Somewhat in the vein of Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon novels, Nicole Maggi stages her series launch, A MURDER IN ZION, in Zion National Park, which appropriately features Mystery Canyon.

Emmeline “Emme” Helliwell mourns the death of her mother, and her younger sister is AWOL on an archaeological dig in Tanzania. Addie has been incommunicado, and their mother’s estate can’t be settled without her.

"Rich descriptions of Zion’s 'towering crimson cliffs' enhance the majesty of this mystery."

Emme also rues her failure to prevent the murder of Hannah DeLeo in the Grand Canyon, “but Zion was her backyard.” Having many personal stress issues, Emme is a National Park Investigative Services Branch (ISB) federal agent who submitted a resignation letter. A call from her director, Stace Pompey, puts the letter on hold. “There’s a body in The Narrows.”

The body is Max Kerchek, Emme’s school chum. Days later, another body is discovered in the park, a member of a nearby Armageddon cult. The ISB agent links the two deaths to Hannah, also a member of the sect. Bible-thumping thugs toting AK-47s add tension to this tale.

Shortly before his death, Max had contacted journalist Finn Brackenbury with suspicions about the cult. Given the second homicide and violent cult members, FBI agent Claire Hughes joins the investigation.

Rich descriptions of Zion’s “towering crimson cliffs” enhance the majesty of this mystery. Enjoy a trek through this enchanting national park, while Emme and Claire bring justice to the victims.