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    Artifact
    Artifact
    Artifact
    Audiobook7 hours

    Artifact

    Written by Gigi Pandian

    Narrated by Allyson Ryan

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    When historian Jaya Jones receives a mysterious package containing a jewel-encrusted artifact, she discovers the secrets of a lost Indian treasure may be hidden in a Scottish legend. But she's not the only one on the trail.

    From San Francisco to the Highlands of Scotland, Jaya must evade a shadowy stalker as she follows hints from the hastily scrawled note to a remote archaeological dig. Helping her decipher the cryptic clues are her magician best friend, a devastatingly handsome art historian with something to hide, and a charming archaeologist running for his life. When a member of the dig's crew is murdered, Jaya must figure out which of the scholars vying for her affections might be the love of her life-and which one is a killer.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateJun 30, 2015
    ISBN9781494584559
    Artifact
    Author

    Gigi Pandian

    GIGI PANDIAN is the USA Today bestselling and multiple-award-winning author of the Secret Staircase mysteries, inspired by elements from her own family background. She is also the author of the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mysteries, and more than a dozen locked-room mystery short stories. Pandian has won Agatha, Anthony, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and was a finalist for an Edgar Award. A breast cancer survivor and accidental almost-vegan who adores cooking, she lives with her husband in Northern California.

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    Reviews for Artifact

    4/5

    71 ratings13 reviews

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    • 3/5
      Jaya Jones has recently learned that her former beau Rupert Chadwick, an adventurer/archaeologist, has died in a tragic accident in Scotland. Then she receives a package containing a piece of old, dirt-encrusted jewelry – from Rupert, with a note dated the same day as his death. The note says it’s not safe for him to keep the artifact, so he wants Jaya to keep it for him. What’s going on? Jumping immediately to the conclusion that Rupert’s death was no accident, Jaya stashes the jewelry in a bank deposit box and jumps on a plane to Scotland. But not before she consults an expert on Indian jewelry and gems, Lane Peters. When Jaya heads to the inn that Rupert used as the return address – and where Rupert, an archaeologist, is working on a local dig -- Lane tags along. Of course, there IS something up and it’s not long before murder rears its ugly head and Jaya is in a quandary about whom she can trust. I have read and enjoyed another of the author’s series and hoped this book would be as compelling. It isn’t, in my opinion. Still, it’s an OK read. A book blurb compares it to Elizabeth Peters’ mysteries but, in the opinion of this reader, who read and delighted in ALL the Amelia Peabody mysteries, that’s a stretch.
    • 4/5
      Fun and interesting read about a historian named Jones not the archaeologist Jones. I liked the characters, and the mystery and the background information about Scottish Fairies and Indian Treasure
      Can't wait to start book 2.
    • 4/5
      I'm giving this 4 stars out of sheer joy. Jaya Jones is a historian who specializes in the East India Company and the British Raj. (Actually, she'll tell you, she can talk about India from 1757-1947 with ease.) So she isn't completely surprised when an old boyfriend sends her an antique Indian bracelet in the mail and asks for her help. What does surprise her is that she finds out he was killed on the very day he mailed the bracelet to her. With help from a grad student with a mysterious past, Jaya follows the mysterious treasure to Scotland where she becomes the target of a killer.

      I had so much fun reading this book. First, Jaya is a full-blown, well fleshed out character. She practically leaped off the page. She's mixed race (Southern Indian and Berkeley Hippie American) and she often feels she doesn't fit in with either culture. She plays the tabra drums with her friend Sanjay (the Hindi Houdini and a not so great sitar player) to relax and likes to eat peanut butter on her scrambled eggs and pickles on her peanut butter sandwiches. It was so easy to fall into this book alongside Jaya because she was so alive.

      The mystery was good. I did figure out whodunnit but I honestly had no idea about so many of the twists and turns behind any of it. This book was great fun.
    • 4/5
      Nice main character. Need to know more of her history/backstory. Good mystery. Motives of some of the secondary characters kind of weak. Worth a second book.
    • 4/5

      I am going to cry 'reader's block' to explain why it took me 10 days to get through what was ultimately a very entertaining read. Before I actually start talking about the book, a little aside here to say that it's published by a small, independent press called Henry Press. This is the fourth mystery (third author) I've read by them and I have to say I have been impressed with each and every one. Professional editing and proofreading, not to mention the quality of their writers thus far.

      Moving on to the actual book. Artifact is a 'treasure hunt mystery'. I love treasure hunts! And this one starts with the 'mysterious package' that arrives in her post. I won't give much more away, but it's a lovely adventure in the spirit of some of the better writers of a past age. It's fun, but it's not shallow (although the heel wearing thing is odd), it's well-researched, but not dry. It's light without being funny/silly. Mysterious men are involved; men with secrets and interesting Revelations.

