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15th out of 94 books
—
32 voters
Artifact (Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery, #1)
by
Gigi Pandian (Goodreads Author)
When historian Jaya Jones receives a mysterious package containing a jewel-encrusted artifact from India, sent by her ex-lover the same day he died in a supposed accident in the Highlands of Scotland, she discovers the secrets of a lost Indian treasure may be hidden in a Scottish legend from the days of the British Raj.
But she's not the only one on the trail.
From San Franc...more
But she's not the only one on the trail.
From San Franc...more
Paperback, 296 pages
Published
August 28th 2012
by Gargoyle Girl Productions
(first published August 23rd 2012)
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If Indiana Jones had a sister, it would definitely be historian Jaya Jones, the likeable—and very curious—protagonist in “Artifact,” the debut treasure hunt mystery by Gigi Pandian.
Jaya receives a mysterious package from her ex-lover, Rupert, sent the same day he died in a supposed accident in Scotland. The package contains a jewel-encrusted artifact from India, and a cryptic note asking Jaya to hide the artifact for him because she’s the only one he can trust. Delving deeper into the provenance...more
Jaya receives a mysterious package from her ex-lover, Rupert, sent the same day he died in a supposed accident in Scotland. The package contains a jewel-encrusted artifact from India, and a cryptic note asking Jaya to hide the artifact for him because she’s the only one he can trust. Delving deeper into the provenance...more
LOVE LOVE LOVED This book. Gigi Pandian is the Author of this SENSATIONAL novel.
If you love books about treasure hunting and murder than this one is for you. You will love Jaya Jones.
Jaya recieves a bracelet in the mail from Rupert her ex-boyfriend and he tells her that he had to send it to her to keep it safe and she would know what to do with it! Rupert was beleieved to be killed in a car accident. So that sparked Jaya to find out why some one would want to kill for this bracelet and would t...more
If you love books about treasure hunting and murder than this one is for you. You will love Jaya Jones.
Jaya recieves a bracelet in the mail from Rupert her ex-boyfriend and he tells her that he had to send it to her to keep it safe and she would know what to do with it! Rupert was beleieved to be killed in a car accident. So that sparked Jaya to find out why some one would want to kill for this bracelet and would t...more
I haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 8/28/12
Received 8/31/12 started 9/1/12 and finished 9/2/12
Jaya Jones receives an Indian bracelet and mysterious note from her ex boyfriend Rupert in the mail. The package was postmarked the same day Rupert died in an automobile accident in Scotland. She decides the coincidence of the date was fishy and she needs to determine if the artifact was the reason Rupert was killed. She meets Lane, and jewelry historian expert, and together...more
Received 8/31/12 started 9/1/12 and finished 9/2/12
Jaya Jones receives an Indian bracelet and mysterious note from her ex boyfriend Rupert in the mail. The package was postmarked the same day Rupert died in an automobile accident in Scotland. She decides the coincidence of the date was fishy and she needs to determine if the artifact was the reason Rupert was killed. She meets Lane, and jewelry historian expert, and together...more
Another women sleuth but this one is special and unique as she is a PHD seeking tenure at a San Francisco Bay area university. Her specialty is centered on the history of the relationship of Britain and India. She is very smart, very clever, very motivated, very head strong, very attractive, has relationships with mysterious men and knows and practices ju-jitsu.
What more could you desire as a female mystery protagonist? And did I say she is cute and from from Berkeley.
I particularly enjoyed ho...more
What more could you desire as a female mystery protagonist? And did I say she is cute and from from Berkeley.
I particularly enjoyed ho...more
I received this ARC from first-reads.
Jaya, the main character in this murder mystery, has received a long lost ruby Indian artifact from her recently deceased ex-boyfriend. She is apparently the only one who suspects that her ex-boyfriend's death is not a simple accident and she sets out to solve the mystery of his death and the source of the mysterious artifact.
The thing that I particularly like about this book is that so much history was included in the story without bogging it down, making i...more
Jaya, the main character in this murder mystery, has received a long lost ruby Indian artifact from her recently deceased ex-boyfriend. She is apparently the only one who suspects that her ex-boyfriend's death is not a simple accident and she sets out to solve the mystery of his death and the source of the mysterious artifact.
