Badlands is the latest of Preston & Child’s Nora Kelly novels and FBI agent Corrie Swanson, a forensics specialist, has become a fixture in these mysteries set in New Mexico. As this novel unfolds, the skeletal remains of a woman are discovered in the badlands area in the desert outside of Albuquerque by a movie crew flying a drone for scenic shots. Their call to police brings Corrie and her mentor, Agent Sharp as well as a field team to assess and manage what they find. What they find proves to be very strange, indicating a woman at some point walked out into the desert then slowly shed her clothes before likely dying of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Why? Was this suicide? Corrie asks for Nora’s assistance because of artifacts found with the skeleton. Nora’s expertise and work as an archaeologist has been very valuable and helpful in the past. Together, they are about to open up a case with roots in the distant past and links to an evil they have never encountered before.

Badlands is an exciting, fast paced story, filled with history that has been adapted somewhat by the authors. See the Author’s Note for information about the peoples and ideas written about in this novel. I enjoy reading mysteries that include archeology, Native American cultures and life, and variations on the themes. Badlands has everything I would want. I will give a warning for violence. This is an action novel and Preston & Child do not back away from details of violence when necessary to the plot. I do recommend this book.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC of this book.

I have been a fan of Preston and Child's Nora Kelly series from the very first book (Old Bones). I have learned so much about the landscape and history of New Mexico in reading the series, and Badlands is no exception. This fast-paced tale had me exploring remote areas along with Nora and Corrie and learning more about the Pueblo and Navajo cultures. (Never skip the Author's Notes at the end of the books.)

The progression of the lives of the characters has completely won me over. Corrie continues to grow as an FBI agent, and Sheriff Homer Watts, with his immaculate cowboy hat and pearl-handled six-shooters, tries his best to always ride in to save the day whenever his damsel, Corrie, is in danger.

I do have to admit that I did get annoyed with Nora, as she knowingly put herself in danger (what I call a TSTL Moment-- Too Stupid To Live), and her feckless brother, Skip, never ceases to amaze me. Is his luck ever going to run out? Especially when he becomes friends with the local law unto himself rich guy.

As much as I enjoyed the characters, the story, and all the things I learned, I couldn't totally buy into what caused the women's deaths. It was a tad too far-fetched and had my suspension bridge of disbelief swaying wildly in the breeze. Is that going to keep me from reading the next book in the series? Of course not! I'm ready to read it right now.

Badlands is the newest Preston & Child book in the Nora Kelly series. While it could be helpful to have read earlier books in the series (and the adjacent Pendergast series), this can be read as a standalone.

When a film crew discovers skeletonized remains in the New Mexico bandlands desert, FBI agent Corrie Swanson gets called in. During the investigation, they discover ancient lightning stones by the body. It appears that the woman had stripped her clothes off and walked into the desert to die, clutching the lightning stones. Corrie calls archealogist Nora Kelly, and the two end up embroiled in a crazy investigation involving ancient ruins, a cult, and ancient magic.

This is another solid book in the series. I always look forward to reading a new Preston & Child book. Highly recommend.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the publisher, the authors, and Netgalley!

It is always refreshing to read a story about two strong women who are the main characters in an action adventure book. They are smart, strong, and resilient.
This book was set out west in New Mexico. It has so many intriguing details of the canyons, mesa's and local landscapes that you want to see them for yourself. And the various Native People tribes were so interesting and were woven into the story so well.
The story is just as intriguing as the landscape. The authors did a remarkable job mixing history, the unknown, and the present in a way that is both believable and unbelievable. It is fast paced with intriguing characters. There were a few times where things got a little graphic but it was necessary for the story.
These authors have written many, many other books and all are wonderful.
Enjoy!

Another mystery by Preston and Child. I enjoyed the mystery and the character development. Also entertaining and informative of an ancient culture. Good read.

"Bad Lands" by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is a thrilling mystery that features archaeologist Nora Kelly and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson. It's the fifth book in their shared series but can easily be read as a standalone.
The plot revolves around a series of bizarre deaths in the New Mexico desert badlands. The initial discovery is the skeleton of a woman who appears to have died of heatstroke and thirst after walking into the desert and shedding her clothes. Crucially, she's found clutching two rare "lightning stones," artifacts believed to have been used by the ancient Chaco people to summon gods.
FBI Agent Corrie Swanson is assigned the case and brings in archaeologist Nora Kelly to help investigate the strange artifacts. When a second body is found under almost identical circumstances, Nora and Corrie realize they're dealing with something far more complex and sinister than a simple accident or suicide.
Their investigation leads them into remote canyons, haunted ruins, and the history of long-lost rituals. As they delve deeper, they uncover a dark, ancient power that has been disturbed from its slumber, threatening to exact an unspeakable price on those who awaken it. The book blends elements of mystery, thriller, and the supernatural, often incorporating real history and legends as a starting point for its suspenseful plot. This was a really enjoyable read! My first Preston & Child book and it definitley won't be my last.

My social reviews will be posted on pub day!

In the New Mexico badlands, a film crew makes a horrifying discovery, and the case is assigned to FBI Agent Corrie Swanson. After consulting with archeologist Nora Kelly a search of the area is conducted, and a second body is found. Both victims are found with lightning stones used by the ancient Chaco people to summon the gods. Is it suicide or… sacrifice? Authors Preston & Child masterfully paint the picture of the history, people and the unforgiving environment that make up the New Mexico badlands in this heart-stopping thriller. The plot moves at a lightning-fast pace as Corrie and Nora race to find answers before another tragedy occurs. With real historical facts woven into the plot, I was riveted to this action-packed page turner!

Badlands is the latest from Preston and Child in the Nora Kelly series. Badlands is fifth in the series preceded by Old Bones, The Scorpion's Tail, Diablo Mesa, and Dead Mountain. If you want to get the full Nora Kelly experience don't miss Thunderhead and The Cabinet of Curiosities. Nora appears in a few of the Pendergast novels and I'm so excited to see her story continue. This book is fantastic! You won't need to have read any of the previous novels featuring Nora to enjoy Badlands, but you'll probably want to. The books read wonderfully on their own, but it's so much fun to see how the characters develop.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital review copy.

As a reader of everything Preston and Child have written, I find myself a pretty tough, but knowledgeable, critic of their work. "Badlands" is a nice addition to the Nora Kelly series, but, in my humble opinion, falls somewhat short of the previous efforts, especially the last two books. The premise of the story is fine, revolving around mysterious deaths that have occurred in the desert of the Badlands, with authorities questioning the reasons behind the strange condition in which the bodies were found.

Bring on probationary FBI agent Corrie Swanson and archeologist Nora Kelly (plus Sheriff Homer Watts), who attempt to sort out the reasons for the strange deaths. As with the other books in the series, the ladies soon find out there is much, much more below what's on the surface as they move through their investigation. Other familiar characters (e.g., Skip Kelly and Agent Sharp) make their appearances, but this book comes up a little short in the category of memorable characters. Partly because of that and a less-than-riveting plot, this book seems too patterned and familiar. There is very little action in the first 60% of the book making the book a little tough to get through. Thankfully, in the last third of the story, the plot picks up momentum and heads in a couple of different directions, leading to a satisfying, if not expected, conclusion.

I don't want to pan the novel because it's a decent book. It's just that it feels too familiar and almost phoned in. I'm sure there are fans of the series that will think differently of "Badlands", but for this reader, I'm hoping P & C will up their game a little in Book 6.

I'd like to thank Net Galley, Grand Central Publishing, and the authors for providing me with an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When a skeleton is discovered in the New Mexico bad lands, Corrie Swanson of the FBI is assigned the case, and brings in archeologist Nora Kelly to help. They work on trying to discover why a young woman walked into the bad lands, stripping off her clothing as she walked and then, seemingly, just laid down to die.
As more victims are discovered and the case widens, their investigation turns to possible cult connections
and university professors influences.
Riveting in the unraveling but just a tad too much history, at times.
Swanson and Kelly make a really interesting team and are a good combo of experience and newbie.
Waiting now, for the next one.

Thank you NetGalley for a prerelease of Badlands by Preston & Child.

I’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the newest installment in their Nora Kelly series. It did not disappoint. I could NOT put the book down. In classic Preston & Child fashion, the novel was riddled with suspense, impossibility, and science (both anthropology and AI). They did an excellent job weaving in emerging trends, such as the adoption of AI of as supplemental aid in the workplace, into the novel.

I love the combination of fact and fiction to drive their plot lines. Characters Corrie, Nora, Wyatt, and Skip continue to evolve and grow more beloved as they find themselves in the middle of more danger than they ever could have imagined in America’s SouthWest. In this series, you never know the true culprit until the very end. I also love the creative small nods to other Preston & Child novels integrated into the novel.

