A Pilgrimage to Death

A reverend haunted by grief.

A killer obsessed with patterns.

A mystery that refuses to stay buried.

Cici Gurule returns to Santa Fe, hoping to find peace after her twin sister's unsolved murder. But when another body surfaces—killed in the same ritualistic way—her nightmare reignites.

Driven by justice and guided by her sister's ghostly whispers, Cici teams up with Detective Sam Chastain. Their search leads through mountain trails and twisted clues, revealing a killer who's just getting started.

A gripping, atmospheric mystery that blends spiritual suspense with relentless pacing—perfect for fans of Tana French, Louise Penny, and Nevada Barr.

TIMELESS PRAISE FOR J.J. Cagney

"A wholly absorbing gumshoe tale elevated by an extraordinary detective." —Kirkus Reviews

"Vivid, alluring, and heart‑wrenching… every reason I love mystery." —New York Times Bestseller Darynda Jones

"Written in a clear, distinct style, Padgett uses the prose to elicit tension and emotion and creates a tense, fast-paced story." —The BookLife Prize

"An edge-of-my-seat thrill ride that kept me guessing all the way through." — USA Today Bestseller Allyson Lindt

"The prose is…sublimely concise." —Kirkus Reviews

"I'm pretty giddy that this will be a series! It's packed with a good mystery and the cat and mouse makes it hard to put down." —Next Book Review

"An exhilarating entry in a thoroughly enjoyable series." —Kirkus Reviews