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Tyler Zahn #6
Diverted: A Town, A Tune, A Secret...
Deputy sheriff and search-and-rescue volunteer Tyler Zahn fears the worst when his adventure-seeking daughter disappears on Colorado's most dangerous stretch of whitewater. Racing into the rapids, he instead discovers the aftermath of another tragedy—and a clue pointing to a secret the river has hidden for decades.
At first, Zahn barely registers its significance. He's more worried about his own family. He knows how to rescue strangers, but he can't keep his thrill-seeking daughter from the risks that pull her deeper into danger. Searching for something he can control, Zahn begins digging into the mystery behind a long-forgotten local rock band from the 1970s.
What starts as a curiosity quickly turns darker. With help from his girlfriend, loyal friends, and an unlikely local ally, Zahn uncovers connections that powerful people have spent years keeping buried.
When the river finally gives up its dead, Zahn must decide how far he's willing to go for the truth—before the same current dragging others under pulls him down as well.
At first, Zahn barely registers its significance. He's more worried about his own family. He knows how to rescue strangers, but he can't keep his thrill-seeking daughter from the risks that pull her deeper into danger. Searching for something he can control, Zahn begins digging into the mystery behind a long-forgotten local rock band from the 1970s.
What starts as a curiosity quickly turns darker. With help from his girlfriend, loyal friends, and an unlikely local ally, Zahn uncovers connections that powerful people have spent years keeping buried.
When the river finally gives up its dead, Zahn must decide how far he's willing to go for the truth—before the same current dragging others under pulls him down as well.
267 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2026
About the author
Cam Torrens
8 books134 followersOver a 30-year Air Force career, author Cam Torrens delivered combat supplies and personnel across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He piloted the first mobility aircraft into Iraq during the Iraq War, served as the United States Air Attaché at the US Embassy in Beijing, China, and spent four years as the Professor of Aerospace Studies at Virginia Tech. Since retiring from the service, Cam has hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
A father of six, Cam and his spouse live in Buena Vista, Colorado, where he serves as the Vice President of the Central Colorado Writers, and volunteers with the Chaffee County Search & Rescue team.
Cam has published five books in the Tyler Zahn series about an Air Force vet saving lost hikers and tracking down bad guys in the Colorado Rockies. His latest book, HAVOC, is a finalist for the Colorado Book Award. The sixth book in the series, Diverted, will release in September 2026.
Be sure to follow Cam on BookBub as well at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cam-t...
A father of six, Cam and his spouse live in Buena Vista, Colorado, where he serves as the Vice President of the Central Colorado Writers, and volunteers with the Chaffee County Search & Rescue team.
Cam has published five books in the Tyler Zahn series about an Air Force vet saving lost hikers and tracking down bad guys in the Colorado Rockies. His latest book, HAVOC, is a finalist for the Colorado Book Award. The sixth book in the series, Diverted, will release in September 2026.
Be sure to follow Cam on BookBub as well at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cam-t...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 28, 2026
This was a really fun read. I loved all the previous Tyler Zahn books and have really come to anticipate and appreciate Cam Torrens' descriptions of the Colorado landscape to set the scene where the action happens. This book started different and became really engrossing with a mix of new characters past and present. Plus a new side of SAR that we hadn't heard about in previous books. The story was unique, surprising, and it was fun to feel the small town vibe in this one. I loved it!
October 8, 2026
I thoroughly enjoy this series! Diverted includes plenty of fodder for local Colorado readers to enjoy and introduces a compelling dual-timeline plot with fun musical elements. Longtime fans won't want to miss this one, and new readers will find plenty of action and wilderness hi-jinks to keep the pages turning.
September 28, 2026
Tyler Zahn gets drawn into a 30 year old mystery that includes dangerous rapids, a hidden object, and a 70’s rock band. This book employs a dual timeline in the same Colorado settings. Adventure, mystery, and music—how could you not enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Diverted” is the six novel in Cam Torrens’ Search and Rescue series. Set in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, this story opens when Tyler Zahn (Z-man) learns of a river accident with a fatality. He rushes to the scene, not only because he wishes to help, but because his daughter is working as a raft guide and this season the river are less than ideal. Thank goodness it was not his daughter. Unfortunately, to recover the body they need to divert the flow of the river (sorry, I don’t quite understand how that works!). It is then that a local homeless person (who is unable to control his speech due to an injury) convinces Z-man to wade out to a rock for something he insists is hidden there. Being able to access this particular part of the river is extremely rare, and Z-man finds a cassette tape inside an old Tang jar. How strange. When he borrows a cassette player from a friend, they find music from the late seventies. Who made that music and why was it hidden? And why are people who are interested in this musical mystery suddenly being threatened?
