On Deadly Ground
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.”