Cruzatte and Maria

A deputy discovers Meriwether Lewiss journal in this modern-day mystery by an author who writes about the rural West better than anyone (Rocky Mountain News). When hes asked to serve as a consultant for a documentary about the bicentennial of Lewis and Clarks expedition up the Missouri River, Gabriel Du Prs impulse is to flee. Eastern Montana isnt accustomed to getting much attention, and its residents prefer it that way. But the director of the film is dating Du Prs daughter Maria, so this hard-bitten fiddlers hands are tied. The Mtis Indian lawman agrees to act as a guide and help the filmmakers navigate the river, which is as deadly now as it was in 1805. The Missouri has claimed nine lives in the past three yearsa suspiciously high death toll the FBI wants Du Pr to investigate. While trolling the riverbanks, Du Pr stumbles upon a national treasure: Meriwether Lewiss lost journals, which the American government will do anything to get back. Meanwhile, when members of the film crew start dying, Du Pr begins to wonder if the locals hate outsiders so much they might be willing to kill to keep them out. Bowens exuberant storytelling mines the rich cultural history of the West . . . [and features] delightfully extravagant characters (Publishers Weekly). Cruzatte and Maria is the 8th book in The Montana Mysteries Featuring Gabriel Du Pr series, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.