Review of Cold Burn (National Parks Thriller, #2) by A.J. Landau
Ah, the thrill of a well-crafted mystery! When I stumbled upon Cold Burn, the second installment in the National Parks Thriller series by A.J. Landau—aka the dynamic duo Jon Land and Jeff Ayers—I was instantly drawn in. There’s something so enticing about stories set against the breathtaking backdrop of our national parks, especially when they weave in suspense, mystery, and environmental themes. After finishing this book, I realized I wouldn’t just be raving about it to my husband; I’d also be engaging with all of you, my fellow book lovers!
At the heart of Cold Burn is the tenacious Agent Michael Walker, who finds himself grappling with a series of unsettling events—multiple deaths surrounding Glacier Bay National Park and the mysterious disappearance of a team of scientists. The plot thickens as we have FBI investigator Gina Delgado, tirelessly chasing down the threads linking environmental crimes in the Everglades to a chilling, prehistoric threat that could spell doom for the world as we know it. The authors brilliantly juxtapose individual character arcs against the looming shadows of ecological disaster and human greed.
I have to admit, my initial claim that this could be read as a standalone adventure was a bit misguided. While you can dive in here, the emotional weight of the interactions and the stakes are heightened for those who’ve shared the journey from the first book. As I powered through Cold Burn, I found myself longing to explore the first book too. It’s that infectious!
However, not all was smooth sailing. At times, the narrative seemed bogged down by intricate technical details—do we really need an exhaustive background on airboat mechanics? I loved the nostalgic feelings these moments stirred, recalling my own swamp adventures in Louisiana, yet I couldn’t help but feel they weighed the pacing down at crucial points. The authors navigate complex themes with finesse, but a little less detail might have made the thrill ride even swifter.
That said, the real brilliance of Cold Burn lies in how it reflects today’s pressing issues, almost as if it has a crystal ball forecasting challenges we may face in the coming years. I found myself pondering environmental implications long after I turned the last page. One particularly striking moment reminded me of a favorite TV character, Henry Standing Bear from Longmire—I miss those deep conversations about nature and spirit. The connection to the natural world resonated throughout, urging us to listen and respect.
For readers who crave thrillers that blend science, suspense, and social commentary, Cold Burn is a must-read. Its gripping narrative will pull you in, while the deeper themes will stay with you, urging reflection long after the last page is turned. If you’re planning a trip or just need a page-turner for the weekend, this could very well be your perfect companion.
So, grab your coffee (or iced tea), settle into a cozy nook, and enjoy the ride. After all, adventure is just a turn of the page away!
Discover more about Cold Burn (National Parks Thriller, #2) on GoodReads >>