The Ghost Ocean: A Mystery - Tapa dura

"Reading ["The Ghost Ocean] gave me the same sense of excitement and recognition that Michael McGarrity's "Tulsarosa did years back. . . . Benke obviously has a long, heartfelt relationship with the land of Southern New Mexico, and if this finely crafted debut is any indication he's at the threshold of a long, successful career." ." . .well researched and precisely written." "Southwest author Tony Hillerman comes to mind when reading Benke's book." "This is a gripping story that you can't put down until you finish."

Set in the border area between southwestern New Mexico and northern Mexico, The Ghost Ocean is a story of modern-day crime and violence. While tracking a wolf killer, Bureau of Land Management ranger Will Mann is startled by gunfire and then he finds the body of a twelve-year-old girl. In the remote Gila Wilderness, violence is a way of life. The area is home to conflicting groups, including ranchers and environmentalists; drug runners, people smugglers, and law enforcement officials. During the investigation of the young girl's death, every group is suspect.