Date Published: May 1, 2026
Retired archaeologist Phyllis Doran is enjoying the quiet beauty of the Arizona desert, until a mysterious crossword puzzle leads her to a trail of hidden clues. As curiosity pulls her deeper into the puzzle, Phyllis discovers that some secrets are buried for a reason… and solving this one may take all her wit and courage.
M. J. Coss is the author of the Phyllis Doran Mystery series, beginning with Across and Down in the Desert. Blending puzzle-driven storytelling with richly detailed settings, his work explores the intersection of history, language, and human resilience.
Set against the striking backdrop of the American Southwest, his mysteries follow retired field archaeologist Phyllis Doran as she uncovers buried secrets that refuse to stay hidden. With a love of wordplay and layered clues, Coss crafts stories where every answer leads to a deeper question, and every puzzle carries real consequences.
He is also the author of the Grady the Groundhog’s Maplewood Tales series for young readers (also available on Amazon), written under the name C.A. Coss.
Coss lives in Northeast Ohio with his family, where he continues to write stories that celebrate curiosity, perseverance, and the thrill of discovery.
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