The Height of Secrecy

High on a treacherous canyon wall, a man from the pueblo clings to a ledge. Furiously working to rescue him, Ranger Jack Chastain is nearly killed. Now he wants an explanation and the man refuses to talk. Jack learns the secret revolves around a death sixteen years before, and a lot more is now at stake. While looking for answers, ghosts from Jack's past threaten his new life in New Mexico, forcing him to choose sides between a man who can save a collapsing coalition or a Native American with something to hide.

J.M. (Jerry) Mitchell had a long career with the National Park Service and knows the challenges of protecting beloved places. He retired as Chief of the agency's Biology Division, after working in Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks. He now writes national park mysteries.

• Mainstream Fiction Award, Colorado Author's LeagueWinner 2015