Blind Thrust

Joe Higheagle #1

by Samuel Marquis

#1 Denver Post Bestseller
Winner Foreword Reviews' Book of the Year
Winner Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Award-Winning Finalist USA Best Book Awards
Award-Winning Finalist Beverly Hills Book Awards

Horrific earthquakes are devastating the Front Range between Denver and Colorado Springs in an area long believed to be seismically quiescent. Somehow the cause of the unusual earthquakes must be unraveled and the cataclysms stopped before they result in more carnage and devastation. But are they the result of natural tectonic adjustments, hydro-fracking, conventional subsurface sequestering, or clandestine operations? Environmental Geologist Joe Higheagle is on a mission to find out the answer. But he soon finds himself in a deadly duel of wits against powerful forces and, with the cataclysms worsening, he may not have enough on his side to solve the mystery and save Colorado from more devastation. Can he solve the enigma of the earthquakes and gather enough evidence to stop those responsible? Will the tremors continue to wreak death and mayhem across the Front Range? Or will Higheagle and his outgunned team be defeated and ultimately crushed by their adversaries? If the earthquakes are not stopped, thousands more will perish and more towns and homes will be destroyed, leaving countless injured and homeless as well as untold financial damage across the Front Range. But can the resourceful Higheagle and his team stop those responsible? In the end, all they can do is try.

Genres: Thriller, Suspense

307 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 2015

About the author

The ninth-great-grandson of legendary privateer Captain William Kidd, Samuel Marquis, M.S., P.G., is a professional hydrogeologist, expert witness, and bestselling, award-winning author of twelve American non-fiction-history, historical-fiction, and suspense books, covering primarily the period from colonial America through WWII. His American history and historical fiction books have been #1 Denver Post bestsellers and received multiple national book awards (Kirkus Reviews and Foreword Reviews Book of the Year, American Book Fest and USA Best Book, Readers’ Favorite, Beverly Hills, Independent Publisher, Colorado Book Awards). His historical titles have garnered glowing reviews from bestselling authors, colonial American history and maritime historians, U.S. military veterans, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Foreword Reviews (Starred Reviews, 5 Stars). His website is samuelmarquisbooks.com and for publicity inquiries, please contact BooksForward at info@booksforward.com.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel Marquis delivers a great story that mixes investigative gumption with some technical prowess. Joe Higheagle is a well-established consultant working in the world of environmental geology. When a number of odd earthquakes take place across Colorado, Higheagle investigates the occurrences. What he finds baffles him and opens a can of worms that many would rather leave silenced. While Higheagle will stop at nothing until all is revealed, others would rather neutralise him to prevent further headaches. In a story referenced in Marquis’ own The Devil’s Brigade, this is one book I was eager to read!

After odd and crippling earthquakes devastate parts of Colorado, environmental geologist Joe Higheagle is keen to get answers. He is usually quite calm, but this has both baffled and concerned Higheagle. What he discovers leaves him shocked and demanding answers. The company for whom he is consulting, Quantrill Ventures, appears to be involved in something less than innocent. This could lead to a locking of horns and accusations.

The devastation of the earthquakes is sure to heighten should nothing be done. Towns have already started to crumble and locals are sure to be hurt with little to know means of predicting their emergence. As Higheagle pushes deeper into the mystery, he discovers more sadistic rationale to better understand what’s happening. He will have to work as hard and focussed as ever to make a difference once and for all. Someone is responsible and Joe Higheagle will stop at nothing until he has answers, no matter how powerful the opponent. A gripping thriller from Marquis’ collection of stellar novels.

