Sacred Light  - Kathryn Lasky

Under the spellbinding stars of the New Mexico desert, a bloodied axe carves through the night—its story buried in silence and sand . . .

New Mexico, 1937. Painter Georgia O’Keeffe is excited for her trip to the intriguing wilderness of the Bisti Badlands—a common site for archaeological excavations, it’s a historical place with enchanting desertscapes but also perilous natural structures.

Her trip is overshadowed by the sad news of her friend and native Juan Nez going missing. No one knows where he is, and it’s unlikely he’s gotten lost. He knows these lands like the back of his hand. Has something happened to him and, if so, was it an accident, or has a horrible crime taken place?

Trying to make sense of the situation, Georgia seeks solace in her art, but soon comes face-to-face with a dangerous reality and an even deadlier disaster . . .

For fans of Stephanie Barron, Nicola Upson, and Bella Ellis. “A compelling mystery” (Booklist on A Slant of Light) featuring real-life painter Georgia O’Keeffe.