It begins with a death and a puzzle. While collecting clues left behind by her dead father, Beth knows Dr. Robert Tyler, world-renowned archeologist yet estranged father, has entrusted her with a secret that could change the world. As a successful lieutenant with the Alta Police Department, Beth has what it takes to find the hidden answers. She wasn't prepared for FBI agent Jeremy Steele to emerge from the wings with an agenda of his own.

Beth's adventure takes her from Louisiana to Galveston Island where she and her sexy collaborator unearth a mysterious stone tablet and temperamental crystal. During their journey, an inexplicable sedan ruins their day with an aggressive collision that leaves both Beth and Robert banged up and missing the stone tablet. Were they merely hijackers, or is it something more?

A confrontation deep in the bowels of Oregon's Mount Jefferson may provide the answers. While it takes a while for the reader to get there, the stage is set for our heroes to embark on a mission that may change things as we know them to be.

While the build to the farthermost encounter within the dormant volcano is sprinkled with tantalizing possibilities, the result is far from out-of-this world. It felt more like having been invited to a dinner party only to discover it's a sales promotion and the host expects a generous cash donation in the end. Nevertheless, the subject matter does call into question the reader's own opinion on what lies beyond our selves. Moreover, as the couple embarks toward their next destination, it is apparent an evocative book series is underway.

Roberts' writing is solid, flows well and her descriptive details of the Sci-Fi scavenger hunt keep the pages turning. Her pursuit of what has historically been a profoundly messy issue; and how any semblance of resolution will take shape is intriguing. Her angle is thought-provoking. Are the answers to the world's problems truly that tidy? Roberts' literary contributions to the debate may be worth following.