Monday, July 16, 2012

Anasazi Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke

Stolen artifacts, a nosy newspaper reporter, and mysterious events begin to unfold in this mystery adventure novel. When a devastating flood takes out several homes in a small town, they are shocked by the news of also a possible poison spill that kills many of the fish and neighbor's pets. The town doesn't know what to think or do, until Julia, the town's newest reporter, jumps into action and begins her investigation. Quickly though, Julia realizes the story and investigation are much bigger and more dangerous than she thought! Julia and her husband find themselves on the run trying to save their lives while finishing the story and helping out their small town! She never realized that being a reporter could be so dangerous. With artifacts, dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants, John and Julia have their hands full.

As you may recall, I did a review a little while back of the 4th book in this series.  I enjoyed that book so much, that I asked the author, Linda Weaver Clarke, if I could read the first in the series and do a review of that book as well.  Linda said she would be glad to do it, and I definitely was glad to read it.

This is the introduction to the characters of John and Julia Evans, though for some reason, Julia is referred to as "Julia Roberts" in the beginning of this book.  John is professional knife maker and Julia is a newspaper journalist.  John is working with a man, Paul, who is in the midst of uncovering artifacts of the Anasazi Indians.  It seems that there are individuals who are out to steal the treasure and Paul will do whatever he needs to keep the treasure safe and the heritage of the Anasazi Indians alive.  At the same time, Julia has uncovered a case of cyanide poisoning of fish and some other animals around the river area. This will be the first real break for her writing career if she's right on the cause of the poisoning, but is she right?  What kind of danger has she put herself in as she investigates this story?  Can John and Paul work together to keep the treasure safe?  All great questions, and ones that will be answered when you BUY THE BOOK!

This was another great and easy read by Linda Weaver Clarke.  I believe the last book I compared to "Murder She Wrote", but I think I might have been off base.  She mentions in the start of this book that this is more like the TV Show, "Hart To Hart", and I believe she is spot on with the analogy.  I love the information that she shares with us through the course of the story about the Anasazi Indians.  This to me is the best way to learn about something new, all in the course of doing something that I enjoy, READING!  Her characters are so life-like in their banter with each other, and the descriptions of what they see and do are very vivid.

Is this a "guy's book"?  My answer would be yes.  As in the other book that I reviewed, this book is filled with intrigue and adventure, two things that will keep any guy coming back for more.

I received this book from the author for my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


I was raised on a farm surrounded by the rolling hills of southern Idaho and have made my home in southern Utah among the beautiful red mountains and desert heat. I have been happily married for 36 years and am the mother of six daughters and have four wonderful grandchildren .

After my family began to leave the nest, I decided it was time to finish what I had started long ago. I decided to go back to college and get a degree. It had been 30 years since I had been to college and it was one of the most frightening things I had ever done. I had to learn how to study and take tests all over again. The first day of college, I was a nervous wreck and wondered if I could do this, but with the support of my husband and children I was able to graduate. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and Music at Southern Utah University and received the Outstanding Non-Traditional Student Award for the College of Performing Arts in 2002. During the meantime, I cut a CD named "Romantic Love Songs of Sigmund Romberg and Victor Herbert."


I have enjoyed writing short stories and novels for several years but it took a lot of courage to begin submitting them. After "Melinda and the Wild West" was published, I entered it in the Reader Views Literary Contest and my book was chosen as a Semi-Finalist in the "Reviewers Choice Awards 2007." It was one of the top ten out of hundreds of other entries.



Linda is graciously offering an ebook of "Anasazi Intrigue" to a random someone leaving a comment on this review.  So leave a comment and contact information in case you are the winner!

18 comments:

  1. This sounds like the kind of intrigue that I love to read about. I have always been interested in the Anasazi and what really happened to them. I would love to win a copy of this book either an "in hand" book or for my Kindle. Thank you for the opportunity to enter. spangldlady@sbcglobal.net

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! Good luck!

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    2. I gave the wrong email for an ebook. I have a kindle and my address for that is spangldlady@gmail.com.

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  2. I loved "Hart to Hart"!!! Never cared for "Murder she Wrote", LOL.
    I am not a huge Mystery fan so I have kinda stayed away from this series. I have read a couple of her other books though and really liked them! I am a fan of Linda's writing :-)

    Please do not enter me, I would hat to take the opportunity away from someone who really wants the book.

    Nice review! I just added you to my bookmarks, so I'll be back.

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  3. I love mysteries and historical mysteries are even better. This sounds like one I definitely would love to read.

    clenna at aol dot com

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  4. This book sounds like an amazing read and I would love to read it.
    Clean and a good mystery is my kind of a good read.

    cenya2 at hotmail dot com

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    1. This is definitely a good read, Marjorie. Good luck!

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  5. Sounds good!

    kristine.morgan@yahoo.com

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  6. I am familiar with Linda Weaver Clarke's works but haven't read Anasazi Intrigue, yet. I'm adding this to my wish list.

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Tracey. If you've read her other books, you've got to read this one. Good luck!

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  7. This sounds like a book I would be interested in reading. I like to read books where I also learn information. I have never read any of Mrs. Clarke's books but will definitely put this one on my list of books to read.
    terrijoperry@yahoo.com

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  8. Congratulations to the winners of Anasazi Intrigue. I really appreciated your comments, everyone. Rick is a great reviewer. I have enjoyed his reviews very much.

    Linda Weaver Clarke

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  9. I am a little behind as I was at the conference for my neurological disease. regardless, This series just became next on my list. I am going to see if I can get four hard copies, my favorite and site and read them in, like a breath of fresh air! Wow I am overjoyed at the excitement of this series - I have always loved good mysteries - and a series to boot Yeah...! Thank you Mr Estep for writing these, don't ever stop, your gift, sounds amazing.(God places them wisely) Linda, - where would we be if you did not share a little snapshot into the lives and the characters of these books.

    Blessings~Jenn
    jdovefamily@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks for your kind words and for stopping by to read the review. I hope you return for more. I'm also going to be writing for a new online christian magazine called "Book Fun Magazine". You can check out their page at bookfun.org

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