The thing that I particularly like about this book is that so much history was included in the story without bogging it down, making i...more
Artifact by Gigi Pandian is a winner, a charming, deceptively effortless blend of romantic suspense, mystery and adventure. The pacing is terrific, the plot delightfully convoluted, and characters distinctive. I’d consider it primarily romantic suspense since the focus is on the romantic triangle-one corner is pretty wobbly, still the emphasis is on these characters' interplay. While all the suspects are fairly presented, as a mystery fan I’d have appreciated a bit more time and detail to play w...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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A few disclaimers: 1) I am a mystery lover, mystery reader, and mystery writer; 2) I am a dedicated student of Celtic mythology and Celtic languages; and 3) I am a professor of archaeology.
So I've been waiting a long time to read this book. I had high hopes, and Gigi didn't let me down. This was a blast to read. I think I have a crush on Jaya (I hope that's OK). She's a wonderful, talented, skilled, and resourceful protagonist. The mystery hangs together, and the mythology is seamlessly woven in...more
So I've been waiting a long time to read this book. I had high hopes, and Gigi didn't let me down. This was a blast to read. I think I have a crush on Jaya (I hope that's OK). She's a wonderful, talented, skilled, and resourceful protagonist. The mystery hangs together, and the mythology is seamlessly woven in...more
One of my bookclubs chooses mysteries by theme rather than by title or author and each member reads one or more books that fit the theme. This month, it’s “Scientific Occupations” so when I was given the opportunity to read Artifact, I thought, how perfect, I can kill the proverbial two birds and, hopefully, enjoy the double task.
And enjoy it I have. Artifact is a well-done entry in the field of archaeological mysteries with a taste of the historical British India that we westerners don’t often...more
And enjoy it I have. Artifact is a well-done entry in the field of archaeological mysteries with a taste of the historical British India that we westerners don’t often...more
When the story opens, Jaya Jones resides in San Francisco. Now an archeologist, she was born in India of Tamil descent and has lived around the world. Jaya soon begins a treasure hunt drawing resources from her many connections. Although I read the story many months ago, the story is still with me. Jaya’s voice is strong and witty—that girl has spunk!
ARTIFACT mixes mystery with adventure and a touch of romance, a delightful combination!
http://www.reviewsbytdev.com/content/...
ARTIFACT mixes mystery with adventure and a touch of romance, a delightful combination!
http://www.reviewsbytdev.com/content/...
Some of my favorite authors growing up were Elizabeth Peters, Barbara Michaels, Agatha Christie, and Mary Stewart. As I began reading ARTIFACT, I was instantly reminded of my love for these authors and their stories through Gigi Pandian's writing. She balances humor, history, romance and international locations with a light hand, but with a story that is compelling and thrilling. I felt like my high school self, eschewing all my duties to continue reading this wonderful adventure. (Except now, i...more
"Well-developed characters paint a vivid picture throughout the book. Likable but quirky secondary and peripheral characters, including Jaya’s amusing Russian landlord, a best friend who is a magician, and an adoring next-door neighbor who considers Jaya a fellow poet, help keep the tone of the book light and fun, rather than overly graphic or dark." --Maria Siano
ForeWord Reviews reviewed this book on our website. Read the complete review at www.forewordreviews.com.
ForeWord Reviews reviewed this book on our website. Read the complete review at www.forewordreviews.com.
When Jaya receives a package from her ex-boyfriend who has suddenly died, Jaya is off and takes us on a fast-paced adventure filled with archeological intrigue and mayhem. The author did a good job in keeping me guessing throughout most of this page-turning drama. The writing was good, the dialogue entertaining and Jaya is a character that I’m interested in learning more about and I can’t wait for the next book in this enjoyable debut series.
