The Caldera Incident

I met Mr. Mecom at a baseball tournament in McKinney, Tx; we were both watching grandsons play ball. I was wearing a La. Tech cap and he walked up and asked me where I got the cap. I told him I have a grandson playing football there. He advised he was from Ruston and had attended Louisiana Tech as well and that he had just written a book centered in and around Ruston, La. I told him I would get the book and read it. Having spent my summers at my grandparents farms outside of Ruston, I could not wait to get the book. Lucas Run and his first book, the Caldera Incident are both great reads. They are fast paced and hold your attention from beginning to end. He makes the characters very real and believable; a very good storyteller. I look forward to future reads from Mr. Mecom.

The author has put together a believable and interesting story set in a real location. The descriptions of the locations and the storyline are detailed but not overbearing in length. He develops the characters well and makes the reader feel a realtionship with them. As I began reading the book, I found myself wanting to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next; I read the book over a two day stretch.

This is the first book by a new author, John Mecom. I hope to see more of his work. One often sees Ernest Hemingways writing style depicted as containing short, declarative sentences. It strikes me, as a Hemingway fan, that Mecom could have taught Hemingway how to write short, declarative sentences. But more than that, Mecom has a gift for succinct, colorful description that is rare indeed. The book is a very interesting and exciting read, combining interwoven subplots that play off each other and keep the readers interest. There is something in this book for everyone. In addition, it seems apparent that Mecom has an eye for detail that is rarely paralleled. I hope to see more from this author. Without giving away the ending of the book, for example, the author sets up the possibility of a sequel. Whether that will be the case or not remains to be seen. The author seems to have a great imagination; and I would expect his writing to range among subjects. Time will tell.

The book is a very interesting mystery about a murder in Yellowstone National Park. The book provides very detailed descriptions of characters and scenery.

This is the authors third book and I have read them all. John just keeps getting better and better with each story. When jerry steinbach told me john had a new book out I put my current read on hold and was not disappointed.. Well done John. When is the next book going to be ready? The story is engaging and the characters well developed. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a good book

I happen to meet the author while near Old Faithful this fall. He mentioned he had written a book set in Yellowstone and I said I would look for it. Well, I couldnt put it down. John Mecom is scientist turned mystery writer and readers of The Caldera Incident will be very glad he did. The characters are well-drawn and interesting not cliched; the plot is thick and textured;and, the references about the park, its environs, habitat, and inhabitants are very informative and make one want to know more about Yellowstone. I read this book in two days and cant wait for another one.

THE CALDERA INCIDENT is a well-constructed story, filled with lots of interesting biological and geological facts and written in an easy to read manner that keeps the reader engaged from the very first chapter to the last. As a reader, I was eager to find out not just who dunnit but why. How were the law officers and rangers going to solve the mystery, and what impact would the geography and geology of this interesting region have on the characters? Dr. Mecom has satisfied me with this tale, weaving all factors together very well for a first-time author. I eagerly look forward to reading more of his work. P. Hansen

The skillful blending of the world of Yellowstone with mystery and wildlife made a thoroughly enjoyable read. Thank you John for this great book.

Fast-moving murder mystery set in an area that is clearly well-known to the author. This book would make a great film!

THE CALDERA INCIDENT is a fast moving, intricate murder mystery that is hard to put down. The multiple characters are believable and the plot plausible, especially in this era of political polarization. The backdrop of Yellowstone National Park is grounded in scientific fact. If one wants to know more about super-volcanos (probably the largest on the planet) and see photos and webcams on mudpots and steam vents, go to nps.gov/yell.