Separations

In 1869, Major John Wesley Powell led the first full-length exploration of the Grand Canyon. Twelve years later, a greedy tycoon leads another canyon expedition, determined to discredit the famous explorer and to thwart the move to protect the Grand Canyon as public land. Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee Hall's 21st book (after Apaches, 1986) is an engrossing account of how Charles Daggett, a Denver mining and railroad baron, attempts to mask his venal designs on the gorgeous territory by publicizing the expeditions as a rescue of a white woman known to be held captive by Indians in the area. His real intentions are sensed by his ragtag party, especially Asa Haden, a young writer hired to chronicle the trip and refute Powell's original journals. Floating down the raging Colorado River in wooden boats, the party also includes a geologist, a photographer, a surveyor, an Irish jailbird, a Mormon, a half-Indian guide and a young woman who is a murderer. The group is a caldron of tension that soon erupts. Plagued by drownings, a sniper and other trying events, the survivors split at Separation Canyon, some intending to climb out and walk to safety while the others plan to continue downriver in the one remaining boat. Both groups face unexpected destinies. Hall's compelling story explores human nature surrounded by the most majestic terrain Mother Nature can provide. (May)