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Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth #1
Olmec Obituary
Yearning for her former life as an archaeologist, Australian librarian Dr Elizabeth Pimms is struggling with a job she doesn’t want and a family she both loves and resents.
A royal Olmec cemetery is discovered deep in the Mexican jungle, containing the earliest writing in all the Americas. Dr Pimms is elated to join the team investigating the ancient skeletons found on site. Triumph is short-lived, however, as Elizabeth's position is threatened by a volatile excavation director, contradictory evidence, and hostile colleagues. With everything working against her, will Dr Pimms find the cause of death for a 3,000-year-old athlete and those buried with her?
With the archaeological intrigue of Elizabeth Peters, forensic insight of Kathy Reichs, and the comfort of a cosy mystery, Olmec Obituary is the first novel in a fascinating new series: Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth. Really cold cases.
A royal Olmec cemetery is discovered deep in the Mexican jungle, containing the earliest writing in all the Americas. Dr Pimms is elated to join the team investigating the ancient skeletons found on site. Triumph is short-lived, however, as Elizabeth's position is threatened by a volatile excavation director, contradictory evidence, and hostile colleagues. With everything working against her, will Dr Pimms find the cause of death for a 3,000-year-old athlete and those buried with her?
With the archaeological intrigue of Elizabeth Peters, forensic insight of Kathy Reichs, and the comfort of a cosy mystery, Olmec Obituary is the first novel in a fascinating new series: Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth. Really cold cases.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2015
11 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
L.J.M. Owen
8 books88 followersDr L.J.M. Owen has escaped dark and shadowy days as a public servant to explore the comparatively lighter side of life: murder, mystery and forgotten women's history. An Australian author, archaeologist and librarian with a PhD in palaeogenetics, L.J. speaks five languages and has travelled extensively through Europe and Asia.
L.J. is the Festival Director of the Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival, a celebration of literature and literacy in southern Tasmania.
In addition to writing and festival directing, L.J. is a panellist, interviewer, workshop provider and public speaker. Rare moments of free time are spent experimenting with ancient recipes…under strict feline supervision.
The Great Divide
Twisted Secrets. Hidden Victims. Monstrous Crimes.
L.J.'s new novel, The Great Divide (November 2019), introduces newcomer Jake Hunter as he tracks a killer through a fog of lies in small town Tasmania.
The Great Divide is gripping, atmospheric rural crime that meshes L.J.’s love of mystery – including rural-set Australian thrillers, classic Agatha Christie and forensic crime such as Kathy Reichs’ Temperance Brennan series – and her experiences in small town Australia. The novel has both personal and social meaning, as well as that page-turning quality that L.J.’s readers love.
Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth
A passionate advocate for reclaiming women’s history, L.J. incorporates human genetics, forensic science and ancient cultures in her Australian-set mystery series: Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth.
The first book in the series, Olmec Obituary, introduces readers to a young Dr Elizabeth Pimms, an archaeologist-librarian who solves ancient mysteries from across the globe. Struggling with grief, loss and difficult colleagues, Elizabeth searches for the identity of those buried in a royal Olmec cemetery discovered deep in the Mexican jungle.
The second book in the series, Mayan Mendacity, explores the ancient world of Maya politics, scribes and female rulers.
The third, Egyptian Enigma, plunges Elizabeth into a world of missing mummies, forgotten female Pharaohs and modern cannibals.
The Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series. Really cold cases
L.J. is the Festival Director of the Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival, a celebration of literature and literacy in southern Tasmania.
In addition to writing and festival directing, L.J. is a panellist, interviewer, workshop provider and public speaker. Rare moments of free time are spent experimenting with ancient recipes…under strict feline supervision.
The Great Divide
Twisted Secrets. Hidden Victims. Monstrous Crimes.
L.J.'s new novel, The Great Divide (November 2019), introduces newcomer Jake Hunter as he tracks a killer through a fog of lies in small town Tasmania.
The Great Divide is gripping, atmospheric rural crime that meshes L.J.’s love of mystery – including rural-set Australian thrillers, classic Agatha Christie and forensic crime such as Kathy Reichs’ Temperance Brennan series – and her experiences in small town Australia. The novel has both personal and social meaning, as well as that page-turning quality that L.J.’s readers love.
Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth
A passionate advocate for reclaiming women’s history, L.J. incorporates human genetics, forensic science and ancient cultures in her Australian-set mystery series: Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth.
The first book in the series, Olmec Obituary, introduces readers to a young Dr Elizabeth Pimms, an archaeologist-librarian who solves ancient mysteries from across the globe. Struggling with grief, loss and difficult colleagues, Elizabeth searches for the identity of those buried in a royal Olmec cemetery discovered deep in the Mexican jungle.
The second book in the series, Mayan Mendacity, explores the ancient world of Maya politics, scribes and female rulers.
The third, Egyptian Enigma, plunges Elizabeth into a world of missing mummies, forgotten female Pharaohs and modern cannibals.
The Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series. Really cold cases
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
October 24, 2017
For some reason did I not expect Olmec Obituary to take place in present time. I thought it would take place at the beginning of the 20th century. It's odd how a cover and the blurb can make you expect something else than what you get.
I'm actually a bit surprised that this book is labeled cozy crime because that's not the feeling I got when I read the book. Sure there are no sex scenes and not much violence, but it felt too serious to be a cozy crime book. Sure it had its funny moments, but most of the time it had a serious tone, especially since the main character and her family is recovering from a death in the family and Elizabeth herself has had to give up on her career as an archaeologist to support her family. So, she's not always a happy camper. But I guess since it's not many bloody murder scenes sprinkled in the book can one see this book as a cozy crime novel.
Olmec Obituary is a page-turner. I started to read the book in the evening and finished in the middle of the night. I came to enjoy Elizabeth Pimms and her family quite much and the flashbacks 3000 years ago to the life of the skeletons Emily is examining adds drama to the story. What was is that killed all those people and will Elizabeth get to the bottom of the mystery?
This is definitely a new favorite series of mine. I was intrigued by the mystery with the skeletons and Elizabeth's problem with both her family and work kept my interest up from the beginning until the end of the book. It was such a splendid book.
Olmec Obituary is one of those books that I hoped would be entertaining to read, but in the end, surpassed my expectations. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
4.5 stars
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Netgalley for an honest review!
I'm actually a bit surprised that this book is labeled cozy crime because that's not the feeling I got when I read the book. Sure there are no sex scenes and not much violence, but it felt too serious to be a cozy crime book. Sure it had its funny moments, but most of the time it had a serious tone, especially since the main character and her family is recovering from a death in the family and Elizabeth herself has had to give up on her career as an archaeologist to support her family. So, she's not always a happy camper. But I guess since it's not many bloody murder scenes sprinkled in the book can one see this book as a cozy crime novel.
Olmec Obituary is a page-turner. I started to read the book in the evening and finished in the middle of the night. I came to enjoy Elizabeth Pimms and her family quite much and the flashbacks 3000 years ago to the life of the skeletons Emily is examining adds drama to the story. What was is that killed all those people and will Elizabeth get to the bottom of the mystery?
This is definitely a new favorite series of mine. I was intrigued by the mystery with the skeletons and Elizabeth's problem with both her family and work kept my interest up from the beginning until the end of the book. It was such a splendid book.
Olmec Obituary is one of those books that I hoped would be entertaining to read, but in the end, surpassed my expectations. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
4.5 stars
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Netgalley for an honest review!
October 9, 2017
An interesting book within which the author packs heaps and heaps of information about archeology, librarianship, the study of lost languages and societies and even cooking. I was occasionally overwhelmed.
The story was good though and I enjoyed the strange family with its blended nationalities and emotional upheavals. I was a little disappointed in the loose ends such as the relationship with Luke and the story with Mai. I suppose I have to read the sequel.
This next bit did not affect my rating but I just want to comment that I wish authors would not be critical of other authors in their books. I love literary references but not ones intended to undermine the value of other works. Sadly many authors think sparkly vampires are fair game. (On the other hand maybe Stephenie Meyer should be proud that she has made such an impact that other authors feel a need to refer to her)
The story was good though and I enjoyed the strange family with its blended nationalities and emotional upheavals. I was a little disappointed in the loose ends such as the relationship with Luke and the story with Mai. I suppose I have to read the sequel.
This next bit did not affect my rating but I just want to comment that I wish authors would not be critical of other authors in their books. I love literary references but not ones intended to undermine the value of other works. Sadly many authors think sparkly vampires are fair game. (On the other hand maybe Stephenie Meyer should be proud that she has made such an impact that other authors feel a need to refer to her)
May 27, 2017
Having to rush home from the Mayan dig where she was currently working, Dr Elizabeth Pimms was shocked and heartbroken at what she was returning to in her home town of Canberra in Australia. And the fact that she was unable to return to her life as an archaeologist for the foreseeable future, saddened her deeply. But Elizabeth’s first thought was for her family, and she knew she needed to stay at home and work to support them, especially her younger brother Matty.
Taking a job as a librarian hadn’t been in her career plan, but she was happy to have the work. And when she was approached in her capacity as archaeologist to work on some skeletons which had been recovered from an Olmec cemetery in the Mexican jungle, she was ecstatic. Knowing she would only be a volunteer and working her Saturday’s off didn’t perturb Elizabeth – suddenly her life felt lighter; it felt right again. She only needed her boyfriend Luke to return from his dig and she’d be content.
But Dr Pimms knew something wasn’t right – her deep knowledge of the work she did was insulted by the contradictions and hostility coming from the director of the excavation. He insinuated she didn’t know what she was talking about - Elizabeth’s anger and disappointment didn’t deter her for long though. She was determined to discover details about the three thousand two hundred year old skeletons – her career was on the line...
Olmec Obituary is the first in the Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series by Aussie author L.J.M. Owen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The combination of archaeology and mystery is intriguing; the playback to the time these skeletons were alive and how they were living, what they were doing, the dramatic differences in day-to-day living is fascinating. The author has perfectly created the past and current day to make the reader completely involved in the story. I read #2 in the series, Mayan Mendacity, late last year when it was published and now I’m really looking forward to book #3. Highly recommended.
Taking a job as a librarian hadn’t been in her career plan, but she was happy to have the work. And when she was approached in her capacity as archaeologist to work on some skeletons which had been recovered from an Olmec cemetery in the Mexican jungle, she was ecstatic. Knowing she would only be a volunteer and working her Saturday’s off didn’t perturb Elizabeth – suddenly her life felt lighter; it felt right again. She only needed her boyfriend Luke to return from his dig and she’d be content.
But Dr Pimms knew something wasn’t right – her deep knowledge of the work she did was insulted by the contradictions and hostility coming from the director of the excavation. He insinuated she didn’t know what she was talking about - Elizabeth’s anger and disappointment didn’t deter her for long though. She was determined to discover details about the three thousand two hundred year old skeletons – her career was on the line...
Olmec Obituary is the first in the Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series by Aussie author L.J.M. Owen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The combination of archaeology and mystery is intriguing; the playback to the time these skeletons were alive and how they were living, what they were doing, the dramatic differences in day-to-day living is fascinating. The author has perfectly created the past and current day to make the reader completely involved in the story. I read #2 in the series, Mayan Mendacity, late last year when it was published and now I’m really looking forward to book #3. Highly recommended.
April 16, 2021
This was quite an interesting cosy mystery centred around an Archaeological site in Mexico where skeletal remains of a number women and children have been found. Unfortunately for me I didn't really take to the central character, Elizabeth who has given up her embryonic career as an archaeologist to return to Canberra and train as a librarian to help support her family following the death of her father. I found her a bit spoilt and immature in her attitudes and dealings with others. I also found some of the elements of the story a bit unlikely . There were also a few loose threads - Why is Mai so angry at Elizabeth? and why has Carl been distant and uncommunicative? - that I'd hoped to see resolved. But maybe the answers are in the next book.
October 27, 2016
Olmec Obituary is the first book in the Dr Pimms, Intermillenial Sleuth series by Australian author, L J M Owen. Like her grandfather and father before her, Elizabeth Pimms is a librarian. It may be a wonderful profession, but it’s not her career of choice: before the sudden death of her father, Dr Pimms was pursuing her life’s aspiration as an archaeologist in Egypt, with Luke, the man of her dreams; now, Luke is at a dig in Mexico and Elizabeth is in Canberra, providing a steady income to support her siblings.
Even though she has made some friends at the library, when an archaeologist from her honours year gets in touch with an interesting proposition, Elizabeth is intrigued. Juan may not have been most reliable student, but the chance to analyse skeletal remains from a royal Olmec cemetery is irresistible. Juan’s supervisor, Dr Carl Schmidt has promised to credit her on the paper he will soon publish, so Elizabeth is happy to spend her Saturdays working on the bones. But Elizabeth uncovers a few anomalies, and Dr Schmidt’s reaction is unexpected.
