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A Deadly Bluff: A Dana Madison Mystery
The USA TODAY bestseller,* A DEADLY BLUFF, is an absorbing literary crime novel. A body.
A sacred national park.
It's classified...
Park Ranger Dana Madison isn’t a homicide detective anymore, or is she? Singled out by the President to investigate a string of mysterious deaths in the country’s national parks, Madison has no idea why she was selected, or why she’s leading an unlikely cast of characters in a frantic search for answers.
When the chase leads her deep into the Rocky Mountains, Madison discovers potential motives that shock her. Is there a link to Native-American tribes as the President suspects? Will she find a chilling connection to the case that ended her career as a homicide detective?
If you're a fan of Nevada Barr, Craig Johnson, and Tony Hillerman, you'll love A Deadly Bluff.
If you love a well-researched mystery steeped in our checkered history, and political intrigue that echoes current events, then you'll love Ranger Madison and her engaging team as they unearth secrets about who controls America's natural treasures.
*USA TODAY, October 2017
A sacred national park.
It's classified...
Park Ranger Dana Madison isn’t a homicide detective anymore, or is she? Singled out by the President to investigate a string of mysterious deaths in the country’s national parks, Madison has no idea why she was selected, or why she’s leading an unlikely cast of characters in a frantic search for answers.
When the chase leads her deep into the Rocky Mountains, Madison discovers potential motives that shock her. Is there a link to Native-American tribes as the President suspects? Will she find a chilling connection to the case that ended her career as a homicide detective?
If you're a fan of Nevada Barr, Craig Johnson, and Tony Hillerman, you'll love A Deadly Bluff.
If you love a well-researched mystery steeped in our checkered history, and political intrigue that echoes current events, then you'll love Ranger Madison and her engaging team as they unearth secrets about who controls America's natural treasures.
*USA TODAY, October 2017
- GenresMystery
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2017
174 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Concannon
1 book8 followersKathleen Concannon was born in Portland, Oregon. Driven by her interest in the natural forces that shape the land she loves, she earned a degree in geology and works professionally throughout the Pacific Northwest with public institutions and tribes on wildlife, energy and conservation projects.
Since 1990 she has owned her own environmental consulting business, advising, analyzing, and writing about projects as varied as salmon hatcheries, wind farms, and additions to the electric power grid. With the Columbia River Gorge, Willamette and Columbia rivers at her doorstep, she is an avid kayaker and hiker.
Concannon’s debut novel, A Deadly Bluff, is a result of an unshakable lifelong commitment to conservation and her connection to nature.
Since 1990 she has owned her own environmental consulting business, advising, analyzing, and writing about projects as varied as salmon hatcheries, wind farms, and additions to the electric power grid. With the Columbia River Gorge, Willamette and Columbia rivers at her doorstep, she is an avid kayaker and hiker.
Concannon’s debut novel, A Deadly Bluff, is a result of an unshakable lifelong commitment to conservation and her connection to nature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 6, 2017
This book was my first by this author, but it was not a problem reading it without any knowledge of events from previous books in the series. She does give enough background information for the reader to be aware of Madison's life as a cop before becoming a Ranger in the National Park System.
This book interweaves events surrounding the initial work done by Theodore Roosevelt in setting aside lands as national parks.
While Madison is now assigned to Yosemite Park, she is tapped for a top-secret investigation of a possible murder in another park. She is given a team of two additional people to assist in research.
Their lives are threatened within the confines of the park as a professional shooter takes aim. The case involves a corrupt Senator and is quite interesting.
The other element of the book that appealed to me was extensive descriptions of beautiful nature. I will look for more books featuring Dana Madison.
On Goofers Much? This is the only book by this author, her debut novel. I certainly felt like I was picking up a story midstream. Really!
This book interweaves events surrounding the initial work done by Theodore Roosevelt in setting aside lands as national parks.
While Madison is now assigned to Yosemite Park, she is tapped for a top-secret investigation of a possible murder in another park. She is given a team of two additional people to assist in research.
Their lives are threatened within the confines of the park as a professional shooter takes aim. The case involves a corrupt Senator and is quite interesting.
The other element of the book that appealed to me was extensive descriptions of beautiful nature. I will look for more books featuring Dana Madison.
On Goofers Much? This is the only book by this author, her debut novel. I certainly felt like I was picking up a story midstream. Really!
October 30, 2017
great setting but story a bit too loose, did not make as much sense as it could have done
May 26, 2018
I’m glad to see more books being written about crimes taking place outside the confines of New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and their kin. I hope that trend continues. Murder happens everywhere.
A Deadly Bluff is outside the confines, a story set in a national park.
Chapter 44 had major continuity errors with characters walking out of a room at the end of one scene only to be in the room in the next scene only to leave it a couple scenes later, as if the scenes got downloaded out of sequence.
The reader likes to see the main character facing some serious threats, but Dana Madison never faces any real danger. She talks about them often enough but never encounters them. And having another primary character with a name beginning with ‘M’ (Mobley) was a touch confusing at times. Concannon consistently calling the MC ‘Dana’ would have eliminated the problem.
The ending, while believable was not satisfying. The mystery is solved but Dana does not solve it and who actually does solve it is not revealed. The reader is just told the mystery has been resolved. The very last chapter, too, was a sort of hasty wrap-up.
Still, these quibbles aside, I’ll read more books about Dana Madison.
A Deadly Bluff is outside the confines, a story set in a national park.
Chapter 44 had major continuity errors with characters walking out of a room at the end of one scene only to be in the room in the next scene only to leave it a couple scenes later, as if the scenes got downloaded out of sequence.
The reader likes to see the main character facing some serious threats, but Dana Madison never faces any real danger. She talks about them often enough but never encounters them. And having another primary character with a name beginning with ‘M’ (Mobley) was a touch confusing at times. Concannon consistently calling the MC ‘Dana’ would have eliminated the problem.
The ending, while believable was not satisfying. The mystery is solved but Dana does not solve it and who actually does solve it is not revealed. The reader is just told the mystery has been resolved. The very last chapter, too, was a sort of hasty wrap-up.
Still, these quibbles aside, I’ll read more books about Dana Madison.
May 15, 2019
This book was a treat to read in that it reminded me of the Nevada Barr mysteries. Dana Madison is a former cop, now very happy as a park ranger in Yosemite. Due to a spike in mysterious deaths in national parks, and her particular skill set, she is summoned to Washington D.C., where she is put on a team with two rather disagreeable people to investigate a death at the fictional Grizzly National Park. A lot is going on in this breathtaking setting, including the rebuilding of the lodge, which was destroyed in a fire. In this novel, nobody except the protagonist is who they seem. A series of clues links Dana to her devastating last case as a police officer, not to mention the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The plot is complicated and moves right along. Dana is a reserved but likable character, never giving away too much. We want to know more about her. A very good read. I received a review copy of this novel from the author.
March 19, 2018
Apparently one of a series with Dana Madison as protagonist. Madison is a former detective, now a park ranger, called in to investigate a series of "accidents" in National Parks by the US President. I found the story hard to follow because the peripheral characters were not fully developed enough for me to hold on to, and the story was vague. I never understood the protagonists' agony over the case that made her leave the police force, didn't grasp her attraction to Dodge or ever understand who her former lover was. The book seemed like a dream to me, wispy, always out of reach. The ending was not satisfactory, the villains were deemed "insane" which was their apparent motivation. I look forward to book club (which is why I read this book) because I know I'll learn more from other readers. But I probably won't read another book in the series.
March 24, 2018
Good writing - weak use of main character
Main characters given partial info and obsess over it and over their mission. After approx. 80% of book, side character solves mystery. Looks like mission could have been accomplished without main characters. Wonder if Ms. Madison is other than a pawn in other books in her series?
Main characters given partial info and obsess over it and over their mission. After approx. 80% of book, side character solves mystery. Looks like mission could have been accomplished without main characters. Wonder if Ms. Madison is other than a pawn in other books in her series?
October 3, 2018
I hope there is more to follow!
This is the kind of book that makes it hard to put down. The story is so interesting and the author makes it imperative that you pay attention to the read. I read a lot and you won't find any rambling story line here. It has been a while since I have read a book that I didn't want to end. If you like Nevada barr you will love Kathleen Concannon!
This is the kind of book that makes it hard to put down. The story is so interesting and the author makes it imperative that you pay attention to the read. I read a lot and you won't find any rambling story line here. It has been a while since I have read a book that I didn't want to end. If you like Nevada barr you will love Kathleen Concannon!
November 27, 2019
Mixing the historical aspects of the founding of the parks with possible crimes today is the basis of the mystery. Is their a link between the apparent accidents? Are they really murders? Can Dana trust anyone assigned to work with her on this? It all comes together to form a web of secrets, lies and death.
Read
February 4, 2020Delightful visual treat, suspenseful and engaging.
