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Nora Kelly #2
The Scorpion's Tail
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.5px Arial; color: #333333} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.5px Arial; color: #333333; min-height: 12.0px} #1 bestselling authors Preston & Child return with the latest book in the new series featuring archaeologist Nora Kelly and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson.
Following the acclaimed debut of OLD BONES, this second "happily anticipated" new thriller in Preston & Child's series features Nora Kelly, archaeologist at the Santa Fe Archeological Institute, and rookie FBI Agent Corrie Swanson, as they team up to solve a mystery that quickly escalates into nightmare (Booklist).
A mummified corpse, over half a century old, is found in the cellar of an abandoned building in a remote New Mexico ghost town. Corrie is assigned what seems to her a throwaway case: to ID the body and determine cause of death. She brings archaeologist Nora Kelly to excavate the body and lend her expertise to the investigation, and together they uncover something unexpected and shocking: the deceased apparently died in agony, in a fetal position, skin coming off in sheets, with a rictus of horror frozen on his face.
Hidden on the corpse lies a 16th century Spanish gold cross of immense value.
When they at last identify the body -- and the bizarre cause of death -- Corrie and Nora open a door into a terrifying, secret world of ancient treasure and modern obsession: a world centered on arguably the most defining, frightening, and transformative moment in American history.
Following the acclaimed debut of OLD BONES, this second "happily anticipated" new thriller in Preston & Child's series features Nora Kelly, archaeologist at the Santa Fe Archeological Institute, and rookie FBI Agent Corrie Swanson, as they team up to solve a mystery that quickly escalates into nightmare (Booklist).
A mummified corpse, over half a century old, is found in the cellar of an abandoned building in a remote New Mexico ghost town. Corrie is assigned what seems to her a throwaway case: to ID the body and determine cause of death. She brings archaeologist Nora Kelly to excavate the body and lend her expertise to the investigation, and together they uncover something unexpected and shocking: the deceased apparently died in agony, in a fetal position, skin coming off in sheets, with a rictus of horror frozen on his face.
Hidden on the corpse lies a 16th century Spanish gold cross of immense value.
When they at last identify the body -- and the bizarre cause of death -- Corrie and Nora open a door into a terrifying, secret world of ancient treasure and modern obsession: a world centered on arguably the most defining, frightening, and transformative moment in American history.
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First published January 12, 2021
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About the author
Douglas Preston
177 books13.4k followersDouglas Preston was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1956, and grew up in the deadly boring suburb of Wellesley. Following a distinguished career at a private nursery school--he was almost immediately expelled--he attended public schools and the Cambridge School of Weston. Notable events in his early life included the loss of a fingertip at the age of three to a bicycle; the loss of his two front teeth to his brother Richard's fist; and various broken bones, also incurred in dust-ups with Richard. (Richard went on to write The Hot Zone and The Cobra Event, which tells you all you need to know about what it was like to grow up with him as a brother.)
As they grew up, Doug, Richard, and their little brother David roamed the quiet suburbs of Wellesley, terrorizing the natives with home-made rockets and incendiary devices mail-ordered from the backs of comic books or concocted from chemistry sets. With a friend they once attempted to fly a rocket into Wellesley Square; the rocket malfunctioned and nearly killed a man mowing his lawn. They were local celebrities, often appearing in the "Police Notes" section of The Wellesley Townsman. It is a miracle they survived childhood intact.
After unaccountably being rejected by Stanford University (a pox on it), Preston attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, where he studied mathematics, biology, physics, anthropology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy before settling down to English literature. After graduating, Preston began his career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York as an editor, writer, and eventually manager of publications. (Preston also taught writing at Princeton University and was managing editor of Curator.) His eight-year stint at the Museum resulted in the non-fiction book, Dinosaurs in the Attic, edited by a rising young star at St. Martin's Press, a polymath by the name of Lincoln Child. During this period, Preston gave Child a midnight tour of the museum, and in the darkened Hall of Late Dinosaurs, under a looming T. Rex, Child turned to Preston and said: "This would make the perfect setting for a thriller!" That thriller would, of course, be Relic.
In 1986, Douglas Preston piled everything he owned into the back of a Subaru and moved from New York City to Santa Fe to write full time, following the advice of S. J. Perelman that "the dubious privilege of a freelance writer is he's given the freedom to starve anywhere." After the requisite period of penury, Preston achieved a small success with the publication of Cities of Gold, a non-fiction book about Coronado's search for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola. To research the book, Preston and a friend retraced on horseback 1,000 miles of Coronado's route across Arizona and New Mexico, packing their supplies and sleeping under the stars--nearly killing themselves in the process. Since then he has published several more non-fiction books on the history of the American Southwest, Talking to the Ground and The Royal Road, as well as a novel entitled Jennie. In the early 1990s Preston and Child teamed up to write suspense novels; Relic was the first, followed by several others, including Riptide and Thunderhead. Relic was released as a motion picture by Paramount in 1997. Other films are under development at Hollywood studios. Preston and Child live 500 miles apart and write their books together via telephone, fax, and the Internet.
Preston and his brother Richard are currently producing a television miniseries for ABC and Mandalay Entertainment, to be aired in the spring of 2000, if all goes well, which in Hollywood is rarely the case.
Preston continues a magazine writing career by contributing regularly to The New Yorker magazine. He has also written for National Geographic, Natural History, Smithsonisan, Harper's,and Travel & Leisure,among others.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/dougla...
As they grew up, Doug, Richard, and their little brother David roamed the quiet suburbs of Wellesley, terrorizing the natives with home-made rockets and incendiary devices mail-ordered from the backs of comic books or concocted from chemistry sets. With a friend they once attempted to fly a rocket into Wellesley Square; the rocket malfunctioned and nearly killed a man mowing his lawn. They were local celebrities, often appearing in the "Police Notes" section of The Wellesley Townsman. It is a miracle they survived childhood intact.
After unaccountably being rejected by Stanford University (a pox on it), Preston attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, where he studied mathematics, biology, physics, anthropology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy before settling down to English literature. After graduating, Preston began his career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York as an editor, writer, and eventually manager of publications. (Preston also taught writing at Princeton University and was managing editor of Curator.) His eight-year stint at the Museum resulted in the non-fiction book, Dinosaurs in the Attic, edited by a rising young star at St. Martin's Press, a polymath by the name of Lincoln Child. During this period, Preston gave Child a midnight tour of the museum, and in the darkened Hall of Late Dinosaurs, under a looming T. Rex, Child turned to Preston and said: "This would make the perfect setting for a thriller!" That thriller would, of course, be Relic.
