MAY THE HAZEL BRING YOU WISDOM AND THE ASPEN GUIDE AND PROTECT YOU…
Samantha Knox put away her childish fantasies of archaeological adventure the day her father didn’t return home from the Great War, retreating to the safety of the antique bookshop where she works. But when a mysterious package arrives with a damaged diary inside, Sam’s peaceful life is obliterated. Ruthless men intent on reclaiming the diary are after Sam, setting her and her best friend, along with her childhood crush, on a high-stakes adventure that lands them in the green hills outside Dublin, Ireland. Here they discover an ancient order with a dark purpose – to perform an occult ritual that will raise the Specter Queen, the Celtic goddess of vengeance and death, to bring about a war unlike any the world has ever seen. To stop them, Sam must solve a deviously complex cipher – one that will lead her on a treasure hunt to discover the ancient relic at the heart of the ritual: a bowl carved from the tree of life. Will she find the bowl and stop the curse of the Specter Queen, or will the ancient order bring about the end of the world?
Indiana Jones gets a refresh with this female-driven mystery adventure, set in the 1920s, full of ciphers, ancient relics, and heart-stopping action – the first in a brand-new series!
As an Indiana Jones fan, I was all in after reading this description. A 1920s setting, ciphers, ancient relics, and lots of action? Sold.
Sam Knox is my kind of people – she treasures books. In the bookstore where she’s employed, she repairs and catalogues them and speaks to them as if they’re people. She has an insatiable curiosity about the world she lives in and dreams of traveling beyond the small town where she resides. And she doesn’t have to wait long. One mysterious diary, a life-threatening bookshop fire, and a frantic rush to Chicago later, she soon finds herself on a ship to Ireland.
Intelligent, determined, loyal, and selfless, Sam is a relatable main character. Seeing her step outside the comfort zone of the bookshop was thrilling, and I enjoyed learning how her mind works while solving the puzzles and following clues. She’s certainly not afraid to take risks. Bennett shares her love of archeology, and the hints of romance between them are sweet – they’re like a double dose of cinnamon rolls. Jo adds some lighter moments to the story – she’s one crafty, resourceful girl and a force to be reckoned with. She also challenges her brother Bennett at every turn.
This is an enthralling mystery with high stakes and surprising turns that takes you on an action-packed adventure overseas on an ocean liner and across the rolling hills of Ireland With shades of Indiana Jones, The Mummy, and National Treasure, this is a novel I’d recommend to readers who enjoy puzzles and piecing together clues. I’m hoping the author has plans to make this into a series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Great review, Tammy! I’m glad to hear that the Indiana Jones slant works for this story. Sounds like a good start to a new series.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was a fun, adventurous story, Priscilla. If it becomes a series, I’ll definitely continue with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indiana Jones, The Mummy, and National Treasure. It’s like you’re trying to push all my buttons. Great review, Teri.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Right? I’m a fan of all those movies.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great review. Thanks for sharing, Teri. One for me to check out 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked everything about it, Harmony. I’ve always liked that time period, and the puzzles and ciphers were like brain teasers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The more and more I read about this book, I cannot wait to get to it. Sounds like you enjoyed it. Excellent review, Teri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d really hoping for a series that takes these characters around the world, Jenn. Sure wouldn’t mind spending more time with them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this book and cover more and more😍. I’ve put it down to read as soon as I get a month ahead again (which should be soon)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’ll like this one, Tessa. I’m barely staying ahead on my reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the comparisons you made to so many of my favorite films. This does sound like a really good one. Excellent review, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mae! All those movies are such fun – fan favorites.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review, Teri! Thanks for sharing. Now I want to watch Indiana Jones again!😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a classic! I read where there’s another one in the works.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I r remember watching 1 Indiana Jones movie and I loved it. I should watch whole movie series and there should be more book like that. I adding this one to wish list. It sounds amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still remember seeing it for the first time in the theater – I was fascinated. I love that the author’s put a female spin on it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing your terrific review, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for visiting, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well Indiana Jones you say??? LOL Great review Teri! She seems an amazing character!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She ahead of her time, Sophie, and not afraid to show her smarts.
LikeLike
What a great review, Teri. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jan! It was an exciting adventure and I hope to see more of these characters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another great sounding book, Teri. I like the idea of someone who loves books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked Sam right away because of that, Robbie. Anyone who treats books like people is okay by me.
LikeLike