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Smoke Tree Mystery #5
Deep Desert Deception
It’s the 1950s. Thousands of people every day pass through Smoke Tree, California, on Route 66. The Mother Road. The two-lane blacktop that stretches from Chicago to LA. A few make a quick stop in the isolated, Mojave Desert town. Some stay. Some are dangerous. And a few are downright deadly. Burke Henry is deadly. He drives into Smoke Tree on a motorcycle on a cold, windy, winter day. His panniers are stuffed with cash. Lots of cash. Who is he? What does he want? Why a tiny town like Smoke Tree? Nobody knows, but they’re all dying to find out.
- GenresFiction
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2017
About the author
Gary J. George
20 books99 followersGary George spent his teenage years in Needles, California, and his Smoke Tree novels are set in the Mojave Desert of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Gary was blessed with a long and happy marriage to his beloved, Ginny Boyd, author of the book "Birdy Bird." When Ginny died in January 2018, Gary could not write for a while. However, during a seventy-mile backpacking trip across the desert from the Colorado River to the middle of the Mojave National Preserve in May of that year, he began to come to terms with her death. When he returned home, he discovered that immersing himself in his writing allowed him a few hours of relief from sadness, and he began work on "The Carnival, The Cross, and the Burning Desert."
In 2024, Gary was diagnosed with four severely blocked arteries in his heart and underwent open-heart surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He wrote a book about his experience and recovery, "Out of the Cabbage (CABG) Patch," while concurrently working on the twelfth novel in the Smoke Tree series, "Mojave Desert Jezebeth," which was published in July of 2025. The thirteenth book in the Smoke Tree Series, "Desert Resurrection," was published on April 2, 2026.
In 2024, Gary was diagnosed with four severely blocked arteries in his heart and underwent open-heart surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He wrote a book about his experience and recovery, "Out of the Cabbage (CABG) Patch," while concurrently working on the twelfth novel in the Smoke Tree series, "Mojave Desert Jezebeth," which was published in July of 2025. The thirteenth book in the Smoke Tree Series, "Desert Resurrection," was published on April 2, 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 18, 2020
This Was My Favourite In This Series
I've now read five of the seven books in this series and I think this has been my favourite so far. However, I have a feeling it will remain so even after I've read the last book.
I found Burke to be such an intriguing character that by the time Horse found the letter, I found myself crying my eyes out reading it. I totally loved Burke. What an awesome human being he was.
Now, I can hardly wait to read books 6 & 7 that are available. I've become quite fascinated with Smoke Tree (which is saying something for me as I am so in love with the PNW where I live) and all those connected with that place. These characters have become like family to me.
I suggest anyone just looking into this series for the first time, read the books in order! You'll be so glad you did!
I've now read five of the seven books in this series and I think this has been my favourite so far. However, I have a feeling it will remain so even after I've read the last book.
I found Burke to be such an intriguing character that by the time Horse found the letter, I found myself crying my eyes out reading it. I totally loved Burke. What an awesome human being he was.
Now, I can hardly wait to read books 6 & 7 that are available. I've become quite fascinated with Smoke Tree (which is saying something for me as I am so in love with the PNW where I live) and all those connected with that place. These characters have become like family to me.
I suggest anyone just looking into this series for the first time, read the books in order! You'll be so glad you did!
September 3, 2017
Feel like you're really there with the characters
Having worked as a field biologist throughout this region of the Mojave I really appreciate Gary George's deep descriptions of the landscape, plants, creatures, weather of the area and extremely accurate geography. I enjoyed the characters, Horse and others from his previous novels and the deep personality of Burke Henry in this book. I'm sad that Burke can't be around for future stories and would have enjoyed some scenes of Burke with Chemuevi Joe. Maybe Gary can write of some other adventures of these characters within the same timeframe of Burke 's years in the Mojave and tell us about Joe and Burma's relationship. Gary definitely has become a favorite author for me.