In 1986, Douglas Preston piled everything he owned into the back of a Subaru and moved from New York City to Santa Fe to write full time, following the advice of S. J. Perelman that "the dubious privilege of a freelance writer is he's given the freedom to starve anywhere." After the requisite period of penury, Preston achieved a small success with the publication of Cities of Gold, a non-fiction book about Coronado's search for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola. To research the book, Preston and a friend retraced on horseback 1,000 miles of Coronado's route across Arizona and New Mexico, packing their supplies and sleeping under the stars--nearly killing themselves in the process. Since then he has published several more non-fiction books on the history of the American Southwest, Talking to the Ground and The Royal Road, as well as a novel entitled Jennie. In the early 1990s Preston and Child teamed up to write suspense novels; Relic was the first, followed by several others, including Riptide and Thunderhead. Relic was released as a motion picture by Paramount in 1997. Other films are under development at Hollywood studios. Preston and Child live 500 miles apart and write their books together via telephone, fax, and the Internet.
Preston and his brother Richard are currently producing a television miniseries for ABC and Mandalay Entertainment, to be aired in the spring of 2000, if all goes well, which in Hollywood is rarely the case.
Preston continues a magazine writing career by contributing regularly to The New Yorker magazine. He has also written for National Geographic, Natural History, Smithsonisan, Harper's,and Travel & Leisure,among others.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/dougla...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,622 reviews
April 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this new addition to the Nora Kelly series!
The book was action packed and the mystery of High Lonesome, a ghost town near the White Sands National Park was thrilling to read. This book took place in New Mexico and I really enjoyed the rugged landscape for the setting.
The Scorpion's Tail starts off with the local sheriff seeing someone digging at High Lonesome. He goes to investigate and the treasure hunter tries to kill Sheriff Homer Watts.
What the treasure hunter doesn't understand is this is the wrong type of sheriff to shoot at!
A gun battle happens and Sheriff Watts gets his man. Watts goes to investigate on what's being dug up and discovers a mummified corpse!
High Lonesome is on federal land so the FBI ends up getting involved with this case.
Agent Corrie Swanson gets the throwaway case of the mummified corpse.
Since Corrie is in a bit of hot water with her supervisor, she knows she needs to do a good job on the case, regardless if it goes anywhere.
She sweet talks Nora Kelly into being the archaeologist to excavate the body.
Nora Kelly has a hard time saying no to a mysterious archaeology dig, so she relents and says she'll dig up this mummy!
Corrie and Nora have no idea of the type of mysteries and deadly situations that they're about to get involved in with this investigation.
The Scorpion's Tail was highly entertaining and fun to read!
The mystery of the dead body along with a possible hidden treasure are only a few tidbits to this thrilling plot.
The plot has the feel of an Indiana Jones movie about it, along with throwing in some conspiracy theories and High Noon battles.
I loved the new character of Sheriff Homer Watts! I want more of this character in books to come.
I also loved seeing Nora Kelly's brother, Skip get involved in the action and make smart decisions in this book.
And yes, you even get a cameo appearance of our beloved
I really like how the book ends with Nora Kelly's character and the questions that she has with her career and life. I'm excited to see what type of adventures and archeology mysteries that she will get involved with in the future!
Highly recommend this book and series if you enjoy action adventure plots, great characters and exciting mysteries to solve!
Start with Thunderhead if you can!
The book was action packed and the mystery of High Lonesome, a ghost town near the White Sands National Park was thrilling to read. This book took place in New Mexico and I really enjoyed the rugged landscape for the setting.
The Scorpion's Tail starts off with the local sheriff seeing someone digging at High Lonesome. He goes to investigate and the treasure hunter tries to kill Sheriff Homer Watts.
What the treasure hunter doesn't understand is this is the wrong type of sheriff to shoot at!
A gun battle happens and Sheriff Watts gets his man. Watts goes to investigate on what's being dug up and discovers a mummified corpse!
High Lonesome is on federal land so the FBI ends up getting involved with this case.
Agent Corrie Swanson gets the throwaway case of the mummified corpse.
Since Corrie is in a bit of hot water with her supervisor, she knows she needs to do a good job on the case, regardless if it goes anywhere.
She sweet talks Nora Kelly into being the archaeologist to excavate the body.
Nora Kelly has a hard time saying no to a mysterious archaeology dig, so she relents and says she'll dig up this mummy!
Corrie and Nora have no idea of the type of mysteries and deadly situations that they're about to get involved in with this investigation.
The Scorpion's Tail was highly entertaining and fun to read!
The mystery of the dead body along with a possible hidden treasure are only a few tidbits to this thrilling plot.
The plot has the feel of an Indiana Jones movie about it, along with throwing in some conspiracy theories and High Noon battles.
I loved the new character of Sheriff Homer Watts! I want more of this character in books to come.
I also loved seeing Nora Kelly's brother, Skip get involved in the action and make smart decisions in this book.
And yes, you even get a cameo appearance of our beloved
I really like how the book ends with Nora Kelly's character and the questions that she has with her career and life. I'm excited to see what type of adventures and archeology mysteries that she will get involved with in the future!
Highly recommend this book and series if you enjoy action adventure plots, great characters and exciting mysteries to solve!
Start with Thunderhead if you can!
November 11, 2020
There's certainly plenty of sting happenin' here in the vast deserts and mountains of New Mexico. In particular, Albuquerque and as far as the arms can stretch and the binocs can view.
We're riding alongside FBI Special Agent Corrie Swanson in this second edition of the Nora Kelly Series. Corrie is coming out the other side of a domestic dispute gone bad. She blames herself for a split second decision that almost cost the life of a child...... an out of control adult seemingly devaluing his family in a hostage situation.
Being on a two-year probationary program in her training, Corrie is told to sit this one out for a while. Her boss, Morwood, has reassigned her to a recent unfolding case up near the Azul Mountains. An illegal relic hunter uncovered a man's body in the process. Morwood felt that Corrie's background in forensic anthropology could be key to this investigation. Said mummified body appears to have been there since around 1945. A murder victim or what?
Corrie calls upon Dr. Nora Kelly, senior curator at the Santa Fe Archaeological Institute. Nora is an ace when it comes to ancient Pueblo culture. Besides, Corrie saved Nora's butt in the last outing. And this case is gonna try women's souls. Someone doesn't want Corrie and Nora anywhere near the ghost town of High Lonesome. They'll face the rigors of the dangerous terrain where Geronimo and the Apaches once roamed. Certainly not a place to go unprepared.
The Scorpion's Tail is another high-level adventure in the hands of the dynamic duo Preston & Child. If you've been a fan over the years, you know whereof I speak. This series features two superbly strong female lead characters packin' high-octane cerebral assets. And they work well together.
Preston & Child line their stories with layers of history and science which almost compels the reader to find out more on the topic at hand. It's never overwhelming and it just adds to the intrigue of the setting. That's the draw with Preston & Child. Expect the unexpected. You'll never look at a historical situation with the same eyes again. And no one sets up a scene like they do. Bravo, Gentlemen, once again. Just Bravo.
