Introduction

A few years ago, I fell out of the habit of reading for pleasure. Academic life has a way of turning every page into work, and novels simply stopped holding my attention. That changed when I picked up Thunderhead—the prequel to the Nora Kelly series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. Their blend of archaeology, history, and crime reignited something I’d lost: the thrill of being swept up in a good story.

Since then, I’ve torn through the series—from Old Bones to Dead Mountain—and eagerly awaited each new release. So when Badlands arrived earlier this year, I was ready to dive in.

A Mystery in the Desert

Badlands opens with a haunting discovery in the New Mexico desert. Nora Kelly, an archaeologist, and FBI agent Corrie Swanson are pulled into an investigation that blurs the line between science and superstition. Against a backdrop of scorched mesas and ancient rituals, the desert becomes more than a setting—it’s an active force, shaping every twist and turn of the story.

Twists, Turns, and a Clever Modern Edge

What I love most about this series is how it balances real science with subtle hints of the supernatural. Badlands is no exception. The plot builds steadily, escalating into a nail-biting final act that I devoured in one sitting. The integration of generative AI as a modern investigative tool is a smart, timely touch that fits seamlessly into the narrative without ever feeling forced.

Romance That Doesn’t Steal the Show

While both Nora and Corrie have personal arcs that continue to develop, these moments never overshadow the core mystery. The focus remains on the danger, the discoveries, and the investigation itself—a refreshing choice in a genre where romance often takes over.

Comparing Dead Mountain and Badlands

For me, Dead Mountain still edges out Badlands as my favourite. Its survivalist, science-heavy story hit all the right notes. Badlands, with its more mystical undertones, felt slightly different in tone, but it’s still an engrossing and atmospheric thriller.

Final Thoughts

The Nora Kelly series continues to be exactly what reignited my love of reading: fast-paced mysteries rooted in science, history, and a sense of adventure. Badlands may not be my personal top pick of the series, but it’s another strong entry that reminds me why I keep coming back.

If you’re new to the series, start with Thunderhead—and prepare to be pulled into a world where the past is never as buried as it seems.