Having worked as a field biologist throughout this region of the Mojave I really appreciate Gary George's deep descriptions of the landscape, plants, creatures, weather of the area and extremely accurate geography. I enjoyed the characters, Horse and others from his previous novels and the deep personality of Burke Henry in this book. I'm sad that Burke can't be around for future stories and would have enjoyed some scenes of Burke with Chemuevi Joe. Maybe Gary can write of some other adventures of these characters within the same timeframe of Burke 's years in the Mojave and tell us about Joe and Burma's relationship. Gary definitely has become a favorite author for me.
December 26, 2022
Another well written, hard to put down novel by Gary J George.
This my second book written by Mr George and I must say that I loved it easily as much as I did "Walks Always Beside You". My only regret being that I had started reading his works out of sequence and look forward to going to the beginning of his " Smoke Tree Series" and start at book#1.
If you are a true fan of modern western mysteries then I know you will love this author. One of the things that I like most is his easy going descriptive writing style that is filled with history and interesting facts that you can't possibly go away without learning something. This writer has truly found his stride.
R. Ballasch
This my second book written by Mr George and I must say that I loved it easily as much as I did "Walks Always Beside You". My only regret being that I had started reading his works out of sequence and look forward to going to the beginning of his " Smoke Tree Series" and start at book#1.
If you are a true fan of modern western mysteries then I know you will love this author. One of the things that I like most is his easy going descriptive writing style that is filled with history and interesting facts that you can't possibly go away without learning something. This writer has truly found his stride.
R. Ballasch
August 24, 2021
A Well Written Tome that captures the enigmatic spirit of the 1st Nation Peoples
A well conceived and executed novel that captures the spirit and tenacity of the 1st peoples transposed within a riveting tale of betrayal, retribution and spiritual perseverance set in the backdrop of the Mojave Dessert and the returning heroes of World War ll. Now that I’ve rediscovered this gem, I’ll be reading the other books in theSmoke Tree series; I highly recommend you do the same. Kudos Gary J. George!!
A well conceived and executed novel that captures the spirit and tenacity of the 1st peoples transposed within a riveting tale of betrayal, retribution and spiritual perseverance set in the backdrop of the Mojave Dessert and the returning heroes of World War ll. Now that I’ve rediscovered this gem, I’ll be reading the other books in theSmoke Tree series; I highly recommend you do the same. Kudos Gary J. George!!
March 25, 2022
Whoa! This one keeps you glued to it!
I am hooked on this series, incredibly well written! Since there is a real Smoke Tree, extremely small, by Twentynine Palms I had to try and find out if there was another one, no luck. But so many of the other places are really out there that it brings back my younger days. I wasn't at all ready for the ending, plus it reminded me of a search and rescue event that members of my family took part in when I was a kid. Wonderful job on all of these books, this one gave me chills!
I am hooked on this series, incredibly well written! Since there is a real Smoke Tree, extremely small, by Twentynine Palms I had to try and find out if there was another one, no luck. But so many of the other places are really out there that it brings back my younger days. I wasn't at all ready for the ending, plus it reminded me of a search and rescue event that members of my family took part in when I was a kid. Wonderful job on all of these books, this one gave me chills!
December 17, 2017
Another ace for Gary George
Horse is back and better than ever, even though Kiowa-Apache "new comer" Burke is the star this time. George demonstrates deep insight into issues that faced both Native Americans and war veterans in the twentieth century, as well as knowledge of cultures not familiar to many in this single, well-developed character. Horse and Burke deal with evil in separate but parallel ways in this fascinating tale. Definitely a must-read!
Horse is back and better than ever, even though Kiowa-Apache "new comer" Burke is the star this time. George demonstrates deep insight into issues that faced both Native Americans and war veterans in the twentieth century, as well as knowledge of cultures not familiar to many in this single, well-developed character. Horse and Burke deal with evil in separate but parallel ways in this fascinating tale. Definitely a must-read!
January 11, 2023
Western Noir Well-Drawm
One of the best novels I have read recently. Part procedural, part Western noir, this one will stick with you after you finish the last page. Excellent characters well-drawn, but without the excess dialogue of many other novels. Evocative descriptions of the landscape make it a character in its own right. Don't start this one too late in the evening unless you want to stay up all night to finish it. Highly recommend.
