—Kirkus Reviews
“Her words flow in a way that one can feel the context of each scene, sense the drama in each character, and become alert to the tells of the trail on which she leads the reader…”
—Virginia Mampre
—Author Steven James
Bone Hash
Coming June 24th
In the vast untamed desert of northern Arizona, Aideen Connor signs on as lead archaeologist at Moenkopi Ridge hoping to find peace after witnessing her husband’s violent death. Instead, she stumbles into a mystery as ancient and dangerous as the land itself. Shortly after she arrives, Aideen’s team uncovers a “bone hash,” human bones showing evidence of prehistoric cannibalism. Her job takes on a darker turn when a brutal murder shocks the residents of the nearby Hopi Reservation. Unsettling connections begin to emerge between her excavation and the crime.
Trust from the local community fractures, threats escalate, and Aideen’s world begins to unravel. First her boss blames her when the entire bone hash is stolen. Then local Native Americans accuse her of disrespecting their ancestors. Violent threats against her ensue: a sheep is killed, viciously eviscerated and left under her residential trailer. A photo of her dead husband is stolen from her bedroom and stuck in its blood. All threats point to a grim reality: someone wants her gone.
As her desperation grows, Aideen turns to Frank Nakai, the BLM Special Agent assigned to the case. But Frank’s presence is as complicating as it is compelling, leaving Aideen torn between grief and her unexpected attraction. When Frank is ordered to return to his office in Santa Fe, Aideen must navigate a maze of buried truths with only her dog, Dakota for companionship. Every clue leads her closer to danger and the secrets buried at Moenkopi Ridge. Secrets that could cost her more than her career—they could cost her life.
Full Praise
“Griffith has created a riveting work that successfully blends a chilling mystery and a revealing character study into a potent whole.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“With a setting as rough and deadly as the antagonists, Skye Griffith’s debut novel is a thrilling and gripping read. For fans of Anne Hillerman and Margaret Coel, Bone Hash has complex characters, lots of twists and a protagonist that mystery readers will love.”
—Kathleen Donnelly, award-winning author of the National Forest K-9 series
“An exhilarating adventure from the very first page, Bone Hash took me on a wild ride along the remote trails of the high plains desert.”
—Bonnie Kimmell, Adult Services Librarian, Jefferson County Public Library
“Skye Griffith writes intriguing stories rooted in archeology with a generous sprinkling of intrigue and twists along the way.”
—Steven James, bestselling author of Fatal Domain
“Skye Griffith has written a page turner murder mystery set in the archeologically rich Southwest. Her words flow in a way that one can feel the context of each scene, sense the drama in each character, and become alert to the tells of the trail on which she leads the reader, with a few blind runs along the way.”
—Virginia Mampre, CFEE, President, Mampre Media International
About Skye
Award-winning event producer and passionate explorer, Skye Griffith debuts her talent for storytelling with Bone Hash, a gripping mystery inspired by her explorations of archaeological sites and rugged backcountry across the American Southwest.
Skye’s fascination with prehistoric cultures and their ability to thrive in unforgiving landscapes sparked the heart of her story. Through years of research and first-hand adventures, she crafts an authentic and vivid narrative of secrets buried in desert sands.
Before turning to fiction, Skye orchestrated large-scale events—including Denver’s first world championship, the Stanley Cup celebration, and the Pope’s historic visit to Denver during World Youth Day. Her articles have appeared in the National Endowment for the Arts newsletter and other industry publications. She holds degrees from the Universities of Cincinnati and Denver and is a member of the Denver Woman’s Press Club, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Denver with her husband and their 115 lb Malamute.
Contact
Skye is happy to speak to book clubs and other groups by Zoom or in person and answer your questions about her writing. All emails are answered personally. Email her at skye@skyegriffith.com or by using the button below.
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