The Kanawha River Conspiracy. Jamie Blackwood Mystery, #1

When archaeologist Dr. Jamie Blackwood unearths human remains at a Native American settlement site along West Virginia's Kanawha River, he uncovers more than ancient history. The body belongs to Thomas Hartley, scion of one of the region's most powerful families - and his death is just the beginning. Jamie's experience as an ex-Army Ranger tells him this was no accident, but investigating means confronting the PTSD that drove him to seek solitude in the quiet town of Poca.
As he partners with forensic anthropologist Dr. Sarah Running Deer and environmental scientist Dr. Beth Morrison, a pattern of corruption spanning centuries emerges. They discover Thomas had been investigating his own family's dark history: a missing cache of Revolutionary War gold, generations of environmental crimes, and a pattern of silenced whistleblowers. When a second body surfaces and Beth's life is threatened, Jamie must confront both his past trauma and his growing feelings for her to protect their team.
The Kanawha River has witnessed two centuries of secrets, greed, and betrayal. As Jamie and his allies race to expose the truth, they learn that some family legacies are written in blood - and the river keeps its secrets close until the time is right to reveal them. Perfect for readers who love their mysteries rich with history, romance, and redemption, The Kanawha River Conspiracy weaves together archaeological intrigue, environmental crime, and the price of family loyalty into a tale as deep and complex as the river itself.