Set in the present and in the late seventies, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat with all kinds of twists and turns. I’m a huge fan of Z-man and his his friends and I’m looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.
I’m very grateful for having received an ARC of this novel and my opinions are my own.
Set in the present and in the late seventies, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat with all kinds of twists and turns. I’m a huge fan of Z-man and his his friends and I’m looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.
I’m very grateful for having received an ARC of this novel and my opinions are my own.
October 1, 2026
Rock & roll and raging rivers. Both rising and falling as Cam Torrens weaves another gripping tale of mystery, intrigue and suspense! As with the entire Tyler Zahn series, I never wanted to put this one down until I figured out “who done it”. This dual timeline story drew me in. As a high school Geometry teacher, I envisioned two parallel (story)lines in the beginning but I knew there had to be a time/place where they actually intersected. And that’s what had me hooked, trying to find the clues as I read to figure out how the two stories would come together. Torrens’ masterful writing always leaves me shocked in the end, in the best kind of way, as he reveals the “who” along with the “how” and “why” with his clever and most satisfying narrative. Known characters are continually developing and new characters are seamlessly integrated into the story, making me look forward to the next in the series even before finishing. Filled with quick wit, playful banter, and snappy retorts, Torrens’ writing always makes me feel like I am in the story, along for the ride while Z-man asks the right questions, reads between the lines and makes all the right connections to solve the mystery.
This needs to be at the top of your TBR list! And if you are new to the series, start with “Damaged” to meet Tyler Zahn at the beginning of his adventures!
This needs to be at the top of your TBR list! And if you are new to the series, start with “Damaged” to meet Tyler Zahn at the beginning of his adventures!
Review of advance copy received from Author
One line hit me like a sledgehammer: “I keep thinking about how fast everything can go wrong. How fragile it all is.” That one early line in Cam Torren’s terrific thriller, Diverted, says it all. It’s every parent’s nightmare, and every parent’s reality. Raw with emotion and more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, Torren’s character, Tyler Zahn, feels it all. His daughter, Daria, sets aside her graduate studies to learn river life as a guide. She and Zahn find out, the hard way, that rivers have perils, both seen and unseen, and tragedies happen. But both Zahn and Daria are determined to navigate both life and the river.
Readers will be swept along with the current taking place within the pages- sometimes calm and passive, sometimes raging and unpredictable, and some bring death. You won’t see what’s coming until it’s too late, and you’ll be too far gone to set it aside. Diverted is, perhaps, my favorite of Cam Torrens’ books, and I’ve had the pleasure of reading them all. If you’ve not already discovered this terrific author, you need to. Diverted is a perfect place to start. I recommend it wholeheartedly, and it is worthy of 5 stars I’ve given it! Joseph Lewis, Author of Blaze In, Blaze Out and Black Yéʼii (The Evil One)
Readers will be swept along with the current taking place within the pages- sometimes calm and passive, sometimes raging and unpredictable, and some bring death. You won’t see what’s coming until it’s too late, and you’ll be too far gone to set it aside. Diverted is, perhaps, my favorite of Cam Torrens’ books, and I’ve had the pleasure of reading them all. If you’ve not already discovered this terrific author, you need to. Diverted is a perfect place to start. I recommend it wholeheartedly, and it is worthy of 5 stars I’ve given it! Joseph Lewis, Author of Blaze In, Blaze Out and Black Yéʼii (The Evil One)
September 26, 2026
Torrens's latest thriller, Diverted, delivers all the thrills and twists and turns I've come to expect from the Tyler Zahn series. Just when I thought I had the mystery pinned down, a new revelation would send the story in an entirely different direction, keeping me guessing and turning pages well into the night.
Zahn's grit and intuition are the heart of this series, but what made this installment particularly clever was the use of dual timelines. Torrens skillfully uses these parallel narratives to reveal the backstory behind the cassette tape that was seemingly randomly pointed out to Zahn by a "crazy" homeless man. What felt like a minor, eccentric detail at the start unfolds into a vital piece of the puzzle.
As with the previous books in the series, the geography of Buena Vista is a star of the story. Torrens’s intimate knowledge of the terrain makes the setting feel as essential to the plot as the characters themselves.
If you’re looking for a thriller that balances authentic mountain rescue with a deep, character-driven mystery, Diverted is a must-read.
-Kim McCollum, Author of Harriet Hates Lemonade and What Happens in Montana
Zahn's grit and intuition are the heart of this series, but what made this installment particularly clever was the use of dual timelines. Torrens skillfully uses these parallel narratives to reveal the backstory behind the cassette tape that was seemingly randomly pointed out to Zahn by a "crazy" homeless man. What felt like a minor, eccentric detail at the start unfolds into a vital piece of the puzzle.
As with the previous books in the series, the geography of Buena Vista is a star of the story. Torrens’s intimate knowledge of the terrain makes the setting feel as essential to the plot as the characters themselves.
If you’re looking for a thriller that balances authentic mountain rescue with a deep, character-driven mystery, Diverted is a must-read.
-Kim McCollum, Author of Harriet Hates Lemonade and What Happens in Montana
Review of advance copy received from Author
Diverted by Cam Torrens takes us on another page-turning thrill ride in his Tyler Zahn series, and this time, there are more twists and turns than the Numbers rapids on the Arkansas River. Fans of Zahn’s will love the characters who populate Buena Vista, Colorado—from the rapids to the band members who are river rats, to the town’s quirky unhoused man and dog (Gary and Gizmo), and the two loves of Zahn’s life, his independent daughter, and his empathetic girlfriend.
The mystery ratchets up with a mega-hit record from a lost lead guitarist, and a found Memorex Type II cassette. Aided by mysterious clues from Gary, the suspenseful story takes a turn with a river raft drowning in the rapids and the lonely whistle from a train that quit running. Diverted is another terrific suspense classic from the SAR-trained Torrens, set as usual against a great visual backdrop: the Colorado mountains. You’re sure to be diverted from anything else until you finish reading Diverted—it’s that good.
The mystery ratchets up with a mega-hit record from a lost lead guitarist, and a found Memorex Type II cassette. Aided by mysterious clues from Gary, the suspenseful story takes a turn with a river raft drowning in the rapids and the lonely whistle from a train that quit running. Diverted is another terrific suspense classic from the SAR-trained Torrens, set as usual against a great visual backdrop: the Colorado mountains. You’re sure to be diverted from anything else until you finish reading Diverted—it’s that good.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you love reading about search and rescue, this book is for you. It’s also a return to one of my favorite characters, Tyler Zahn. He’s an everyday hero. Part law enforcement, part search and rescue, and a standup guy who genuinely cares about his family and his friends.
The rescue scenes are incredibly realistic and Diverted has the character-driven feel of a cozy mystery. Although for me, the heart of the story was the dynamic between Tyler and his daughter, who is every bit as stubborn and independent as her father. He's doing land search and rescue; she's doing water rescue. Two peas in a very determined pod.
The novel has a dual timeline, and the mystery centers on a band in the 1970s. The past alternates chapters with the present, but the real truth can’t emerge until Zahn unravels the clues in the present. And the reveal is both unexpected and satisfying.
Diverted also has two wonderful dogs, Amore and Gizmo, who steal every scene they're in. I highly recommend, especially if you love mysteries with real emotional depth.
The rescue scenes are incredibly realistic and Diverted has the character-driven feel of a cozy mystery. Although for me, the heart of the story was the dynamic between Tyler and his daughter, who is every bit as stubborn and independent as her father. He's doing land search and rescue; she's doing water rescue. Two peas in a very determined pod.
The novel has a dual timeline, and the mystery centers on a band in the 1970s. The past alternates chapters with the present, but the real truth can’t emerge until Zahn unravels the clues in the present. And the reveal is both unexpected and satisfying.
Diverted also has two wonderful dogs, Amore and Gizmo, who steal every scene they're in. I highly recommend, especially if you love mysteries with real emotional depth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tyler Zahn is back with an action-packed, dual-timeline mystery in Diverted. This installment sees Zahn and his daughter involved in a river rescue, which leads to the discovery of an old cassette tape that holds a secret. Determined to learn more, Zahn plunges into a decades-old mystery where greed, power, and corruption form a dangerous combination.