I received a copy of The Scorpion's Tail through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and to the talented Preston & Child.
We're riding alongside FBI Special Agent Corrie Swanson in this second edition of the Nora Kelly Series. Corrie is coming out the other side of a domestic dispute gone bad. She blames herself for a split second decision that almost cost the life of a child...... an out of control adult seemingly devaluing his family in a hostage situation.
Being on a two-year probationary program in her training, Corrie is told to sit this one out for a while. Her boss, Morwood, has reassigned her to a recent unfolding case up near the Azul Mountains. An illegal relic hunter uncovered a man's body in the process. Morwood felt that Corrie's background in forensic anthropology could be key to this investigation. Said mummified body appears to have been there since around 1945. A murder victim or what?
Corrie calls upon Dr. Nora Kelly, senior curator at the Santa Fe Archaeological Institute. Nora is an ace when it comes to ancient Pueblo culture. Besides, Corrie saved Nora's butt in the last outing. And this case is gonna try women's souls. Someone doesn't want Corrie and Nora anywhere near the ghost town of High Lonesome. They'll face the rigors of the dangerous terrain where Geronimo and the Apaches once roamed. Certainly not a place to go unprepared.
The Scorpion's Tail is another high-level adventure in the hands of the dynamic duo Preston & Child. If you've been a fan over the years, you know whereof I speak. This series features two superbly strong female lead characters packin' high-octane cerebral assets. And they work well together.
Preston & Child line their stories with layers of history and science which almost compels the reader to find out more on the topic at hand. It's never overwhelming and it just adds to the intrigue of the setting. That's the draw with Preston & Child. Expect the unexpected. You'll never look at a historical situation with the same eyes again. And no one sets up a scene like they do. Bravo, Gentlemen, once again. Just Bravo.
I received a copy of The Scorpion's Tail through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and to the talented Preston & Child.
February 25, 2021
Preston & Child are back with another Pendergast-adjacent adventure featuring Corrie Swanson and Nora Kelly. If you enjoy these authors and the characters from their main series, you really cannot go wrong here. It is worth reading Old Bones first as that is when these two characters first get together for an adventure, so it sets this one up nicely.
One thing I really liked about this book was that it takes the reader to the United States Southwest and therefore has the same feel as their previous work, Thunderhead. And, since it features one of the characters from that book, you do run across a little reminiscing along the way. If you were a fan of Thunderhead, I am pretty sure you will enjoy this one as well. Also, the main storyline and mystery were unique and have had me doing a lot of side internet research into the non-fiction elements they based some of it on. Being inspired to Google is usually a good sign!
You might think it sounds like I am setting this one up for 5 stars but then you will see I only gave it 4. Why is that? Well, 4 still means that I liked it quite a lot, however, this one did lay on the cheese and coincidence pretty thick. They even go so far as to point out that some of the events are a Deux Ex Machina, so they are not trying to hide the coincidences. This is especially clear with the
In conclusion, if you love Preston & Child, read this, but be sure to bring some nachos for all of that cheese dip!
One thing I really liked about this book was that it takes the reader to the United States Southwest and therefore has the same feel as their previous work, Thunderhead. And, since it features one of the characters from that book, you do run across a little reminiscing along the way. If you were a fan of Thunderhead, I am pretty sure you will enjoy this one as well. Also, the main storyline and mystery were unique and have had me doing a lot of side internet research into the non-fiction elements they based some of it on. Being inspired to Google is usually a good sign!
You might think it sounds like I am setting this one up for 5 stars but then you will see I only gave it 4. Why is that? Well, 4 still means that I liked it quite a lot, however, this one did lay on the cheese and coincidence pretty thick. They even go so far as to point out that some of the events are a Deux Ex Machina, so they are not trying to hide the coincidences. This is especially clear with the
In conclusion, if you love Preston & Child, read this, but be sure to bring some nachos for all of that cheese dip!
April 8, 2021
I've tried a number of stories by this author, but few are found intriguing. Too slow for my tastes and I'm done with Mr. Preston et al. 0 stars
January 18, 2021
Corrie Swanson is the stupidest FBI agent ever. At least I hope they don’t have anyone dumber or less competent than she is. She doesn’t seem to have heard of tire tracks, footprints or Watergate. I don’t mind Nora, but I need to stick to the authors’ Pendergast books, because I am never rewarded when I venture into their other series. Pendergast makes a mildly amusing cameo appearance at the end of this book as an intelligent counterbalance to Corrie.
October 11, 2022
Turns out this “cold” case was anything but!!
As a near rookie (and a female in the bargain), Junior FBI Agent Corrie Swanson knows she’s undoubtedly going to get tossed the dregs and the bones when it comes to investigation. There’s a case of a mummified corpse and a dead donkey that have been found under suspicious circumstances in a remote piece of New Mexico desert. But suspense thriller novels being suspense thriller novels, it doesn’t take much imagination to realize that appearances can be deceiving and there is ultimately much more to this case than a first glance reveals.
Aside from an exciting plot, Preston and Child provide plenty of interesting and informative sidebars on topics as diverse as forensic anthropology, donkey biology, the history of the Roman Catholic Church in the American southwest, hidden treasure, government corruption, looting of antiquities, land-based submarine warfare, the Trinity atom bomb test and more. Corrie Swanson’s and Nora Kelly’s characters are developed in greater details as their careers move forward.
I won’t venture into spoiler territory by telling you the surprise ending but it struck me as needless and had a definite deus ex machina flavour to it. Distracting and detracting, in my opinion, and, as a result, I held back that fifth star on the rating. The novel and the characters stood on their own and the novel would have been improved by allowing them to reach the final conclusion by themselves.
Paul Weiss
As a near rookie (and a female in the bargain), Junior FBI Agent Corrie Swanson knows she’s undoubtedly going to get tossed the dregs and the bones when it comes to investigation. There’s a case of a mummified corpse and a dead donkey that have been found under suspicious circumstances in a remote piece of New Mexico desert. But suspense thriller novels being suspense thriller novels, it doesn’t take much imagination to realize that appearances can be deceiving and there is ultimately much more to this case than a first glance reveals.
Aside from an exciting plot, Preston and Child provide plenty of interesting and informative sidebars on topics as diverse as forensic anthropology, donkey biology, the history of the Roman Catholic Church in the American southwest, hidden treasure, government corruption, looting of antiquities, land-based submarine warfare, the Trinity atom bomb test and more. Corrie Swanson’s and Nora Kelly’s characters are developed in greater details as their careers move forward.
I won’t venture into spoiler territory by telling you the surprise ending but it struck me as needless and had a definite deus ex machina flavour to it. Distracting and detracting, in my opinion, and, as a result, I held back that fifth star on the rating. The novel and the characters stood on their own and the novel would have been improved by allowing them to reach the final conclusion by themselves.
Paul Weiss
October 28, 2020
I love the authors.
I love the characters.
I was…unfortunately kind of bored with the book.
This one was a bit of a miss for me. I just didn’t find our crime or our mystery all that interesting. I also (can’t believe I’m saying this) think they need to leave the Pendergast plays Hercule Poirot cameo out of the book. It adds almost nothing for me when he comes and basically ties up loose ends after 30 seconds of page time.
These two characters have so much potential, but need a little more edge, a bit more darkness, and just something more interesting to do.
I still enjoyed much of the book, but it left me wanting so much more.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
I love the characters.
I was…unfortunately kind of bored with the book.
This one was a bit of a miss for me. I just didn’t find our crime or our mystery all that interesting. I also (can’t believe I’m saying this) think they need to leave the Pendergast plays Hercule Poirot cameo out of the book. It adds almost nothing for me when he comes and basically ties up loose ends after 30 seconds of page time.
These two characters have so much potential, but need a little more edge, a bit more darkness, and just something more interesting to do.
I still enjoyed much of the book, but it left me wanting so much more.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
January 30, 2021
Archeologist Nora Kelly and FBI agent Corrie Swanson are back again in New Mexico mining ghost town. These two ladies are a wonderful team despite some bickering at the beginning but that makes a more interesting story with realistic personalities. Old bones and ancient Spanish delicate gold cross led to more mysteries. Illegal looting of native Indian artifacts and ancient Spanish treasures by bad guys with guns.
I love the authors talent in blending history, fantasy and mystery together so well. Don't miss this one!
I love the authors talent in blending history, fantasy and mystery together so well. Don't miss this one!
November 28, 2021
Rookie or not, Special Agent Swanson was proving once again that she could be a pain in the ass.Nora Kelly, archaeologist at the Santa Fe Archeological Institute, and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson—the heroines of Old Bones and a few earlier novels by Preston and Child—are back in The Scorpion’s Tail. Swanson blames herself after a hostage situation goes sideways, and she doesn’t know where she stands when she’s assigned to investigate a 70-year-old mummified corpse found during the shooting of a relic hunter at High Lonesome, a long-abandoned New Mexico ghost town. But after bringing in Nora to assist the investigation, they are both soon in the middle of multiple murders possibly involving 17th century Spanish gold and the 1945 Trinity nuclear test.
…
“Gold, gems, lost mines—that gets people's attention.”
“Sometimes too much.”
As with Old Bones, I enjoyed the history portions of the story, and most of all the still-evolving relationship between Nora and Corrie. But I had a few problems with this novel. It’s a bit slow through the first third, and while I love Agent Pendergast, I don’t know that I want him showing up at the end of every book to tie up the loose ends. It’s well plotted as all the Preston and Child books are, but the story was not particularly suspenseful, and the villains were not just predictable but almost comically absurd. It’s fine, but not one of Preston and Child’s better books.
November 25, 2020
Special Agent Corrie Swanson is teamed up with archeologist Dr. Nora Kelly to solve the mystery behind a mummified corpse found in a remote New Mexico ghost town. Added to that mystery is also the finding of a seemingly priceless artifact -- a gold cross that was found in a pouch from the corpse. Now it's up to Nora, Corrie and the local authorities to not only identify and solve the death of "John Doe," they must also solve the mystery behind the gold cross.
The authors, Preston&Child have yet again executed another fine novel. With a New Mexico backdrop, it is apparent that extensive research was conducted about the area, customs, and history to provide a flavor for the township and remote desert locations. All of which are woven into an exciting and mysterious plot.
The characters Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson play well into the storyline of the novel. So do the villains and other minor players. However, I did not particularly appreciate the appearance of Special Agent Pendergast (from the Pendergast series) in this novel because it just seemed to take away the spotlight from Nora and Corrie.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Scorpion's Tail. It's an exciting and entertaining read sure to please mystery fans and fans of the authors. I've rated it four stars. I really liked it.
I received a digital ARC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
The authors, Preston&Child have yet again executed another fine novel. With a New Mexico backdrop, it is apparent that extensive research was conducted about the area, customs, and history to provide a flavor for the township and remote desert locations. All of which are woven into an exciting and mysterious plot.
The characters Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson play well into the storyline of the novel. So do the villains and other minor players. However, I did not particularly appreciate the appearance of Special Agent Pendergast (from the Pendergast series) in this novel because it just seemed to take away the spotlight from Nora and Corrie.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Scorpion's Tail. It's an exciting and entertaining read sure to please mystery fans and fans of the authors. I've rated it four stars. I really liked it.
I received a digital ARC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
April 12, 2025
What an incredibly good book. Follow Nora and Corrie on an incredible treasure hunt in the New Mexican desert. An old body found in the house of a ghost town leads to all kinds of adventures you never expected. The back story on American history and some uprising of the Indians is outstanding. The evil force here is threatening. You will even find another famous character from Preston/Child novels with a short appearance (no spoilers). This one was very hard to put down. One of their very best. Should be made into a movie. Highly recommended!
April 15, 2021
I loudly proclaimed to the 20-25 people who read my review of the first book in this series that I dearly hoped the next Nora Kelly book would be better.
Thank you gentlemen, it was just what I’d hoped. Archeological mysteries, legends and the lure of buried treasure!! Wonderful pacing combined with Native American mysticism kept me hooked.
A few twists and a delightful scene featuring Agent Pendergast made me sad as the ends of all the twisted rope came together.
I’ll be honest— everything after the lost treasure was frosting. I’m a sucker for treasure tales— thanks to that classic Farley Granger movie, King Solomon’s Mines.
Thank you gentlemen, it was just what I’d hoped. Archeological mysteries, legends and the lure of buried treasure!! Wonderful pacing combined with Native American mysticism kept me hooked.
A few twists and a delightful scene featuring Agent Pendergast made me sad as the ends of all the twisted rope came together.
I’ll be honest— everything after the lost treasure was frosting. I’m a sucker for treasure tales— thanks to that classic Farley Granger movie, King Solomon’s Mines.
January 22, 2021
Cartoonish and stereotyped side characters and a secondary plot that comes out of nowhere in the final chapters lead to an easy but disappointing read due to the wasted potential.
January 12, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The creators of Pendergast have done it again. I've always loved both Nora and Corrie, and was super excited to hear about their first book, Old bones, in which they come together to solve a historical mystery *and* a modern mystery. Lucky for us, Preston & Child had bigger plans than just one book, and from this plan comes The Scorpion's Tail.
Interestingly enough, it's pretty clear early on who the bad guy is. The fun in this story is all the twists and turns it took to get there - all of the clues, all of the dead ends, all of the puzzles and conundrums that build towards an explosive finale.
I'm really interested to see, after that ending, where the next Nora and Corrie book will take us. I'm *so* along for this ride.