Two narratives tell the story: during 1231 BCE, the circumstances leading to the deaths of Imox, Ix, Tzkin and their children are revealed; in the present day, Elizabeth explores the 3000 year-old mystery of seventeen skeletons. Owen effectively conveys the challenge and frustration of investigating the deaths at a remove of both distance and time (rather a lot of it!). Much interesting information about archaeology and Mesoamerican people is subtly included, although there are also undisguised info dumps where one character enlightens another. After all, dental non-metrics are not something one encounters on a daily basis!
For much of the book, despite unfailing moral support from her grandparents and friends, Dr Pimms presents as a rather spoiled young woman wallowing in self-pity; luckily, over the last fifty pages, she stops assuming certain things, accepts her error and shows some maturity. Elizabeth is endowed with an eidetic memory and has created for herself a phrenic library: these make her a fascinating character, of whom readers will want more.
Owen kindly includes a glossary of technical terms, a lexicon of foreign language phrases, and 9 pages of mouth-watering recipes. The readers is left wondering about certain events in Elizabeth’s past and present, ensuring there is plenty of scope for further books in this cosy crime series. Readers are bound to look forward to the next instalment, Mayan Mendacity. An excellent debut novel.
With thanks to Echo Publishing for this copy to read and review
Even though she has made some friends at the library, when an archaeologist from her honours year gets in touch with an interesting proposition, Elizabeth is intrigued. Juan may not have been most reliable student, but the chance to analyse skeletal remains from a royal Olmec cemetery is irresistible. Juan’s supervisor, Dr Carl Schmidt has promised to credit her on the paper he will soon publish, so Elizabeth is happy to spend her Saturdays working on the bones. But Elizabeth uncovers a few anomalies, and Dr Schmidt’s reaction is unexpected.
Two narratives tell the story: during 1231 BCE, the circumstances leading to the deaths of Imox, Ix, Tzkin and their children are revealed; in the present day, Elizabeth explores the 3000 year-old mystery of seventeen skeletons. Owen effectively conveys the challenge and frustration of investigating the deaths at a remove of both distance and time (rather a lot of it!). Much interesting information about archaeology and Mesoamerican people is subtly included, although there are also undisguised info dumps where one character enlightens another. After all, dental non-metrics are not something one encounters on a daily basis!
For much of the book, despite unfailing moral support from her grandparents and friends, Dr Pimms presents as a rather spoiled young woman wallowing in self-pity; luckily, over the last fifty pages, she stops assuming certain things, accepts her error and shows some maturity. Elizabeth is endowed with an eidetic memory and has created for herself a phrenic library: these make her a fascinating character, of whom readers will want more.
Owen kindly includes a glossary of technical terms, a lexicon of foreign language phrases, and 9 pages of mouth-watering recipes. The readers is left wondering about certain events in Elizabeth’s past and present, ensuring there is plenty of scope for further books in this cosy crime series. Readers are bound to look forward to the next instalment, Mayan Mendacity. An excellent debut novel.
With thanks to Echo Publishing for this copy to read and review
October 8, 2016
I finished Olmec Obituary by LJM Owen last night and have been pondering on it ever since, but I still really don't know what to think of it.
I found it difficult to engage with the characters. Elizabeth, in my opinion, is a hot-headed little madam, indulged by her family. She jumps to conclusions and can be quite rude. Luke, her boyfriend, seems very off-hand and somehow I don't think their relationship is heading where she thinks its heading. Elizabeth's family is lovely, but she is hostile towards her sister Sam and the relationship between Elizabeth's recently deceased father and the hostile Mai is never explored or explained.
I learnt a lot of things I never knew by reading this book, yet I was left feeling vaguely dis-satisfied at the end.
Archaeologist Dr Elizabeth Pimms is called home to Canberra from Egypt following a family tragedy, leaving behind her boyfriend Luke. Unable to continue in her chosen field, she takes a job as a Librarian in order to support a family she both loves and resents. Elizabeth is excited when she is asked to join a team investigating the ancient skeletons found in an Olmec cemetery is discovered deep in the Mexican jungle. But all is not quite what it seems, and Elizabeth discovers contradictory evidence. Revealing this will threaten her position, but can she live with herself if she doesn't reveal the truth?