Torrens is at his best in Diverted, giving a master class in how to blend pulse-pounding action, flawed characters, emotional depth, and a dangerous setting to form a can't-put-down mystery that will leave you guessing to the final resolution. Torrens' in-depth knowledge of search and rescue operations and the Colorado landscape add realism to the book, and his wry humor shines through in Zahn's character.
Any Tyler Zahn book is a must-read for me; if you haven't tried the series yet, no better way to dip your toe in the water than Diverted...but be careful, you don't know what's lurking underneath!
Torrens is at his best in Diverted, giving a master class in how to blend pulse-pounding action, flawed characters, emotional depth, and a dangerous setting to form a can't-put-down mystery that will leave you guessing to the final resolution. Torrens' in-depth knowledge of search and rescue operations and the Colorado landscape add realism to the book, and his wry humor shines through in Zahn's character.
Any Tyler Zahn book is a must-read for me; if you haven't tried the series yet, no better way to dip your toe in the water than Diverted...but be careful, you don't know what's lurking underneath!
Review of advance copy
Cam Torrens has done it again. Diverted is a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller that grabbed me from the opening pages and never let go. Blending authentic search-and-rescue operations with a gripping mystery, Torrens delivers a story that keeps the tension high while making it nearly impossible to put down.
One of Cam's greatest strengths is his ability to write action that feels real. Every rescue, every clue, and every twist pulls you deeper into the story, making you feel like you're right alongside Tyler Zahn as the mystery unfolds. The pacing is relentless, but it's balanced by memorable characters and genuine emotional moments that make you care just as much about the people as the outcome.
If you're looking for a thriller filled with suspense, heart, and nonstop momentum, Diverted delivers on every level. Cam Torrens has crafted another outstanding Tyler Zahn adventure that will leave readers eagerly waiting for the next installment.
One of Cam's greatest strengths is his ability to write action that feels real. Every rescue, every clue, and every twist pulls you deeper into the story, making you feel like you're right alongside Tyler Zahn as the mystery unfolds. The pacing is relentless, but it's balanced by memorable characters and genuine emotional moments that make you care just as much about the people as the outcome.
If you're looking for a thriller filled with suspense, heart, and nonstop momentum, Diverted delivers on every level. Cam Torrens has crafted another outstanding Tyler Zahn adventure that will leave readers eagerly waiting for the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When his daughter Daria is involved in a river rafting accident, Tyler Zahn races to the scene, desperate to protect her. During the SAR (Search-and-Rescue) effort, he discovers a music cassette secreted in a Tang jar. The mystery of that tape will spark a series of events that threaten the people Tyler Zahn loves.
Zahn is a compelling hero—emotionally scarred but dogged, with a blue-collar soul and a trip-hammer mind. Small town secrets, hard-boiled crime, and family drama make for potent storytelling. DIVERTED unfolds in a dual timeline. Flashbacks to the late seventies feature Shane McMurry, the musician songwriter at the center of the mystery, lending authenticity and dramatic irony to the tale.
The corrosive effects of lies, and the redemptive balm of truth drive this Cam Torrens masterpiece. When I say “drive,” I mean 90 mph on hairpin curves. Strap yourself in.
Zahn is a compelling hero—emotionally scarred but dogged, with a blue-collar soul and a trip-hammer mind. Small town secrets, hard-boiled crime, and family drama make for potent storytelling. DIVERTED unfolds in a dual timeline. Flashbacks to the late seventies feature Shane McMurry, the musician songwriter at the center of the mystery, lending authenticity and dramatic irony to the tale.
The corrosive effects of lies, and the redemptive balm of truth drive this Cam Torrens masterpiece. When I say “drive,” I mean 90 mph on hairpin curves. Strap yourself in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Looking for a little whitewater and rock n’ roll? Dive into Diverted, the latest search and rescue novel featuring good guy action man Tyler Zahn. A truly creative adventure novel for readers looking for something with a 1970s twist. Think thugs, rockers, rescuers and rafters, all intertwined in a mountain mystery bouncing between the late 70s and present day. Diverted features the realistic, true-to-life details that we’ve come to love in the other Z-man novels. You gotta love Zahn, the family guy who doesn’t always get it right but somehow always stays on the bad guy’s trail. This story has more twists and turns than a Class VI rapids and enough heart to fill up a classic rock song. Nostalgic details like Tang and cassette tapes and themes of justice and perseverance make this novel a standout. Pick up Diverted and make sure your life vest is strapped on tight!