Highly recommended but pick up book one first. (Honestly, you don't have to read all of the Pendergast books first, but you'd know so much more about these characters if you did.)
The creators of Pendergast have done it again. I've always loved both Nora and Corrie, and was super excited to hear about their first book, Old bones, in which they come together to solve a historical mystery *and* a modern mystery. Lucky for us, Preston & Child had bigger plans than just one book, and from this plan comes The Scorpion's Tail.
Interestingly enough, it's pretty clear early on who the bad guy is. The fun in this story is all the twists and turns it took to get there - all of the clues, all of the dead ends, all of the puzzles and conundrums that build towards an explosive finale.
I'm really interested to see, after that ending, where the next Nora and Corrie book will take us. I'm *so* along for this ride.
Highly recommended but pick up book one first. (Honestly, you don't have to read all of the Pendergast books first, but you'd know so much more about these characters if you did.)
June 9, 2025
This Preston & Child thriller published in 2021 is a standard thriller which I could've rated as 3/5. A good read, enjoyable, did not disappoint. However, I will give it 4/5. I'm a sucker for the magnificent American Southwestern setting, the setting for so many Westerns and the great Tony Hillerman mysteries. This book is also about a treasure hunt--so, as many books that I've read about treasure hunts--I'm still a sucker for a good treasure hunt story.
I have to note that this is the second in P&C's Nora Kelly series. I had not read the first in this series, "Old Bones." I would recommend reading that one first, as that establishes the relationship between archaeologist Nora Kelly and (rookie) FBI agent Corrie Swanson. I'll have to pick that one up sometime while looking forward to the next Nora Kelly book.
I have to note that this is the second in P&C's Nora Kelly series. I had not read the first in this series, "Old Bones." I would recommend reading that one first, as that establishes the relationship between archaeologist Nora Kelly and (rookie) FBI agent Corrie Swanson. I'll have to pick that one up sometime while looking forward to the next Nora Kelly book.
January 22, 2021
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Mystery / Thriller / Suspense
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
The Scorpion's Tail, by co-authors Douglas Preston, and Lincoln Child, is the second installment their Nora Kelly series. Dr. Nora Kelly is senior curator at the Santa Fe Archaeological Institute who first appeared in the authors Thunderhead and is an associate of FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast. The series also features FBI Agent Corrie Swanson of the Albuquerque Field Office. She's the protegee of Special Agent Pendergast who saw something in her that her own parents didn't. Corrie and Nora first worked together in the story Old Bones which revisited the Donner family tragedy.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Mystery / Thriller / Suspense
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
The Scorpion's Tail, by co-authors Douglas Preston, and Lincoln Child, is the second installment their Nora Kelly series. Dr. Nora Kelly is senior curator at the Santa Fe Archaeological Institute who first appeared in the authors Thunderhead and is an associate of FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast. The series also features FBI Agent Corrie Swanson of the Albuquerque Field Office. She's the protegee of Special Agent Pendergast who saw something in her that her own parents didn't. Corrie and Nora first worked together in the story Old Bones which revisited the Donner family tragedy.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
January 12, 2021
Another year another Preston & Child collaboration only this time no Pendergast novel but a Nora Kelly novel which makes this book the third, Thunderhead being the first a long time ago. Somebody asked me how old she would be by now and I absolutely have no idea. That is something the writers should solve for their readers I guess.
Anyhow Pendergast protogee Corrie Swanson has started a as a trainee FBI agent and get send to a ghosttown in the dessert near to White Sands (infamous because of the Trinity explosion, being the first nuclear device brought to explosion) where a local sheriff has shot a treasure hunter and has found a mummified corpse.
Not being an expert Corrie requests the assistence of Nora Kelly with whom she has had an interesting previous affair from which both ladies plucked the rewards. Nora is not really interested be swamped in her own work and responsibilities and possible promotion is pulled into the affair.
When a mysterious golden cross is found with the corpse the affair starts to heat up with a murder and could there be a connection with the mystery of so many treasures being shipped and sold of in and outside of America.
Corrie and Nora both fiend themselves opposed by some serious and devious people who would not go a murder out of the way when that would mean enriching themselves. The FBI find themselves seriously outthought and outgunned at some moments. However the ladies do find their way home and towards a solution.
This kind of story is what these writers are excellent at archeaology and Americana history, the themes in some of the best Pendergast novels, and with Nora Kelly they have found somebody who unlike Pendergast has made this a living. I did really enjoy this novel a lot.
Of course you'll meet and greet special agent Pendergast for a short cameo, and he does not take the spotlights away from both women. He is as always a friend albeit wicked smart.
Although we get a Pendergast novel later this year, we now have a new series by both gentlemen Preston & Child that I am really looking forward. Until the next instalment of the Nora Kelly adventures I can return to her original first story which I may or may not have read before.
P.S. I would like to thank my local bookstore for surplying me with a copy I could buy.
Anyhow Pendergast protogee Corrie Swanson has started a as a trainee FBI agent and get send to a ghosttown in the dessert near to White Sands (infamous because of the Trinity explosion, being the first nuclear device brought to explosion) where a local sheriff has shot a treasure hunter and has found a mummified corpse.
Not being an expert Corrie requests the assistence of Nora Kelly with whom she has had an interesting previous affair from which both ladies plucked the rewards. Nora is not really interested be swamped in her own work and responsibilities and possible promotion is pulled into the affair.
When a mysterious golden cross is found with the corpse the affair starts to heat up with a murder and could there be a connection with the mystery of so many treasures being shipped and sold of in and outside of America.
Corrie and Nora both fiend themselves opposed by some serious and devious people who would not go a murder out of the way when that would mean enriching themselves. The FBI find themselves seriously outthought and outgunned at some moments. However the ladies do find their way home and towards a solution.
This kind of story is what these writers are excellent at archeaology and Americana history, the themes in some of the best Pendergast novels, and with Nora Kelly they have found somebody who unlike Pendergast has made this a living. I did really enjoy this novel a lot.
Of course you'll meet and greet special agent Pendergast for a short cameo, and he does not take the spotlights away from both women. He is as always a friend albeit wicked smart.
Although we get a Pendergast novel later this year, we now have a new series by both gentlemen Preston & Child that I am really looking forward. Until the next instalment of the Nora Kelly adventures I can return to her original first story which I may or may not have read before.
P.S. I would like to thank my local bookstore for surplying me with a copy I could buy.
January 20, 2021
For a plain old whodunit-when-how story, this series offers a refreshing new direction. If you're a history buff, you'll like it even better. If it matters, I read the first one, Old Bones, and I loved it as well. The stars of the show are archeologist Nora Kelly and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson, both stationed in the Santa Fe area of New Mexico. Here, Carrie is fresh off a case in which one of her skills was put to the test - with an outcome that's left her (and possibly her superior officer) uncertain of her future at the FBI.
