Findings: Book summary and reviews of Findings by Mary Anna Evans

Findings Summary

Faye Longchamp is overjoyed to be paid to do archaeological work she would have done anyway—excavating a site that was once her family's. That joy ends abruptly when intruders break into a dear friend’s house and leave him dead among the scattered remains of Faye's artifacts. But the open wall safe is untouched, and choice artifacts are left in their cases.

There seems to be no motive at all for the vicious crime ... unless the thieves were aware of the fabulous emerald he had been holding minutes before his death. But Faye had only uncovered it that very evening, and she had told no one.

When his widow asks Faye to organize the relics left broken on the floor, Faye realizes that something is actually missing—not an emerald nor a valuable painting, but her field notes.

Faye seeks out the story behind the mysterious emerald. How was her fieldwork connected to her friend’s death? The key to all her questions must be buried in the field notes now held by the killers. Now, it is only a matter of time before they come for Faye.

Findings Reviews

"[A] charming mixture of history, mystery and romance." - Kirkus Reviews.

"[A] comfortable pace that allows the reader to savor the characters." - Publishers Weekly.

"Starred Review. This is a series that deserves more attention than it garners. Fans of archaeological mysteries by Lyn Hamilton, Sarah Andrews, and Aaron Elkins will enjoy." - Library Journal.

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Findings Reader Reviews

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Rated of 5 by Barbara
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Even though the book is part of a series and I had not read any of the previous books, this story stands on it's own. The author did an excellent job in relating the familiarity of the characters with each other, without making the reader feel they were on the outside of the story. It is a great mix of mystery and historic fiction - I will recommend it to my mystery and history loving friends!

Rated of 5 by Carolyn
Findings
This wasn't a bad book, but it just didn't ring any bells for me. I didn't think the main characters were developed as well as they could be, and the history of Faye's ancestors was rather rambling. It wasn't a chore to finish the book, but overall I felt something was lacking.

Rated of 5 by Kathy
Hidden Jewels
Findings is a delightful, "cozy" mystery story with the hero and heroine being an archaeologist and her best friend a Native American. Who knew archeology could be such a dangerous profession? Not having read any of the author’s previous books I did not know the characters or some of the references to previous happenings. The heroine, Faye, has gotten herself into many dangerous situations, but being highly resourceful, is able to extricate herself – just in time! This book was an interesting blend of history and mystery – the underlying theme is the mystery of relationships and what lengths people will go to, both for the positive relationships and those where greed and malice are key elements. This is nice mystery to read and now that I am familiar with the author will pick up her previous books.

Rated of 5 by Kristen
Treasure hunting
This book is a treasure in itself. I am not someone who normally finds history interesting but the way history is presented as a way of solving a mystery captured my interest. I think this book would appeal to those who enjoy solving mysteries, both history lovers and non history lovers alike.

Rated of 5 by Terrie
OK
Not in my top 10. Quick read. Good book to read on a rainy day.

Rated of 5 by Beth
An Enjoyable Read
I liked this book a lot. I enjoyed the descriptions of the island setting, of the house called Joyeuse, and of the "pot hunters" who seem to be the bane of serious archaeologists. I liked the Confederate history interwoven with the present-day mystery. I liked the people, too. Faye is a likable heroine with interesting friends who, thankfully, are there to protect her from a host of enemies who seem to be out to get her.

Even though the book can stand alone, I'd still recommend reading the first three before picking this one up, because I think the plot development in the earlier books will make the events in this fourth book more meaningful to the reader. The mystery was plenty challenging for me, too. I read everything from cozies to hard-boiled, and I didn't figure out who the "bad guys" were until close to the end. I'm delighted to have learned about Mary Anna Evans and look forward to reading the rest of her series.

...13 more reader reviews

Mary Anna Evans has degrees in physics and chemical engineering. Her background includes stints in environmental consulting and university administration. Writing lets her spend weeks indulging her passion for history, archeology, and architecture, and months making up stories. She lives in Florida with her three children and a cat.