The characters are well developed, and the descriptive scenery is so well written that the reader imagines that they are walking the trails and gazing at the cliff face right beside the heroine. Made me crave a visit to the National Parks. Satisfactory ending, never able to separate the good from the bad guys until the end!
The characters are well developed, and the descriptive scenery is so well written that the reader imagines that they are walking the trails and gazing at the cliff face right beside the heroine. Made me crave a visit to the National Parks. Satisfactory ending, never able to separate the good from the bad guys until the end!
October 5, 2017
Could be better
I am a big fan of Nevada Barr's earlier books and while this book tries to emulate those it does not pull it off. There are lots of holes and you would have to really stretch to believe much of the story.
I am a big fan of Nevada Barr's earlier books and while this book tries to emulate those it does not pull it off. There are lots of holes and you would have to really stretch to believe much of the story.
October 5, 2017
Great Book
I sincerely hope that this book is just fiction. Our world is in such a message we need our state parks to remind us of what was and can be again. I really enjoyed this book.
I sincerely hope that this book is just fiction. Our world is in such a message we need our state parks to remind us of what was and can be again. I really enjoyed this book.
November 15, 2017
Convoluted?
This was a good story but much like a series. From the beginning it felt like maybe you came in in the middle.
Mostly, not predictable but the ending was a bit like kissing your brother.
This was a good story but much like a series. From the beginning it felt like maybe you came in in the middle.
Mostly, not predictable but the ending was a bit like kissing your brother.
April 13, 2018
Very good first book, hopefully author will continue to write. Book contains a main character and theme that could continue into a series. I like books that I can't figure the plot after the first chapter. Good and bad guys are both convoluted.
April 16, 2018
Good read.
I liked it but it was a little slow sometimes I did not like some of the ending can't say any more about that I don't want to spoil it for anyone else . It's definitely worth reading , plus you get a little history lesson also. I
lol
I liked it but it was a little slow sometimes I did not like some of the ending can't say any more about that I don't want to spoil it for anyone else . It's definitely worth reading , plus you get a little history lesson also. I
lol
March 13, 2019
Very intriguing
I very much enjoyed the characters and how they developed throughout the story. The flashbacks added extra insight, making it seem real. The details given really make you feel like your in the parks.
I very much enjoyed the characters and how they developed throughout the story. The flashbacks added extra insight, making it seem real. The details given really make you feel like your in the parks.
November 25, 2020
A nice debut novel in the spirit of some of my favorite regional authors.
"There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm." - T. Roosevelt
"There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm." - T. Roosevelt
July 7, 2023
Fast easy read. Not historical fiction but includes a subplot from the 1900's that add to the overall story line. It was a little disappointing that the author didn't set the book in an actual park, but I guess that does allow for more creative license.
May 29, 2024
3.5 stars - this was pretty good, I’m bummed the series didn’t go anywhere. I like a park ranger female mystery solvers! The clandestine mystery is a unique story. I found the setting to be great in “grizzly” NP.
October 5, 2017
I like the historical mystery about the parks system. Interesting storyline.
October 12, 2017
Good main character too much detail to surrounding area. Dissapppointing ending
October 14, 2017
The book needs some help to make it memorable
The descriptions of the sights and smells of the surrounding area were magnificent. The plot could use some help and simplicity.
The descriptions of the sights and smells of the surrounding area were magnificent. The plot could use some help and simplicity.
October 24, 2017
Great Plot
Madison is a ranger second and detective first. A timely mystery and good characterization held my attention. I am ready for the next one.
Madison is a ranger second and detective first. A timely mystery and good characterization held my attention. I am ready for the next one.
October 25, 2017
Very enjoyable - almost felt like I was there in the park with the characters. Looking forward to her next one.
October 25, 2017
Loved it!
This story is wonderfully told, with a nice blend of history, politics and nature. Great character development held it all together. Well done!
This story is wonderfully told, with a nice blend of history, politics and nature. Great character development held it all together. Well done!
November 10, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be reading more by this author!
December 17, 2017
A very enjoyable and entertaining book, recommend your consideration.
January 3, 2018
Great story
If you enjoy nature and history you will enjoy this mystery. Page turning action that keeps you on the edge
If you enjoy nature and history you will enjoy this mystery. Page turning action that keeps you on the edge
September 14, 2018
Yes
Very well written. Even though the “big secret” stretched the imagination, I really enjoyed it. I want another, with a real National Park this time!
Very well written. Even though the “big secret” stretched the imagination, I really enjoyed it. I want another, with a real National Park this time!
June 25, 2019
Okay story, obviously sets up a series. The story did not have enough action for my reading taste.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews