Burn Out

Private investigator Sharon McCone returns in this explosive thriller set in the California desert, from New York Times bestselling author, Marcia Muller.

"Muller writes flawless mysteries with a harsh edge." —Library Journal (starred review)

Traumatized by a recent life-or-death investigation, Sharon McCone flees to her ranch in California's high desert country to contemplate her future. Deep depression shadows her days and nights, and a chance encounter with a troubled, highly secretive Native American woman begins to haunt her dreams. Even though she is determined not to investigate anything during her stay—and perhaps not ever again—McCone is drawn into the plight of the young woman and her dysfunctional family.

A murder and traces of violence at a deserted resort lead her across the desert and into Nevada, and finally to a remote and isolated ranch, where danger lies closer that she expects and where her future and life itself may hang in the balance.