The Belt.

"The Belt" by Dale E. Lehman is a science fiction thriller set on Mars. Exobiologist Miguel Hernandez discovers microfossils in Sinus Meridiani, providing evidence of independent life on Mars. However, he is labeled an outlaw by the mayor of Lowell Colony, who opposes Miguel's efforts to preserve Meridiani as a research site. Miguel and his students become entangled in a political conspiracy that extends to the asteroid belt. While the resolution of the conspiracy is somewhat underwhelming, the story offers an enjoyable read with complex characters and a gritty Martian survival setting. Fans of the Expanse series will appreciate the familiar worldbuilding and multilayered political landscape. [Extracted from the article]