I love unique crime thrillers and Samuel Marquis delivers once more with this piece. In a story referenced in Marquis’ own The Devil’s Brigade, this piece delivered all I could have asked of it. A strong narrative foundation provided the framework for a great reading experience. Told in a clear and well-paced manner, Marquis delivers something worth the reader’s time as he educates them on matters related to the science of geology and seismic occurrences. The momentum of the piece is not lost with the technical references at any point. Characters emerge and keep the reader curious. Joe Higheagle is both a successful environmental geologist and a proud member of the Cheyenne community, offering a great indigenous flavour to the story. Plot points are strong and ever-present, as the reader makes their way through this piece, never quite sure where things are headed. I was eager to read this book and cannot wait to get the second book in the series to keep seeing how Joe Higheagle will impress.

Kudos, Mr. Marquis, for bringing something new to the table for me to enjoy within the thriller genre.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Fred Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Blind Thrust! Great heroes and villains. Couldn't put it down. Wonderful plot with lots of action and suspense. Marquis keeps you guessing until the very end. Must read for those who like Patterson and Silva.

[Brenda H · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Review to come

[Frank Pularcheck · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best fiction is so closely linked to reality that it’s hard to separate the two. So it is with Blind Thrust, Samuel Marquis’s second book -- a work of fiction that builds from a foundation of reality and a ripped-from-the-headlines plot.

Marquis, an accomplished hydrogeologist and a sought-after expert in matters of groundwater contamination and hydrogeology, puts his seismic spin on the present-day phenomena of man-made earthquakes caused by deep well injections. And he never lets up on the gas pedal as he take readers on a trip through a series of unusual earthquakes, which cause death, destruction and devastation across Colorado’s Front Range.

The story features a unique protagonist, environmental geologist Joseph Higheagle, a Cheyenne, and his grandfather, Chief John Higheagle, a delightful sidekick who brings levity and a sense of magic to the story.

The book’s tight plot line takes off from the first chapter, when a major earthquake strikes in eastern Colorado. Higheagle discovers that billionaire oil man Charles Prometheus Quantrill is actually causing the earthquakes through illegal injections of hazardous waste deep into the earth. Sound familiar? Deep well injections are causing man-made earthquakes in Oklahoma and other states where the practice is common.

While the story is pulled along by tectonic forces, the subplots are equally enjoyable. One pits Dr. James Nickerson, head of the USGS National Earthquake Information Center, against Jack Patey, the “Earthquake Prophet” in a battle of science vs. pseudoscience. Another follows the twisted logic of Charles Prometheus Quantrill as he tries to rationalize the poisoned ethics of his business, including the murder of his own brother.

My favorite is a nice story within the story of a Triceratops skull that was originally unearthed during the Civil War and traded hands between Cheyenne and settlers, ultimately reappearing at the end of the book.

It is a great ending to a unique book – and just the beginning of Joe Higheagle’s adventures.

[Brigid Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page turner from new author Samuel Marquis. This is the book featured in his debut novel The Slush Pile Brigade: it's the novel that gets stolen and copied and made into a movie. NOW I KNOW WHY! This is a great read. I have a love for the West and how the Rockies were formed and really feel like I not only read a great and intriguing suspense/thriller novel, but in the process couldn't help but learn about geology and earthquakes. After spending any amount of time in California, you become obsessed with earthquakes but I never thought about them in Colorado. There are so many plot discussions but I don't want to spoil it for others -- but just know: the dialogue is great, the characters are endearing (especially Joe Higheagle), the big oil/fracking corporate greed is detailed and YOU JUST CAN'T STOP READING IT!!! Anxiously awaiting Book 2 of the Joe Higheagle series.

[Laura Ruetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It deals with something that is very relevant to what is going on today, earthquakes in areas that are not historically prone to them, caused my human action. In this case, in Colorado, large magnitude earthquakes are occurring. A local geologist is investigating, along with others seeking answers, answers they want just as badly a local business owner wants to keep their deadly and illegal secret about their illegal operations and how they caused the earthquakes. The book is well written and really caught my interest. I liked the character of Joe Higheagle, the geologist, and especially his father. The pacing is excellent and the plot moves quickly. This is a solid thriller.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Peter Frautschi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Wonderful characters and very realistic conversations set in a very believable plot of corporate greed, good intentions gone wrong, and governmental and scientific agents as unwitting heroes. Vivid detail, while maintaining good pace, and action make this book hard to put down. And where does all that hazardous waste go?

