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Dalton Savage #2

Scorched Earth

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A town on the edge…
A bloody turf war…
A killer who shows no mercy.

Dalton Savage returns in this chilling, fast-paced mystery from authors L.T. Ryan and Biba Pearce.

Dalton Savage returns in this chilling, fast-paced mystery from Wall Street Journal bestselling author L.T. Ryan and Biba Pearce.

When the body of a young Native American protester is found on the building site of a controversial new development,
Sheriff Savage fears this is just the beginning. Unfortunately, he’s right.

The young man’s been murdered. But was it to silence him? Or was it to do with the lethal new drug in his system? A drug that up until now, has never been found in the sleepy town of Hawk’s Landing?

Along with the dangerous new narcotic comes a sophisticated big-city outfit looking to muscle in on the industry. But the local biker gang refuse to let go of the reins. The ensuing turf war ignites an already volatile situation, and the devastation that follows wreaks havoc on those caught in the crossfire.

Another youngster is kidnapped, her mutilated body found on the nearby reservation. Is her death related to the chaos that has descended on Hawk’s Landing? Or is there a more sinister motive?

Could a very clever killer be taking advantage of the mayhem to indulge his deadly desires?

And if so, will the smoke clear long enough for Savage and his team to stop him before he kills again?

327 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2023

3679 people are currently reading
192 people want to read

About the author

L.T. Ryan

167 books1,459 followers
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.

Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.

BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game

BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)

BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal

BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)

Social Media Links

Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...

Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.

Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.

Social Media Links

Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...

Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com

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5 stars
3,094 (61%)
4 stars
1,477 (29%)
3 stars
369 (7%)
2 stars
68 (1%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
1,305 reviews
January 22, 2023
Scorched Earth is book 2 in the Dalton Savage series by Biba Pearce. This series is set in Colorado in the US in a small town called Hawk’s Landing, where Savage is the Sheriff. There is a new development under construction on land the local Native Americans consider to be their land. Along with the ill feeling for this, there is a new drug on the scene. This is a taut, action-packed read which was exciting and very hard to put down.
702 reviews9 followers
February 8, 2023
This was a very engaging and intriguing book. I really enjoyed reading it. Dalton Savage, police chief of Hawks Landing, Colorado, tries to solve the murder of a young Native American man who was protesting the site of a commercial development about to be built on Ute tribal lands. Savage also investigates some other murders which might be connected to the young man's death. Will he be able to solve the crimes? Will he be able to solve them before the birth of his first child? Read this book and find out. I highly recommend this book to other police procedural readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
Profile Image for CR1017.
99 reviews
August 24, 2024
I received a copy of the book via my Kindle Unlimited account & I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As seems to be the norm for Dalton Savage & the folks of Hawk's Landing, there's a lot going on in this story.

I'll sum it up best I can and try not to give away any spoilers.

A young Native American male who has a history of activism and protests is found dead on the construction site run by a big firm out of Denver.
His death is suspicious as it was caused by an overdose of a new drug called Pink Soda & he had no history of ever doing any drugs.
At the same time all this is going down some strangers arrive in town, suspected mobsters from Denver also somehow connected to the big construction company.
Things escalate & become very intense when the Denver toughs get into a shootout with the Sheriff's Dept, and the local biker gang, the Crimson Angels.
A young Native American girl goes missing, and it's suspected someone from the Denver land development company may be to blame.
Three mysteries to unravel, all somehow connected to Denver...and just to keep it interesting and not all about the police work, Savage's wife to be is only weeks away from giving birth to their first child.

