South of Nowhere by Jeffery Deaver
South of Nowhere is an exhilarating action-infused mystery that revolves around the potential inundation of a small California town. In the latest Colter Shaw story, Colter has been called to the town of Hinowah by his sister Dorion to help locate a missing family swept away by the roaring flood waters of the Never Summer River.
Jeffrey Deaver does a brilliant job of incorporating suspense along with the harrowing drama of a natural disaster. Heavy rains and a sudden melt of the winter snowpack made the levees holding back the unforgiving Never Summer a tall order. The three cars attempting to cross the levee had to react fast as the embankment gave way, but the collapse claimed the Garvey Family’s SUV and threatened to take them to their deaths.
Running Out of Time — and Oxygen
The plight of the Garveys and the breach of the levees has forced Mayor & Interim Police Chief Hanlon Tolifson to marshal his small band of police and emergency services to deal with the crisis. Tolifson is soon joined on the scene by Dorion Shaw, who is quick to provide advice and give orders, much to Tolifson’s chagrin. However, Shaw’s career is dealing with and responding to disasters, and Tolifson reluctantly acquiesces to her suggestions.
Colter Shaw was investigating a mystery that involved his deceased father when he received the message from Dorion about the emergency in Hinowah. Colter is a man with a reputation for locating both missing people and things. Dorion believes Colter can utilize his bloodhound skills in locating the Garveys.
However, time is of the essence as the passengers of the submerged car begin to lose oxygen and face their imminent demise. As Colter traverses the terrain around the Never Summer to gain a vantage point, he fights off an assault from an unknown thug. The reason for this unprovoked attack adds a new wrinkle to Colter’s mission.
But the Case Isn’t Over Just Yet …
The Garvey Family had conceded their fate, but Colter Shaw is a man who is not easily deterred. When all seems lost, Colter relies on his analytical mind in surmising where the SUV wound up. Colter alerts the Mayor, along with other emergency personnel, and manages to spring the family from a watery grave.
However, the future of the levee is debatable, and the cause of the initial collapse soon proves to be more manmade than climate-related. Colter must now wear the hat of an investigator and locate a saboteur with a sinister motive. The clock continues to tick for Colter and the residents of Hinowah.
A Gripping Page-Turner Full of Surprises
South of Nowhere is the latest entry in the continuing and exciting narrative of Colter Shaw. Jeffrey Deaver continues his unquestioned mastery of the mystery genre with his latest thrilling novel, where the danger and surprises are never far removed.
Colter Shaw is a versatile man who dedicates himself to every job he takes, and his determination is absolute. His familial history provides an interesting backstory to both him and Dorion while also providing a compelling subplot. Jeffrey Deaver has written an intelligent and gripping page-turner that captivates the reader from the beginning.
About Jeffery Deaver:
Jeffery Deaver is the #1 international bestselling author of more than 40 novels, three collections of short stories and a nonfiction law book. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He’s received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world, including Novel of the Year by the International Thriller Writers and the Steel Dagger from the Crime Writers’ Association in the United Kingdom. In 2014, he was the recipient of three lifetime achievement awards. A former journalist, folk singer and attorney, he was born outside of Chicago and has a bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a law degree from Fordham University.