[JR Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this great book right after Marquis' SLUSH PILE BRIGADE and enjoyed it even more. The science is great and the storytelling superb. I grew up in Colorado and the book took me right back to the places and social dynamics that are part of me. I recommend this to all readers interested in Colorado, geology, fossils, environmental issues, and great thrillers.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, Sam did it again! Blind Thrust was as good, if not better than Sam's first book Slush Pile Brigade. A real "page turner". Blind Thrust is an engaging, exciting and entertaining read. I recommend it to anyone!! Hurry up and publish some more, Sam!

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love gripping intrigue, page-burning suspense and absorbing prose, you have found the right book! Sam Marquis masterfully weaves a cinematic thriller with an environmental twist, and I loved it from beginning to end. You won't want to miss Joe Higheagle in action!

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when thrillers capture blockbuster action with white-knuckle suspense, but BLIND THRUST has an environmental edge that kept me on the edge of my seat. Another major win from Samuel Marquis!!

[Barr Hogen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Marquis has an incredible ability to draw the reader in with entertaining detail. His characters are fun and his descriptions of Colorado first rate. Hang on to your seats for this fast paced thriller from an author knows his stuff! Can't wait to read The Coalition!

[Sandy Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The science and story made for an exciting book.The characters were great.Being a Colorado resident added to the suspense factor.Highly recommend.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m struggling to rate this book. It might deserve more stars, but it’s kind of a hot mess.
On the plus side, it’s a good page turner. The thrill just barrels right along.
I don’t know how accurate the treatment of the Cheyenne culture is, but at least they were heroes.
Given the number of reviewers listed in the acknowledgements, you’d think there’d be fewer spelling and punctuation mistakes. For the love of God, learn how to spell “brakes”!
There were a lot of ideas not well fleshed out. The tiny dash of romance was laughable in its incompleteness. The sense of place of Colorado could have been something, but wasn’t. The elements of prosecutorial procedure were a mess. Do any of the main characters still have jobs?
And what of the earthquake damage? No description of it. We just hear the climbing death toll.
I guess I’ll keep reading the series in hopes of learning how Higheagle’s grandfather ultimately vanquishes the assassin. If neither shows up again, I’ll be sorely disappointed.

[Anthony Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only thing I found a little disappointing was the big earthquake. There's all this build up to it, and we don't get a real sense of the destruction outside of the reports that hundreds were killed. It's especially weird since it's made to sound super destructive, yet most buildings seem to have withstood it. I thought there was much more detail in the first quake. Outside of this, I really enjoyed the story though! Great characters!

[gwen graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different but good

To be truthful I spent sometime looking up words. I not a geologist. I enjoyed the story and found the characters of the Higheagles interesting.

[Roxann · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the cover: Horrific earthquakes are devastating the Front Range between Denver and Colorado Springs in an area long believed to be seismically quiescent. They are being generated by ruptures along cryptic, mysterious, deeply buried thrust faults (blind thrusts) that, unlike many faults, do not break the surface during large-scale seismic events. Somehow the cause of the unusual earthquakes must be unraveled and the cataclysms stopped before they result in more carnage and devastation. But are they the result of natural tectonic adjustments, hydro- fracking, conventional subsurface sequestering, or clandestine operations? Environmental Geologist Joe Higheagle is on a mission to find out the answer. But he soon finds himself in a deadly duel of wits against powerful forces. With his team of techie sleuths, Higheagle goes toe to toe against his adversaries while grappling to collect, analyze, and leverage the scientific data needed to prove his case. But at every turn he is thwarted by his shadowy enemy and, with the cataclysms worsening, he may not have enough on his side to solve the mystery and save Colorado from more devastation. Can he solve the enigma of the earthquakes and gather enough evidence to stop those responsible? Will the tremors continue to wreak death and mayhem across the Front Range? Or will Higheagle and his outgunned team be defeated and ultimately crushed by their adversaries? If the earthquakes are not stopped, thousands more will perish and more towns and homes will be destroyed, leaving countless injured and homeless as well as untold financial damage across the Front Range. But can the resourceful Higheagle and his team stop those responsible? In the end, all they can do is try.

I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

I enjoyed/liked this book. The characters are great and interesting. The dialogue between the characters is wonderful. The book was hard to put down-pace of the story was good. Lots of plots and subplots throughout the book-that it keeps you guessing until near the end. Excellent thriller!

[Ronovan Hester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blind Thrust by Samuel Marquis is a suspense/thriller set in Colorado that paints a picture of what could happen when greed overrides common sense. That’s a simple way of saying it. But then, I’m a simple speaking kind of guy. Environmental Geologist Joseph Higheagle has a problem, keep his mouth shut and keep a nice paying job, or go with his conscience and do what’s right for thousands of people.
The choice might sound easy but when you factor in a billionaire bad guy, corrupt senators, evil security bad boys and a hired assassin sent to shut you up, you might think twice, at least.
In this first Joseph Higheagle adventure Sam Marquis does a great job introducing the core of the main character, as well as his grandfather/father figure Chief John Higheagle, a retired lawyer who now lives with him and acts as his sounding board when the young Higheagle is faced with moral forks in the road.
Combine that with some great supporting characters like the EPA agent Nina Curry, a romantic interest for HIgheagle, the younger one, not the old chief, and the USGS director Nickerson and you have a great story that’s well developed and fast paced.
You might not think an environmental thriller would be very thrilling, but Marquis puts his years of experience as a geologist to work and it is very apparent in the technical speak that’s in the book. Sometimes that sort of becomes a bit heavy and repetitive but I see it as being legitimate to the conversations occurring.
One thing I like about the antagonists in a Marquis novel is that they are not one dimensional. You almost see the humanity side of them and in Blind Thrust it’s very apparent. Charles Quantrill is a powerful man that ends up in a situation that he never saw coming, but that doesn’t make it any better nor does it make him any less guilty.
I read this one in about two days. It’s that fast paced and I think you’ll enjoy it.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Samuel Marquis has presented a masterpiece to readers worldwide. His latest novel, Blind Thrust, is another earth shattering thriller. What I love best about this new bestselling writer's work, is how he incorporates his knowledge of geology into his writing. An interesting fact for readers that haven't read any book by Samuel Marquis is that Blind Thrust was also the name of a manuscript. One that was stolen from the main character, Nick Lassiter in The Slush Pile Brigade. I love the style of writing found in each of the thrillers. The characters are believable and the scenes are action packed. Fast-paced and well-written. Readers of all ages can find Blind Thrust highly engaging, intriguing, and educational.

Danger, suspense, and a journey like no other...all inside Blind Thrust. Humans versus mother nature. Adventure, science, and a crime that will keep readers hooked. From the beginning to the end, I found myself lured. A plot that pulls readers into the path of life and death. A place in Colorado is experiencing some mother nature disasters that can turn deadly...but what's added to the danger ahead is that humans are making worse. One man of science and his friends are hoping to stop that group of humans before all is too late. Survival of the people who live nearby the area, of destruction, are all on the line. Can Joe Higheagle come to the rescue in time or will it be too late? Overall, I loved Samuel Marquis's novel, and I highly recommend it to all.

[George Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth your time to read

Blind Thrust weaves a believe able tale of a Billionaire who has grown to big a fan a Cheyenne Warrior who brings him down.

A previously unknown fault shakes Colorado and cUses concern because no major earthquake had ever occurred in that area.

As the story unfolds, Joe Higheagle, a full-blooded Cheyenne is drawn deep into a plot to reap huge profits from illegal dumping of toxic waste. As he becomes a major concern to the outlaw billionaire, a hired assassin is sent to eliminate all who may expose the true source of two devastating earthquakes which have killed over one thousand people.