When a new case comes along - the discovery of a mummified corpse in High Lonesome, a ghost town near White Sands, where the atomic bomb was tested in 1945 - Corrie gets the assignment (mostly, she suspects, to keep her mind off recent events). She's not thrilled, but given her degree in forensic anthropology, she quickly realizes she needs professional help. She and Nora are the kind of friends who hold hands to keep from fighting, but Nora's expertise - and proximity to the mummy's burial site - mean Corrie must put aside any personal misgivings and ask Nora to make an examination. Nora isn't pleased either - she's working another important case and hoping for a big promotion - but Corrie's persistence wears her down and off she goes.
Two things are striking right from the start: the manner in which the victim was poisoned and how the dead man came to be holding tight to an extremely valuable, centuries-old artifact. That brings up questions about the nearby Army base and unearths interesting history of the people who once inhabited the lands.
All told, it's another great adventure from a pair of writers who never disappoint. It's not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one, but it's always a good idea to start at the beginning - especially when that one is equally delicious.
When a new case comes along - the discovery of a mummified corpse in High Lonesome, a ghost town near White Sands, where the atomic bomb was tested in 1945 - Corrie gets the assignment (mostly, she suspects, to keep her mind off recent events). She's not thrilled, but given her degree in forensic anthropology, she quickly realizes she needs professional help. She and Nora are the kind of friends who hold hands to keep from fighting, but Nora's expertise - and proximity to the mummy's burial site - mean Corrie must put aside any personal misgivings and ask Nora to make an examination. Nora isn't pleased either - she's working another important case and hoping for a big promotion - but Corrie's persistence wears her down and off she goes.
Two things are striking right from the start: the manner in which the victim was poisoned and how the dead man came to be holding tight to an extremely valuable, centuries-old artifact. That brings up questions about the nearby Army base and unearths interesting history of the people who once inhabited the lands.
All told, it's another great adventure from a pair of writers who never disappoint. It's not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one, but it's always a good idea to start at the beginning - especially when that one is equally delicious.
December 30, 2020
The Scorpion’s Tail is the second of Preston and Child’s Nora Kelly series which actually feels and reads more as the Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson series, an offshoot of the wonderful Pendergast books. Much of the plot is covered in the descriptions which are easily found so I will briefly summarize. Corrie, who is in her initial 2 year “apprenticeship” with the FBI, has been given an assignment: to discover what a relic hunter was searching for in a long isolated ghost town in the hills near White Sands Reservation. What was worth his taking a bullet?
From that, the story branches out to other talk of relics of the very old southwest, how Nora with her anthropologist eye and knowledge can assist with the case. And the case develops. There is murder, there are gunfights. At times, the new West feels a bit like the Old West. While some of the action and actors felt a bit over the top to me, I enjoyed the history, the discussions of authenticating finds or interpreting their meaning. Occasional steps out of reality are not unusual in Preston and Child’s books. Unlike in the Pendergast novels, however, the steps here were not into the paranormal but rather into the far fetched. But, hey, I still enjoyed the novel and I have liked Corrie Swanson since Still Life With Crows.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
From that, the story branches out to other talk of relics of the very old southwest, how Nora with her anthropologist eye and knowledge can assist with the case. And the case develops. There is murder, there are gunfights. At times, the new West feels a bit like the Old West. While some of the action and actors felt a bit over the top to me, I enjoyed the history, the discussions of authenticating finds or interpreting their meaning. Occasional steps out of reality are not unusual in Preston and Child’s books. Unlike in the Pendergast novels, however, the steps here were not into the paranormal but rather into the far fetched. But, hey, I still enjoyed the novel and I have liked Corrie Swanson since Still Life With Crows.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 20, 2020
I can never find very much wrong with anything that Douglas Preston and/or Lincoln Childs produces. I thought the first book in this series got off to a rather slow start but when I became better acquainted with Nora Kelly I found that the series was not only entertaining but actually was high quality with great characters and fascinating subject matter. The discovery of the mummified body is on federal land, so the FBI gets involved. This brings on Special Agent Corrie Swanson who we met in the first book. Looks like these two characters may become a team…and that would be great. Corrie would have liked a juicier and more exciting assignment rather than checking out some old bones in the high desert, but she has a degree in forensic anthropology…plus she’s a rookie…so off she goes. She persuades a reluctant Dr. Nora Kelly, senior curator at the Santa Fe Archaeological Institute, to help puzzle out what happened to the man, as it’s unclear whether a crime has even been committed. These two authors are experts when it comes to plotting and telling the story. It all comes together with some nice twists and nail biting danger to give us another great offering form Preston and Childs.
July 21, 2021
A solid Pendergast adjacent novel featuring Pendergast's protegee Corrie Swansson and reoccurring character Nora Kelly. Corrie is a rookie FBI agent and Nora Kelly is an archeologist, both located in New Mexico. They first crossed paths on a case in Old Bones about the Donner Party. Now they must investigate the death of a man 75 years ago found in a ghost town. This one takes a real long time to get going. It's probably more like FBI field work is really like. There's also a lot of time spent with Corrie being a rookie agent learning the ropes. I really enjoyed the new character Sheriff Homer Watts as well. Hopefully, he'll pop up again.
I thought the end could have used some more detective work. I'm always a fan of detectives discovering the identity of the bad guys rather than not really having a clue who they are until the bad guys raise their heads. But then again, in real life, human nature is probably the real reason most criminals get caught as opposed to detective work.
I thought the end could have used some more detective work. I'm always a fan of detectives discovering the identity of the bad guys rather than not really having a clue who they are until the bad guys raise their heads. But then again, in real life, human nature is probably the real reason most criminals get caught as opposed to detective work.
March 8, 2024
Preston and Child are a rare combination that engage and thrill with storytelling. With copious research, Indiana Jones style plots and an array of characters, stories are enlightening, immersive suspenseful and explosive. Of all characters, Nora Kelly is a favorite due her drive, passion and her constant ability to surprise when least expected.
New Mexico is home to unrivaled natural beauty and wonder, and history dating back to the 1600s. Socorro is an isolated area and home to Sheriff Homer Watts, a 30-ish cowboy type. With the intention of going fishing, Watts mounts his horse Chaco and heads into the high country. On the way, he notices a swirling dust cloud coming from High Lonesome, a mining ghost town from yesteryear. Arriving at the site, he spots a pickup parked near an abandoned building, its owner none other than Pick Rivers, a criminal with a track record. When Pick replies to the sheriff's call with gunfire, Homer is left with no other choice but to draw his six guns and fire. Knowing his target was dropped, he heads to the site of the digging and finds remnants of a mummified cadaver. This being BLM land, his report to the FBI is routed to Corrie Swanson.
While Corrie's education in forensic archeology is substantial, she lacks the skill of her friend Nora Kelly who works a the Santa Fe Institute of Archeology. Once Kelly manages to get time off from the Institute, she uses her skill to meticulously uncover the cadaver and in the process discovers both a gold cross with ancient engraving and Apache medicine bag in its possession. When forensics research finds the cadaver is James Gower, the story explodes with discovery. Among the countless elements are signs of radioactivity, its origin from the Oppenheimer bomb detonation in '45. The cross is sent to a specialist and the result is astounding. Soon after, Corrie finds an old parchment attached to the back of a photo at Gower's grandson's home. Nora discovers the other half and when assembled they realize its a 1600's map to a Spanish treasure trove known, but never discovered
With the confidential bomb site and government brought into the picture, the plot spins out of control. Greed, redemption, Indian history and more add to the suspenseful momentum. And like all well planned mysteries, a surprise plot twist at the end.
Mystery lovers of all types will enjoy this engaging, high velocity story
New Mexico is home to unrivaled natural beauty and wonder, and history dating back to the 1600s. Socorro is an isolated area and home to Sheriff Homer Watts, a 30-ish cowboy type. With the intention of going fishing, Watts mounts his horse Chaco and heads into the high country. On the way, he notices a swirling dust cloud coming from High Lonesome, a mining ghost town from yesteryear. Arriving at the site, he spots a pickup parked near an abandoned building, its owner none other than Pick Rivers, a criminal with a track record. When Pick replies to the sheriff's call with gunfire, Homer is left with no other choice but to draw his six guns and fire. Knowing his target was dropped, he heads to the site of the digging and finds remnants of a mummified cadaver. This being BLM land, his report to the FBI is routed to Corrie Swanson.
While Corrie's education in forensic archeology is substantial, she lacks the skill of her friend Nora Kelly who works a the Santa Fe Institute of Archeology. Once Kelly manages to get time off from the Institute, she uses her skill to meticulously uncover the cadaver and in the process discovers both a gold cross with ancient engraving and Apache medicine bag in its possession. When forensics research finds the cadaver is James Gower, the story explodes with discovery. Among the countless elements are signs of radioactivity, its origin from the Oppenheimer bomb detonation in '45. The cross is sent to a specialist and the result is astounding. Soon after, Corrie finds an old parchment attached to the back of a photo at Gower's grandson's home. Nora discovers the other half and when assembled they realize its a 1600's map to a Spanish treasure trove known, but never discovered
With the confidential bomb site and government brought into the picture, the plot spins out of control. Greed, redemption, Indian history and more add to the suspenseful momentum. And like all well planned mysteries, a surprise plot twist at the end.
Mystery lovers of all types will enjoy this engaging, high velocity story
January 12, 2021
This is outing #2 for archaeologist Nora Kelly and FBI agent Corinne Swanson, from the great writing team of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, this time set in New Mexico. A relic hunter is caught red-handed doing some digging in a mining ghost town called the High Lonesome and shoots it out with the young sheriff, Homer Watts. Afterwards, it is learned that his digging uncovered a mummified corpse. Corrie is sent to look into it, to determine if it was a natural death. From what she sees, she wants Nora Kelly to come to the site to do a careful excavation. Little do the two realize where this will eventually lead them and who it will endanger. Kelly and Swanson get along scrappily and there's the usual cameo appearance from Special Agent Pendergast. A very exciting adventure with fascinating local history and lore woven into the story, even the details of the first atomic bomb test at White Sands!
I received an arc of this new thriller from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity!
I received an arc of this new thriller from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity!
September 19, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The Nora/Corrie series is different to the Pendergast series, in that it is more ruttin-tuttin' and more of a fun treasure hunt. Whereas, in the Pendergast series there are mysteries to be solved and twists upon twists. With the Nora/Corrie series we're beginning to see a trend of a historical discovery leading to buried treasure. I like this. I find it enjoyable, exciting, and not too taxing.
September 15, 2022
It was a long, bone-rattling drive from Anzuelo Canyon to High Lonesome. By the time they arrived, Corrie was heartily glad to get out. It was already late in the day, and the sun had sunk into a pile of distant thunderheads, turning them into towers of blood and casting a strange orange light over the landscape.
I am a recent convert to the works of authors Doug Preston and Lincoln Child – notable for the Pendergast series, after picking up Thunderhead a few years back. That one, set in Utah, introduced me to archaeologist Dr Nora Kelly and I was immediately hooked. After reading a few of FBI SA AXL Pendergast, most recently Cold Vengeance (which included FBI rookie Corrie Swanson), I was eager to follow up on Nora and the authors do not disappoint. Set in New Mexico, a Sheriff happens upon a relic hunter digging in the crumbling buildings of an old ghost town, High Lonesome, leading to the discovery of a jewelled cross and a man’s body, buried in accordance with Apache traditions.
In the opening few chapters there is a tension between Nora and Corrie, soon swept aside as the mystery unfolds. Cue a host of baddies, from relic hunters to crooked law enforcement, to a despotic general at the nearby White Sands Missile Base near Alamogordo, this has a little of everything and for me, the kind of detail I like in a book.
Corrie is a dab hand in facial reconstruction as she pieces together the likeness of a man who died 70+ years earlier. Using Plasticine, she had laid on the facial muscles in sequence-first the temporals, then the masseter, buccinators, and occipitofrontalis. She worked with great care...even the smallest deviation could make a person unrecognizable.
There is the familiar evocative descriptions of the landscape - The air was crisp with the scents of sagebrush and blooming chamisa, and puffy white clouds passed by in the cool breeze, casting slow-moving shadows across the landscape. It was, Nora thought, a perfect day for a hike. The ridge overlooked Anzuelo Canyon, a broad cut in the sandstone plateau, with spires and hoodoos of white sandstone rising here and there like misshapen snowmen.
Whether deliberate or not, there are coincidences in the choice of words: aside from “Thunderhead”, “Trinity” was the nuclear explosion set off by Oppenheimer in 1945, and one of the minor characters, a descendent of the dead man, has his own interpretation.
“My dad knew something about watches and watch repair. He usually got crappy Timexes to work on. But once he got an old Patek Philippe to clean out and regulate. I remember him letting me see the inside of it. There was an entire little world in there–levers, springs, rotors, even jewels. I’ve never seen my dad so excited. It was the only time he got to work on one of the Holy Trinity.” [The three oldest and greatest Swiss watchmakers: Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet.]
Action aplenty, with Nora’s brother Skip a rising star, and the inevitable cameo appearance by AXL Pendergast, who fits the pieces together neatly.
A great read, but those unfamiliar with the characters might like to read some of the earlier books first.
