LOST IN THE GILA

A forensic anthropologist makes an astonishing discovery that almost costs her her life.

Kate Donovan feels doubly fortunate to be hired by celebrated archaeologist Dr. Adam Richter because an impetuous decision on a past expedition ruined her reputation. Richter’s second in command, Sam Gallagher, escorts Kate to the excavation site, a pyramid in New Mexico’s stunning Gila Wilderness area believed to be the tomb of the last Teotihuacán king. When Kate arrives, Richter has disappeared, but her new colleagues, busy with their resentment of her, seem unconcerned—even the expedition leader’s elegant wife, who’s been solacing herself with his assistant Henry Becker while Richter’s been conducting an affair with volunteer Jessie Delgado. One of Richter’s sons, Jason, is in disgrace. The other, filmmaker Michael, is stunned by the recent death of his wife. In Richter’s absence, Henry has everyone digging deeper into the pyramid. But Kate, with her psychic feel for bones, knows this is not the burial site. Exploring on her own, she makes a remarkable find deep in the desert. When she returns to camp with pictures and a map, her discovery is met with fury rather than accolades, and her proof is stolen. Returning, Richter fires Kate and orders everyone to stay in camp but is murdered before he can apply for new permits. Yet more dangers await the surviving members of the expedition.

Gilbert (Returning to Taos, 2006, etc.) serves up an exciting, informative, romantic page-turner.