One of the best novels I have read recently. Part procedural, part Western noir, this one will stick with you after you finish the last page. Excellent characters well-drawn, but without the excess dialogue of many other novels. Evocative descriptions of the landscape make it a character in its own right. Don't start this one too late in the evening unless you want to stay up all night to finish it. Highly recommend.
May 24, 2019
Needles
I have been reading all the books in the series and thoroughly enjoyed them. I grew up in Needles, California and can relate to a lot in these books. Books are very well written with a lot of thought and information on the Mojave Desert and the storyline holds your attention. Great read!
I have been reading all the books in the series and thoroughly enjoyed them. I grew up in Needles, California and can relate to a lot in these books. Books are very well written with a lot of thought and information on the Mojave Desert and the storyline holds your attention. Great read!
March 31, 2021
An engrossing series
The characters and action in each of these novels get more interesting as you progress through each one. Each character has a background that pulls you in even though you may not enjoy all the trials they go through. If you can read them in order but that’s not vital. Read and enjoy.
The characters and action in each of these novels get more interesting as you progress through each one. Each character has a background that pulls you in even though you may not enjoy all the trials they go through. If you can read them in order but that’s not vital. Read and enjoy.
June 12, 2022
Believable characters
As I journey through the Smoke Tree series, I marvel at the believability of these characters. Horse is a man of such integrity and makes a wonderful deputy sheriff as he not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. Its why his staff looks up to him. He makes those around him, better. I worked as a police dispatcher for 34 years and it makes me wish I worked at the Smoke Tree substation with this crew. This is a place I would want to live. Read the series. It's really good and the interaction between the cultures is eye opening. I always learn something new.
As I journey through the Smoke Tree series, I marvel at the believability of these characters. Horse is a man of such integrity and makes a wonderful deputy sheriff as he not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. Its why his staff looks up to him. He makes those around him, better. I worked as a police dispatcher for 34 years and it makes me wish I worked at the Smoke Tree substation with this crew. This is a place I would want to live. Read the series. It's really good and the interaction between the cultures is eye opening. I always learn something new.
June 3, 2021
Awesome!
As an avid camper and off-road enthusiast I thoroughly enjoyed this book ! I have been all over the Mojave Road and visited over half of the old towns described herein. The descriptions are flawless and Mr. George does a tremendous job taking us all to these mystifying places in the Mojave Desert and experiencing so many different sensations.
As an avid camper and off-road enthusiast I thoroughly enjoyed this book ! I have been all over the Mojave Road and visited over half of the old towns described herein. The descriptions are flawless and Mr. George does a tremendous job taking us all to these mystifying places in the Mojave Desert and experiencing so many different sensations.
February 8, 2021
Obsessive
These books are an obsession to me! An addictive series. Love everyone I have read. Hoping for more in the near future. Haven't been this interested in a writer for a long time. 5+🌟🌠
These books are an obsession to me! An addictive series. Love everyone I have read. Hoping for more in the near future. Haven't been this interested in a writer for a long time. 5+🌟🌠
February 26, 2021
This series just keeps getting better. Just when I sorrowfully put the finished book down I discover there is another in the series. I never want them to end. There are twists and turns, but not in a harsh way. Gary George is an excellent story teller in my opinion.
September 2, 2021
Great writing
I’ve read all of Gary,s books and loved them all ! His characters and stories are well crafted and his vision of the Mojave’s is perfect. This story was one of his best
I’ve read all of Gary,s books and loved them all ! His characters and stories are well crafted and his vision of the Mojave’s is perfect. This story was one of his best
May 10, 2018
Wonderful story
I want to thank Gary George for the opportunity to read this book through the Goodreads giveaway program. It is the first book that I have read from this author and I so thoroughly enjoyed the story that I will go back and read the four companion books.
I don’t normally read western theme books but always enjoy a good mystery story. The scene is set so well right from the beginning. We meet Kyle/Burke Henry upon his return from the service to a town he picks out when he escaped from Oklahoma and a family disaster. Somehow,he finds the right place for his new home, meets neighbors who become his friends. I was hoping he would find true love but it was not to be. The ending was a surprise and I finished the story with a few tears shed.
