Great story full of history, mystery and excitement.
Mark Thielman does it again. This latest Johnson and Vance mystery keeps you reading. The perfect blending of history and mystery. A great read.
Mark Thielman does it again. This latest Johnson and Vance mystery keeps you reading. The perfect blending of history and mystery. A great read.
May 3, 2026
I enjoyed it
Good book. Held my interest and has a very clever plot. The ending is a little cliched. There’s also a few side stories that didn’t add to the book and seemed like page fillers.
Well researched and good descriptions of Yosemite.
Good book. Held my interest and has a very clever plot. The ending is a little cliched. There’s also a few side stories that didn’t add to the book and seemed like page fillers.
Well researched and good descriptions of Yosemite.
May 25, 2026
The past and the present!
I enjoy the two story lines, one from the past and one in the present . And there is always art and a National Park to help tell the story. Good characters and great locations and a little crazy thrown in. Good story telling who-done-it!
I enjoy the two story lines, one from the past and one in the present . And there is always art and a National Park to help tell the story. Good characters and great locations and a little crazy thrown in. Good story telling who-done-it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Excellent story! I didn't want to put it down! I look forward to reading more stories from Mr. Thielman!
April 25, 2026
This was a good series. Too bad the only way to read the next installment is as an e-book.
May 13, 2026
Great story! I love that all his books take place in national parks.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews