Cold Burn is a mystery thriller taking place in the Everglades, and various places in Alaska. I found the story very hard to follow as chapters go back and forth between the various places and multiple characters. I had trouble differentiating between all the people, who they were and what agency they were representing. The plot was confusing also. After reading this book, I found that there is an earlier book that one should read first. Had I read that maybe I would have enjoyed this book more.

BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of Leave No Trace, by A.J. Landau (a pseudonym for the writing team of Jon Land and Jeff Ayers), from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.

First of all, I was kinda wrong when I told my husband that this could be read as a standalone thriller. I said that when I was about halfway through the book. A little later, there was a big ol’ spoiler for the first book in the series. So, read these in order.

Re that first book: I immediately checked it out electronically once I finished this one. Which I termed “an airport thriller.” Not because there were any airports harmed in the making, etc. (which feels like it will be turned into something for TV/the movies), but because it’s something that I would recommend you buy in an airport book store to read on a plane.

Second of all (or maybe third, depending on how we’re counting): It probably goes without saying that I enjoyed this particular ride, given not only that I’m about to start on the first book, but am eagerly looking forward to what I hope are many, many more in the series.

All that said…..there were way too many words sometimes. Like, umm, do we really need all that background about how airboats work? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love me some airboat…..some of the best times in my life have been had down in the swamps of Louisiana. The technical descriptions of a lot of stuff seemed to weigh the narrative down, though.

Nits, I pick. Especially when these authors have done such a great job of making this entire book seem like something that was foretelling the news that’s happening—and to come—in 2025!! Yeesh!

PS
Gosh I sure do miss Henry Standing Bear as portrayed by Lou Diamond Phillips in the TV series Longmire (based on the Craig Johnson book series). I think the world would be an awful lot better place if more of us spoke without contractions. And, you know. Respected nature and communed with the spirit world, etc.

DESCRIPTION
Agent Michael Walker returns when multiple deaths at Glacier Bay National Park are just the first steps in a potential global disaster.

National Park Service investigator Michael Walker is battling smugglers stealing priceless artifacts when he’s dispatched to Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, where, in the first stage of a potential global disaster, a team of scientists has gone missing.

Meanwhile, in Florida’s Everglades National Park, FBI special investigator Gina Delgado traces the murder of an environmental science intern back to another U.S. Geological Survey team’s ongoing experiments that are decimating the fragile ecosystem. That is before she’s dispatched to the scene of a sunken U.S. nuclear submarine, the entire crew of which has inexplicably been killed.

The connection between these disparate investigations lies in a deadly prehistoric organism, frozen for thousands of years in the ice until global warming brings it back to life in what could mean the death of all life on Earth. An organism that a rogue billionaire sees as the ultimate fuel source and a Russian strongman views as the ultimate weapon that can shift the global balance of power forever. Against that backdrop, Walker and Delgado find themselves desperately doing battle across multiple fronts against an ancient, unstoppable enemy.

My problems with this book probably lie in my expectations. I'd been a big Nevada Barr reader until her national park series ended a few years back. I enjoyed working out the mysteries and I loved getting to know the parks. The emphasis in Cold Burn is definitely on thriller rather then national parks. Yes, some key scenes took place in the Everglades, Sitka, and Glacier Bay, but I don't feel like I learned a great deal about the areas and most of the action took place elsewhere. The body count was in the hundreds, and there were plenty of explosions. It was actually a really good book, just not my usual flavor.

I received the digital ARC of Cold Burn and had high hopes. I did not read book one in the National Park Series.

This took me quite a while to get into, and even then it seemed hard to follow. Over all I did about it was a good story line and I gave it a strong three stars.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

Back with Walker and Delgado,for a frightening look at the resources we have
in Alaska and the fight to,keep away folks who aim to steal and destroy the
natural wilderness along with infiltration at high levels of several government
agencies. Who can be trusted? What lengths will the Russians go to to collect
the natural minerals and geologic samples they have always wanted? To place
them in a huge advantage over our interests. How deeply buried are the folks
who aim to harm us…
I adore the well written descriptions of the beauty of Alaska, with the back
drop of majestic scenery and people most of us know little about. I could
see the oceans and along with the animals, it seems so glorious. Until
the Russians…
This book has lots of openings for the next book. My thanks to
Minotaur Books via NetGalley for the download copy of this
book for reviews purposes.

I had no idea what to expect when picking up this book, but it delivered more than I could imagine (and educated me along the way!) Lots of plots going on but they all weave together in the end!

A body is found in the Florida Everglades. A nuclear submarine is destroyed on its test voyage. A survey team disappears, trapped or killed by an avalanche. Art thieves turn out to be after much more.  In Book 2 of the Michael Walker National Park Thrillers (Minotaur Books 2025), it's up to National Park Service investigator Michael Walker and his intrepid team to unravel the connections if any. The cause seems to lie within the frigid cold of Alaska's beautiful environment so that's where they focus. Luckily, Walker has no problem with the cold weather or rough landscape. This story has a lot of moving parts and a myriad of possible causes, anything from global warming to climate change to something else. The more Walker digs into the seemingly disparate crimes, the more he concludes that nothing less than the future of the world is at risk.

The writing is good, but the hyperbole rich and the plot a bit complicated to follow. That's where it lost points--plot development and believability. Others might have no problem and then it would be higher.

Cold Burn by Jon Land is part of a series featuring National Park Service Investigator Mike Walker and Special Agent Delgado. It starts out in two locations. Alaska and Florida. It took a while for the story to merge and really got took off.
There are murders in both places and the threat of an ancient microbe. Throw in a crazy billionaire and you have a story.
I liked the characters and enjoyed visiting Mike and Gina again. I liked all the facts and information – though sometimes it was told more than once.
I recommend the series and this book. Thank you for an advanced copy for an honest review.

This was a book that was equal parts educational, and a thriller. I didn’t realize what ride I would be taken on when I chose to pick up this book. I will not be looking for more books by the same authors. It’s a very eye-opening book of the possibilities of global warming can change the world. Wonderful read thank you for allowing me to preview this book.

An exciting and informative story involving the US National Park Service, taking place in Alaska and the Everglades. It pushes the envelope of believable science, but still makes for an exciting adventure. Very worthwhile and strongly recommended.

Cold Burn by A. J. Landau
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My first from this writing pair. I loved the story tied to the national parks and the quick facts about the actual locations at the beginning of each chapter. The story built quickly and kept you wanting more. Multiple locations, different societies and story lines all come together for a potential global disaster thriller like no other! Will definitely be going back and reading book one from this series!
#ajlanday #coldburnnovel #coldburnajlandau
#suspensethriller #thriller
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram

This was an electrifying read that captivated me from start to finish. I loved how the novel intricately weaves multiple storylines, starting with the eerie discovery of a frozen woolly mammoth in Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park. I found myself completely engrossed in the mystery as the team of geologists who uncovered the mammoth were found dead, setting off a chain of suspenseful events. I was particularly fascinated by the prehistoric microbe that linked the deaths, and the high-stakes battle against a rogue billionaire and a Russian strongman who sought to weaponize it. The blend of scientific intrigue and environmental themes added a unique layer of excitement and urgency to the story. Throughout the novel, I appreciated the fast-paced, suspenseful writing that made it impossible to put down.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action-packed mysteries and environmental thrillers. This book is a must-read for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure with well-developed characters and a compelling plot.

Wow. What a great read. Could not put it down. Thank you for letting me read this in advance. I stayed up way to late trying to get to the end.

I enjoyed book quite a bit! There was a good mix of interesting information about areas I’ve never visited combined with a very entertaining plot. This reminded me somewhat of a James Rollins type book for those familiar with his work. I would recommend this to others and look forward to reading others in the series.

DNF at 10%. I was bored and all the submarine-speak was just a blur in my mind. I may try again later, but moving on for now.

Cold Burn is the second Nation Park Thriller but would probably be okay read as a standalone since the author hits the key points in the background of both main protagonists. What does a dead intern's body in the Everglades, a Native American theft ring in Alaska, the disappearance of a research team on the Glacier Bay National Park glacier, and a submarine full of dead men have in common? National Park ISB agent Michael Walker must work with the area Tlingit Warriors to find what is killing people and wildlife in the Alaska Tundra. Meanwhile, FBI Special Investigation Agent Gina Delgado is pulled from the Everglades murder to investigate the deaths on the submarine by the White House. The story flips between the main protagonists as the events all link up to a common thread as the agents race against the clock to stop a dangerous agenda and a deadly prehistoric microbe. Action packed and heavy on the suspense, the story draws the reader in and holds on for a thrilling, pulse pounding ride through the National Parks. My voluntary, unbiased, and non-mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

The second book. :) I was so excited cause I absolutely loved the first one. He is such a likeable stand up guy.. I love the outdoors The Parks The things I learn.
The whole adventure first to.last word was so good
Thanks you so much for the opportunity

A true thriller indeed! A murder in Florida, a military accident off the coast of Alaska, the theft and smuggling of artifacts, a missing scientific research crew ... all interesting investigations. When they become linked, the danger is around every turn! Although the investigation involves multiple states, none is more central than Alaska. This novel weaves in history of the Alaskan indigenous tribes and the fight for and stealing of their lands. The history comes alive as the wars are fought once again. The book also accurately portrays the American sentiment of apathy towards indigenous people. Through it all is the study of climate change and the science of mitigating the effects on our environment. The author masterfully integrated a pathogen into this ambrosia of intrigue. This story starts somewhat disjointed, but once the threads begin to knit together, you won't be able to put the book down!

Cold Burn is a thriller that hits the ground running and doesn't look back. I simply could not put it down. While investigating what appears to be a classic smuggling ring, NPS agent Michael Walker stumbles upon something more sinister and far, far worse. Meanwhile, FBI agent Gina Delgado investigates a murder in the Florida Everglades before being rerouted to look into the circumstances surrounding the sinking of a U.S. nuclear sub - and the mysterious deaths of the entire crew. The connection? An organism that could wipe out all life - an organism that could make some people rich(er), and one that some would kill for. Fast-paced, sweeping, unexpected, and informative, Cold Burn will keep you turning the pages. While I did not read the first book (Leave No Trace) in this National Parks Thriller series, I do not think that put me at a disadvantage at all - but I am definitely adding Leave No Trace to my reading list! Looking forward to future novels in this series.

I'm grateful to Minotaur Books for the advance copy of this book for review purposes. I had not been familiar with Landau's work (a pseudonym revealed in the end notes) prior to this. This is an excellent story based on a hypothetical--but not impossible--premise. The characters made sense to me, as did their interactions, I'm avoiding spoilers here, but I will say that those who prefer a single protagonist and antagonist might not be as happy with this more complex story.

There were a few times when the authors revealed a bit more than avid mystery lovers would like to know too early, but while it didn't work as well as a mystery, it works extremely well as a thriller. The authors are clearly lover of national parks, and it occasionally felt like a PSA with the chapter intros, but it is a good hook for the series and I can't argue with their intentions.

All in all, yes this is a book I enjoyed and would recommend to others. Well done!