While most of the citizens of Redemption, Arizona, are standing at the graveside of young James Coronado, a plane crashes a few miles down the main road. The huge explosion and wall of fire sends everyone into panic mode.

Racing to the fire, the chief of police encounters a man in the middle of the road fleeing the flames. The tall stranger with very pale skin, white hair and light gray eyes has no recollection of his name, where he's from or how he came to be in this place, only that he's here to save a man named James Coronado. The label in the stranger's suit coat and the inscription in a book in his pocket identify him as Solomon Creed. With everyone involved in fighting the fire, Solomon searches for the man he's been sent to save.

The horrific plane crash has far-reaching ramifications for the leaders of the town, as well as the town itself. Even though Solomon assists in saving the town from the fire, other evil undercurrents are at work. Where was the plane's destination, what cargo was onboard, and who was to take delivery of that cargo? There are many outsiders involved in the situation, which quickly becomes more dangerous.

As Solomon deals with James Coronado's death and protecting the young man's wife, Solomon discovers quite a few puzzling things about himself. How is he able to identify things in precise detail from just a faint scent? How does he have the strength to withstand so much adversity? The town holds many long-held secrets, and there are those who will stop at nothing to obstruct Solomon's search, while protecting themselves.

THE SEARCHER is the first book in Simon Toyne's new Solomon Creed series, and it is a truly remarkable story. Taking place over a very short period, THE SEARCHER is packed with vibrant characters and tantalizing twists and turns as the mesmerizing parallel plots weave the mystery surrounding the almost-supernatural Solomon Creed with the history of the town. The epilogue reveals an indication of Solomon Creed's identity, which expertly entices us to read the next book. Toyne is a first-class wordsmith, which was obvious in his Sanctus Trilogy (which I reviewed) and is certainly evident in this new book. THE SEARCHER is a thrilling novel not to be missed!