Step into the thrilling world of the National Park Mystery series, where rugged landscapes, ancient artifacts, and pulse-pounding mysteries collide! Written by Scott Graham, this eco-fiction saga follows archaeologist Chuck Bender as he unravels crimes in America’s iconic national parks, all while navigating life as a new husband and stepfather. Perfect for fans of adventure and intrigue, this series brings the wild beauty of nature to life with a mysterious twist.
Blending heart-pounding suspense with vivid depictions of parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite, Graham’s stories invite readers to explore the great outdoors through a lens of danger and discovery. Ready to hike into this captivating world? Let’s dive in!
How National Park Mystery Began
Scott Graham, an avid outdoorsman from Durango, Colorado, crafted the National Park Mystery series from his lifelong love for America’s national parks. Inspired by childhood summers spent exploring parks with his family, Graham, a former journalist and National Outdoor Book Award winner, turned to fiction to celebrate these natural wonders. Launched in 2014 with Canyon Sacrifice, the series stars Chuck Bender, an archaeologist whose adventures reflect Graham’s passion for archaeology and environmental advocacy, published by eco-conscious Torrey House Press.
Graham’s vision was simple yet bold: create standalone mysteries that showcase each park’s unique beauty and tackle real-world issues like conservation and cultural heritage. His hands-on research—think backpacking and rafting through parks—ensures every story feels authentic, making the series a love letter to public lands.
The Heart of National Park Mystery
The series kicks off with Canyon Sacrifice, where Chuck Bender’s Grand Canyon honeymoon turns deadly with a kidnapping and murder, weaving Anasazi history into a gripping tale. Yellowstone Standoff, the third book, plunges readers into Yellowstone’s backcountry, where rogue wolves, grizzly bears, and a murdered researcher test Chuck’s courage. In Yosemite Fall, book four, Chuck and his wife, Janelle Ortega, tackle a 150-year-old gold prospector mystery amid a deadly rock-climbing competition. The latest, Death Valley Duel (2024), explores desert survival and betrayal.
Each novel blends eco-fiction with thriller elements, spotlighting environmental and social justice themes like park preservation, indigenous history, and the impact of human greed. Graham’s vivid prose paints national parks as characters themselves—majestic yet perilous. Chuck’s personal growth, from loner to family man, adds emotional depth, while Janelle’s paramedic skills and their daughters’ spunk keep the stakes personal and relatable.
The series’ style is accessible yet rich, appealing to readers who love Tony Hillerman’s cultural depth or Nevada Barr’s park-based mysteries. With nine books and counting, each adventure stands alone, inviting readers to jump in anywhere while savoring Graham’s knack for blending archaeology, nature, and suspense.
Why National Park Mystery Resonates
The National Park Mystery series has carved a niche in eco-fiction, captivating outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and mystery lovers alike. Its focus on real-world issues—like the shrinking of Bears Ears National Monument or the desecration of sacred sites—strikes a chord with readers who care about conservation. Fans praise Graham’s ability to balance education and entertainment, making each book both a thrilling escape and a call to protect public lands.
As national parks face funding cuts and environmental threats, the series’ advocacy feels timelier than ever. Its growing eBook popularity and critical acclaim, including praise from authors like C.J. Box, cement its status as a must-read for those who crave adventure with purpose. With a special 10th-anniversary edition of Canyon Sacrifice set for 2025, the series’ legacy continues to inspire.
- First Book: Canyon Sacrifice (2014)
- Latest Book: Death Valley Duel (2024)
- Number of Books: 9
- Publisher: Torrey House Press
- Award: National Outdoor Book Award (for Graham’s nonfiction)
Grab Canyon Sacrifice and dive into the National Park Mystery series’ thrilling blend of nature, history, and suspense. Your next adventure awaits!