Colorado publisher Foolscap & Quill will release Kevin T. Jones' novel 'Barbara's Desert Café' on June 26, 2025. The book is a Western adventure mystery set in the fictional town of Lost Valley, Utah, a place founded by lost Mormon settlers saved by a band of Utes who showed them how to survive. The valley is surrounded by canyons containing ancient art and artifacts, fostering a unique local independence.
The story centers on a mystery: someone is desecrating sacred places by cutting the Falling Man petroglyphs from canyon walls and stealing them. The thefts coincide with fires and odd weather phenomena, raising questions about a rumored curse and the anger of 'the Watchers.' The narrative invites readers to solve the mystery while exploring local culture, including references to events like 'the Cast Iron Miracle' that turned tough man Rex Jex into a world-renowned fashion designer.
The novel includes twenty-six recipes interspersed throughout, such as Lost Valley Clangers and Maggie's Triangle Dance Cookies, adding local flavor. It features pencil sketches by Carel P. Brest van Kempen and cover art by Brad Wolverton. An excerpt from an earlier draft appears in the anthology Four Corners Voices: Stories, Poetry, Essays, a finalist for a 2025 Colorado Book Award.
Author Kevin T. Jones, a former state archaeologist of Utah with seventeen years of experience, brings anthropological and archaeological expertise to the work. He is also a musician who played in bands like The Lab Dogs and Hammerstone. Jones will participate in the Mesa Verde Literary Conference and Festival in Mancos in early July.
The book has garnered praise from notable authors. Stephen Trimble describes it as 'a delightful cross between Tony Hillerman and Tom Robbins,' calling it 'alternately rollicking, tender, hilarious, fascinating, and compassionate.' W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear compare it to 'Abbey's The Monkey Wrench Gang,' labeling it 'wonderful, quirky, unique.' Lisa C. Taylor notes it immerses readers in 'the prejudices of pioneer days carried over into current times' with 'a sense of humor' and recipes.
This release matters because it represents a creative fusion of genres—mystery, historical fiction, and culinary arts—while addressing themes of cultural heritage and preservation. For the publishing industry, it highlights niche publishers like Foolscap & Quill in promoting diverse voices and innovative storytelling. For readers, it offers an engaging narrative that educates on archaeology and Native culture, with practical recipes enhancing the immersive experience. The novel's acclaim from established authors suggests it could influence trends in Western literature, blending entertainment with substantive historical and cultural insights.