A roller coaster of action and emotions, with twists and turns to keep you hooked and wanting to read just one more chapter.
1,279 reviews
February 1, 2023
This is the second book in the Dalton Savage series and although it is a standalone I would urge reading the previous book to obtain the most enjoyment.
To say that I couldn't put this book down is an understatement, it had me gripped from the first page.
Sheriff Dalton Savage was eagerly awaiting the birth of his first child in the small town of Hawks Landing, Colorado, he desperately wanted to spend more time at home with his partners but happenings in the town were making this impossible.
A young Native American had been found dead on a building site from an OD, a site that the Native Americans claimed to be theirs. There is unrest at the reservation, they want answers. The chief of police on the reservation, Tomahawk, reluctantly agrees to work with savage, his tracking skills are invaluable when a young girl, also from the reservation, disappears.
Delving deeper into the cases bring serious repercussions, who wants Dalton dead ? Is there a link between the construction site and the missing girl ? The suspects are many, the clues are few.
A thoroughly enjoyable, action packed, suspense filled mystery thriller, I hope that the next story in the series isn't too far away.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Thom.
24 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2023
I give up. First, mediocre writing, from character development to sentence construction to plot development. For example, in the first Dalton Savage book, an ultrasound establishes that his pregnant fiancee is carrying a baby boy. In this next installment, they both act like they don't know the child's sex. Huh? It's full of British terms we don't use in the U.S., like "CCTV" (we use surveillance or security cameras) and "jacket" potatoes (they're just baked potatoes here). If you're going to set a story and characters in the U.S., use native vernacular for crying out loud. The editor (if there even was one) completely dropped the ball. And the book is rife with far-fetched scenarios. Becca, who's highly educated and 9 months pregnant and due at any time, shows up at an active riot and fire carrying a protest sign in the middle of an angry and highly agitated crowd, jeopardizing her life and the life of her unborn child. Yeah, that's intelligent and believable... not. This book has author Biba Pierce's rookie novel-writing skills on full display, and it makes for a painful and frustrating reading experience. This was mostly a tremendous waste of my time. I'm crossing this author and series off my list.
Profile Image for Robert Browning.
227 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2023
A “Great story and a great Read!”
This is the second book in this new series of Dalton Savage in a sleepy town called Hawk’s Landing and is about the death and murder of a Native American protester Eddie Youngblood found suspiciously on the controversial building site on the sacred land that used to belong to the Ute ancestors.
Although it at first seems to be a drug related death things don’t quite add up and Dalton and his team along with Tomahawk Winter of the reservation police delve deeper into Apex Holdings and things soon become apparent a big city drug cartel are in his town peddling a lethal new drug called “Pink Soda”. Tensions rise with both the reservation people when a young girl disappears found brutally mutilated last seen in the building site. Then also Rosalie a biker’s leader and local drug supplier refuses to let the new suppliers take over her patch igniting an already volatile situation. To top this Dalton’s fiancée Becca is expecting his baby adding to his drug turf war and murder investigations.
A Great story and a Great read. Keeps you guessing and keeps interest.
96 reviews
February 8, 2023
There's more than one mystery in this book 2 of the Dalton Savage story...much more! There are 2 murders at a new building site - who could do this? Does the new company from Denver moving into town have something to do with it? Savage is so baffled by the twists that are happening in his locale of Hawk's Landing that his deputy Thorpe seems to be the one who comes up with a possible logical answer. But then another twist comes which may rule it out, and then yet another to throw a curve ball into the mix. Just when you think you know who the murderer is, another mystery pops up to surprise you bringing many more questions than answers. Dalton Savage wants a ruthless gang of Denver drug dealers and a murderer caught before the birth of his very first child, which is going to happen any day. Will he be putting himself in harm's way whilst catching them? No doubt the answer is 'yes' simply because he must. This story kept me reading long into the night to find out all of the answers, and I’ll write no spoilers. As an ARC reader for Biba Pearce, I'm hoping for at least one more Dalton Savage story.
203 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable crime novel with more layers than an onion as you peel back the clues, red herrings and try to work out if the hero's personal problems will have an impact on the outcome of the case. The author marries diverse strands from native American to local and big city mobsters seamlessly creating a melting pot of a plot that had me floundering trying to second guess who was responsible for the crimes. Law Officers are described as 'Taking on the evils of the world but being unable to shake them'. While this is probably true in most democratic countries I did like the pragmatic approach in dealing with big city crime even though it did mean 'supping with the devil'.

I appreciate that I have given away very little of the plot but this is deliberate so as not to deprive readers of the book's twists and turns. I will just note that the sniper has me eager for a follow up.

I was lucky enough to be given an ARC copy but these comments are all my own opinions.
Profile Image for Teena.
128 reviews
February 16, 2023
I don't understand how the supposedly same two co-authors could write two books in a series - Dalton Savage #1 and Dalton Savage #2 - and not remember one of the basic facts in the first book. That fact being the sex of the baby of Dalton's pregnant fiancé. In book #1, they announce the baby is a boy. In book #2, they go through the entire book wondering the gender of the baby. How is that even possible? It's annoying and frustrating, particularly after reading the last several books from L.T. Ryan that were poorly edited and full of mistakes. Sadly, this will be the last L.T. Ryan book that I ever read, and I've read more than 20, counting the Rachel Hatch and Jack Noble series. What has happened to this author? I'm assuming it's that someone else is actually writing the books now, not just a co-author, and apparently no one, or at least no one good, is editing them.
1,149 reviews7 followers
February 10, 2023
A small town sheriff is under siege. Big town criminals are muscling in on the drug operations of the local outlaw,bike club, leaving bodies in their wake. A young Native American activist is murdered. A young Native woman disappears. And his partner is ready to give birth.

Disappointed in this book. Too many characters, no depth. A scorecard is needed to keep track. The a tion scenes are cartoonish. But the worst part is his pregnant fiance whining about needing him to be there for her, the time required and potential danger of his job. Geez she knew he was a cop when she messedrwith him.He should have held out for Rachel Hatch. Don recomnend.
127 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2024
This series reads currently, and better, than the Hatch one

Having finished the first two books of this series, I find that it is more compelling and better constructed than the Rachel Hatch series by the same top-line author. That makes more wonder how much of the writing the other co-author (Biba Pearce) is contributing to this series. The characters, good guys and bad guys are better developed and more interesting. I realize that is all purely speculation on my part, but whatever the reason, I'm definitely enjoying the Savage series for more than the one about Hatch. This reads an excellent thriller!
Profile Image for Gail.
564 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2023
Action-packed, fast-paced, suspenseful thriller!

Another great book by L.T. Ryan and Biba Pearce. They know how to capture your attention to keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next. A new drug in town that is a killer. Denver drug dealers move in town and try to take over the drug business. A young Indian male is found dead at a construction sight from an overdose of new drug. A young Indian girl is kidnapped at the construction site. A very difficult book to put down. You will not be disappointed in this book. Happy reading! 😊
Profile Image for Clifton Rankin.
150 reviews3 followers
Read
January 6, 2024
After reading “Wuthering Heights,” I needed to go a little lighter, so I turned to old, faithful L. T. Ryan, and the second book in his Dalton Savage Series, “Scorched Earth.” In this book, the good, Colorado sheriff finds himself investigating serial killings, a possible turf war between two drug distributers, and tensions between a Native American tribe and a huge corporation, while at the same time awaiting the birth of his first child. In typical Ryan fashion, it is a fast-moving tale of action and suspense. (327 pages)
385 reviews10 followers
January 24, 2023
This is the 2nd book in this fabulous series. I recommend reading Book 1, Savage Grounds first. I hope book 3 is available soon. I love Dalton Savage. This story revolves around the death of a teenager from an overdose and the disappearance of teen girls. Lots of suspects as to who is responsible and if the events are connected. Thanks to the Author for an ecopy. The opinion expressed herein is my own.
993 reviews12 followers
February 7, 2023
A deranged sociopath

Native Indians are protesting against a developer encroaching on their land. One of the protesters is found dead injected with drugs. Was it an accidental overdose? Then a teenage Indian girl goes missing and the protesters want justice. Dalton Savage investigates and finds some disturbing facts and an elusive murderer who skillfully covers his tracks. An edge of the seat thriller which is rivetting and aptly portrays the depths of depravity.
410 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2023
L.T. Ryan and Biba Pearce write great stuff.

Book 2 keeps you wanting to find out who is involved not only in the killings of known thugs but also of young teens. Investigation into young girls being found dead and drugs involved makes it worse for Sinclair and Reservation police as 1 young teen is from the reservation. The suspects are involved with mafia type as well as drug cartel.
Profile Image for Tammy Bitzer.
114 reviews
March 8, 2024
Scorched Earth

Things have settled down over the last few months and the next thing Dalton Savage knows he’s in the midst of a turf for between a local gang and the mob, a murder and a series of drug related deaths from overdose that leads him to a serial killer, as well as finding out that there has been a price put on his head. This book will catch you at the beginning and keep you going to the end.
Profile Image for Vivian Zabel.
Author 7 books10 followers
January 6, 2025
Interesting series

I'm enjoying this series with its characters, thrills, and adventure with just a touch of romance. I just wish there were no contradictions between book 1 and book 2. In 1, Savage and Becca knew they were having a boy. In book 2, they didn't. In book 1 they were going to marry before the baby came. In book 2, the subject had vanished. Hopefully, book 3 will have no unpleasant surprises.
Profile Image for Kelly Machnik.
60 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2023
I love this series. Sheriff Dalton Savage has his hands full with a turf war, designer drugs killing teens, a missing girl, and suspicious construction company working under a drug kingpin. Action packed and full of twists but not in a cliche kind of way. Looking forward to the 3rd book out this July!
Profile Image for Tam.
2,179 reviews54 followers
February 22, 2023
Compulsive and gripping! Suspenseful, addictive and complex! A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. The suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. Will keep you swiping the pages furiously. Worthy of your TBR list.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Profile Image for Ruby D.
51 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2023
Much improved

This was better than the first book but I wish they caught the killer a different way. It was too easy. The killer was too smart to lose it like that.
Also, Becca needs work as a character. What's going on with her family? What did she want to talk to Savage about? Did she know Hollander! Make her interesting please!
1,000 reviews23 followers
September 19, 2023
Scorched earth

Different people because of the fact Indian people and whites have been placed in a special arrangement with the reservation and the town. Suspicion shows in every encounter and makes the search more difficult than it needs to be. Stilted in its prose but a good read.
5 reviews
February 8, 2024
The book was good.. Second in the series... Only issue is in the first book they're already stated the baby was a boy and his name was gonna be connor... The second book acted like they didn't know what the author already told us in book. A big error going from one book to a second in a series... those little details are important.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
10 reviews
February 18, 2023
Easy to get wrapped up in the story

If you're interested in getting an inside look into how a small town law enforcement team works then this book will keep you up late reading. Believable characters.
434 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2023
CC1

Dalton has come along way since he met Hatch . He's got a new baby boy and really good support group in Sheriff's office. He worked with the biker gang and all those involved. Great story and plot!!! 10 stars plus!!!! Thanks, Carl Clause
23 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2023
excellent book

The book was great. It kept me wondering what was all happening and who did it. It was a very hard book to put down! I recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries and action.
9 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2023
I gave this book 4 stars. It immediately grabs you in which I love about a book! Dalton Savage 2 is much better than number 1. But I felt like right at the climax of the book.. the drug seize and apprehension of the serial killer.. . it just dropped off.. the ending was a dud.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
419 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2023
An engaging thriller taken from today’s violent protesting and responses, with a little mystery thrown in for good measure. Although the second in a series, reading the first is not a prerequisite. The authors have done good job in keeping it stand alone Highly recommend it’s reading
Profile Image for Michael.
573 reviews8 followers
April 22, 2023
Lots of twists!

Good character development and an intriguing plot. A greedy developer wants to take over a piece of tribal reservation and the locals want nothing to do with it. Add to that a mob influence and a serial killer and you have a story that is hard to put down!
Profile Image for Susan Clair Holt.
1,365 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2023
Scorched Earth

Hawk's Landing has a turf war happening, A murder and what they find out is another serial killer not to mention a hit has been taken out on Savage. All is rapped up in time for Savage and Be car's son Connor to be born. Great series, great writers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

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