I know this is the first in a series but there were just a few too many threads left dangling for my liking. Even in a series I personally believe each book should be able to be read as a stand-alone.
There are some excellent recipes in the back of the book, but even so, I can in all honesty only award this book 2.5 stars with an extra .5 star for the recipes. Am I interested enough to read the next in the series? Probably not.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Publishing Australia for the digital ARC of Olmec Obituary by LJM Owen in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I found it difficult to engage with the characters. Elizabeth, in my opinion, is a hot-headed little madam, indulged by her family. She jumps to conclusions and can be quite rude. Luke, her boyfriend, seems very off-hand and somehow I don't think their relationship is heading where she thinks its heading. Elizabeth's family is lovely, but she is hostile towards her sister Sam and the relationship between Elizabeth's recently deceased father and the hostile Mai is never explored or explained.
I learnt a lot of things I never knew by reading this book, yet I was left feeling vaguely dis-satisfied at the end.
Archaeologist Dr Elizabeth Pimms is called home to Canberra from Egypt following a family tragedy, leaving behind her boyfriend Luke. Unable to continue in her chosen field, she takes a job as a Librarian in order to support a family she both loves and resents. Elizabeth is excited when she is asked to join a team investigating the ancient skeletons found in an Olmec cemetery is discovered deep in the Mexican jungle. But all is not quite what it seems, and Elizabeth discovers contradictory evidence. Revealing this will threaten her position, but can she live with herself if she doesn't reveal the truth?
I know this is the first in a series but there were just a few too many threads left dangling for my liking. Even in a series I personally believe each book should be able to be read as a stand-alone.
There are some excellent recipes in the back of the book, but even so, I can in all honesty only award this book 2.5 stars with an extra .5 star for the recipes. Am I interested enough to read the next in the series? Probably not.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Publishing Australia for the digital ARC of Olmec Obituary by LJM Owen in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
June 30, 2015
My usual reading fodder consists of fantasy and near-future science fiction. However, I recently branched out into mysteries, and found Olmec Obituary to be an engaging read with a clever plot and many smaller mysteries humming away in the background of the main story. I was also drawn in by the faithfully written characters, each of whom has a distinct voice, deep backstory, and emotional journey.
The archaeological detail is yet another clever feature of this book. The outline of Olmec civilisation, discovered through detailed archaeology, was a wonderful device used to explain a culture I knew nothing about, and the author's expertise in biological anthropology is obvious.
If you are at all interested in cosy mysteries, archaeology and ancient civilisations, libraries, family dynamics, food, or even cats, or simply enjoy characters with strong voices and a cleverly written story, there is something for you in this novel (and as I understand it, eight more to come!).
The archaeological detail is yet another clever feature of this book. The outline of Olmec civilisation, discovered through detailed archaeology, was a wonderful device used to explain a culture I knew nothing about, and the author's expertise in biological anthropology is obvious.
If you are at all interested in cosy mysteries, archaeology and ancient civilisations, libraries, family dynamics, food, or even cats, or simply enjoy characters with strong voices and a cleverly written story, there is something for you in this novel (and as I understand it, eight more to come!).
July 7, 2015
An enticing read that continuously beckons the reader to travel through two time periods on opposite sides of the world. As one learns more about the characters and their relationships some answers are revealed but others emerge.
Superbly written with an excellent combination of incidental, flavouring details and a palpable growing tension. I just had to keep reading to resolve the tale. And now I cannot wait for the next one!
Superbly written with an excellent combination of incidental, flavouring details and a palpable growing tension. I just had to keep reading to resolve the tale. And now I cannot wait for the next one!
June 29, 2015
I bought Olmec through Kickstarter earlier this year. My only problem with this book is I'll have to wait a while for the next one.
As an English teacher and avid reader of many genres, I found nothing to criticize and much to delight. This novel is well written in correct English and has a captivating story.
I was very impressed with the archaeological knowledge (shades of Kathy Reichs without the gore). It certainly led me off looking for more information on the Olmecs - I particularly liked tracking down some of the suggested further readings at the back of the book.
The end is satisfying but some questions remain. Who is this Mai and what is her problem?
