The Other Side of Silence — Bill Pronzini

The sunbaked expanse of Death Valley is a great place to visit but a bad place to die in this breathtaking thriller from acclaimed master of suspense fiction Bill Pronzini

Rick Fallon has reached the breaking point. His wife left after their son's tragic death, and Rick finds himself without purpose. He seeks out the peace and tranquility of the desert, setting up camp in Death Valley. On his fourth day there, Rick comes across an abandoned car. Inside is a woman on the brink of death, beaten and blistered by the sun.
 
Her name is Casey, and her young son has been kidnapped by her ex-husband. After fruitlessly searching for him for months, Casey has decided to end it all. But Rick is determined to make her mission his own, even if it means risking his life. He's been given a chance to atone for one of his greatest regrets; no amount of danger can stop him now.