High Desert Heist

Who has the missing money from the 1878 Mineral Basin heist? What really happened to the missing Chance son, Patrick? Where does the search for answers to all these questions even begin? These questions propel RJ, Claire, and Sam into their next adventure. A trek across the ranch leads to serious critter encounters for Rascal and emotional trauma for Sam and her friends. The trio, finally refocused on the search for the missing money, discovers the Town of Mineral Basin in mining country and decides to undertake a fishing expedition of sorts; exploring the history of mining country while researching the history of the Mineral Basin Bank Heist. Conversations in mining country add to the heist's mystery as well as its effect on the mining community. Now, two generations later, memories passed down to current residents, unanswered questions, historical archives, and old-timer stories make the trip to Mineral Basin even more haunting. Sam's line cabin project unearths more forensic evidence of foul play. Sam needs Sheriff Charlie Ketchem's help to answer forensic questions about the new evidence. New friend, Nacho Verde, a well-known online investigator, along with Gila County Sheriff, Zeke Franks, add to the tight circle of friends, and all together they embark on the search to solve the heist. Twists and turns to the last page will keep you guessing!

Who has the missing money from the 1878 Mineral Basin heist? What really happened to the missing Chance son, Patrick? Where does the search for answers to all these questions even begin? These questions propel RJ, Claire, and Sam into their next adventure. But, first, what about those Copper Q line cabins that Sam's documentary filmmaker wants to use in his film? A trek across the ranch leads to serious critter encounters for Rascal and emotional trauma for Sam and her friends. Sam's new neighbors, Dr. Scout and Mac, treat Rascal's injuries and create an immediate bond with the three friends. The trio, finally refocused on the search for the missing money, discovers the Town of Mineral Basin in mining country and decides to undertake a fishing expedition of sorts; exploring the history of mining country while researching the history of the Mineral Basin Bank Heist. Conversations in mining country add to the heist's mystery as well as its effect on the mining community. Now, two generations later, memories passed down to current residents, unanswered questions, historical archives, and old-timer stories make the trip to Mineral Basin even more haunting. Meanwhile, Sam's line cabin project unearths more forensic evidence of foul play combined with local interference from an unlikely source. Sam needs Sheriff Charlie Ketchem's help to answer forensic questions about the new evidence while, at the same time, warning off a determined trespasser. New friend, Nacho Verde, a well-known online investigator, and reliable contractor, Ben, become central to solving the line cabin mysteries at the Copper Q. New Gila County Sheriff, Zeke Franks, becomes a part of the tight circle of friends, and together they embark on the search to solve the heist. Along the way, they encounter surprises and intrigue in their efforts to uncover the answers. Will it take all of them to uncover the truth of the heist? Is the heist connected to the line cabin forensic evidence? Twists and turns to the last page will keep you guessing!

This cozy mystery resulted from the collaborative efforts of Patricia Jo (PJ) Dustman and MaryEllen Zeman-Tinsley (ME Tinsley). Professional colleagues for nearly two decades, during that relationship, the two discovered a shared love of language and storytelling. Following their formal retirement and the publication of a volume of narrative verse, the two began to collaborate to create a Southwest Desert Mystery series. The first book in the series, Washed Up, was released in August 2023, and is available in paperback and ebook through BookBaby Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Washed Up also is available in audiobook through Audible, Amazon, and Apple. Patricia, whose professional background focused primarily on PreK through Grade 12 public education, spent her more than three decades teaching and administering public schools in both Ohio and Arizona. Following her years in public education, she joined a prevention research team at Arizona State University specializing in developing interventions for substance abuse prevention for youth and families. MaryEllen, a behavioral health expert, specialized in the areas of women's health; pregnancy and addition; recovery in many settings; and prevention. For over three decades, her work focused on leading non-profit organizations in their missions of "serving the underserved" through developing and finding funding for specialized programming, housing, and clinical interventions. The two currently are working on the third book in the Southwest Desert Mysteries series. Meanwhile, in this second mysterious adventure, our friends Claire, RJ, and Sam go on a quest through the mountain mining country of Arizona to dig out the real story behind the long-unsolved mining company payroll heist. Stay tuned.