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Smoke Tree Mystery #6
The Carnival, The Cross, and the Burning Desert
It’s June of 1964. Three men have paused on their way through Smoke Tree, California, the dusty Mojave Desert town astride Route 66 and the Santa Fe rail line on the banks of the Colorado River. Three men: One will find a new way, one will find an old way, and one will find the wrong way. Which one is which? The only thing certain is that all three will be under the watchful eye of Captain Carlos Caballo, Commander of the Smoke Tree substation of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, father of recently adopted twins, and husband of the wonderful Esperanza. The man known simply as ‘Horse’ throughout the Lower Colorado River Basin.
503 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2018
About the author
Gary J. George
28 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 41 reviews
February 13, 2019
This book is a stand alone continuation of the story of Carlos Caballos small town Sheriff in a town on the edge of the Mojave Desert. Believable well drawn characters and intricate reasonable story lines. I have read all the books in the series and am sorry I have finished this one as now I must wait a year or more for the next. No plot give awYs from me to spoil your read, just the reassurance that it will be well worth it .
January 12, 2019
Most Excellent Series
The time and setting is well set - up. Characters are varied and surrounded by the integrated locale grounded by a central cast of interesting and likeable people. I recommend reading in order as a continuous timeline exists . My Thanks to the Author for this glimpse of an America home on .
The time and setting is well set - up. Characters are varied and surrounded by the integrated locale grounded by a central cast of interesting and likeable people. I recommend reading in order as a continuous timeline exists . My Thanks to the Author for this glimpse of an America home on .
Read
December 14, 2018Another fantastic story about the wonderful town of Smoke Tree. I have enjoyed each of the books in this series, but this is my favorite to date. It's plot is based on a snippet of time in Smoke Tree.
Some of the events directly involve the main character and some are on his periphery. It's that snapshot of time that which may be the actual main character. During that time period there is the main events are the happenings with a crew of carnival workers, the people with a traveling revival, and the sale of automatic weapons stolen from the army. Along with these three main events are a few ongoing stories from previous books in the series. Each of these events large and small are expertly woven together by the author.
This book could easily be read on its own and would be a wonderful book. It is even better if you've read the previous books in the series.
Some of the events directly involve the main character and some are on his periphery. It's that snapshot of time that which may be the actual main character. During that time period there is the main events are the happenings with a crew of carnival workers, the people with a traveling revival, and the sale of automatic weapons stolen from the army. Along with these three main events are a few ongoing stories from previous books in the series. Each of these events large and small are expertly woven together by the author.
This book could easily be read on its own and would be a wonderful book. It is even better if you've read the previous books in the series.
February 1, 2019
A perfect “weave” of fact and fiction!
I have read each of the Smoke Tree series and the stories combine a lot of true background information and characters that are portrayed by pseudonyms and use of the author’s discretion.
Great detail is given to the description of the geographical area in general and specific points of interest that were obviously visited by the author and/or researcher for this series.
I have read each of the Smoke Tree series and the stories combine a lot of true background information and characters that are portrayed by pseudonyms and use of the author’s discretion.
Great detail is given to the description of the geographical area in general and specific points of interest that were obviously visited by the author and/or researcher for this series.
May 23, 2019
Another Great Read
Anyone who follows Gary George won't be disappointed with this latest addition to the Smoke Tree series. The story moved along and provided a lot of different plots within the main story. My only regret was it couldn't have been longer. Looking forward to my next visit to Smoke Tree.
Anyone who follows Gary George won't be disappointed with this latest addition to the Smoke Tree series. The story moved along and provided a lot of different plots within the main story. My only regret was it couldn't have been longer. Looking forward to my next visit to Smoke Tree.
Read
January 24, 2019I've read all 6 of Gary George's Smoke Tree novels and this is the best one yet. He brings back Aeden Snow but kills off a couple of other characters from previous books then adds a couple that will fit right in to some future novels should he chose to write them. Please do write them as there is lots of room for more novels about the Mojave Desert , most assuredly ones of this caliber. I was living in Blythe, CA. during the time frame of this novel and certainly remember Operation Desert Strike. Picked up a lot of C rations the soldiers left behind and always kept some in my 4X4 in case we got stranded. Keep up the good work Gary. Don Sterling
April 12, 2023
interesting story line
Enjoyed story but there didn’t seem to have anyone editing the grammar, spelling, or printing. Noticed the lack of detail in all of this author’s books.
Enjoyed story but there didn’t seem to have anyone editing the grammar, spelling, or printing. Noticed the lack of detail in all of this author’s books.
