Leave No Trace

National Park Thriller Series Book 1

In a daring, brutal act of terrorism, an explosion rocks and topples the Statue of Liberty. Special Agent Michael Walker of the National Park Service is awakened by his boss with that news and sent to New York as the agent-in-charge. Not long after he lands, he learns two things—one that Gina Delgado of the FBI has been placed in charge of the investigation as the lead of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and two, that threats of a second terrorism attack are already being called into the media. While barred from the meetings of the Joint Task Force for his lack of security clearance, Walker finds a young boy among the survivors with a critical piece of information—a video linking the attackers to the assault.

As a radical domestic terrorist group, led by a shadowy figure known only as Jeremiah, threatens further attacks against America’s cultural symbols, powerful forces within the government are misleading the investigation to further their own radical agenda.

Praise for Leave no trace

The 2024 American Fiction Award winner in the general Thriller category
Amazon Best Books of March 2024
One of the NY Post’s Most Thrilling New Books of the Season

Leave No Trace is an expertly crafted gut-punch thriller. The action leaves you aghast, always guessing and very glad you read it. A.J. Landau takes no prisoners when it comes to high octane, fast moving storytelling.”
—Michael Connelly, creator of Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer

“A breakneck-paced story with characters whom readers will be excited to see more of.”
—FirstCLUE
“This must-read thriller is addictive and engaging.”
—Library Journal, starred review

“An action-packed, coast-to-coast thrill ride, Leave No Trace will leave you breathless.”
—Brad Meltzer, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“I barely had a chance to breathe while reading Leave No Trace, it was that exciting. The pacing is lightning speed and the expertise of the characters fascinating and completely believable. Bravo to Ayers and Land for pulling off a timely, pulse-pounding thriller!”
—Tess Gerritsen, NYT bestselling author of The Spy Coast

“From its opening barnburner of a shocker to its throat-clutching conclusion, Leave No Trace left me breathless. Don’t miss this debut―especially with its promise of more mayhem to come!”
—James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestseller of Kingdom of Bones

“Landau explodes onto the scene with this breathless thriller that delivers breakneck action and high drama set against the awe-inspiring wonder of our national parks. A must-read for anyone who loves suspense and national monuments.”
—Lisa Gardner, New York Times bestselling author
“A terrific thriller that includes fascinating research about our magnificent U.S. National Parks. Fact and fiction combined to make an excellent read.”
—Karin Slaughter, New York Times and #1 international bestselling author
“A great story and an intriguing issue … a solid winner!”
—Lee Child, creator of Jack Reacher