Ursa Major Death in the Desert A Summary Consider . . . Two bodies lie alongside a forgotten highway of the IdahoNevada desert. The sun is burning hot. Crows circle overhead. Sam Garrett, an ordinary guy living an ordinary life, comes across the scene of the two murdered victims. He is then propelled into a maelstromone involving a string of murders, fundamental polygamist sects, church cover-ups, corrupt politicians, and corporate greed. The twists, turns, and subplots occur within a broader context of contemporary issues facing the desert southwest. Sam is both stalked by and later stalks the killers as he attempts to unravel the puzzle and stay alive. In the process, he must dodge both secret polygamist societies as well as the federal FBI authorities.