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Danger: Falling Rocks
When a financial tycoon insists that his family join him for their annual backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada, some of his children are not enthusiastic about the idea. And that’s before people start turning up dead.
Ranger Dan Courtwright is first on the scene. And with his friend, Sheriff Cal Healey, he sticks with it to the terrifying finish, which is a real cliffhanger.
Literally.
Author Paul Wagner spent the first summers of his life in the Sierra, where his father was a ranger. Since then, he has hiked thousands of miles in the mountains, and his website, www.backpackthesierra.com, has become a reference for outdoor enthusiasts. While he has won international awards for his non-fiction books, this is the first of his Dan Courtwright mysteries.
"Clever and captivating. Wagner pulls readers along on a trail through the mountains, keenly observing a world in which the greatest threat, of course, is humans... An excellent excursion for armchair mountaineers."
Sasha Paulsen, The Napa Register
Top Fifteen Adventure Books to
"With Falling Rocks, Paul Wagner offers a captivating and witty tale of trouble in the wilderness that's ideal for the armchair mountaineers and keen hikers among us. One of our top fifteen outdoor reads!"
-- Julien Heron, Outdoors Generations
" Falling Rocks" gives us a vibrant feel of the high Sierra, a charming new mystery hero, and an engaging, fast-moving mystery written with energy and a nice touch of wit. Paul Wagner's love of the outdoors and his experience hiking and camping takes readers right into the mountains. The zippy writing keeps the story moving along the Sierra trails, through the lineup of interesting, quirky characters, and down the winding mystery path until the satisfying end. It's a great summer read, whether or not you can find your way into the wilderness."
- Rick Kushman, best-selling NY Times author and co-host of Bottle Talk from Cap Radio in Sacramento
"This is an enjoyable read and reflects a lifestyle that not many people are blessed to lead. As a practitioner of this way of life and a pursuer of wilderness settings, this reading has my seal of approval."
- Chip Morrill, ex-US Forest Service Wilderness Ranger and White Water Guide
Ranger Dan Courtwright is first on the scene. And with his friend, Sheriff Cal Healey, he sticks with it to the terrifying finish, which is a real cliffhanger.
Literally.
Author Paul Wagner spent the first summers of his life in the Sierra, where his father was a ranger. Since then, he has hiked thousands of miles in the mountains, and his website, www.backpackthesierra.com, has become a reference for outdoor enthusiasts. While he has won international awards for his non-fiction books, this is the first of his Dan Courtwright mysteries.
"Clever and captivating. Wagner pulls readers along on a trail through the mountains, keenly observing a world in which the greatest threat, of course, is humans... An excellent excursion for armchair mountaineers."
Sasha Paulsen, The Napa Register
Top Fifteen Adventure Books to
"With Falling Rocks, Paul Wagner offers a captivating and witty tale of trouble in the wilderness that's ideal for the armchair mountaineers and keen hikers among us. One of our top fifteen outdoor reads!"
-- Julien Heron, Outdoors Generations
" Falling Rocks" gives us a vibrant feel of the high Sierra, a charming new mystery hero, and an engaging, fast-moving mystery written with energy and a nice touch of wit. Paul Wagner's love of the outdoors and his experience hiking and camping takes readers right into the mountains. The zippy writing keeps the story moving along the Sierra trails, through the lineup of interesting, quirky characters, and down the winding mystery path until the satisfying end. It's a great summer read, whether or not you can find your way into the wilderness."
- Rick Kushman, best-selling NY Times author and co-host of Bottle Talk from Cap Radio in Sacramento
"This is an enjoyable read and reflects a lifestyle that not many people are blessed to lead. As a practitioner of this way of life and a pursuer of wilderness settings, this reading has my seal of approval."
- Chip Morrill, ex-US Forest Service Wilderness Ranger and White Water Guide
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2022
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 10, 2021
John Hames, a friend of mine (yes people, I do have friends!), suggested that I read this novel by Paul Wagner: “Danger: Falling Rocks.” I am happy to say that this was a good recommendation. Author Paul Wagner has put together an interesting story with plausible, interesting characters. “Danger: Falling Rocks” is first a murder mystery; it is also a bit of a story of family relationships and some of those well-kept family secrets of the privileged. With well-crafted characters, suspects galore, and a well-developed plot, Wagner’s mystery will keep you guessing until the murderer is finally revealed.
I like the story! That’s the facts! “Danger: Falling Rocks” was very good for a first mystery for Wagner. It kept me entertained and involved in the story; it kept me turning the pages. The web of intrigue, the twists in the plot, and the dark family secrets of the rich, are all cleverly woven to produce a mystery that will leave you turning the pages to find out who it is. What I like most is Wagner's characterization; he has created well rounded and engaging characters about whom you care. This is especially true of his protagonist Dan Courtwright. Also, we have a family of privilege who can create real frustration and tension within the reader. I am interested to see how he continues the development of his very likeable character Dan Courtwright into future novels. So, Paul Wagner, what will you have our favorite forest ranger Dan doing next?? [And what did Kristen say after Dan identified himself on the phone? Inquiring minds want to know!] “Danger: Falling Rocks” is a well-crafted mystery with a fast-paced plot. I do recommend this author and book to you. You’ll be hiking in the mountains in no time!
NOTE: IF you receive a book which has repeated chapters ~ see Chapter 21 & 22 as well as 29 & 30, contact the publishing company of Val de Grace Books. Address: 1395 Green Valley Rd, Napa, CA 94558 Phone: (707) 259-5350. They were understanding, friendly, and quickly got me a new copy of the book. I was told there are a few more books out there.
I like the story! That’s the facts! “Danger: Falling Rocks” was very good for a first mystery for Wagner. It kept me entertained and involved in the story; it kept me turning the pages. The web of intrigue, the twists in the plot, and the dark family secrets of the rich, are all cleverly woven to produce a mystery that will leave you turning the pages to find out who it is. What I like most is Wagner's characterization; he has created well rounded and engaging characters about whom you care. This is especially true of his protagonist Dan Courtwright. Also, we have a family of privilege who can create real frustration and tension within the reader. I am interested to see how he continues the development of his very likeable character Dan Courtwright into future novels. So, Paul Wagner, what will you have our favorite forest ranger Dan doing next?? [And what did Kristen say after Dan identified himself on the phone? Inquiring minds want to know!] “Danger: Falling Rocks” is a well-crafted mystery with a fast-paced plot. I do recommend this author and book to you. You’ll be hiking in the mountains in no time!
NOTE: IF you receive a book which has repeated chapters ~ see Chapter 21 & 22 as well as 29 & 30, contact the publishing company of Val de Grace Books. Address: 1395 Green Valley Rd, Napa, CA 94558 Phone: (707) 259-5350. They were understanding, friendly, and quickly got me a new copy of the book. I was told there are a few more books out there.
September 21, 2021
A good murder mystery with well developed characters. I really liked the main character, Dan Courtwright, and the local deputy Cal. I hope Cal is in the next book. The suspects were well done and my suspicions moved from one to the other. The setting played a big part in the book. There was a lot of description. Both Ranger Dan’s and the author’s love of the area came through. I’ll look for the next book (but I’m not going backpacking in the Sierras!)
September 15, 2021
A family camping trip in the High Sierras goes awry when the patriarch is found murdered. Luckily, Ranger Dan is on the scene to unravel the mystery. The mountain setting is lovingly described, perfect for an armchair backpacker like myself. Looking forward to more books featuring Ranger Dan, a thoughtful, likable, and realistic new protagonist.
June 3, 2025
While researching trails to backpack, I came across Paul Wagner who wrote about an area we wanted to visit. He put in a “shameless plug” about this book. $7 on kindle and I quickly downloaded for a read during a 4 night stay. It was perfect! Knew the “area” (fictional lake) and we were just a bit north in the Sierra Nevada. If you like to read while on a backpack or camping trip, I highly recommend. Will read the next one in the series.
October 21, 2022
Well-developed Characters. Detailed Setting Descriptions.
In my mind's eye, I was immersed in each Setting; a result of the author's experience as a seasoned hiker and outdoorsman.
A keen observer of human behavior makes for fully fleshed-out characters.
In my mind's eye, I was immersed in each Setting; a result of the author's experience as a seasoned hiker and outdoorsman.
A keen observer of human behavior makes for fully fleshed-out characters.
July 28, 2022
Great page turner!
Having grown up in the Sierra Nevada this wonnderful Sierra setting is well depicted.
Can not wait to read the second book in this series.
Having grown up in the Sierra Nevada this wonnderful Sierra setting is well depicted.
Can not wait to read the second book in this series.
January 5, 2023
Great characters, wonderful settings, completely twists and turns and keeps you really captivated. Not this annoying long drawn out ending explanation! Wonderful easy read!!!
November 22, 2025
When I first read the synopsis I though “this sounds like it’s right up my alley”- was I ever right! I couldn’t put this book down. I thoroughly enjoyed every page and didn’t want the story to end!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews