Deep Quarry

First published by Ace Books.

In Deep Quarry, Stith once again successfully combines mystery with hard science fiction. Ben Takent is a private eye on a hot, dusty world at the edge of the civilized galaxy. When he's asked to find out who is stealing artifacts from a 10,000-year old archaeological dig in the desert, he reluctantly takes the case. After it becomes clear that the artifacts are pointing to an ancient alien spacecraft, the stakes in the case go up -- way up. Winner of the Colorado Authors' League Top Hand Award.

Private detective Ben Takent investigates a theft at an archaelogical dig on the planet Tankur, where humans and aliens coexist in relative harmony until murder and the discovery of ancient artifacts awaken a threat from the planet's distant past. This successful blend of sf and hard-boiled detective fiction should appeal to fans of fast-paced action and stripped-down prose.-- JC
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