March 25, 2022
Another amazing story!
If you know the desert were this series takes place, you want to cheer the author, if you don't they might make you want to! The lost of two of my favorites was hard, but it really helped build the storyline! I have seen this area from the back of a horse, in a dune buggy, a four wheel drive but would never attempt it on foot. I will probably never see it again in this life time but sure enjoy these stories! The Palms is really a place in Twenty Nine Palms which my grandfather helped build, and even served tables at back in the 30's. Congratulations on combining real places with fiction!
If you know the desert were this series takes place, you want to cheer the author, if you don't they might make you want to! The lost of two of my favorites was hard, but it really helped build the storyline! I have seen this area from the back of a horse, in a dune buggy, a four wheel drive but would never attempt it on foot. I will probably never see it again in this life time but sure enjoy these stories! The Palms is really a place in Twenty Nine Palms which my grandfather helped build, and even served tables at back in the 30's. Congratulations on combining real places with fiction!
April 29, 2024
This is the second Smoke Tree mystery I have read. I somehow got out of order, but it doesn't matter too much as this could stand alone. Captain Carlos Caballo, known as Horse, has his hands full. All converging on this small town at the edge of the Mojave Desert, is a carnival, a revival which includes the preacher walking across the desert and town carrying a cross, and a military tactical training exercise. As are all of the Smoke Tree mysteries, the Mojave is as much a character as anyone else in these well-crafted stories. The setting is in 1964, and the characters are all complex and authentic.
August 16, 2019
Another great read
Gary George is a wonderful author, as proven once again with this latest book. His characters are interesting, authentic, and more than likeable. I feel as if I know them to my great pleasure. The Southwestern setting is one I especially love, described here with charm and accuracy. Please keep in writing your wonderful books.
Gary George is a wonderful author, as proven once again with this latest book. His characters are interesting, authentic, and more than likeable. I feel as if I know them to my great pleasure. The Southwestern setting is one I especially love, described here with charm and accuracy. Please keep in writing your wonderful books.
February 12, 2020
A great medley of a story, just like the title
A GREAT story! Mixed great human interest around an evangelical tent show, a traveling carnival, and a would be weapons deal with the Mob. The central character is a guy toy you want to follow, and the local flavor of a town standing in for Needles, CA and the Mojave Desert is expertly blended.
A GREAT story! Mixed great human interest around an evangelical tent show, a traveling carnival, and a would be weapons deal with the Mob. The central character is a guy toy you want to follow, and the local flavor of a town standing in for Needles, CA and the Mojave Desert is expertly blended.
April 20, 2020
Lots of subplots and plenty of characters!
I like this author and his vivid descriptions of the topography, flora and fauna of the Mojave Desert....which I love and love reading about. It makes for really fun reading when there are great adventures and interesting chat to go along with that! I love Joe and an looking forward to reading more stories involving him.
I like this author and his vivid descriptions of the topography, flora and fauna of the Mojave Desert....which I love and love reading about. It makes for really fun reading when there are great adventures and interesting chat to go along with that! I love Joe and an looking forward to reading more stories involving him.
January 9, 2022
Gary J George keeps getting better.
I’m so glad I bought all the Smoke Tree Mysteries at about the same time. Now I can finish one and begin the next one without waiting. The stories improve with each new tale. The characters are unique and just the smallest bit different which truly makes them real. I have to go now so I can begin the next book in this series.
I’m so glad I bought all the Smoke Tree Mysteries at about the same time. Now I can finish one and begin the next one without waiting. The stories improve with each new tale. The characters are unique and just the smallest bit different which truly makes them real. I have to go now so I can begin the next book in this series.
November 3, 2025
Rated two because of the narration. Otherwise, 3 .5. The story was good enough, although it's no great prose. What bothered me is the auto-narration, which is some kind of electronic text-to-voice program used before the AI age. It was pretty much emotionless, and had significant mispronounced words.
January 29, 2026
I have grown to love
I have grown to love this series. It has good storylines and no sewer language or so far none. Just a good, comfortable read. Books you can read for the enjoyment of reading. If you are looking for a good, easy read that is entertaining, I recommend the books in this series.
I have grown to love this series. It has good storylines and no sewer language or so far none. Just a good, comfortable read. Books you can read for the enjoyment of reading. If you are looking for a good, easy read that is entertaining, I recommend the books in this series.
June 7, 2019
I like this series
I've enjoyed all the books in this series. I really like reading about the era in which I grew up. This is a book to read slowly and savor. There's so many things going on that seem unrelated but the author ties is in together at the end.
