High Desert (PEOPLE MAKING DANGER) by Adam Fike (Book Review #2304)

In High Desert, Adam Fike shifts gears from historical drama and noir into a mid-twentieth-century “muscle car Western,” delivering a high-octane mix of crime, humor, and unexpected adventure. The story follows Hanner, a man who would rather tinker in his desert junkyard, fish for wrecks along the highway, and escape the weight of a complicated family legacy. But fate, a corrupt sheriff, and a hidden vault full of organized crime loot have other plans for him.

Fike’s signature storytelling style—fast, cinematic, and written in present tense—places readers directly in the sun-scorched landscape of the High Desert. Every scene crackles with tension and dark humor, from high-speed chases and unexpected confrontations to quieter moments of reflection in Hanner’s junkyard. The characters are vivid and memorable: flawed, human, and often surprisingly funny, even in the midst of danger.

What sets High Desert apart is its balance of suspense and levity. While Hanner navigates threats from crime, corruption, and his own past, the narrative never loses its sense of wit. Readers are treated to moments of absurdity and clever observation that make this story feel as much fun as it is thrilling. Fike’s writing transforms the desert landscape into a stage for both chaos and character growth, making it feel alive with danger, humor, and possibility.

Part of the PEOPLE MAKING DANGER series, this installment demonstrates Fike’s skill at blending action, suspense, and humor in a quick, cinematic format that keeps readers hooked from page one. It is a story about choice, consequence, and the unexpected ways life intervenes when you least expect it.

Written by Jeyran Main