I am a recent convert to the works of authors Doug Preston and Lincoln Child – notable for the Pendergast series, after picking up Thunderhead a few years back. That one, set in Utah, introduced me to archaeologist Dr Nora Kelly and I was immediately hooked. After reading a few of FBI SA AXL Pendergast, most recently Cold Vengeance (which included FBI rookie Corrie Swanson), I was eager to follow up on Nora and the authors do not disappoint. Set in New Mexico, a Sheriff happens upon a relic hunter digging in the crumbling buildings of an old ghost town, High Lonesome, leading to the discovery of a jewelled cross and a man’s body, buried in accordance with Apache traditions.
In the opening few chapters there is a tension between Nora and Corrie, soon swept aside as the mystery unfolds. Cue a host of baddies, from relic hunters to crooked law enforcement, to a despotic general at the nearby White Sands Missile Base near Alamogordo, this has a little of everything and for me, the kind of detail I like in a book.
Corrie is a dab hand in facial reconstruction as she pieces together the likeness of a man who died 70+ years earlier. Using Plasticine, she had laid on the facial muscles in sequence-first the temporals, then the masseter, buccinators, and occipitofrontalis. She worked with great care...even the smallest deviation could make a person unrecognizable.
There is the familiar evocative descriptions of the landscape - The air was crisp with the scents of sagebrush and blooming chamisa, and puffy white clouds passed by in the cool breeze, casting slow-moving shadows across the landscape. It was, Nora thought, a perfect day for a hike. The ridge overlooked Anzuelo Canyon, a broad cut in the sandstone plateau, with spires and hoodoos of white sandstone rising here and there like misshapen snowmen.
Whether deliberate or not, there are coincidences in the choice of words: aside from “Thunderhead”, “Trinity” was the nuclear explosion set off by Oppenheimer in 1945, and one of the minor characters, a descendent of the dead man, has his own interpretation.
“My dad knew something about watches and watch repair. He usually got crappy Timexes to work on. But once he got an old Patek Philippe to clean out and regulate. I remember him letting me see the inside of it. There was an entire little world in there–levers, springs, rotors, even jewels. I’ve never seen my dad so excited. It was the only time he got to work on one of the Holy Trinity.” [The three oldest and greatest Swiss watchmakers: Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet.]
Action aplenty, with Nora’s brother Skip a rising star, and the inevitable cameo appearance by AXL Pendergast, who fits the pieces together neatly.
A great read, but those unfamiliar with the characters might like to read some of the earlier books first.
May 29, 2021
Another solid installment in the Nora Kelly series. This one was centered a bit more around Corrie, but I enjoy the banter between the two. The tragedy that occurred to bring Nora back to New Mexico still stings (the dedication at the beginning of this book opened some old wounds for me), but at least they are using the opportunity to turn out what is so far an excellent series. It has surprisingly never occurred to me how fascinating Southwestern American history is, but since starting this series a mere couple weeks ago, I have found myself researching the subject when my nose isn't buried in one of these books.
I have mixed feelings about Pendergast showing up yet again to miraculously figure out the last remaining mystery in the book. Don't get me wrong, I love Pendergast and his abilities, I just think it takes a little of the glory away from the main players (Nora, Corrie, Morwood, and Watts), who had just uncovered the truth of a centuries old legend. Nothing wrong with a Pendergast cameo, but I am not sure how I feel about him swooping in to tie it all in at the end again.
Other than that, this was a great read. I am looking forward to the next Nora Kelly archaeological adventure.
I have mixed feelings about Pendergast showing up yet again to miraculously figure out the last remaining mystery in the book. Don't get me wrong, I love Pendergast and his abilities, I just think it takes a little of the glory away from the main players (Nora, Corrie, Morwood, and Watts), who had just uncovered the truth of a centuries old legend. Nothing wrong with a Pendergast cameo, but I am not sure how I feel about him swooping in to tie it all in at the end again.
Other than that, this was a great read. I am looking forward to the next Nora Kelly archaeological adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
Exciting, intriguing, and suspenseful!
After reading five books of this series, I could use these same three adjectives to describe them all. I love how each story has a plausible tie to history, geography, archaeology. With excellent characterization and narration, the storyline weaves the seemingly unrelated threads together, all the while keeping me guessing about the plot, before the thriller style climax, and satisfying conclusion.
Highly recommended. This author duo will stay on my TBR list.
After reading five books of this series, I could use these same three adjectives to describe them all. I love how each story has a plausible tie to history, geography, archaeology. With excellent characterization and narration, the storyline weaves the seemingly unrelated threads together, all the while keeping me guessing about the plot, before the thriller style climax, and satisfying conclusion.
Highly recommended. This author duo will stay on my TBR list.
November 9, 2025
I love the Nora/Corrie series! It's fascinating to read the historical insights in these books. I wonder if there will be a fifth book. I hope so!
The book starts with a sheriff busting a relics raider who is digging in the remains of a ghost town in New Mexico. From there, it's hang onto your seat time as the story becomes one of murder, crimes and mystery! I hate to mention any details for fear of ruining the book for any future readers. I'm glad I went into it blindly. Great book!!!
I completely enjoyed the fact that the book spent time where I lived at one time: The White Sands National Monument, the Space Museum, and abandoned mining towns. I even got to tour the trinity site, where the bomb was set off.
Anyway, there were a lot of true elements in the book, which was nice. And I very much liked the sheriff. I hope he will be joining Corrie and Nora in the next book!
The book starts with a sheriff busting a relics raider who is digging in the remains of a ghost town in New Mexico. From there, it's hang onto your seat time as the story becomes one of murder, crimes and mystery! I hate to mention any details for fear of ruining the book for any future readers. I'm glad I went into it blindly. Great book!!!
I completely enjoyed the fact that the book spent time where I lived at one time: The White Sands National Monument, the Space Museum, and abandoned mining towns. I even got to tour the trinity site, where the bomb was set off.
Anyway, there were a lot of true elements in the book, which was nice. And I very much liked the sheriff. I hope he will be joining Corrie and Nora in the next book!
February 14, 2021
Local Sheriff Homer Watts stumbles upon a relic Hunter digging a grave and arrests him. But the grave yields a body mummified about seventy years ago. This sets off a FBI investigation into the provenance of the body.
As more and more startling facts are revealed to the investigator Corrie Swanson and archaeologist Nora Kelly, more forces to thwart their efforts come into play!
What mystery has the man taken to his grave?
Please read my detailed review here https://rb.gy/utaogc
Do read, like, comment or share!
#prestonandchild #thescorpionstail #archaeology #apache #thrillernovel #thrilling #mystery #bookfan #bookreviewer #bookworm #booklover #booklove
As more and more startling facts are revealed to the investigator Corrie Swanson and archaeologist Nora Kelly, more forces to thwart their efforts come into play!
What mystery has the man taken to his grave?
Please read my detailed review here https://rb.gy/utaogc
Do read, like, comment or share!
#prestonandchild #thescorpionstail #archaeology #apache #thrillernovel #thrilling #mystery #bookfan #bookreviewer #bookworm #booklover #booklove
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