National Parks are thought of as places of safety, right before people disappear into the woods, run off the edge of a cliff, or find themselves impaled on the wrong end of an elk. But while tourists may view parks as nothing more than playgrounds or theme parks with more mosquitoes, the wilderness offers ample shadows where motives can be hidden, evidence can be lost, and dangerous people can conduct their nefarious affairs. Accompany Cary Valley National Park Law Enforcement Park Ranger Huittsuu “Birdie” McLaren as she protects visitors to California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and: Rescues CalFire Firefighters cut off—accidentally or by design—by a raging wildfire. Hangs off the side of a mountain after the rescue of a climber goes horribly wrong. Recovers the body of a woman who died in a suspicious fall. Finds footprints in the snow that lead to a deeper, darker secret. Tracks a mysterious, deadly animal loose in the park, its presence already responsible for one visitor death. Moonlights as a dishwasher following a traumatic event, only to discover a newer, uglier truth. Finds a special young woman searching for answers to a century old mystery. Leads a posse of deputies into the burning wilderness to capture a group of runaway prisoners. Is snatched by sadistic killers and must fight to find a way out. Learns the depths of love and loss while investigating the death of a family in the park. Assists in tracking a kidnapper and his victim in a desperate race to save a young girl. Plus, join some of Birdie’s allies, acquaintances, and friends as they feature in their own stories included in this collection.