The Scorpion's Tail by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson ride again in The Scorpion’s Tail by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. As a low-ranking FBI special agent in the New Mexico field office, Swanson gets called out to investigate the discovery of a mummified corpse in an abandoned desert town on federal land. She coerces Nora Kelly, senior curator at the Santa Fe Archaeological Institute to assist her in excavating the body. The body is curled up in a fetal position and when fully unearthed, discovered to be holding a cross of gold that dates to Spanish colonial rule. Soon the two are tied up in a conspiracy involving relic hunters, radiation, and rumors of a long-hidden cache of Spanish treasure.

Preston and Child know how to build and sustain suspense. Kelly and Swanson are great characters and play well off each other. Each are dealing with workplace politics. Swanson is trying to make her bones in the FBI and struggling to make the right kind of impression, especially after her participation in an arrest that nearly ended tragically. Kelly is dealing with academic politics and is in line for a promotion at the Institute. Swanson’s instincts tell her that they are on the trail of something big but her inexperience makes it harder for her to convince anyone. Kelly is being pulled away from her own projects at work, but the mystery before her proves too tantalizing to resist.

Preston and Child surround these two with solid characters, including quick-draw Sheriff Watts. The New Mexico desert is a character in itself. The remoteness, isolation and danger play a major role. Preston and Child are the best at blending history, archeology and adventure. This second book in a new series bodes well for many more sequels. Highly recommended.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.