I recommend this to others who like mysteries, history and archaeology.
As an English teacher and avid reader of many genres, I found nothing to criticize and much to delight. This novel is well written in correct English and has a captivating story.
I was very impressed with the archaeological knowledge (shades of Kathy Reichs without the gore). It certainly led me off looking for more information on the Olmecs - I particularly liked tracking down some of the suggested further readings at the back of the book.
The end is satisfying but some questions remain. Who is this Mai and what is her problem?
I recommend this to others who like mysteries, history and archaeology.
July 24, 2016
I love this book but it is a mystery like Agatha Christie or Midsomer Murder where you have to think to work out what is going on. I like stories that you have to concentrate on so when you read the book again all the clues are there. I think only people who like to think about things will like this book. It’s the kind of book my sister and some friends won’t like because they like romance, so if you are looking for easy or romance this probably not a book for you. But if you like interesting facts or history you will probably like it like me.
July 24, 2016
I liked the family, the story from the past, the main charatcer and the cats. I found the science and genetic information good and I liked the histor of the Olmecs but it did mean I want the next one. I'm glad it will be here soon.
July 7, 2015
Loved it and couldn't put it down! Right up my alley - good mystery with a little history. Can not wait for the next one.
October 2, 2016
I read this book and the second one in the series because it was said to be similar to the Amelia Peabody series. My reviews for both books are the same and thank you to NetGalley for the books.
Even though the protagonist in this series Elizabeth has a different personality to Amelia's these books reminded me of Crocodile on the Sandbank. Elizabeth Pimms could be Amelia Peabody's long lost Australian cousin.
The archaeology in these books was as good if not better than Amelia Peabody as there was more of it and extra reading and notes in the back. The Olmecs are a culture I hadn't heard of before so at first I thought they were fictional but then found out they were real so that made the first book even more interesting. The Mayans were also interesting. I found the detailed description of the skeletons and teeth intriguing, like the descriptions in the Temperance Brennan series which I also enjoy.
In the Amelia Peabody books Amelia is 32 at the beginning while Elizabeth is only 25 so I think maybe Elizabeth becomes more like Amelia by the time she's 32? Maybe not a total personality transplant but different? The one thing these books don't have is a misogynist lead man like Radcliffe Emerson which I prefer. Although I love the Amelia Peabody series I never liked the misogynist characters so Dr Pimms is better in this way, I think, although they are still misogynists here.
Even though these books have a different overall feel to Amelia Peabody and Elizabeth’s family is certainly different to Amelia's I conclude it is similar enough to agree that if you like Amelia Peabody there's a good chance you will like reading Elizabeth Pimms.
Even though the protagonist in this series Elizabeth has a different personality to Amelia's these books reminded me of Crocodile on the Sandbank. Elizabeth Pimms could be Amelia Peabody's long lost Australian cousin.
The archaeology in these books was as good if not better than Amelia Peabody as there was more of it and extra reading and notes in the back. The Olmecs are a culture I hadn't heard of before so at first I thought they were fictional but then found out they were real so that made the first book even more interesting. The Mayans were also interesting. I found the detailed description of the skeletons and teeth intriguing, like the descriptions in the Temperance Brennan series which I also enjoy.
In the Amelia Peabody books Amelia is 32 at the beginning while Elizabeth is only 25 so I think maybe Elizabeth becomes more like Amelia by the time she's 32? Maybe not a total personality transplant but different? The one thing these books don't have is a misogynist lead man like Radcliffe Emerson which I prefer. Although I love the Amelia Peabody series I never liked the misogynist characters so Dr Pimms is better in this way, I think, although they are still misogynists here.
Even though these books have a different overall feel to Amelia Peabody and Elizabeth’s family is certainly different to Amelia's I conclude it is similar enough to agree that if you like Amelia Peabody there's a good chance you will like reading Elizabeth Pimms.
October 2, 2016
Great for readers of cosy mystery and history and family drama.
Having now read this book and the next in the series I can say both books were great reads especially the history and the forensics. They're well written, kept me guessing to the end and the author obviously knows the subjects. The Olmecs and Mayans (second book) were both intriguing cultures but a bit sickening and upsetting with some of their cultural practices but then maybe that's true for all cultures.
