In his debut of short stories that explore such far-reaching subjects as the apocalypse to an astronaut’s failed expedition to Jupiter, Holt delves into the realms of immortality, human frailty, and memory. “This collection, with its allusions to mythology and tragic conundrums, demands intelligence and rewards the reader with Borgesian riches.” says Publishers Weekly.

Murder, mummies and mayhem abound at a dude ranch in Oaxaca, Mexico, where forensic scientist Gideon Oliver escaped for a vacation. When Oliver is called to investigate a mummified body and a corpse of a murdered young woman, Edgar-winning Elkins’ mystery thriller swiftly becomes a fascinating study in forensic anthropology. Kirkus Reviews says, “Professor Gideon finds happiness in baffling the minds of the simple, hardworking policeman—and everyone else.”