September 29, 2026
A great addition to the Tyler Zahn series! I just finished Diverted. I’ve read all six books in Cam Torrens’ Tyler Zahn series. Diverted is my favorite, not just because I appreciate a good Glen Campbell reference.
It’s been such a pleasure reading each book and experiencing the adventures along with Tyler Zahn. I’ve enjoyed watching all the characters Cam created develop from book to book.
The setting is another highlight. Buena Vista, Colorado, and the surrounding Rocky Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for the story. Cam does a wonderful job capturing the small-town atmosphere and dynamics.
And then there’s the mystery! The plot kept me engaged, with as many twists and turns as the Arkansas River. I really enjoyed how the mystery, characters, and setting all came together to create a story that was difficult to put down.
Highly recommend!
It’s been such a pleasure reading each book and experiencing the adventures along with Tyler Zahn. I’ve enjoyed watching all the characters Cam created develop from book to book.
The setting is another highlight. Buena Vista, Colorado, and the surrounding Rocky Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for the story. Cam does a wonderful job capturing the small-town atmosphere and dynamics.
And then there’s the mystery! The plot kept me engaged, with as many twists and turns as the Arkansas River. I really enjoyed how the mystery, characters, and setting all came together to create a story that was difficult to put down.
Highly recommend!
October 1, 2026
Back for more!
The Tyler Zahn suspense series delivers again! The main character feels more like an old friend with every additional book. While delivering a fast-paced story with plenty of twists and turns, the reader feels a sense of comfort, experiencing the mystery through the POV of Tyler Zahn—a humble person who values family and the outdoors.
In Diverted, we follow two timelines: the story of a local river town band from the 1970s and a present-day FBI investigation. These two stories come together as a decades-old music scandal is uncovered while lives hang in the balance.
As someone who has been on multiple river rafting trips, from the Arkansas River to the Little Pigeon River, I appreciated the accurate descriptions within the river scenes. Author Cam Torrens is known for his effortless descriptions of nature, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The Tyler Zahn suspense series delivers again! The main character feels more like an old friend with every additional book. While delivering a fast-paced story with plenty of twists and turns, the reader feels a sense of comfort, experiencing the mystery through the POV of Tyler Zahn—a humble person who values family and the outdoors.
In Diverted, we follow two timelines: the story of a local river town band from the 1970s and a present-day FBI investigation. These two stories come together as a decades-old music scandal is uncovered while lives hang in the balance.
As someone who has been on multiple river rafting trips, from the Arkansas River to the Little Pigeon River, I appreciated the accurate descriptions within the river scenes. Author Cam Torrens is known for his effortless descriptions of nature, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Diverted kept me guessing until the final pages, trying to separate out the hints from the red herrings scattered throughout this mystery-thriller. The latest from author Cam Torrens has all the high-stakes, super detailed rescue scenarios we love and expect from this author. But in this one, he’s woven in a second storyline involving a 70’s rock band trying to make it big. Filled with likable, believable characters—people you’d want to have a beer with in real life—Diverted is the perfect summer read for everybody looking something a bit more complex than the typical thriller—readers who prefer that the next plot point isn’t telegraphed pages ahead but instead, hits you over the head as a complete surprise.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and advanced copy of this book
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and advanced copy of this book
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been a Cam Torrens fan since I read Stable, the first in the Tyler Zahn Mystery-Suspense Novel series, but this book really blew me away. This novel contains all the components of a tense thriller, but so much more. I especially love the author’s continued exploration of a very human, complicated main character. Tyler Zahn’s stubbornness, loyalty and fierce drive to protect the people he loves are simultaneously his strengths and at times his undoing. How an author’s writing can become both more descriptive and more spare is beyond me, but somehow Torrens manages to weave emotional beats seamlessly into a propulsive narrative. I really think this is his best yet, and that’s saying something. I received an early copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Author Cam Torrens has