The Dark Canyon [Paperback]

Micah S. Hackler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 6, 1997

When archaeologists uncover a rare emerald figurine, it may or may not be the catalyst for a spate of murders plaguing Sheriff Lansing's community. Native American myth has it that the figurine casts a powerful curse over the land and many men would kill to possess it. The only key Lansing has to the mystery is the journal of his great grandfather. But the truth that lies before him now may be something he wishes he had never uncovered at all.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

When archaeologists uncover a rare emerald figurine, it may or may not be the catalyst for a spate of murders plaguing Sheriff Lansing's community. Native American myth has it that the figurine casts a powerful curse over the land and many men would kill to possess it. The only key Lansing has to the mystery is the journal of his great grandfather. But the truth that lies before him now may be something he wishes he had never uncovered at all.

From the Inside Flap

When archaeologists uncover a rare emerald figurine, it may or may not be the catalyst for a spate of murders plaguing Sheriff Lansing's community. Native American myth has it that the figurine casts a powerful curse over the land and many men would kill to possess it. The only key Lansing has to the mystery is the journal of his great grandfather. But the truth that lies before him now may be something he wishes he had never uncovered at all.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Dell (October 6, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 044022358X
• ISBN-13: 978-0440223580
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,198,357 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story!, September 29, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Dark Canyon (Paperback)

Life radically changed for Sheriff Clifford A. Lansing's when a mysterious emerald totem and his great-grandfather's journal were dug up from the ground near his town house. Since they were found, there have been inexplicable happenings going on in the Sheriff's back yard of Los Palmas, New Mexico. Sheep are disappearing; a teenager has been gutted by an unknown assailant; and experienced Native American hunters have fallen prey to a mysterious beast. After reading his ancestor's journal, Clifford concludes that the People believe that an ancient demon has been set loose and only by invoking the magic of the emerald totem can it be stopped.

Although this theory runs contrary to every belief the Sheriff has, he knows that there is something weird happening that defies logic. He is perfectly willing to use the totem if it will somehow cage the beast that is wantonly killing the People in the area. However, he gave the totem to an academic friend, who was killed. The totem is missing. Clifford must track down the murderer to find the emerald if he wants to end the inexplicable events destroying his territory.

Micah S. Hackler is a master at capturing the beauty, majesty, and mystique of the Southwest. He allows his audience to obtain a glimpse into a mindset different from the Judeo-Christian ethos. THE DARK CANYON is a complex work of suspense that operates on both the mundane and spiritual levels. This adds to the drama and impels the reader to wonder whether mortal or mystical forces (or a combination of both) are the harbingers of murder. Readers who enjoy the novels of Tony Hillerman, and Aimee and David Thurlo will definitely want to peruse this fantastic work.

Harriet Klausner

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars RELIC MEETS THE WEST !!!!!!, May 18, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dark Canyon (Paperback)

If you liked RELIC,The Book, and you are into the historical west and Native American settings you will love this book. I have loved this series from the first time I discovered it and Hackler never seems to fail and captivate me. I discovered Hillerman first but Hackler keeps the pace going even faster, if you can imagine that!!! Sheriff Lansing is also one interesting character that you cannot help but like.

4.0 out of 5 stars Best Of The Series, April 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Dark Canyon (Paperback)

The most recent book in the Hackler/Lansing series is the best yet although the main character needs a little personality upgrade; anticipating the next already, no matter where MH pulls it from; good Indian history background ... the road to Chaco Canyon is highly reccommended!!