Reading these books made me feel both happy and sad. My daughter is like Elizabeth. She's bright, focussed on her work and had a tough time at school. It was painful to watch her struggle with bullying. The same confusion and hurt in my daughter by not knowing automatically how to get along with loud or outgoing people seems to be part of the Elizabeth character although maybe that’s not what the author intended. It made me happy to see this kind of character as a lead character and I'm looking forward to giving it to my daughter to read as I'm sure it will make her feel good to see a character that was bullied at school become the lead character in a series.
A great find.
Having now read this book and the next in the series I can say both books were great reads especially the history and the forensics. They're well written, kept me guessing to the end and the author obviously knows the subjects. The Olmecs and Mayans (second book) were both intriguing cultures but a bit sickening and upsetting with some of their cultural practices but then maybe that's true for all cultures.
Reading these books made me feel both happy and sad. My daughter is like Elizabeth. She's bright, focussed on her work and had a tough time at school. It was painful to watch her struggle with bullying. The same confusion and hurt in my daughter by not knowing automatically how to get along with loud or outgoing people seems to be part of the Elizabeth character although maybe that’s not what the author intended. It made me happy to see this kind of character as a lead character and I'm looking forward to giving it to my daughter to read as I'm sure it will make her feel good to see a character that was bullied at school become the lead character in a series.
A great find.
December 28, 2015
I found the story grabbed me from the very start. Opened page 1 on a flight to Sydney and was surprised that we appeared to get there so quickly and I had to put it away to disembark. Easy to read and easy to understand even though I’m not an archaeologist. I love a good mystery and this didn’t disappoint. I am looking forward to Book #2 in the series.
December 30, 2015
A wonderfully written story that engages the reader from the beginning, interesting plot lines and characters with good development and scope for further adventures! I found it very difficult to put down and eagerly await the next book in the series!
November 7, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautifully crafted, well-researched and engaging novel. The author described the settings well, and the Olmec chapters were particularly gripping. I anticipated this novel to be focussed solely on the exploration of historical sites, but the events that occurred in Elizabeth's social life drew me in as well. I saw Elizabeth as a person, not just a clever detective, and sympathised with her in the many ups and downs that occur in this novel. Her reactions are real and fallible, making her all the more endearing (who really loves a character that knows what to say and when to say it all the time? - bleh!).
I have no criticisms, but feel there were a couple of instances where I believe fringe characters could be fleshed out a little more. Elizabeth is enamored with her boyfriend Luke, but I want to know more about him: his personality, his likes and dislikes. What makes her love him so? Mai is another character that I would like to know more about, but as this is a series, perhaps these details are already on the way, and I just have to be patient!
Having said this, Elizabeth's family was believable and lovable, each in their own right. The tension between Sam and Elizabeth is well-crafted, and the resolution had me reeling (no spoilers of course). Even Elizabeth's cats had their own actions and motives, and I loved the edition of Billy in Elizabeth's phrenic library - imagine if we could all have one of those!
Overall, a truly fantastic read, and I can't wait for the next installment!
I have no criticisms, but feel there were a couple of instances where I believe fringe characters could be fleshed out a little more. Elizabeth is enamored with her boyfriend Luke, but I want to know more about him: his personality, his likes and dislikes. What makes her love him so? Mai is another character that I would like to know more about, but as this is a series, perhaps these details are already on the way, and I just have to be patient!
Having said this, Elizabeth's family was believable and lovable, each in their own right. The tension between Sam and Elizabeth is well-crafted, and the resolution had me reeling (no spoilers of course). Even Elizabeth's cats had their own actions and motives, and I loved the edition of Billy in Elizabeth's phrenic library - imagine if we could all have one of those!
Overall, a truly fantastic read, and I can't wait for the next installment!
February 9, 2016
L.J.M Owen is a lovely writer. Her first venture into novels with the Olmec Obituary is sure to be a success. This is the first novel in a series. The 'who done it' archaeological mystery is set in Canberra, Australia, with Dr. Elizabeth Pimms (Archaeologist and Librarian) asked to assist with the investigation of some ancient skeletons from an archaeological site in Mexico. But, there are inconsistencies!! Say no more....
Written in the same archaeological vein as Elizabeth Peters, this novel has more forensic depth to get your teeth into. The characters are modern and believable and the story well paced. The intrigue is woven amongst the everyday issues of life.