done it again: a compelling and atmospheric novel that blends mountain adventure, mystery, and music history into an unputdownable novel. Set in the rugged landscape of Colorado, the story follows search-and-rescue volunteer Tyler Zahn as a river incident leads to the discovery of a decades-old secret tied to a lost recording and a vanished musician. The dual timeline unfolds smoothly, revealing how past events ripple into the present. Torrens has a gift for making the mountain setting captivating and authentic, and his characters, as always, are believable and memorable. With its mix of suspense, small-town life, and emotional depth, Diverted: A Town, A Tune, A Secret is an absorbing read that will appeal to his longtime fans and new readers alike.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Who knew a river could be diverted just like a life? In the latest Tyler Zahn adventure, Torrens takes us through the tricky rapids of the 1960s music industry and dirty downstream dealings surface, presenting our hero’s current challenge. But, distracted by his daughter, Daria’s diversions—yes, every character in this tale has stepped off their designated path—Z-man lands himself in a bit of trouble. Thank goodness Zahn can swim through it, unraveling decades of misdealing and present day threats. Music lovers will embrace the underdog rock band, and it’s impossible not to root for Zahn and his FBI lady friend as they take on the bad guys. A pageturner to the pitch perfect ending. Don’t miss it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
All of the Tyler Zahn books move at a breakneck pace, and Diverted is no exception. The plot twists, turns, surges and rushes on, much like the Arkansas river at the center of the action. As a fan of the series, I expected a violent, torrential pace that perfectly complemented the natural beauty of a small Colorado town. What I did not expect was to cry at the reveal. By flashing between the town's past and present, Cam Torrens has managed to pull at heart strings in disguise as guitar strings. The period details perfectly recreate the late 1970s both in mood and in substance, and remind the reader why the past should never be forgotten. A must-read for fans of rock 'n roll, contemporary westerns, thrillers, or anyone who remembers cassette tapes. A true gem.
September 24, 2026
In Diverted, the sixth novel in the popular Tyler Zahn series, author Cam Torrens delivers a dual-timeline story comprised of two seemingly unrelated plotlines set 45 years apart. The way these stories are gradually and surprisingly woven together is where the brilliance of this novel lies. To say too much more would involve spoilers. But I will say, be prepared for a plot with more twists and turns than the Rocky Mountains portion of the Arkansas River where bodies—and secrets—are submerged… combined with flesh-and-blood characters who are sometimes quirky but always sympathetic. Author Torrens has the unique ability to breathe life and nuance not only into his people but also into his topics, whether he’s writing about river rescues or ‘70s rock music. A fun and diverting read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was a pleasure to read an advance copy of Diverted, the 6th book in Cam Torrens’s Tyler Zahn series!
In the 6th book of the excellent Tyler Zahn series, Z-Man is drawn into a dual timeline mystery and true to form, he can’t let it go till wrongs from the past are exposed and set right. I appreciate Torrens’s gorgeous descriptions of the mountain town of Buena Vista, Colorado with its cast of relatable and complex characters, and a river that holds the key to a mystery surrounding a 1970’s rock band. Torrens masterfully weaves the timelines together with unexpected twists and a perfect, beautiful ending.
In the 6th book of the excellent Tyler Zahn series, Z-Man is drawn into a dual timeline mystery and true to form, he can’t let it go till wrongs from the past are exposed and set right. I appreciate Torrens’s gorgeous descriptions of the mountain town of Buena Vista, Colorado with its cast of relatable and complex characters, and a river that holds the key to a mystery surrounding a 1970’s rock band. Torrens masterfully weaves the timelines together with unexpected twists and a perfect, beautiful ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Diverted, Tyler Zahn finds himself entangled in a mystery that stretches back to the 1970s. It’s a wonderfully surprising and emotional ride as the Z-man and his friends and colleagues piece together a real puzzle in an attempt to right a decades-old injustice. All the characters are incredibly well-drawn, and there are many twists and turns along the way. I especially loved Gary, the houseless savant with Tourette’s and his little dog. I was really invested and perplexed by the mystery and could never predict what was going to happen next. I love all the Tyler Zahn novels, but this might be my favorite.
September 24, 2026
Diverted is a clever, unputdownable thriller with heart.