I've enjoyed all the books in this series. I really like reading about the era in which I grew up. This is a book to read slowly and savor. There's so many things going on that seem unrelated but the author ties is in together at the end.
May 29, 2020
It took a long time to read this
Because I didn't want to finish it. I was savoring it. It was great. If you are reading and enjoying the Smoke Tree Series, you will continue to be pleased with this installment.
Because I didn't want to finish it. I was savoring it. It was great. If you are reading and enjoying the Smoke Tree Series, you will continue to be pleased with this installment.
September 8, 2020
Amazing
After reading all six books of the Smoke Tree series by this fantastic author, I highly recommend every one to read this series.
I hope that this last book is not the end of this tale.
After reading all six books of the Smoke Tree series by this fantastic author, I highly recommend every one to read this series.
I hope that this last book is not the end of this tale.
October 18, 2020
Six page turners too notch
Read all in this series .rival's Tony Silverman and longer for the desert feel.characters fleshed out so you have to see what happens next.plots so well written and so full of our history . All in all, great read. Keep it up.enjoy every page
Read all in this series .rival's Tony Silverman and longer for the desert feel.characters fleshed out so you have to see what happens next.plots so well written and so full of our history . All in all, great read. Keep it up.enjoy every page
November 16, 2020
Excellent!
If you like C.J. Box Mysteries, you'll enjoy this series, writing style very similar,
Once you start reading you don't want to put the book down until your done and ready to start the next one,:) in the series,
If you like C.J. Box Mysteries, you'll enjoy this series, writing style very similar,
Once you start reading you don't want to put the book down until your done and ready to start the next one,:) in the series,
December 29, 2021
Another great Smoke Tree read
Gary George continues with another winner in his series. Strong characters, A vividly described desert setting, and an engaging plot make this a must-read.
Gary George continues with another winner in his series. Strong characters, A vividly described desert setting, and an engaging plot make this a must-read.
January 7, 2023
Yet Another read by Gary J. George
Horse takes on the mob as well as the whole US Army. As Smoke Tree is invaded by the armies of a unbefore known foreign power. And much, much more.
As always, another "hard to put down" read.
R.C. Ballasch
Horse takes on the mob as well as the whole US Army. As Smoke Tree is invaded by the armies of a unbefore known foreign power. And much, much more.
As always, another "hard to put down" read.
R.C. Ballasch
September 10, 2024
Live this series
I live how Mr. George intertwined residents from previous books and extends not only their personal lives but Horse's personal life. It's like you're getting to know each character and invests you even more into the next books!
I live how Mr. George intertwined residents from previous books and extends not only their personal lives but Horse's personal life. It's like you're getting to know each character and invests you even more into the next books!
January 2, 2025
The Mob and the Army trying out Business!
Someone overheard just scant conversation. Adding up the info resulted in the knowledge that theArmy and the Mob were trying to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes.
Someone overheard just scant conversation. Adding up the info resulted in the knowledge that theArmy and the Mob were trying to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes.
April 13, 2026
love the desert setting
the story lines are intriguing and keep you reading later to the night. I love the descriptions of the desert plants and animals. I lived In San Diego and twenty- nine Pa!MS so I expire
ded thr
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the story lines are intriguing and keep you reading later to the night. I love the descriptions of the desert plants and animals. I lived In San Diego and twenty- nine Pa!MS so I expire
ded thr
e
July 6, 2019
Horse did it again
I you would recommend this book along with the whole series. The characters are so like able ,you'll want the story to keep going
I you would recommend this book along with the whole series. The characters are so like able ,you'll want the story to keep going
June 15, 2020
Great book!
The writing brings a depth to the characters that vividly portrays them in great detail and makes them come alive. A outstanding and highly entertaining book!
The writing brings a depth to the characters that vividly portrays them in great detail and makes them come alive. A outstanding and highly entertaining book!
May 2, 2021
Page turned for sure!
Just a great story I couldn't stop reading I love the desert and this author Gary George does a great job, love this series .Thanks.
Just a great story I couldn't stop reading I love the desert and this author Gary George does a great job, love this series .Thanks.
August 27, 2021
Awesome book great reading
This book keeps you wanting more. Hated to put it down. Reading this book and me feel like I was right there I really enjoyed this book
This book keeps you wanting more. Hated to put it down. Reading this book and me feel like I was right there I really enjoyed this book
October 21, 2022
Love all of his books. This one took me a very long time to finish. For me there was TMI on a few of the characters. But still enjoyed the book very much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews