Bolt

Maria Elena Vargas, Ph.D., is an archaeologist with a penchant for attracting trouble. Fortunately, she also has a sixth sense that helps get her out of sticky situations and has premonitions that help her avoid them. While directing the archaeological field school at the Taylor Ranch in the mountains of east-central Arizona, Elena discovers a mysterious circular feature filled with burned, smashed, and splintered human bones. Inexplicable difficulties ensue when the bones are uncovered. The colorful scenery and unspoiled beauty of the Arizona mountains appear to hide something evil and vindictive underground. The archaeologists are confronted with broken bones, looting, wildfire, and more. One of the worse difficulties they encounter is a spate of pot hunting at local sites. The Phoenix Field Office of the FBI is tracking a pot-hunting scheme that may be linked to the Sinaloa cartel and responsible for the local vandalism. Special Agent Sander Jorgensen recruits Elena as a consultant to help the FBI understand the mountain landscape, archaeology, and criminal vandalism. Strong-willed Elena takes it upon herself to investigate. Romance and more trouble ensue along with a dose of the supernatural, culminating in a standoff on a hilltop in a lightning storm. Throughout the book, tales about the ancient Native Americans who lived at the pueblo on the Taylor Ranch are interwoven with the stories of the modern-day archaeologists. These stories explain the mystery of the huge circular feature and why it is filled with desecrated human remains. This intriguing tale of archaeology, villains, heroes, cowboys, Native Americans, and pot hunters is a tribute to the real archaeologists who toil to tell stories about the past.