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The Incident at Terlingua

A drifter haunted by his past.
A small-town sheriff facing the end of his career.
A car accident that should have been ordinary, but isn’t.

When a fatal rollover outside Terlingua leaves behind a corpse that turns to dust within minutes, Jake Plumb and Sheriff Charles Chavez are pulled into an investigation that quickly becomes dangerous and surreal. As powerful forces move to silence them, survival depends on knowledge of the land, unlikely skills, and a level of trust that must be earned under fire.

The Incident at Terlingua is a suspense thriller about recovery, friendship, and what happens when hidden systems collide at the worst possible moment.

  • A fascinating blend of action and personal drama set in the boiling Texas landscape.

    Ryan skillfully lays the groundwork for the tense confrontation that builds steadily through the book; this is a well-handled crime thriller, with Chavez, Plumb, and a heroic dog quickly finding themselves facing powerful, sophisticated enemies. The action, particularly at the novel’s climax, is sharply done and will satisfy pretty much any thriller fan. But the narrative’s strongest element is perhaps its most surprising: Both men at the center of the story are struggling to find better versions of themselves, and they largely succeed with each other’s help. 

    -KIRKUS REVIEW

  • Thoroughly Enjoyable

    Set against the rugged backdrop of West Texas, The Incident at Terlingua is a genre-defying tale that truly offers something for everyone. Part western, part mystery, and part detective story—seasoned with just a hint of science fiction—it draws you in with its rich blend of styles. The novel features complex, relatable characters who evolve and reinvent themselves as the plot unfolds, all brought to life through sharp, witty dialogue and a wry sense of humor. Action-packed and cinematic, it’s the kind of story that begs to be adapted for the big screen. Overall, a thoroughly entertaining and memorable read.

  • This would make a good adventure movie.

    The characters are well developed and realistic. Whether you love dogs or airplanes best, there is something for everyone. Sci-fi, western culture, and civil engineering all play a part. My wife and I both enjoyed reading it. In the end the engineer wins.

  • Entertaining, suspenseful and fun

    An easy, entertaining and suspenseful read that made me want to keep reading even when I really should be doing something else. The main characters had interesting quirks that made them likable in their own way, and a wry sense of humor woven into the story and dialogue had me laughing out loud at times.

Stories of Recovery Under Pressure

The characters in my stories are often people who have lost their way through no simple fault of their own. Their recovery does not come easily or safely. It unfolds while they navigate environments shaped by conflicting laws, cultures, and motivations.

From years of travel and work across borders, I have seen how a thin black line on a map can create extraordinary complexity. Those boundaries, and the tensions they produce, form the backdrop for many of my stories. I also believe that humor matters. In real life, a moment of laughter can shift perspective and open a path forward. My stories allow space for that, even when the stakes are high.

Writing has been a lifelong interest, beginning when I was eleven. In retirement, I have returned to it with focus, drawing on a life shaped by travel, problem-solving, aviation, and an ongoing curiosity about how people respond when plans fail and pressure mounts.

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I believe stories improve when people talk about them. This site is intended to be a place where readers can share questions, observations, and disagreements, both about individual books and the ideas behind them.
You’ll find opportunities to comment on each book and on blog posts. I read and respond when I can, and I value thoughtful conversation, even when perspectives differ.