David Mapstone is, or was, a history professor of some high regard, who decided to go back to his home state to revive his life. He takes a job as a Forensics Detective of Cold Cases, equipped with the history of the region for old murders. His wife Lindsey also works on the force, but she does computer detective work. His boss is a man he has known his whole life, whom he holds in high regard. But that relationship is put to the test after investigating a letter given to him by one of his former students. Although he doesn’t remember her, and then can’t even find her, he investigates the letter and finds a body where the letter predicted. But the body cannot be the person mentioned in the letter.

As more bodies turn up and then things start coming out about his wife’s sister who mysteriously turns up at the murder scene, things start getting dicey. The list includes political bad boys who will stop at nothing to gain what they want, and the local mafioso head who literally owns everything, just thrown in for good measure. Then the tables turn, and the real connections and reasons for the murders become apparent to David and Lindsey. A very good story with real undertones about how the wars may be won in times of greed.

Arizona Dreams could be set anywhere, anytime, but it is here now, and it is a very perilous place where desperate people want to make their fortunes and leave their mark. The desert, however, is a raw land and the sand is seldom forgiving. Arizona Dreams will have you riveted to your seat from beginning to end.