Coronado’s Trail

An Arizona Borderlands Mystery #1

by Carl E. Bock, Jane H. Bock

In 1540 Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expeditionary force from Mexico into what is now the American Southwest. His journey provides the backdrop for this contemporary mystery novel. Deputy Sheriff Calvin Creede mostly works alone in one corner of Arizona’s smallest county. His job has been a simple one until the day a flash flood exposes the rusted remains of an old pickup. A body in the truck turns out to be the long-lost son of a prominent ranching family, and forensic evidence shows it was murder. Deputy Creede faces a twenty year old cold case with too many suspects, from an ex-girlfriend and jealous family members, to drug lords and looters of archeological sites. The story unfolds amidst two issues affecting modern day southeastern the loss of native rangeland to exurban development, and tensions along the international border. Resolution of the case leaves both of these problems in place, but sheds fictional yet plausible light on a southwestern mystery that has been around for nearly five centuries.

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2016

Reviews

[Jamesjohn Jamesjohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery within a mystery within a mystery, surrounded by other mysteries of various sizes. It's a family of mysteries, with a little horseback riding, some archaeology, and lots of police procedures, amid the clashing cultures of the Southwest.

Well done, Mr. and Mrs. Bock! An engaging read with a strong voice and nice finish. There's even a little social commentary for atmosphere. Makes you want to visit Sonoita just to watch the grass grow.

[David Z Hirsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coronado’s Trail immerses the reader in the sights, sounds, and personalities of the American Southwest. It’s a leisurely read written with a steady hand and a complex mystery with many moving parts to keep the reader engaged. I enjoyed returning time and again to Deputy Calvin Creede and the colorful denizens of Sonoita all the way to the satisfying end. Wonderful book.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Action was a bit slow and unsuspenseful, but I enjoyed the characters and the setting.

[Sondra Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend. This is a captivating mystery that blends history and place in perfect proportions.

[Paul Ragas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Book

Smartly written. Just enough history to keep the story moving forward. At no point does the reader get bogged down in historical minutiae. The story grabbed me from the opening sentences. Could not put the book down until the end. Looking forward to the continuing saga of Deputy Sheriff Calvin Creede. Please tell me there will be another book soon?

[John Rusk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A police procedural set in southern Arizona. The deputy is likeable, the love interest believable, and the crime is not too far fetched. A pleasant way to spend a few evenings.