Bravo for a story so richly told!
I want to thank Gary George for the opportunity to read this book through the Goodreads giveaway program. It is the first book that I have read from this author and I so thoroughly enjoyed the story that I will go back and read the four companion books.
I don’t normally read western theme books but always enjoy a good mystery story. The scene is set so well right from the beginning. We meet Kyle/Burke Henry upon his return from the service to a town he picks out when he escaped from Oklahoma and a family disaster. Somehow,he finds the right place for his new home, meets neighbors who become his friends. I was hoping he would find true love but it was not to be. The ending was a surprise and I finished the story with a few tears shed.
Bravo for a story so richly told!
June 4, 2019
4 1\2 Stars
I always enjoy the Smoke Tree Novels and this was one of the better ones. There were several spelling \grammar errors but they did not distract from the story. But I did deduct 1\2 star because of the errors. A good editor would have fixed them. Fascinating characters! This author has a way with words that makes me feel the hot wind blowing my hair and taste the grit of sand in my mouth. I can visualize everything he describes and that is certainly a gift. I'm on to read the next book in this series. Another wasted day be because once I start these books I cannot put them down.
I always enjoy the Smoke Tree Novels and this was one of the better ones. There were several spelling \grammar errors but they did not distract from the story. But I did deduct 1\2 star because of the errors. A good editor would have fixed them. Fascinating characters! This author has a way with words that makes me feel the hot wind blowing my hair and taste the grit of sand in my mouth. I can visualize everything he describes and that is certainly a gift. I'm on to read the next book in this series. Another wasted day be because once I start these books I cannot put them down.
August 30, 2025
Army Ranger Apache Hero that always wins
I love this story’s time period. Our Apache hero escapes town and joins the army in 1942
He gains major skills in war in the Phillipines and spends some time in Japan rounding out his skills. He comes back to the US and he avenges his sister’s rape and suicide. The best part about this story is that our hero is always a better fighter than others and always wins. I love him.
I love this story’s time period. Our Apache hero escapes town and joins the army in 1942
He gains major skills in war in the Phillipines and spends some time in Japan rounding out his skills. He comes back to the US and he avenges his sister’s rape and suicide. The best part about this story is that our hero is always a better fighter than others and always wins. I love him.
March 29, 2018
This was an excellent read
This was the last in Mr George 's writings I read I found it compelling to continue and one I could hardly put down. Having travelled that area made it even more interesting. I'm not a great reader but enjoyed the books.
PS I didn't know cold drinks sweat in the desert ☺
This was the last in Mr George 's writings I read I found it compelling to continue and one I could hardly put down. Having travelled that area made it even more interesting. I'm not a great reader but enjoyed the books.
PS I didn't know cold drinks sweat in the desert ☺
April 23, 2018
I want to thank Gary J. George for a Kindle Edition of Deep Desert Deception (Smoke Tree Mystery #5).
Of the nearly fifty books I've read in 2018, this is, by any measure, the best. I definitely will read the others in the Smoke Tree series. Excellent work Gary!
I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway - It has given me the pleasure of discovering a new author - Thanks!
Of the nearly fifty books I've read in 2018, this is, by any measure, the best. I definitely will read the others in the Smoke Tree series. Excellent work Gary!
I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway - It has given me the pleasure of discovering a new author - Thanks!
May 23, 2018
Book 5-the best
This is the best story in the series but all five are wonderful reads. These characters are so well defined living in well remembered times to bring about a folksy and honey feeling. That's the good guys...bad guys are cruel and horrible and justice wins in Smoke Tree.
This is the best story in the series but all five are wonderful reads. These characters are so well defined living in well remembered times to bring about a folksy and honey feeling. That's the good guys...bad guys are cruel and horrible and justice wins in Smoke Tree.
June 22, 2022
Amazing detail throughout this incredible story.
If the author did not live the life of Vance that he described in this story it is amazing Work affection If he did he had a life that most of us who Wouldn't consider being part of the military Who would still be impressed with. Certainly look for other books by Mr. George as This 1 was unforgettable!
