In the New Mexico badlands, the skeleton of a woman is found—and the case is assigned to FBI Agent Corrie Swanson. The victim walked into the desert, shedding clothes as she went, and then died in agony of heatstroke and thirst. Two rare artifacts are found clutched in her bony hands—lightning stones used by the ancient Chaco people to summon the gods.

Is it suicide or… sacrifice?

Agent Swanson brings in archaeologist Nora Kelly to investigate. When a second body is found—exactly like the other—the two realize the case runs deeper than they thought. As Corrie and Nora pursue their investigation into remote canyons, haunted ruins, and long-lost rituals, they find themselves awakening a slumbering menace: a dark power brought to life once again, which threatens a malevolency beyond all understanding.

Published
June 3, 2025
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Nora Kelly

The series

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In the world of archaeology, few discoveries are as perilous as those tied to the past's darkest secrets. This is the world of Nora Kelly, a brilliant archaeologist whose expeditions often take her far beyond academic curiosity into the realm of gripping mystery and untold danger. Her journey begins with the search for the legendary remains of the Donner Party in Old Bones, a mission that plunges her deep into a world of historical intrigue, betrayal, and hidden truths.

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As Nora navigates ancient ruins and untangles the threads of forgotten histories, she finds herself drawn into deadly situations where the line between scientific exploration and life-threatening peril blurs. With each new mystery, she uncovers more than just lost artifacts; she unearths dangerous secrets that others would rather keep buried. The series moves seamlessly from one gripping adventure to the next, from the chilling discoveries in The Scorpion's Tail to the high-stakes action in Diablo Mesa.

Set against stunning backdrops—whether it's the rugged desert of New Mexico or the eerie remnants of ancient civilizations—Nora Kelly immerses readers in a world where the past and present collide. With its sharp focus on historical suspense, dynamic characters, and nail-biting thrills, the series weaves a complex web of danger and discovery. Each book unravels a unique puzzle, leading Nora into deeper, darker territories.

If you're drawn to tales where archaeology meets the unknown, where every dig brings new dangers, and where strong-willed protagonists navigate both physical and intellectual challenges, Nora Kelly will take you on a journey you won’t soon forget.

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