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The Volcano That Changed The World
An attempted murder at the Florida State University ice core laboratory leaves geology professor Mark Malloy wondering who wants him dead and if they will try again. Fortunately, Mark is leaving for the Greek island of Santorini to spend the summer resolving the mystery surrounding the lost island of Atlantis. He believes Atlantis’ fate is linked to the mysterious annihilation of the advanced Minoan Empire, the cradle of European civilization, on the island of Crete. While studying the Thera volcanic eruption on Santorini, Mark teams with Greek archeologist, Alexandra Papadopulos. Building on the work of others, their studies uncover information linking the downfall of the Minoans to Plato’s story about the destruction of Atlantis, identifying the actual Atlantis location that had been shrouded in myth. Mark’s sojourn to the warm and sunny Greek islands is interrupted when a colleague discovers Thera volcanic ash in Egypt and asks him to come help investigate. While in the Nile Delta, Mark learns firsthand how far-reaching the impacts of the Thera volcano were; how the eruption changed the entire world. Meanwhile, back in the States, the attempted-murder investigation is underway. Even while far away, Mark is haunted by the investigation stateside and by a simultaneous attempt to prevent his tenure at the university. As the summer field season draws to an end, he must return home to face the unknown person who wants him dead.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
James W. Mercer
7 books8 followersJames W. Mercer works in the area of hydrogeology and has published numerous technical articles. In 1985, he was awarded the Wesley W. Horner Award of the American Society of Civil Engineers for work performed at Love Canal. In 1994, he received the American Institute of Hydrology’s Theis Award for contributions to groundwater hydrology. THE VOLCANO That Changed The World is his second novel. He currently lives in the Washington, D.C., area.
James W. Mercer’s debut novel, THE SCROLLS The Missing Eighteen Years, was published in 2011 and is available at Lulu.com, Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and Amazon.co.uk.
James W. Mercer’s debut novel, THE SCROLLS The Missing Eighteen Years, was published in 2011 and is available at Lulu.com, Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and Amazon.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 2, 2013
James W. Mercer is a very knowledgeable man. He has used his expertise and passion for geology to create an interesting and informative book entitled The Volcano That Changed The World. However, this is more than just a novel about the search by Mark Molloy for Atlantis and the effects of the eruptions of the Thera volcano in 1600BCE. Intertwined with this search is a mystery. Who has attempted to murder Molloy, by locking him an ice core laboratory at the university where he works?
The two distinct plot strands work well, although largely independent of each other. Molloy’s search for evidence of his theories concerning the extent of the Thera eruption take place largely in the eastern Mediterranean. I found this to be very interesting and could easily picture the scenes described by the author.
The mystery surrounding the attempted murder is dealt with by Detective Carter. His work on this case is not particularly successful in discovering the perpetrator, but his investigations lead to interesting plot developments. There is quite a twist at the end of this novel, which I wasn’t really expecting.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and the factual content has given me food for thought. The characters were developed enough to make them plausible and easy to engage with. I would certainly recommend it to those who enjoy their mystery novels laced with large doses of fact; this was a very satisfying read!
The two distinct plot strands work well, although largely independent of each other. Molloy’s search for evidence of his theories concerning the extent of the Thera eruption take place largely in the eastern Mediterranean. I found this to be very interesting and could easily picture the scenes described by the author.
The mystery surrounding the attempted murder is dealt with by Detective Carter. His work on this case is not particularly successful in discovering the perpetrator, but his investigations lead to interesting plot developments. There is quite a twist at the end of this novel, which I wasn’t really expecting.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and the factual content has given me food for thought. The characters were developed enough to make them plausible and easy to engage with. I would certainly recommend it to those who enjoy their mystery novels laced with large doses of fact; this was a very satisfying read!
December 12, 2013
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite.
“The Volcano That Changed the World” by James W. Mercer is a fascinating amalgam of Geology, Archaeology, the legendary city of Atlantis, and World History. All this occurs within a milieu of attempted murder, marital infidelity, and the underhanded shenanigans of a Professor doing everything he can think of to undermine another Professor’s timely consideration for tenure.
With so much going on, you might wonder how there was time enough to even mention a volcano, let alone its impact on today’s world. The answer to that quandary lies in the brilliant genius of the talented James W. Mercer. Mercer displays his masterful knowledge of ancient history, geological influences on Earth’s physical geography, and a passion for archaeology and the tales it tells to all who understand its language.
“The Volcano That Changed the World” specifically refers to the mega-eruption of Thera, on the Greek island of Santorini some 2,600 years ago. Young Professor Mark Malloy has taught Geology at the prestigious Florida State University (FSU) for six years, and is now due for his tenure hearing. The overbearing, pretentious, arrogant and explosive Professor Sam Bolton harbors a deep seated resentment against Malloy for essentially “showing him up” at a professional lecture years earlier, and thus will resort to any under-handed tactics he can dream up to blackball Malloy, which essentially would ruin Malloy’s chances of pursuing a teaching career.
Bolton’s obsession contributes much to the story. However, it is Mercer’s intellectual appreciation of Thera’s impacts on global history which provide the meat of this story. Mercer’s presentation will enrapture even readers who have never given a thought to such things. “The Volcano That Changed the World” will captivate and mesmerize its readers. Although the story is fiction, the events comprising the story are geologically accurate. Mercer has proved once again the old adage, “truth is stranger than fiction”. This is a must-read tale that will augment your own knowledge of such things, all the while delighting you in its intricacies.
“The Volcano That Changed the World” by James W. Mercer is a fascinating amalgam of Geology, Archaeology, the legendary city of Atlantis, and World History. All this occurs within a milieu of attempted murder, marital infidelity, and the underhanded shenanigans of a Professor doing everything he can think of to undermine another Professor’s timely consideration for tenure.
With so much going on, you might wonder how there was time enough to even mention a volcano, let alone its impact on today’s world. The answer to that quandary lies in the brilliant genius of the talented James W. Mercer. Mercer displays his masterful knowledge of ancient history, geological influences on Earth’s physical geography, and a passion for archaeology and the tales it tells to all who understand its language.
“The Volcano That Changed the World” specifically refers to the mega-eruption of Thera, on the Greek island of Santorini some 2,600 years ago. Young Professor Mark Malloy has taught Geology at the prestigious Florida State University (FSU) for six years, and is now due for his tenure hearing. The overbearing, pretentious, arrogant and explosive Professor Sam Bolton harbors a deep seated resentment against Malloy for essentially “showing him up” at a professional lecture years earlier, and thus will resort to any under-handed tactics he can dream up to blackball Malloy, which essentially would ruin Malloy’s chances of pursuing a teaching career.
Bolton’s obsession contributes much to the story. However, it is Mercer’s intellectual appreciation of Thera’s impacts on global history which provide the meat of this story. Mercer’s presentation will enrapture even readers who have never given a thought to such things. “The Volcano That Changed the World” will captivate and mesmerize its readers. Although the story is fiction, the events comprising the story are geologically accurate. Mercer has proved once again the old adage, “truth is stranger than fiction”. This is a must-read tale that will augment your own knowledge of such things, all the while delighting you in its intricacies.
March 5, 2013
A double edged thriller which tries to scientifically explain Atlantis and the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a few things along the way. I did guess the whodunit on both counts and why.
This book is brimming with passion for geology and science in general. It even explains DNA and its use in paternity tests, not necessary since CSI hit our screens in the last decade. There is also much passion for literature as Shakespeare is quoted often, in fact each chapter begins with a poignant quote from various people.
I particularly liked Detective Carter and Brennan and although Mark Malloy is amiable he didn't charm me as much.
An intriguing novel a bit heavy on science to begin with but definitely worth a read, especially if you have an interest in natural sciences and geology.
This book is brimming with passion for geology and science in general. It even explains DNA and its use in paternity tests, not necessary since CSI hit our screens in the last decade. There is also much passion for literature as Shakespeare is quoted often, in fact each chapter begins with a poignant quote from various people.
I particularly liked Detective Carter and Brennan and although Mark Malloy is amiable he didn't charm me as much.
An intriguing novel a bit heavy on science to begin with but definitely worth a read, especially if you have an interest in natural sciences and geology.
September 22, 2013
I must admit, I wasn't to sure about this book, but my friend said it was a must read. It's a good thing I trusted her opinion because it was one of the best books I have read in awhile.
The author must be a geologist, because the findings were very believable. Of course this is a fictional book but I wouldn't be surprised if that is how it actually happened.
The character development and back story was awesome. I found myself neglecting my duties just to read this.
The author must be a geologist, because the findings were very believable. Of course this is a fictional book but I wouldn't be surprised if that is how it actually happened.
The character development and back story was awesome. I found myself neglecting my duties just to read this.
September 24, 2013
I love mysteries and can usually guess the endings about 99% of the time.
With this book I just couldn't figure it out! The author even tricks you at the end just to pull a double surprise.
That only applies to one of the mysteries though - this book also tries to explain certain biblical happenings. I can really appreciate the time and effort the author spent researching the subject.
Anyone who loves a good mystery would definitely enjoy this book.
With this book I just couldn't figure it out! The author even tricks you at the end just to pull a double surprise.
That only applies to one of the mysteries though - this book also tries to explain certain biblical happenings. I can really appreciate the time and effort the author spent researching the subject.
Anyone who loves a good mystery would definitely enjoy this book.
August 29, 2013
Two mysteries at once make for one exciting book!
Mark has big plans for his upcoming summer vacation. Traveling to Santorini to prove his hypothesis right.
Unfortunately he is almost murdered before he leaves. Although the attempt is unsuccessful, the murderer is still on the loose.
Will he survive long enough to fulfill his dreams?
Mark has big plans for his upcoming summer vacation. Traveling to Santorini to prove his hypothesis right.
Unfortunately he is almost murdered before he leaves. Although the attempt is unsuccessful, the murderer is still on the loose.
Will he survive long enough to fulfill his dreams?
June 2, 2014
I really enjoyed all the technical language about the volcanoes and tsunamis and how geologists and archeologists study and read the outcome. I would like to visit some of the sites that were used in the book.
As for the "personal" parts of the book, I was truly surprised by the ending, but not by "what might happen" later.
James Mercer seemed to get a little bit of everything in the book!
As for the "personal" parts of the book, I was truly surprised by the ending, but not by "what might happen" later.
James Mercer seemed to get a little bit of everything in the book!
August 26, 2013
What a tale! I never thought I could learn something while being entertained AND trying to solve a mystery.
This book would be received well by anyone who likes geography or a good mystery.
Five star read!
This book would be received well by anyone who likes geography or a good mystery.
Five star read!
July 14, 2014
Reads like a thriller and a history lesson - lived this book and ended up reading all James mercer's books
November 1, 2016
Geology, antiquity and drama!
I picked up this book having just return from a vacation in crete & Santorini. Mercer did an excellent, well researched job of representing the Minoan civilization and the impact of the volcano on the region. Great local sub plots too!
I picked up this book having just return from a vacation in crete & Santorini. Mercer did an excellent, well researched job of representing the Minoan civilization and the impact of the volcano on the region. Great local sub plots too!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews