A history professor is found dead in Yellowstone National Park during an interpretive hike. Clarence Johnson, the seasonal ranger in charge of the group, turns out to be a former homicide detective and ends up consulting on the investigation with lead investigator, Special Agent Alison Nance, and Thor-like DEA Agent Lafleur, who wants to link everything to drug trafficking and provides the possibility of a "love triangle". A second timeline starts in France during the late 1700's, during the French Revolution, and details efforts to carry an ancient relic to Louisiana in New France, to a place said to belong to the devil and be feared by all (Yellowstone, with its steaming geysers and hot springs). The professor was looking for the relic, but so are others who think it holds almost magical powers and will stop at nothing to be the one to retrieve it from its hiding place of more than a century. Part murder mystery and part treasure hunt, The Devil's Kitchen is gritty and suspenseful with interesting, witty and clever characters. Yellowstone is beautiful yet dangerous, a great setting for a mystery, and I'm happy to see this is "Book 1" of a series!

The Devil's Kitchen by Mark Thielman is a recommended novel with a dual timeline which alternates between events from the French revolution and a current murder mystery in Yellowstone.

In Paris, France, 1794 during the French Revolution art student Aristede is protecting the Scepter of Dogobert, a relic of the French royalty. The goal is to smuggle it out of the country for safe keeping. In the present, a history professor is found dead at the base of Yellowstone Canyon. Seasonal park ranger and former homicide detective Clarence Johnson assists Special Agent Alison Nance with the investigation once it is determined they are dealing with a murderer.

Johnson and Nance worked well together and following the clues in the murder investigation is a compelling part of the narrative. There are keen insights into what may be the motive behind the murder as well as some humor along the way. Also included is a good dose of art history which neatly ties into the plot. I enjoyed this storyline. It would be entertaining to follow them, along with Johnson's dog, Tripod, in another investigation.

Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction but I have been known to appreciate it at times. In this case, the chapters set in the 1790's were less appealing than those set in the present. I just never cared that much, although I knew it would eventually tie into the present day investigation, so these chapters felt like they dragged on too long.

The Devil's Kitchen will appeal to readers who enjoy the French Revolution, art history, a treasure hunt, murder mysteries and police procedurals. Thanks to Severn River for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

This was a DNF for me at about 40%. I found that the dual timeline really didn't work for me and I didn't love our main character. Mostly, though, it was taking too long to connect the plotlines and I found myself bored. May work for you.

This sadly needs alot more editing before publish because it does not make sense. The dual timelines is not agreeing with each other and everything makes no sense. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a chance to read this book.

I had high hopes for this book and read 60% but DNF it . The editor of this book needs to rethink their job . The dual timelines didn’t mesh with each other at all . 2/3 of the way through the book nothing had happened. It was just boring
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review book

3.5 ⭐️

I enjoyed this historical/mystery in a unique location. I usually don't mind switching between dual timelines but this time I was like upset with it only because we would get to a good scene in the present day or past and then jump back to the alternate timeline. Clarance was a little annoying at times but I enjoyed the relationship between him and Nance.

The villain was somewhat predictable but the “twist” caught me off guard and it was enough for me to want to continue with this series.

This was a strong start to the Johnson and Nance Mystery series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed about this type of book. It had that mystery element that I wanted and was invested in what was going on. I was invested in the characters and the way Mark Thielman wrote this. I'm excited to read more in this series and from Mark Thielman.

Review: I got a ways through this and nothing really captured my imagination. I don't think the story line was driving the novel anywhere interesting. I am sure there will be a lot of readers that will find enjoyment in this "adventure".

I received this ARC for an honest review.

DNF