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Smoke Tree Mystery #8
A Desert Drowning
A MAN SHOULD NOT DROWN IN A DESERT! BUT ONE HAS. TWICE! Teenage outsiders from the desert town of Smoke Tree find a body floating in a cistern beneath a desert moon, but an autopsy shows the man drowned elsewhere. Why move a drowned man and stage a false drowning? As Deputy Johnny Quentin, investigates, he discovers that the man's wife is also missing. Johnny must find her before the killer claims another victim. Find her in a section of open desert larger than some states. The new deputy, haunted his his tours as a Ranger in Vietnam and the death of his best friend there, must put his demons aside. Can he do it? Buy, "A Desert Drowning" and find out.
- GenresFiction
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2021
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 34 reviews
July 2, 2021
The page s just kept turning!
I absolutely lived this book. It was a deviation from my usual genre but I found the authors pace and style of writing very engaging. The use of Indigenous spiritual beliefs and culture was a plus. The plot was well developed and carried through the entire story in a most believable way. The characters were so real that I could see them in my mind.
Having traveled Route 66 from Indiana to Arizona, the small towns lost to the major expressways have so much character and love. Each and every town was unique and so welcoming to us.
I absolutely lived this book. It was a deviation from my usual genre but I found the authors pace and style of writing very engaging. The use of Indigenous spiritual beliefs and culture was a plus. The plot was well developed and carried through the entire story in a most believable way. The characters were so real that I could see them in my mind.
Having traveled Route 66 from Indiana to Arizona, the small towns lost to the major expressways have so much character and love. Each and every town was unique and so welcoming to us.
April 4, 2021
So Good To Be Back In Smoke Tree
It was greatv revisiting Smoke Tree friends from the past in this book and meeting new ones. I feel like I've been waiting such a long time for this book. Then, I finish it all in one night. Hopefully, the wait for the next Smoke Tree adventure won't be quite as long.
I love how Mr. George describes everything so vividly, so thoroughly, I feel as though I am right there.
It was greatv revisiting Smoke Tree friends from the past in this book and meeting new ones. I feel like I've been waiting such a long time for this book. Then, I finish it all in one night. Hopefully, the wait for the next Smoke Tree adventure won't be quite as long.
I love how Mr. George describes everything so vividly, so thoroughly, I feel as though I am right there.
February 4, 2023
This whole Smoke Tree series is most engaging. Gary George is a master at developing characters as well as weaving together several story lines. I have enjoyed each book of the series and always look forward to the next. I must say that a gifted writer such as Gary George deserves to have his publisher supply better editing. There are so many editing errors that I found to be distracting. I hesitated to mention it because it sounds so pedantic, but this gifted author deserves better.
January 2, 2022
Meet Smoke Tree
George has created a desert town, peopled it with believable characters and told their individual backstories. Carlos Caballo…Horse…is the pivotal person and solver of mysteries but there are so many rich tales woven through. So ignore some minor typesetting glitches and enjoy a fine series of yarns.
George has created a desert town, peopled it with believable characters and told their individual backstories. Carlos Caballo…Horse…is the pivotal person and solver of mysteries but there are so many rich tales woven through. So ignore some minor typesetting glitches and enjoy a fine series of yarns.
July 12, 2021
Great book in an Outstanding Series
I love the Smoke Tree Mysteries! Each of the main characters has human weaknesses they work hard to overcome. I’ve read each of these beautifully written stories. When a there is a new character, I can look forward to reading about them again. When an old character is included it’s like visiting an old friend. This is a very well researched book.
You can’t read this without learning about places from times gone by, Route 66, the Mojave Dessert and the mountains of the region. You learn without realizing you are being taught. The author is talented and you visualize the stark beauty. The history of this area is something I never thought about.
It’s very difficult for me to put down any book in this series. I hope the author continues the series & writes quickly! I always feel sad when I finish a Smoke Tree Mystery. I don’t want it to be over.
I love the Smoke Tree Mysteries! Each of the main characters has human weaknesses they work hard to overcome. I’ve read each of these beautifully written stories. When a there is a new character, I can look forward to reading about them again. When an old character is included it’s like visiting an old friend. This is a very well researched book.
You can’t read this without learning about places from times gone by, Route 66, the Mojave Dessert and the mountains of the region. You learn without realizing you are being taught. The author is talented and you visualize the stark beauty. The history of this area is something I never thought about.
It’s very difficult for me to put down any book in this series. I hope the author continues the series & writes quickly! I always feel sad when I finish a Smoke Tree Mystery. I don’t want it to be over.
May 23, 2021
Gary George hits it out of the park again.
I love every Gary George book that I have read. The characters and the settings are consistent, but both grow as the stories roll out, and supporting characters sometimesreturn from earlier books. I also appreciate that the author does not feel a need to make every story just a crime story. This book touched me emotionally early on, and I found myself caring what happened to the primary person that was in peril, while also enjoying the events involving surrounding characters that just enrich the story of this fictional town on Route 66 near the Colorado River. I felt that the foundation for more stories has been established, and I can't wait to get to read them.
I love every Gary George book that I have read. The characters and the settings are consistent, but both grow as the stories roll out, and supporting characters sometimesreturn from earlier books. I also appreciate that the author does not feel a need to make every story just a crime story. This book touched me emotionally early on, and I found myself caring what happened to the primary person that was in peril, while also enjoying the events involving surrounding characters that just enrich the story of this fictional town on Route 66 near the Colorado River. I felt that the foundation for more stories has been established, and I can't wait to get to read them.
April 13, 2021
I think the only series I have enjoyed as much as Smoke Tree is Longmire. I love the evolving characters and the descriptive writing around the desert and small towns. Many a time I've found myself digging out the road atlas, reading wikipedia articles or taking a look at Google earth or street view to learn more or get a better sense of the locations.
Now to find something else to read until the next book released......
Now to find something else to read until the next book released......
May 4, 2021
Gary George has continued to grow his characters in this story. They have become old friends and I wish them well as they labor to keep Smoke Tree safe.
He knows the desert and although I have not done as I did years ago with Louis Lamour's books. I suspect that with a good large scale topographic map one could follow the searches and the landmarks in his books. As an old soldier I appreciate the demons some of his characters fight it only makes them more human.
He knows the desert and although I have not done as I did years ago with Louis Lamour's books. I suspect that with a good large scale topographic map one could follow the searches and the landmarks in his books. As an old soldier I appreciate the demons some of his characters fight it only makes them more human.
January 26, 2024
such descriptive words
As a resident in Mojave County of Sec years now, I have read Mr.Georges series, the way he describes the majestic views are unbelievable. Standing upon the Laughlin bridge I look all around at the various mountains with Mr. Georges books I can visualize and feel like I’m back in time viewing every scene as it once was. This review is not nearly as worthy yet I would like to thank him for educating me and most of all giving me a sense of my ancestors. Thank you
As a resident in Mojave County of Sec years now, I have read Mr.Georges series, the way he describes the majestic views are unbelievable. Standing upon the Laughlin bridge I look all around at the various mountains with Mr. Georges books I can visualize and feel like I’m back in time viewing every scene as it once was. This review is not nearly as worthy yet I would like to thank him for educating me and most of all giving me a sense of my ancestors. Thank you
January 11, 2022
his best book yet
I flew through this novel. The old characters are here along with new ones. I am really enjoying the new characters being introduced and the storylines are unlike any I’ve read before. I’ve lived in the South my entire life and I am curious about desert living. I’m curious about the different cultures among our Native peoples. And I am especially curious about Donny and Danny Merriman. I’m hoping their story will continue in the next books.
I flew through this novel. The old characters are here along with new ones. I am really enjoying the new characters being introduced and the storylines are unlike any I’ve read before. I’ve lived in the South my entire life and I am curious about desert living. I’m curious about the different cultures among our Native peoples. And I am especially curious about Donny and Danny Merriman. I’m hoping their story will continue in the next books.
December 9, 2021
Thank you Gary C. George
After reading the first book in this series I couldn't stop, didn't want to. Fictional characters become real, the desert comes alive, the stories are true to their time and place. I drove through Amboy, Kelso, and Baker last spring. I plan to return and check out "Smoke Tree".
After reading the first book in this series I couldn't stop, didn't want to. Fictional characters become real, the desert comes alive, the stories are true to their time and place. I drove through Amboy, Kelso, and Baker last spring. I plan to return and check out "Smoke Tree".
February 12, 2026
A Good Ending
Ahhh, I love a good ending to a good story and so far Gary George has not disappointed me. If you want a good relaxing read without any sewer language in the story then Gary George's Smoke Tree series is for you. Thank you, Gary! I just love visiting Smoke Tree and the different families that live there.
Ahhh, I love a good ending to a good story and so far Gary George has not disappointed me. If you want a good relaxing read without any sewer language in the story then Gary George's Smoke Tree series is for you. Thank you, Gary! I just love visiting Smoke Tree and the different families that live there.
April 12, 2021
Hard to put down
Thoroughly enjoyed the interaction of the characters of the novel, especially if you’ve read some or all of the earlier books. Be interesting to see the involvement of the new characters in more episodes in the future.
Thoroughly enjoyed the interaction of the characters of the novel, especially if you’ve read some or all of the earlier books. Be interesting to see the involvement of the new characters in more episodes in the future.
April 21, 2021
Another fascinating story by Gary George.
This is part of a series. Excellent writing by an author who understands human nature. The crime is commonplace, the characters are anything but. Impatient already for the next book in this series.
This is part of a series. Excellent writing by an author who understands human nature. The crime is commonplace, the characters are anything but. Impatient already for the next book in this series.
August 31, 2021
One of my favorite authors.
I love this series, and the author's knowledge of the area. So many charming and believable characters, and well woven tales. I always look forward to the next one.
I love this series, and the author's knowledge of the area. So many charming and believable characters, and well woven tales. I always look forward to the next one.
October 26, 2021
Wonderful mystery
This is my first Smoke Free Mystery book, but will not be my last. Loved the characters and the action. I particularly liked The Leftovers, too me back to my own high school days.
This is my first Smoke Free Mystery book, but will not be my last. Loved the characters and the action. I particularly liked The Leftovers, too me back to my own high school days.
December 20, 2021
A great read
This is a delightful mystery with s strong sense of place and rich chracters. The plot holds the reader's interest and the entire work is infused with warmth. You can't go wrong with this one.
This is a delightful mystery with s strong sense of place and rich chracters. The plot holds the reader's interest and the entire work is infused with warmth. You can't go wrong with this one.
April 15, 2022
Johnny made deputy sheriff
A group of highschool kids called the leftovers find a body at their hangout. There's a missing woman. Not to mention the same group of high school kids are planning a Halloween surprise. Oh yeah, a cameo from Willy. Love this series.
A group of highschool kids called the leftovers find a body at their hangout. There's a missing woman. Not to mention the same group of high school kids are planning a Halloween surprise. Oh yeah, a cameo from Willy. Love this series.
July 29, 2022
Review of this book.
A wonderful story. The drama was breath taking. Several plots going on at the same time. Interest was kept high following all the separate stories throughout the book. Continuity was excellent. I look forward to reading more of the books in the series.
A wonderful story. The drama was breath taking. Several plots going on at the same time. Interest was kept high following all the separate stories throughout the book. Continuity was excellent. I look forward to reading more of the books in the series.
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October 1, 2022Smoke Tree Series
I have enjoyed this series. The history and geography of the area is fascinating. The struggle of every day life in small communities shows the strength this country was built on.
I have enjoyed this series. The history and geography of the area is fascinating. The struggle of every day life in small communities shows the strength this country was built on.
October 12, 2022
interesting story lines.
A Heinous murder and a terrifying kidnapping. Halloween meanness. Two overlapping stories kept me reading all night. Great reading, don’t miss it! And where can we find Joe Medrano??
A Heinous murder and a terrifying kidnapping. Halloween meanness. Two overlapping stories kept me reading all night. Great reading, don’t miss it! And where can we find Joe Medrano??
October 4, 2024
Keeps getting better!
This series just pulls me in with the mystery of the crime but also the lives of the citizens of Smoke Tree. I also love the history in every book. Can't wait to read the next book!
This series just pulls me in with the mystery of the crime but also the lives of the citizens of Smoke Tree. I also love the history in every book. Can't wait to read the next book!
June 28, 2025
A Dersert Drowning
I absolutely love Smoke Tree and all it residents! Can't wait to get started on the next book in the series. The author weaves flora and fana, mountains and water, strangers and friends in such a beautiful way.
I absolutely love Smoke Tree and all it residents! Can't wait to get started on the next book in the series. The author weaves flora and fana, mountains and water, strangers and friends in such a beautiful way.
March 18, 2021
Another find piece of work
This whole series has been excellent. The locals and characters seem to fit so well it gives a reality to the fictional tale.
This whole series has been excellent. The locals and characters seem to fit so well it gives a reality to the fictional tale.
March 20, 2021
Please tell me there will be more books in the Smoke Tree Mystery series!
April 29, 2021
Delighted by The Desert
I am enjoying the series. Especially because it's not linear and characters are brought to life more fully later on.
I am enjoying the series. Especially because it's not linear and characters are brought to life more fully later on.
May 14, 2021
good book
i grew up at Camino...have never read a series about that area. fun to remember about that time. good job.
i grew up at Camino...have never read a series about that area. fun to remember about that time. good job.
May 27, 2021
Good read
Enjoyed the series and the beautiful descriptions of the environment and the characters
devrlopm
Enjoyed the series especially the environment
Enjoyed the series and the beautiful descriptions of the environment and the characters
devrlopm
Enjoyed the series especially the environment
August 11, 2021
Read all 8 in the series! Each one gets better.
The best part of this series is how the characters come and go! And it feels like you know them all by the time you finish!
The best part of this series is how the characters come and go! And it feels like you know them all by the time you finish!
October 11, 2021
Fantastic series
I've read the entire series. Love the characters and the area where the stories take place. Can't wait for the next book.
I've read the entire series. Love the characters and the area where the stories take place. Can't wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews