KATHLEEN O'NEAL GEAR is a former state historian and archaeologist for Wyoming, Kansas, and Nebraska for the U.S. Department of the Interior. She has twice received the federal government's Special Achievement Award for outstanding management of our nation's cultural heritage. Her solo novels include This Widowed Land, the western Thin Moon and Cold Mist, and the apocalyptic thriller Maze Master. W. MICHAEL GEAR, who holds a master's degree in archaeology, has worked as a professional archaeologist since 1978. He is currently principal investigator for Wind River Archaeological Consultants. His solo novels include the Western classic Long Ride Home, Big Horn Legacy and, as William Gear, This Scorched Earth. The Gears, whose North America's Forgotten Past series hit the international as well as USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists, are also the authors of the Anasazi Mysteries. They live in Thermopolis, Wyoming.