About the Book

Book: Missing in the Desert

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspy suspense

Release date: July 27, 2021

Five years ago, her sister disappeared…
Now someone is coming for her.

Who would believe that Mara Castillo’s sister—missing and presumed dead—suddenly sent a one-word text? Now Mara wants answers, even if it means stepping into a killer’s sights with her brother’s best friend, rancher Levi Duke, as her only protection. But with someone who has everything to lose after her, uncovering a long-buried secret could save her life…or claim it.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a nationa and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

Hello, readers! Boy am I excited! Since the virus-that-not-shall-be-named is being brought under control, I am cautiously venturing out again and our first vacation spot will be a return to Death Valley. Papa Bear and I love the amazing diversity of Death Valley, from the salt flats, to the sand dunes, mountains, and everything in between. Writing this book allowed me to relive the incredible topography, as well as let my mind run loose imagining a cold case that warms up to fiery levels in this ferocious climate. Part of this story revolves around “Camp Town Days” which was inspired by the Encampment Days, an event held in November by a volunteer group called the Death Valley 49ers that aims to capture the pioneer spirit with their wagon rides, parade, poetry readings, a vendor show, and historical talks. I hope you can feel the desert wind in your face and hear the distant howl of the coyote as you dive into the second book in the Death Valley Justice series.

Interview with Dana

• What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I have attention problems so I chunk my day into wee little parts. Write 500 words…go for a walk. Write 500 more….put in the laundry. Put in another hour or two…check on the box turtle. My father always said you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time, so I try to approach that big elephant of a novel the same way. 

• What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I am a passionate gardener. The trouble is…I also have no innate gardening skills, so I feel sorry for my plants, yet I persist. Going to the garden store is like a holy experience. I am completely in awe of God’s variety and creativity. I putter and tiddle endlessly with my plants and some of them survive in spite of me, God bless them! 

•  What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?

I learned that wild burros are not native to Death Valley or the surrounding area. They are, in fact, damaging to the environment. There are rescue groups that try to relocate the burros, but they are tough, just like my plants, and they persist in spite of the ferocious climate. 

• What’s your favorite part about being a writer? Research? First Draft? Editing?

Hmmm. They all have their perks. I love editing because that’s when you take that plain cake and apply the frilly frosting rosettes! Research is also a blast and never without surprises. I pretty much like it all (except synopsis writing. We will not speak of this.) 

• What project are you working on now and how do we find your books?

Missing in the Desert is the second of a six book series, so I’ll be busy with that for a good long while. I am also participating in two continuity series with LIS, Alaska K-9 Unit which releases in October of 2021 and Rocky Mountain K-9 which releases in 2022 sometime. I also write The Shake Shop Mysteries for Poisoned Pen Press. Whew! That should keep me busy and out of trouble, right? Thanks for having me. If you want to know more about me or my books, you can pop onto my website at https://www.danamentink.com/. 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 28

Simply Susan, July 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 28

Remembrancy, July 29

Inklings and notions, July 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 30

For the Love of Literature, July 30

deb’s Book Review, July 31

Through the Fire Blogs, July 31

She Lives To Read, August 1

Batya’s Bits, August 1

For Him and My Family, August 1

Pause for Tales, August 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 3

Genesis 5020, August 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 4

Bigreadersite, August 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 5

Blossoms and Blessings, August 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 6

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 6

Older & Smarter?, August 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 7

Labor Not in Vain , August 7

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 8 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 8

Life, Love, Writing, August 8

Simple Harvest Reads, August 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Betti Mace, August 9

Daysong Reflections, August 10

Splashes of Joy , August 10

Blogging With Carol, August 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/110df/missing-in-the-desert-celebration-tour-giveaway