East San Antonio is under siege with rioting gang members in conflict with the police, Highway Patrol and National Guard when Texas Ranger Caitlin Strong, a true force of nature, takes it upon herself to solve the problem -- her way. This incident gets her in trouble (again!) with local authorities, resulting in her being confined to a desk job. However, Caitlin is soon involved personally with a troublesome case when her lover's son is part of a demonstration protesting oil drilling on tribal property. Of course, that means Caitlin's lover, Cort Wesley Masters, also is tangled up in the volatile situation.

Comanche tribal elders have sold off mineral rights to their land in Balcones Canyonlands. Young tribe members are at odds with their elders and protest the oil company workers coming onto their land to drill, since Comanche reservation land is some of the most pristine and unspoiled in Texas.

What Caitlin doesn't realize is that the extremist organization ISIS has targeted Texas. Daniel Cross, an outcast with a genius IQ, is using his technical expertise to assist ISIS in setting off a weapon of mass destruction. When a horrific event in a local diner has government agencies scrambling to find the cause, Caitlin is afraid that whatever killed those people is somehow connected to what is happening at the reservation. The eerily psychic Guillermo Paz agrees with Caitlin and promises to assist her, as does Cort Wesley Masters.

Ruthless businessman Cray Rawls' drilling intentions on the reservation appear disingenuous, especially with his reputation of polluting the environment through his many industry ventures. But his real motives for the operation are even more sinister than anyone could have imagined. As Caitlin, Cort Wesley, Paz and other authorities use every means possible to stop Rawls and contain the terrorists, the the situation culminates in a fierce showdown between good and evil.

Known for interesting historical subplots, as well as vibrantly crafted storylines, Jon Land's Caitlin Strong thrillers are mesmerizing novels. STRONG COLD DEAD, the eighth book featuring Texas Ranger Caitlin Strong, continues that established reputation. Land's clever use of a parallel storyline of the present situation with an incident handled in 1874 at the same locale by her great-great grandfather makes for incredible reading. I have been a fan of Caitlin Strong and author Jon Land since the first book. I wonder if each new addition to the series will surpass the last -- and I have never been disappointed. Realistic characterization, defined locale and swift progression of plot are key elements I look for (and appreciate!) in a great book -- and Jon Land always delivers.