Blind Descent

Anna Pigeon and I have been caving, and after our adventure in a partially explored annex to Carlsbad Caverns, I don't want to go again any time soon!As always, Nevada Barr has the ability to take the reader right along on Anna's adventures. An indoor person myself, I was perfectly comfortable with the descriptions of the various and sundry caving gear, body positions necessary to squeeze through outrageously small openings formed of solid rock, and horrendously dangerous slithering over bottomless caverns. Never boring, these descriptions of caving are fascinating, as is the explanation of the otherworldly cave, Lechuguilla Cavern, only discovered in the mid-1980s, and estimated to extend for more than 300 miles.Anna is a card-carrying claustrophobe, and has absolutely no intention of entering Lechuguilla or any other underground area, even the touristy parts of Carlsbad Caverns. But a caving accident leaves her dear friend Frieda severely injured, perhaps mortally, and Frieda has been calling for Anna. As the rescue team assembles and the painstaking plans are made to plumb the unspeakably dangerous depths of the cave, Anna is asked to join the team in order to calm and care for Frieda during the treacherous rescue operation. Quelling her fears, Anna agrees, and so the adventure begins.As if the cave were not frightening enough, it soon becomes apparent to Anna, if not to anyone else, that a murderer is among them. If the team and their injured mate does not perish of natural causes in the dangerous cave, will they be murdered instead?The plot as it unravels is absolutely riveting, and the sense of being beneath the surface of the earth for days at a time is palpable. Barr has done it again; she is a truly fine writer.

In reading one of Barr's more current mysteries, I discovered I had somehow bypassed this particular one. I thoroughly enjoy Barr's books, not only for the good mystery readers can expect, but because of the environs that she places the mysteries in. Barr uses the great National Parks for her scenarios, and inevitably she ends up teaching readers about areas in the United States we are not familiar with. This time the story revolved around the Carlsbad Cavern area. I have never read anything on cave climbing or spelunking, though since my husband is a scoutmaster I am familiar with the boys doing this type of stuff. I was fascinated by the descriptions of the caves, as well as the absolute darkness and disorientation that people undergo when in this type of situation. I can guarantee, that as well written as Barr's work in this novel are, you will not catch me putting myself into this situation. It all sounds too claustrophobic and confining for me, besides the fact that deaf people often have balance problems and this would not make for good climbers. Yikes! I gave this book a five because it was so well-written and I enjoyed it so much. However, it may be too technical in its jargon for some fans of lighter mystery reading. I am also impressed with the need to practice good environmental protection of these precious resources, and the storyline was very plausible about some people putting corporate greed above the need to protect these places. It's been done before, it is happening now, and will happen in the future. Barr does a good job painting pictures of these caves and resources and explaining why they need protection. Karen Sadler,University of Pittsburgh

Anna Pigeon, Park Ranger, has been called to New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns. She is not a spelunker, but her injured friend requested that she be on the team to bring them out of the caverns. The rescuers will descend over 800 feet in a short time.This story is rich in details that take Anna across underground cliff faces like Razor Blade Run, through rivers and into the depths of airless passages, where all she wants to see is the sky. The descent must be done in such a way to protect the natural wonders of non-public caverns. On arrival Anna's friend tells her, "It was not an accident." One of the strong, highly trained companions had murder in the heart. Anna must discover who and why before the killer can strike and succeed. Motives abound among well defined suspects.Nevada Barr convincingly shows why rangers are called to locations other than their assigned park. Her descriptions are so rich that she must have been in the caves. She is a park ranger herself, and her view of the political structure is as eye-opening as the mystery itself. Ms. Barr is a great storyteller. This is one of her very best novels. She has included enough clues to help the "who done its?" solve the mystery with Anna.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the books in the Anna Pigeon series but "Blind Descent" is the best of the bunch so far. Barr's books are always interesting and well-written but the previous ones sometimes didn't have quite enough clues with the result that the endings came as a bit of a surprise. "Blind Descent" not only has the requisite number of hints, but they are so skillfully interwoven into the story that you will find yourself thinking, "oh of course" at the end. This is a terrific book, the descriptions of the cave are harrowing, the other characters are well-drawn and intriguing and the pace of the book is fast.

"Blind Descent" is an excellent read, the best by far by Nevada Barr. Anna Pigeon's character is an extremely interesting person who has human frailties like everyone else yet has the skills and finds the inner strength to persevere and meet the challenges and succeed. Barr's writing skills and style are superb in this book, especially in describing Anna Pigeon's thoughts as she is dealing with her reactions to being in the cave. Also, some of her insights into human relations hit the mark and her sense of humor is well intact. Enjoyed this book from beginning to end and cannot wait for more in the series. Nevada Barr deserves to be congratulated for her writing skills and creating such an enjoyable read and such an interesting main character. The readers cannot wait to see what happens to Anna Pigeon next.