Jaya Jones’ ex-boyfriend, Rupert, recently died in a car crash in Scotland. On the day she learns of his death Jaya receives a package from Rupert post marked the day of his death with a jewel encrusted artifact enclosed. Suspecting Rupert’s death is on an accident Jaya enlists the help of Lane Peters, art history graduate student and first year professor at Berkley, to figure out the origin of the artifact. One thing leads to another and Jaya finds herself on an international quest for buried t...more
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 ser...more
Well done Gigi Pandian! I can't wait for the next installment in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt ser...more
I am so not in this book's audience ordemographic- I don't do mystery or suspense or adventure. But I really enjoyed reading Artifact. The characters were engaging, Jaya is dleightful(glad to hear she will be back), and the settings made it all come to life. As an old India hand, I paricularly enjoyed the British Raj connection. Bravo Ms. Pandian.
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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 i...more
A lively debut, with lots of running around, sneaking around, digging around - and I mean all of that in a good way. It is, after all, a treasure hunt! Pandian is a good writer and she's whipped up a tasty debut mystery that's a quick and enjoyable read.
I received this book from the Goodreads first reads program.
What a fun read!
Gigi Pandian writes with a quick wit, a loving attention to the eccentricities of the anthropological trades, and a keen eye for history. She wrapped the history of British India up with snippets of Scotland and even a bit of San Francisco culture quite well. Classic treasure hunt, classic adventure tale, classic mystery... what's not to love?
Indeed, this book did bring to mind Indiana Jones, and I'd be lying if I said I...more
What a fun read!
Gigi Pandian writes with a quick wit, a loving attention to the eccentricities of the anthropological trades, and a keen eye for history. She wrapped the history of British India up with snippets of Scotland and even a bit of San Francisco culture quite well. Classic treasure hunt, classic adventure tale, classic mystery... what's not to love?
Indeed, this book did bring to mind Indiana Jones, and I'd be lying if I said I...more
What an absolute fun book to read! A solid, fast-paced mystery with lovable, believable characters. let's hear more from Jaya Jones in the future.
Thanks to Goodreads for another winning book!
Thanks to Goodreads for another winning book!
A great twist in mystery genre. I thought the story was great. It was a quick, entertaining read. This review was provided in exchange for a copy of the book from Goodreads Firstreads and the author.
A self-published book that claims to be by the next Elizabeth Peters. It's not anywhere near that good (which I should have known by the absence of a legitimate publisher). Slow, with many seams showing.
This was a page-turner! The short, cliff-hanger chapters kept me up until all hours of the night reading. I can't wait to read the prequel as well as subsequent mysteries featuring Jaya Jones. Also - I want to hear more about Sanjay the Hindu Houdini! ;D Huge Gigi Pandian fan here.
A fine beginning to what looks to be a series featuring historian and amateur sleuth Jaya Jones.
Can't wait for the next one. What a delightful new series. If you like Alan Bradley's Flavia deLuce series you will enjoy this.
strong female character. not perfect, but solid.
Feb 04, 2013
Mickey Sorrell
added it
A lighthearted and fun romp.
I received from Goodreads First Reads:
I love books that take me on an adventure to worlds I haven’t experienced. Gigi Pandian in “Artifact”, her first book in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery series takes us on just such a journey. We travel from San Francisco to London to the Scottish Highlands and along the way we learn about the history of India and the legendary fairies of Scottish lore.
To read the full review see: http://www.examiner.com/article/enjoy...
To read the full review see: http://www.examiner.com/article/enjoy...
This book was like Laura Croft, Tomb Raider meets Indiana Jones...with a dash of sarcasm and attitude! Jaya Jones brings her brains and her stilettos (to make up for her petite stature) to an international quest to discover why her Ex sent her a valuable artifact, and to redefine the word Ex. Clear your schedule to read ARTIFACT, because it takes time to find a missing treasure (and like all missing treasures, it's worth the wait)!
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Gigi Pandian is a mystery writer and graphic designer in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a child, she was dragged around the world by her cultural anthropologist parents. She tried to escape her fate by leaving a PhD program for art school, but adventurous academics wouldn't stay out of her head. Thus was born the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series.
Gigi's first mystery novel, Artifact, was awa...more
More about Gigi Pandian...
Gigi's first mystery novel, Artifact, was awa...more
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