3.5⭐️ I really enjoy this series and was excited to see what wild things were in store for Nora and Corrie! It wasn’t my fav of the series, but I did enjoy it for the most part. I flew through the book in a day and for 80% I was dialed in, but the ending jumped the shark (more on that below). I’ve broken it down a bit more into what did and didn’t work for me, but the majority of the book was a solid 4⭐️ for me, however the ending dropped my rating down a bit. I’m still excited to continue with the series, but am most definitely hoping for less Skip in future books. Thanks Grand Central Publishing & NetGalley for the gifted copy!


𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:

✅ It’s another interesting case that has a lot of detailed archaeological information, but mostly doesn’t go too deep in the weeds

✅ I loved the way they used AI in forensics and showed new technology to help identify victims and solve crimes

✅ Nora remains my fav but I do enjoy seeing Corrie grow and develop as a FBI agent. I wish there was more of them working together here, but a lot of this was them going off on somewhat random tangents, especially Nora.

✅ As with the other 4 books in the series, the setting is again a main character in the novel. I love learning more about the area and enjoyed the descriptions and details about the Badlands.

✅ It’s a really creative idea and I enjoyed it for the first 80% of the book. Which brings me to…

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞:

❌Oh boy. The last 20% things went a bit too off the rails for me. It went from fast paced mystery and took a turn to crazy town. Too much going on, and just a very strange resolution to the story. I would’ve preferred a more realistic approach, but applaud the creativity.

❌ Skip. I wish Skip would find a new job far away and disappear from the series. Nora’s goofy and annoying brother who makes nothing but moronic decisions and has zero common sense. There is no way he would be involved in these cases, even tangentially and if he is meant to be comic relief it’s failing bc he is not funny. I can’t stress this enough, Skip needs to go please and thank you.

❌ Descriptions get overused - Sharp has sleepy eyes and a sleepy smile or a lazy expression. (𝐼𝑡’𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙, 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑠𝑜 𝐼’𝑚 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑦 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑎 𝑓𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑠.) Gradinski has a supercilious tone and a supercilious face. A professor is described as “hippy dippy” by both a meathead in prison and 70 year old man. There are many flushed faces. Just a lot of tiny things that add up the more it’s done in the book and it’s done a whole lot here.

## Five Stars! Badlands is a Riveting Blend of Mystery, History, and Thrilling Suspense!

**Badlands** is an absolute triumph! ] Preston and Child masterfully weave together a compelling mystery with fascinating historical elements, creating a novel that grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go until the stunning conclusion.

The premise itself is instantly intriguing: a bizarre discovery in the New Mexico badlands – a skeleton clutching ancient artifacts, the circumstances of her death shrouded in unsettling questions of suicide or sacrifice. FBI Agent Corrie Swanson is a fantastic protagonist, sharp and determined, and her introduction to the case immediately pulls you into the strange and arid landscape.

Bringing in archaeologist Nora Kelly was a stroke of genius. Her expertise in the ancient Chaco people and their mysterious rituals adds a rich layer of depth and intrigue to the investigation. The dynamic between Corrie and Nora is compelling, their contrasting skills and perspectives perfectly complementing each other as they navigate the perplexing clues.

Just when you think you have a handle on things, the discovery of a second, eerily similar body ratchets up the suspense to a whole new level. The authors expertly build a sense of unease and foreboding as Corrie and Nora delve deeper into the remote canyons and haunted ruins of New Mexico. The exploration of long-lost rituals and the gradual unveiling of a "dark power" is genuinely thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat.

What makes **Badlands** truly exceptional is its seamless blend of crime thriller and historical fiction. The authors have clearly done their research, bringing the ancient world of the Chaco people to life in a way that feels both authentic and integral to the modern-day mystery. The lightning stones and the rituals surrounding them are not just plot devices; they are woven into the very fabric of the story, creating a unique and captivating narrative.

The pacing is perfect, with revelations unfolding at just the right moments to keep you guessing. The descriptions of the New Mexico landscape are vivid and atmospheric, making the badlands feel like a character in themselves. The suspense builds relentlessly as Corrie and Nora confront a threat that feels both ancient and terrifyingly real.

**Badlands** is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery with a historical twist and a healthy dose of thrilling suspense. It's intelligent, atmospheric, and utterly captivating. I highly recommend it!

Another great thriller with a little bit of history thrown in. This book makes me want to dive further into the the history of the first people tribes mentioned in the book.

Badlands by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is a very highly recommended action-packed thriller and the fifth novel in the series featuring archaeologist Nora Kelly and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson. It can definitely be read as a standalone novel and features strong, capable female protagonists. Preston and Child dependably deliver another winner.

FBI Agent Corrie Swanson is assigned the investigation into the skeleton of a woman found in the New Mexico badlands. The woman apparently walked into the desert, removed all her clothes while walking, and died of heatstroke and thirst. By the bones are found an arrowhead and two round green stones. When Corrie calls Nora to look at the arrowhead, Nora immediately took more interest in the stones which she identifies as extremely rare green lightning stones. The body is identified as Molly Vine, a science teacher who went missing five years earlier.

When another body is found and identified as Mandy Driver, a geological consultant, two green lightning are again found by her. Their investigation leads Corrie and Nora to believe that the two deaths might be connected to Professor Oskarbi who had ties to both deceased women at the University of New Mexico. He also had an interest in the Gallinas, indigenous people who used lightning stones and were wiped out in the 13th century by the Chaco Canyon people. How does this all connect together?

As expected Badlands is a well-written, heart-stopping thriller which held my complete attention from start to finish. The plot moves at a lightning-fast pace and the setting, which comes to life, is beautifully described. Yes, you might have to set some disbelief aside, but there are also real historical facts woven into the plot. The investigation follows some complicated turns along the way, and there are several different story lines going on as everything heads to a run-in with the supernatural. You'll definitely want to read this in one sitting.

Corrie and Nora are great characters and it was wonderful to see them back, working together. They are both intelligent, insightful, and competent women and their characters continue to develop in this outing. Nora's brother Skip is back, making questionable decisions as is Corries friend, Sheriff Watts.

Badlands is an excellent choice for anyone who loves page-turning, action-packed thrillers. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

3 ½ Stars, rounded up.

Badlands asks: Can an Ancient Evil be Contained? The Brilliant New Thriller from the Bestselling Authors of the Agent Pendergast Series. FBI Special Agent Corrie Swanson brings in archaeologist Nora Kelly to investigate. This case runs deeper than they imagined.

As Corrie and Nora pursue the investigation into remote canyons, haunted ruins, and long-lost rituals, they find themselves confronting a dark power that, disturbed from its long slumber, threatens to exact an unspeakable price.

A lot is going on in Badlands, and it felt much darker than the previous books in the series. It was also more graphic and gruesome than I like to read.

On the other hand, Badlands is suspenseful, vividly detailed, and fast paced!

Thank you, #GrandCentralPublishing, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Badlands has an expected publication date of June 3, 2025.

4.5 stars, very good.
A bit different for this writing team as it includes fiction involving around American Indian Folklore, a favorite topic in this household as both my husband and I enjoy it. This is a Nora Kelley novel, the fifth in a series featuring her as an archeologist who is brought in to work with FBI Agent Corrie Swanson in the case of a woman found clutching some artifacts of interest when she dies of exposure in the New Mexico Badlands.

The novel holds your interest, combines history, mystery, fact and fiction very well while keeping the reader turning those pages.

Highly recommend for a unique and intriguing read. Get your copy on release day, June 3rd at your favorite retail site.
My thanks for the e-arc from Grand Central Publishing, one of my favorites, via NetGalley for the pre-release read.

Preston and Child have once again given us a riveting novel set in the desert Southwest featuring archeologist Nora Kelly and F.B.I. agent Corrie Swanson. As usual, it is a fast paced mystery full of suspense, twists and turns, perhaps a bit of magic and a lot research. The vivid descriptions of the landscape ensure the reader feels the sand under foot and feels the heat.

Unfortunately, there were a few things I had problems with. While the big mystery was solved, I felt there were still a few loose ends that needed tying up. But, our investigators were happy, so I guess I should be too. Maybe I just missed something. However, the main thing I had a problem with was Skip. While I understand his part in this book, I am so over him. He is getting to be a little much. Maybe he needs to grow up or move away.

My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

We return again to the world of Nora Kelly and SA Corrie Swanson, as they "partner up" again to solve a crime. This time it is in the badlands of New Mexico. Obviously it involves ancient Indian rites/customs, but for the non-informed you do learn a little bit about ancient Indian cultures, and even a bit about the Navajos.

This is the fifth book in the Nora Kelly series, and I am not sure how much further the authors will go with it. I'm guessing it may increase since the Pendergast series seems to be faltering. Overall it was still a good read.

So good. I love this series because you get a great mystery and some history. This is a fast-paced book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Great characters, plot that is riveting and gives the reader a view of places you would not normally go. This book is an unable to put down summer beach read.