Today we journey into Death Valley, one of the most extreme and enigmatic places on Earth. With scorching heat, ghost towns lost to time, and ancient landscapes shaped by wind and fire, this desert is more than just a national park—it’s a thriller novel in its own right. Joining me is bestselling thriller author J.F. Penn , whose latest novel uses Death Valley’s haunting terrain as a backdrop. We talk about the real and fictional mysteries of this brutal yet breathtaking landscape, exploring how it strips away the comforts of civilization and exposes the raw human spirit. From sun-scorched ghost towns to the hidden layers beneath salt flats, this conversation blends adventure, history, and the thrill of the unknown. If you’ve ever wondered what stories the desert might tell—this is the episode for you. Death Valley by J.F. Penn is available here. Here's what it's all about: A merciless desert. An unstoppable storm. Time is running out. The Desert Sanctuary promises an exclusive escape for the ultra-wealthy, a five-star oasis in Death Valley's unforgiving landscape. But when a devastating sandstorm cuts the resort off from civilization, paradise becomes a prison—and then a killing ground. Here's that link to Death Valley by JF Penn again. Takeaways: Death Valley, known for its extreme temperatures, is the hottest place on Earth, reaching up to 134 degrees Fahrenheit. This national park features diverse landscapes, including shifting sand dunes and ancient salt flats, which hold geological mysteries. The area is steeped in history, with ghost towns that tell tales of fortune and loss amidst the harsh desert environment. J.F. Penn's thrilling narrative explores the psychological impact of isolation in Death Valley, revealing human nature under duress. Got a Story Idea? If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com . I’d love to hear from you! Join the Adventure Society! Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society , my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at: LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety Get a Free Adventure Thriller! A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time! When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself. Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here: LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris A Huge Thanks to My Patrons! This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including: 🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads 📚 Early and free access to my books 🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it! Join the crew on Patreon: LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon Love Adventure Stories? If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery. Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of The Adventure Fiction Podcast . 🏆🎙…