Scott Graham brings his ninth novel in his National Park mystery series to Death Valley in California.
“Death Valley Duel” begins in April at the starting point of the 10th annual Whitney to Death 150 ultra race. Graham’s main character, Chuck Bender, is part of the small support crew that is out to support his 17-year-old stepdaughter, Carmelita Ortega, during her first ultra race. Unfortunately, her mother, Janelle, can’t get away from her work as a paramedic for Durango Fire and Rescue, so she recruits her brother, Clarence, and his girlfriend, Liza, to join the crew.
This grueling race is 150 miles long over extreme terrain and brutal weather conditions. The race goes from Mount Whitney, over 14,000 feet high, to Death Valley and runners must finish in 50 hours. Because of the drastic nature of the race, only about one in five runners complete the race. Although the organizers have tried to keep a low profile on the race, online there are massive bets placed on runners. It is very lucrative for the online betting sites. Originally, the organizers started to race to draw attention to the volatile predicament of water rights in California. Los Angeles draws water from all over the state, and taking it from agriculture areas and others who all need the water as well.
If you go
WHAT: Durango author Scott Graham launches his latest mystery, “Death Valley Duel,” joined by local ultra runner Maggie Guterl and Hardrock 100 Executive Director Dale Garland.
WHEN: 6 p.m. Monday.
WHERE: Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit https://tinyurl.com/mtn43xr7.
Although Chuck is there to be with Carmelita for her race, he has another, archaeological reason to be in the area. He has been hired by Tabitha Eddy from Stanford University to search for evidence of a murder that took place 87 years ago. It actually ties in with the current water issue. A young Paiute, Russell Raining Bird, an outspoken protester against the utility company that drained Owen Lake, then started after the water in Mono Lake, mysteriously disappeared. An anonymous letter seen by Eddy claimed that his body was burned in one of the Wildrose charcoal kilns that is directly on the path of the race. Chuck is looking for evidence among the ashes to see if the letter is true.
The draining of Owen Lake had unintended consequences. When the wind blows, it lifts up the dust from the empty lake bed, which is filled with toxic chemicals. The runners have to use a dirt road that bisects the lake and could be caught in one of these dangerous events.
Only 40 runners are accepted to run in the Whitney to Death 150, and Carmelita is one of only two teens in the race. The other teen is Margot Chatten who is heavily promoted by her father, Rick. He has hired a professional media person and runs almost every aspect of Margot’s life. On the other hand, Carmelita’s media person is her own sister, Rosie, 15. Rosie is quite media savvy and with her attention to detail, she has built up the number of Carmelita’s followers. Although the number of ultra runners and races is somewhat small, internet interest is very high.
Shortly after the race begins, a series of issues come up for several of the runners. These could be only accidents, or is something else at play? Chuck is alarmed and even though each runner carries a GPS tracker, he can’t help worrying about Carmelita, especially after one runner is found dead. Carmelita’s support team is on high alert as the danger increases as the finish line draws near.
Graham has created a tense, action-filled story that make the pages fly by. He educates readers about the special and unique equipment, strategies and features needed to run in an ultra race. He also sheds light on the all-too-real realities of water issues facing the Western states, and the rest of the world, too. His characters are delightful and it is enjoyable watching the two young sisters grow and spread their wings.
“Death Valley Duel” is a great addition to his growing works about America’s National Parks.
Leslie Doran is a retired teacher and freelance writer.
