Jay Amberg's Blog, page 14

Ayasuluk Hill

Photograph by Mark Henry Larson.

Here is a new photograph from Ayasuluk Hill, the setting of much of my novel, Bone Box.

The Self-Taught Cook showcase

The last stop on the blog tour is a showcase at The Self-Taught Cook. Thanks again to all the blog hosts and the great people at Partners in Crime.

What did you think of the tour? Let me know by leaving a comment.

Mary’s Cup of Tea review

Today, Bone Box has been reviewed by Mary Bearden of Mary’s Cup of Tea:

“This is a fast paced action filled book that takes you on a ride on how much people are dedicated to the profession of discovering lost worlds and civilizations from our past right here on Earth.

“They try to get as accurate an account of how people and animals lived in such an age where all lives were very perilous and it’s amazing that any of them did actually surprise. One of the last things that you need on your dig site is a conflict, especially when it involves a murder and cover-up.

“The Bone Box has a double meaning and trying to figure out that mystery will also keep some people safe in today’s world. If you love a story that is filled with action, violence and possibly a love interest all rolled into one, then you are going to love reading this book. It does not disappoint and you will be amazed at the lengths that some people will go to in order for them to get what they want!”

Click here for the complete post. Thank you once more to all the gracious hosts on the blog tour.

I’d Rather Be At The Beach showcase & giveaway

Bone Box is the showcase title today at I’d Rather Be At The Beach. You can enter to win the giveaway by clicking here.

I hope you are following along on the Partners in Crime tour. Let me know any questions you may have about the book.

Mallory Heart Reviews feature

Bone Box has been featured at Mallory Heart Reviews. Thanks to Mallory Anne-Marie Forbes and all the gracious hosts on the blog tour.

Bless Their Hearts Mom review

Thursday’s tour stop is a review at Bless Their Hearts Mom:

“This book is very timely, as many of topics touched on in the book could be set in present day. The book really gets you to start thinking about what WOULD happen if a bone box of Jesus was truly found. Would it truly upset the foundation of Christian faith, and set the world asunder or not?

“This book really puts you right into the middle of everything that is going on. Amberg is brilliant at getting the reader to feel as if they are right there with the characters, taking part in the activities. When you have to stop reading, you may feel a bit disorientated for a few minutes, while you adjust back to reality, the feeling is so intense while reading! The book may leave you with more questions than answers about ‘what if’ happened today. Would we have people like Joseph and Sophia, or would greed and a quest for 15 minutes of fame, override common sense and sensibility? This is a thriller that asks some pretty important questions, so don’t miss it!”

Please click here to read the full posting and to leave a comment.

Vic’s Media Room review

Bone Box has been reviewed on Vic’s Media Room:

“Who knew an archaeological dig could be so interesting? There are those that want to kill for the contents of the box and unless properly verified can alter everything that is held in belief. Mr. Amberg has provided us with a highly complicated plot. Both Joseph Travers and Sophia Altay are really interesting characters that develop and become more interesting as the story goes on. Bone Box is loaded with twists and turns that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. Mr. Amberg has provided us with a fairly exciting book and well worth the read.”

I hope you are enjoying the Partners in Crime blog tour so far. Please let me know any questions or comments you may have.

Deal Sharing Aunt feature & giveaway

Today’s tour stop is a feature and giveaway at Deal Sharing Aunt. Click here to enter to win a free copy of Bone Box.

Books Direct guest post

Today on the Partners in Crime tour, I’ve written a guest post for Books Direct:

“I began researching Bone Box with a central question in mind: What if a particular ossuary (a bone box used by Jews in the first century of the common era to rebury their dead) were discovered at an archeological site? I knew, given the story’s plot, that the archeological site had to be near the Aegean Sea in what was then called Asia Minor and is now southwestern Turkey. The mystery in the story stems from the possibility that John the Apostle took Mary, the mother of Jesus of Nazareth, to Asia Minor before the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. This idea is, by the way, widely accepted in Catholicism and other Christian traditions.

“With every novel I’ve written, I’ve read voraciously about the characters’ professions and the plots’ settings. In the case of Bone Box, I read sources as varied as The University of Chicago Oriental Institute’s Annual Report to Eyewitness Books’ Archeology. I’ve interviewed knowledgeable people (archeologists, museum directors, cops, TV producers…). But with each of my novels I’ve also visited many of the settings—London, Las Vegas, the Florida Keys, the redwood forests in California…. Being present in a particular place and noting the sensory imagery really helps me to see the characters’ actions, hear their words, and feel their emotions.…”

Please read the entire post here. I am happy to answer any questions you may have about how I researched Bone Box.

Buried Under Books review

Lelia Taylor of Buried Under Books has reviewed Bone Box: 

“Joe Travers and Sophia Altay are both appealing characters and she, in particular, is very believable in her role as an archaeologist who has a passion for her work. It’s also apparent that the author has done his research about the profession and that lends validity. Both Joe and Sophia have personal baggage, naturally, but neither is overwhelmed by it and Joe is an especially sympathetic player because of his background. And then there’s a young man named Abrahim who is caught up in things far beyond his control and he is at the core of much of the tale.

The other thing that I really did enjoy is the journey through Turkey, a country that has always fascinated me with its rich past and its modern-day culture. I’ve never had the chance to go there but reading Bone Box gave me a nice taste of this amazing place. In fact, it makes me want to visit even more and I thank Mr. Amberg for that.…

“I recommend it to all readers who like the religious theme but also, like me, appreciate all those attributes of an exciting thriller, things like action, chills, personal connections, worldwide travel and a cracking good mystery.”

Click here to read more. How are you enjoying the blog tour so far?