If the author did not live the life of Vance that he described in this story it is amazing Work affection If he did he had a life that most of us who Wouldn't consider being part of the military Who would still be impressed with. Certainly look for other books by Mr. George as This 1 was unforgettable!
April 24, 2023
Great series of books.
Deep Desert deception is my favorite so far. The book is so descriptive I could feel the heat and cold of the Mojave. I could easily see the surrounding mountains as well as learn about all the desert plant at my feet. That sounds a little sappy but it is the best way to described. It is truly the next best thing to being there. Great ending!
Deep Desert deception is my favorite so far. The book is so descriptive I could feel the heat and cold of the Mojave. I could easily see the surrounding mountains as well as learn about all the desert plant at my feet. That sounds a little sappy but it is the best way to described. It is truly the next best thing to being there. Great ending!
May 15, 2023
wonderful Read
As with the other books in the series, the worded pictorials of the desert were absolutely fascinating. This story with its unusual main character and his home caused me to fantasize a lot. Just an excellent story beautifully written, just wishing for more in this series. Thank you.
As with the other books in the series, the worded pictorials of the desert were absolutely fascinating. This story with its unusual main character and his home caused me to fantasize a lot. Just an excellent story beautifully written, just wishing for more in this series. Thank you.
July 12, 2023
Riveting
Burke Henry is a man with a past he wants to forget. Settling in Smoke Tree as his adopted home, he keeps mostly to himself. But sometimes through blind luck the past finds him.
Very well written and great characters. The first of the Smoke Tree Mysteries I have read. Looking forward to reading the rest.
Burke Henry is a man with a past he wants to forget. Settling in Smoke Tree as his adopted home, he keeps mostly to himself. But sometimes through blind luck the past finds him.
Very well written and great characters. The first of the Smoke Tree Mysteries I have read. Looking forward to reading the rest.
November 26, 2025
Good story.
I have read the first four books of the Smoke Tree series and now I have completed this one. Enjoy the storyline, the characters, and the fact that the storyline and the characters are consistent but yet new ones are introduced as needed. If there is a negative for this book it would be whatever happened the lady rancher?
I have read the first four books of the Smoke Tree series and now I have completed this one. Enjoy the storyline, the characters, and the fact that the storyline and the characters are consistent but yet new ones are introduced as needed. If there is a negative for this book it would be whatever happened the lady rancher?
October 7, 2017
Very good book
I have really enjoyed reading the whole Smoke Tree series. Gary develops his characters well and the stories keep your attention the whole way through. Can’t wait for the next one!
I have really enjoyed reading the whole Smoke Tree series. Gary develops his characters well and the stories keep your attention the whole way through. Can’t wait for the next one!
November 23, 2017
typically very good Gary George novel
Story line interesting and intermixed with his as always great descriptions of the desert country results in a great read.Overall a five star package.
Story line interesting and intermixed with his as always great descriptions of the desert country results in a great read.Overall a five star package.
October 12, 2018
Loved it
Couldn't help it, fell in love with Burke . Murderer yes good guy yes what a combo. Would like to read more. Look forward to hearing about the twins and more mysteries to solve. Keep writing please.
Couldn't help it, fell in love with Burke . Murderer yes good guy yes what a combo. Would like to read more. Look forward to hearing about the twins and more mysteries to solve. Keep writing please.
May 15, 2020
Oh, this was good.
I had a hard time putting it down, and, in fact, just read for 2 and 1/2 hours straight, because I couldn't put it down until I did finish it. Thanks to Mr. George, again!
I had a hard time putting it down, and, in fact, just read for 2 and 1/2 hours straight, because I couldn't put it down until I did finish it. Thanks to Mr. George, again!
November 11, 2020
Desert stories
I've read this series. And enjoyed all of books in it. I can get lost in descriptions of the desert scenery and be entertaingly educated about such things as a Pac rat modern. Enjoy.
I've read this series. And enjoyed all of books in it. I can get lost in descriptions of the desert scenery and be entertaingly educated about such things as a Pac rat modern. Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews