On Deadly Ground

On Deadly Ground

On Deadly Ground
Introducing J.D. Books, Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement Ranger

Mining interests and conservation forces clash in southern Utah in this absorbing whodunit from Norman (The Commission). Shortly after J.D. Books, a new Bureau of Land Management law enforcement ranger, returns to his hometown of Kanab, the sheriff asks him to take a look at a crime scene. The bullet-ridden body of David Greenbriar, the head of the Escalante Environmental Wilderness Alliance, was found hanging from a beam in a barn used as an old west movie set, though it’s clear the victim was shot elsewhere. A former cop who left the Denver police force under a cloud, Books soon locates Greenbriar’s abandoned SUV, with blood traces on the door, near a trail head miles away. Greenbriar’s wife’s lover, a fellow EEWA member, emerges as the prime suspect, but Books has his doubts. A well-crafted plot with plenty of action, a likable hero with a checkered past, and a magnificent western setting make this one a winner.

 


 

Reviews   

Publisher’s Weekly

“Mining interests and conservation forces clash in southern Utah in this absorbing whodunit from Norman (The Commission)…..A well-crafted plot with plenty of action, a likeable hero with a checkered past, and a magnificent western setting make this one a winner.”


Reader Views

“Who knew that Southern Utah could have a community completely at odds with each other over land development and environmental issues? Apparently Michael Norman did in this action-packed thriller. It has it all-murder, intrigue, lust and greed. But be prepared, it’s a hard book to put down once you start reading it…. The author does an excellent job describing the Southern Utah area. I felt like I was in the mountain passes and conservation areas that he was describing. It will make you want to plan a vacation there…. Overall, I found this story to be a well-written, fast-paced page-turner.”


Mysterious Reviews

“J.D. Books returns to his hometown in Utah as a (BLM) law enforcement ranger only to be immediately faced with a controversial murder…. When Greenbriar is found hanging from a barn rafter-after being shot-Sheriff Charley Sutter turns to J.D. for help in solving the crime…. On Deadly Ground is a perplexing mystery, but in a good way that draws readers into the investigation surrounding the circumstances of Greenbriar’s murder. J.D. is an appealing, solidly developed character with something of a mysterious past himself…. On Deadly Ground is a real page-turner, to see if J.D. can outmaneuver the person-or persons unknown who seem to be both manipulating the investigation…and possibly J.D. himself.”


Bookloons

“As I read this intriguing mystery, I was silently seething at the greed portrayed. The author sure got my dander up…. Michael Norman has managed to highlight real and current problems, twisting murder into the mix-and done so very well. Don’t miss this cleverly written novel, with believable characters and a backdrop to enjoy along the way. On Deadly Ground is a good mystery.”


Bookvisions

“On Deadly Ground by Michael Norman is a thrilling mystery set in the surrounding area of Kanab, a small town in southern Utah…. The plot moves very quickly and the action doesn’t stop. J.D.’s character is very likeable with a laid-back attitude and a past that haunts him…. On Deadly Ground is the perfect mystery with tension, actions, surprises, and a satisfying conclusion.”