      I'll admit to being a bit worried in the beginning - it starts off a bit slow (or, it did for me; could have been the reader's block) and I didn't quite know what to make of her best friend Sanjay. I had read a short story about these characters a few months ago that hinted of a possible love interest between them. I gotta say, I didn't feel their chemistry at all, so I was pleased to see that's not where the author took this story at all. Sanjay only makes a very brief appearance at the start of the story.

      The characters on the main stage are all interesting and well written, as is the setting (primarily Scotland). I could hear the accents, see the pub, and feel the weather as I read. I loved Angus and Fergus, the two old bar flies at the pub. They're delightful characters and they play their part in the unfolding events perfectly.

      The plot was slow to build and I think the author did an excellent job stringing me along, not giving away too many clues about the murderer. The killer was revealed to me the same time Jaya found out. There were a few holes here and there:

      Overall though, this was a really fun, not-too-outrageous, adventure, tucked into the pages of a book. I'll be looking forward to Ms. Pandian's next book. I'd damn well better be over the reader's block long before though…

    • 4/5
      This is the first book in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunter Series. Jaya receives a package from her ex boyfriend , it contains a ruby bracelet, she also received news that Rupert died in an accident the same day as the postmark on the package. Jaya grows curious and goes to London with her friend Lane to investigate. They discover that there is a dig in Scotland and there might be more treasure, strange occurrences happen while at the dig site. You must read this book and you will never guess who the bad guy is. Great storyline and wonderful characters.Thanks to Net Galley and Henery Press for allowing me to read this.
    • 3/5
      Move over, Indiana, there’s a new Dr. Jones in town—Dr. Jaya Jones, to be precise! When she receives a mysterious package from a former boyfriend back in the UK just after reading of his untimely death in an “accident,” Jaya knows she has to figure out what happened. Her quest for the truth will lead her to Scotland and, in a round-about way, back to India. But who can Jaya trust when everyone has a motive and no one is exactly what they seem?I like Jaya Jones, although I’m not quite sure how she was able to keep her professor position while jet-setting off to foreign countries, getting involved in murder investigations, etc. (I realize she wasn’t teaching during the summer term, but still!) In many ways she seemed pretty naïve and ignored evidence that was right in front of her. I had most of the mysteries figured out long before Jaya did, which was part of the fun. I look forward to more of Jaya’s adventures.
    • 3/5
      I liked Jaya Jones from the very start, especially because she doesn't take any unnecessary risks (like carrying that ancient, valuable piece of jewelry around like many another character in crime fiction would). Following her around observing her research was also a pleasure, and once the action moved to the Highlands, everything started clicking along at a fast pace. I've noticed that Jaya Jones has been likened to Indiana Jones' sister. I wouldn't go so far as to agree, but with this fast-paced, intriguing story and strong, savvy lead character, I'd say that Jaya is well on her way. I'll be keeping an eye out for future adventures.
    • 4/5
      4 STARSI like Jaya Jones. She just jumps in when she thinks she can help her ex-boyfriend. She is small, smart and knows how to fight back. She is a interesting character that I would love to read more books featuring her. Their is a mystery to solve and Jaya only knows a little of it. Instead of calling the police when she thinks her ex-boyfriend was murdered. She decides to go find what he has been up too and plans to find his murder. Plenty of suspects, treasure hunt, murder and lots of history make a good story. I was kept guessing, not sure who to trust. The plot had some nice twists in it. Some I guessed but some a total surprise. Lots of mystery, action and drama to keep you reading to find out what would happen next. It is also a clean read.Jaya Jones has got her doctorate and is working on getting tenure she plans to write a paper this summer. She is part Indian and part American. She plays the Tabla two evenings a week. She knows self defense. She is short so always wears high heels. She acts tough but really trusts and believes in people.When she is sent a package the same day she learns that her old boyfriend in England had died the day he mailed it to her. She thinks he was murder in Scotland. The artifact was a gold bracelet with a giant ruby in it. Had dirt in it still. The note was brief he did not trust anyone else for her to keep it safe. Gave her his cell number. Jaya wants to find out about the bracelet and wants to find out who murdered Rupert right after he mailed it to her. She takes a picture of the bracelet and sets off to find information about it.She is sent to graduate student Lane. Lane says it not real. He thinks someone photo shopped it. Jaya takes out the bracelet from her purse to show him its real. Lane tells her he will do some more research on it. He has a look on his face when he first sees it. Takes it right to bank and gets a safety deposit box. When she gets back to her apartment finds out she was robbed and only her jewelry case is broken nothing missing.Jaya decides to head to Scotland to find out what is going on. Lane plans to go and research the bracelet and protect her. Someone is following them in London so they follow the leads to Scotland and come up with a cover story.I enjoyed reading Artifact and look forward to reading more of Jaya Jones Mysteries. I wonder if we will see some of the other characters in her next adventure. I don't want to say much about the other characters because that is part of the mystery who or what the other characters are or knows.I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it when finished by NetGalley and Henery Press.08/06/2013 PUB Henery Press 296 pages
    • 4/5
      My rating: 4 of 5 starsArtifact is a Henery Press Publication. This book is scheduled to be released in August of 2013. Jaya Jones is a historian living in San Francisco. All in one day she receives a package from her former lover, Rupert has a ruby bracelet enclosed with a note to Jaya explaining he need to keep the bracelet for him for awhile and that she would know what to do. He wanted her to call him, but that would be a little hard to do, because she also finds out the Rupert has been killed in a car accident. Seeking more information about the bracelet, she heads to the university and is referred to a graduate student named Lane. When Lane sees the bracelet he is very interested. Interested enough to seek Jaya out and go along with her to Britain to do more research- because Jaya is convinced that Rupert was on to something and was murdered. After flying to Britain, Lane and Jaya follow the clues to an archaeological dig in Scotland. Once introduce to the gang on dig, Jaya finds herself being reacquainted with Rupert's best friend Knox. When someone on the dig is murdered, Jaya is in danger and the number one suspect. Jaya's heritage and historical expertise come in handy when stories of fairies and other superstitions come out, but also the bracelet can be traced back to wars and rebellions from the 17 and 1800's that involved Britain and India. Jaya is a person that is easy to relate to. The story is told from her perspective. (First person narrative). She is smart, funny, big hearted , but tries to pass herself off as jaded and cynical. The mystery was well plotted with a few twist along the way. That could be irritating though, since it was always at the end of a chapter and I HAD to read the next one, then the next one. ( Grin) A solid whodunit, treasure hunt and light romance all in one. Yes, there are the inevitable comparisons to Elizabeth Peters. But, really ,who doesn't love Amelia Peabody? I think it's wonderful that someone has picked up where Peters left off and presented a modern day version of Amelia or Vicki Bliss. I LOVED it when Lane referred to Jaya by her last name. Cool! I'm impressed with this one. Overall a solid A.
    • 4/5
      This debut featuring historian extrordinaire Dr. Jaya Jones could and should develop a great following. Artifact is a fun and informative introduction to a cast of characters as diverse as Dr. Jones is, and Pandian captures the quirks and distinctions with aplomb. Conversation is one of the most enjoyable features of this mystery as Pandian has a knack for dialogue and cadence that is charming without turning anyone into a caricature of their nationality. The romance is not overdone, and there is much to look forward to in future installments as we learn more about Lane, the love interest, and Jaya herself. The historical and archeological facts interspersed throughout made this most enjoyable and I can only hope this continues in the next adventure. And I will be reading the next adventure... This was a goodreads giveaway.
    • 4/5
      This is a book that lures you in from the very first page. It's an easy to read book with dynamic and fun characters making for an irresistible combination you won't want to put down. The writing had a straightforward style yet keeps you guessing about the outcomes of the mystery. Being an avid mystery reader, it's not often I can't predict the next plot thread, but this book had some nice surprises!Well done Gigi Pandian! I can't wait for the next installment in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt series.Reader received a complimentary copy from Good Reads First Reads
    • 4/5
      Murder, mystery, a long lost hidden treasure, a splash of romance…this novel has it all! It begins with the main character, Jaya, receiving a long lost jewel—encrusted Indian artifact from her recently deceased ex-boyfriend. As she tries to discover the truth and history surrounding the artifact and find out exactly what happened to her ex she begins a fast-paced dangerous adventure. You will love the main character/heroine Jaya from her quirky eating habits and humorous thoughts to her bravery and independence. She is easy to route for. I can’t read wait to read more of her future adventures.This is a delightful novel that reminds me of the National Treasure movies except it takes place in the wild landscape of Scotland where castles, treasures, and even fairies seem to still exist. Just about every character you meet becomes a suspect of something throughout the book, including Jaya herself. It leads to an adventure filled and plot twisting treasure hunt. There are plenty of surprises and twists that will keep the pages turning.I would definitely recommend this book for a quick, fast-paced read!