You will find this book a change from normal action adventure sagas. It is well researched and the facts it presents seem entirely believable.

Samuel Marquis has written an exciting book which I recommend.

Although I purchased this book, I am indebted to the publisher for calling my attention to an excellent book by a lesser known author which I might have otherwise overlooked.

I enjoy books featuring Native American characters and look forward to Marquis next book to see if the Saga of Joe Higheagle and his grandfather a medicine man and Chief of the Chyenne.

[Bobbie Bilello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blind Thrust is great earthquake thriller set against the clock that takes place in Colorado. The main protagonist is a Cheyenne geologist named Joe Higheagle who solves the case with his tough, resourceful grandfather, Chief John Higheagle. Together they are like Sherlock Holmes and Watson, working with a team of scientists to uncover the mystery of what is causing the lethal tremors. What I like the best about the book is that you learn a lot about earthquakes, geology and deep well injection/fracking within the framework of a fast-paced, scientifically-authentic thriller. This is a great read and the characters really shine through, the villains as much as the two Cheyenne heroes and their team of scientific sleuths. Most importantly, it is all very believable. You can tell when you read the book that Marquis is a professional geologist who handles environmental cases like this for a living. Five stars!

[Greg Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Blind Thrust" is a "eco-thriller" set in contemporary Colorado that is impeccably researched by an author with solid credentials in earth science. The whole idea of an earthquake on the Front Range, and the catalyst that is the story line, seems frighteningly possible. The unique conspiracy behind the conflict is itself incredible entertainment. However, as in Marquis' previous book, "The Slush Pile Brigade" is it his wacky characters that make this such an enjoyable read. The bad guys are disgustingly bad, and the good one's, inspirationally so. However, my favorite character was the biggest bad ass of them all, Chief John Higheagle. Readers will be pleased to see how he is a force for justice. This will make a great movie!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blind Thrust: A Mass Murder Mystery (A Joe Higheagle Novel) by Samuel Marquis is another wild ride. Make sure that seatbelt is nice and tight. You're about to go on a suspenseful, earth shattering scientific, thriller ride. Once you begin those twists and turns won't let you put the book down until you've finished reading. It is an exciting, fast paced story that will keep you intrigued until the end. It's a fun read too. This is a 5 starred, highly recommended book for everyone. I now wait for the next out of the ballpark hit by Samuel Marquis.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book even better than Marquis' first novel, The Slush Pile Brigade. I didn't know a lot about earthquakes and geology and learned a lot about both reading this suspense novel. It reminded me of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park and Congo, the way the science was central to the theme of the book. This is a book packed with scientific gems for the savvy, intelligent reader. Bravo again, Mr. Marquis! And once again, I really like your website!

[Caleb Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blind Thrust is an engaging environmental thriller. Earthquakes and a deceitful corporation bring fuel to the fire and set the stage for rooting for Joe Higheagle and friends to take on an against all odds situation that places their lives in the cross hairs of fire. Marquis uses his professional knowledge of Geology and Environmental Geology to bring to the page an interesting and exciting story to read. I plan on reading Cluster of Lies!

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Credible educational novel that's easy to read and difficult to put aside.

As a retired geologist, Marquis spins a conceivable tale about drilling, hydrology, greed, and graft. The bad guys are bad and the good guys are good.

[Jenna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling read from beginning to end!! Samuel Marquis is a wonderful storyteller.

[Alaina Maxam · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. THIS IS ONE OF THOSEBOOKS THAT REALLY MAKE YOU THINK. IF YOU WANT A GOOD BOOK TO READ I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

[Angelle Barbazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

With so many unexpected twists and turns, I couldn't put Blind Thrust down. Can't wait for the next book!

[Carey Romer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I learned so much about earthquakes, fracking and drilling. Marquis's geological and historical expertise make this fast paced, suspenseful story very enjoyable.