Calico

By: Lee Goldberg

Narrated by: Nicol Zanzarella, Eric Conger

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg, comes an explosive, page-turning investigative thriller—with a mind-blowing twist.

There's a saying in Barstow, California, a decaying city in the scorching Mojave desert . . .

The Interstate here only goes in one direction: Away.

But it's the only place where ex-LAPD detective Beth McDade, after a staggering fall from grace, could get another badge . . . and a shot at redemption.

Over a century ago, and just a few miles further into the bleak landscape, a desperate stranger ended up in Calico, a struggling mining town, also hoping for a second chance.

His fate, all those years ago, and hers today are linked when Beth investigates an old skeleton dug up in a shallow, sandy grave . . . and also tries to identity a vagrant run-over by a distracted motorhome driver during a lightning storm.

Every disturbing clue she finds, every shocking discovery she makes, force Beth to confront her own troubled past—and a past that's not her own—until it all smashes together in a revelation that could change the world.

©2023 Adventures In Television Inc. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"A superb twin-track thriller featuring constant intrigue and a huge secret—could be Lee Goldberg's best ever!"―#1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Child

"In Calico, Lee Goldberg seamlessly blends a present-day police procedural with a Western from the 1880s. The results are a genre-bending, gripping read."―#1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben

"A mind-bending thriller unlike anything I have read before. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!"―New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author Linwood Barclay

Pleasantly surprised.

While I love police procedurals, I wasn’t sure how I would enjoy the sci-fi aspect of the book. This was believable enough for me to enjoy both aspects. I definitely see the start of a series, and am looking forward to reading more.

Development of the story.

I so enjoyed the multi-themed platform of this book. Great Story telling and kept my interest.

Loved this book!

The story was intriguing and kept me wanting more. A touch of mystery and a bit of a love story.

Most outstanding!

It’s a believable SciFi story, well I being a bit of a science guy, and I know backing up in time vs forward is the least Likely outcome. The Characters were believable, and most of the action and science were really really good. I really recommend a story for a really good

So different and weirdly good

I went in blind, but this was good, So many weird twists I was not expecting and it ended really well.

Surprised at the turn of events

I loved this book. At the beginning, I thought it was just another detective novel. I don’t want to add any spoilers so won’t go into details.

Awesome plot!

I never listen to science fiction and bought this book by mistake thinking it was a murder mystery. Since I could not return it I decided to listen to it. I'm very glad I did because it turned out to be one of the best books I've listened to! I loved the story in the mining town and the awesome way it was wowen together with present time. It was all so smartly explained you weren't left with any taste of inplausabiliy afterwards. The author really thought of a way to tie up everything nicely. The only negative thing is that there does not seem to be a sequel planned cause I would buy that in a heartbeat!

Enjoyed this book!

We were entertained by the book and narration and did not want to stop listening.

Not your average mystery

Unique mystery and really good story. Would do fine as a stand-alone novel, but also a perfect set-up for a sequel. I hope there’s one coming.

Not what I expected

I liked the tough smart and independent female detective. The case she is following takes a very unexpected turn.