This book completely disrupted my day. Brimming with suspense, an ingenious mystery, quirky characters, 1970s nostalgia, and surprising tenderness, I couldn't put it down. It's new territory for Tyler Zahn when search and rescue missions move from mountain tops to river rapids. But he's in his comfort zone when he unearths a 1970's artifact during a river rescue and begins piecing together the mystery of its contents. Torrens masterfully stitches together clues, characters, and in this case, the past and present in a very satisfying story. I loved it.
This book completely disrupted my day. Brimming with suspense, an ingenious mystery, quirky characters, 1970s nostalgia, and surprising tenderness, I couldn't put it down. It's new territory for Tyler Zahn when search and rescue missions move from mountain tops to river rapids. But he's in his comfort zone when he unearths a 1970's artifact during a river rescue and begins piecing together the mystery of its contents. Torrens masterfully stitches together clues, characters, and in this case, the past and present in a very satisfying story. I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Diverted: A Town, A Tune, A Secret is the latest installment in the Tyler Zahn series and once again Torrens delivers a masterful story. Zahn uncovers a crime hidden for half a century and focuses his unique skills on finding justice for the victims. The story is told from multiple viewpoints and multiple timelines, but Torrens weaves them seamlessly into an epic story that builds to a stunning reveal. Rent yourself a cabin in the woods, seat yourself in a rocker, find a loyal dog to curl up at your feet, and enjoy this book as it was meant to be read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Diverted finds returning character Tyler Zahn involved in a mystery of missing band members and stolen songs after he finds a forty-five-year-old cassette tape during a SAR recovery. What starts out as a curiosity becomes a multi-agency investigation, with Z-man in the middle of it. Cam Torrens is a master storyteller who brings the pages to life with his lovable characters, believable plots and picturesque descriptions of the landscape.
LeeAnne James -- Award-winning author of The Thin Blue Line Series
Review of advance copy received from Author
Torrens has written a masterful dual-timeline story that begins with a river rescue, a homeless man, and a hidden 1970s demo cassette tape. When the tape is found, the circumstances don't add up. Tyler Zahn can't resist searching for the tape's origin, so he works an unofficial cold case with his SAR and FBI friends. They try to determine how a number-one hit that hadn't been written yet ended up on a cassette in a jar at the bottom of the river.
With non-stop action, multiple suspects, dead ends, and hidden identities, the race is on for Zahn to solve another unusual case in Buena Vista.
With non-stop action, multiple suspects, dead ends, and hidden identities, the race is on for Zahn to solve another unusual case in Buena Vista.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A daughter working as a raft guide on a perilous river in Colorado, a kindly homeless guy, a 70s band, a shady music producer, predatory record labels… You might wonder how they are all connected. But in the world of our affable search-and-rescue hero, Z-man, you quickly learn that nothing is ordinary and everything is suspicious. The story moves between the present and the 70s and is particularly effective in revealing details of a riveting and sinister secret. Fans of the Tyler Zahn mystery series will find this story rewarding, and those new to it will surely be intrigued!
May 21, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
After a river gets diverted for a rescue mission, Tyler Zahn gets tangled up in a musical mystery with the town's well-known unhoused resident. Diverted tells the tale of a musical band who was wronged long ago-but Zahn is always up for an adventure to right any wrongdoings. Water and musical culture collide in this fast-paced, unique story, and readers will find themselves immersed in Zahn's bold and reckless actions as he tries to bring justice to a nearly-forgotten local band. This is Cam Torrens's best work- don't miss out.
After a river gets diverted for a rescue mission, Tyler Zahn gets tangled up in a musical mystery with the town's well-known unhoused resident. Diverted tells the tale of a musical band who was wronged long ago-but Zahn is always up for an adventure to right any wrongdoings. Water and musical culture collide in this fast-paced, unique story, and readers will find themselves immersed in Zahn's bold and reckless actions as he tries to bring justice to a nearly-forgotten local band. This is Cam Torrens's best work- don't miss out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cam Torren’s Diverted is a page-turning thriller about mountains and music, theft and betrayal. Torrens does an exceptional job of showing how a stolen dream can resonate for decades across the lives of those affected by a crime. In crisp, clear language he highlights not just the damage done to the characters but also their love for each other and their music, and the beauty of the mountains and rivers they call home. If you’re looking for a fast-paced book with a twisty plot and a surprising amount of heart you’ll definitely want to read Diverted.
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