I feel that the story deserves 5 stars. Recommended. I can't wait for the next edition.
Written in the same archaeological vein as Elizabeth Peters, this novel has more forensic depth to get your teeth into. The characters are modern and believable and the story well paced. The intrigue is woven amongst the everyday issues of life.
I feel that the story deserves 5 stars. Recommended. I can't wait for the next edition.
November 27, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, and I read in record time for me. The characters are easy to relate to and you really feel like you are shadowing Elizabeth through the book. The story grabs you with the first chapter and I found it really difficult to put it down as the story became more intriguing with twists and turns. I also love the fact the the author included the recipes for the delicious food that Elizabeth's family made. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next book in the series.
November 17, 2015
I love cozy mysteries so this is perfect. I got a copy of this for the holidays. I read it in 2 nights and I love it. Exactly what it said on the cover. Skeletons and soup and libraries and it was hard to work out the answer. I was annoyed it was the only one as not all the mysteries are answered by the end. My cousin whose 15 is reading it now and said she likes it too.
December 28, 2015
Absolutely loved this book! I'm an archaeologist who studied in Canberra and coincidentally work at the library which inspired the Mahoney Griffin, so I loved all the familiar location details, as well as the incredibly accurate archaeological techniques and processes. Can't wait to read more about Dr. Pimms, Intermillenial Sleuth!!
February 14, 2017
This book was amazing. I enjoyed it so much, I can not wait for the authors next offering.
August 23, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. It was light and looking forward to next book in the series.
January 30, 2016
Her father's unexpected and untimely death means that Dr Elizabeth Pimms, forensic archaeologist and Egyptologist, has to abandon work she is doing in Egypt to return to her family in Canberra and take work as a librarian, so that she can provide financial support for her brother and sister and extended family.
She is approached to do some voluntary weekend work in Canberra working on the bones of 17 skeletons retrieved from an Olmec cave in Mexico. Her work is to be unpaid because the supervisor says basically that she needs to prove herself before he will consider remuneration. Elizabeth finds this difficult to understand because he has already obviously spent considerable funds on the work in Mexico. He and she have a falling out however on the first day when Elizabeth challenges some of the conclusions he wants to publish about the remains.
The reader is given background story to the events which have resulted in the burial of the bodies. These are details that Elizabeth has no way of knowing because there are no written records relating to this site. I am not sure about the wisdom of this as a plot structure.
Elizabeth has a personal mystery to unravel related to the death of her mother in a car crash nearly a decade earlier. She has to admit that she has been wrong in her assumptions about what caused the crash. But jumping to the wrong conclusions seems to be pretty par for the course for Elizabeth.
There is a lot going on in this book but my enjoyment of it was not helped by the fact that I didn't particularly warm to Elizabeth herself. I thought I found some inconsistencies in the background details about Elizabeth: later in the book the family celebrates her 26th birthday, but in the Prologue we are told "after twenty years of yearning, planning and dedicated study she was finally here... a skilled archaeologist and knowledgeable Egyptologist". I found it difficult to juggle her expertise against her age, and would have been more comfortable if she had just been a few years older.
Nevertheless, it is always interesting to find a new female Australian author, with a very different scenario, leading me into a world I am not really familiar with.
A second book in the series is promised: MAYAN MENDACITY. Elements of the story from OLMEC OBITUARY are left unresolved, so this should help link the two.
October 2, 2016
Princess Fuzzypants here:
Let me start by saying I hate cliffhangers. This book has a whopper of a cliffhanger that left me feeling a bit cheated which is why I am not giving it the full five purrs. Having said that, I do understand the motive behind it and will look forward to reading more of Elizabeth's exploits.
She is a truly interesting heroine. She is brilliant with a mind that captures images and is able to access them as her phrenic library. Because she is so smart, like many very smart humans, her social skills are somewhat lacking and when she finds herself in contentious situations, she is not at her best.
After the death of her father, she is called back from an archeological dig in Egypt where she has left her boyfriend and the work she loves. She must earn a living to take care of her extended family and is forced to take a job as a librarian. So when a former schoolmate asks her to help with an important find in Mexico, she leaps at the chance.
She quickly learns that not all is what is seems nor are the players whom they purport to be. Conflicts and disappointments abound but Elizabeth is determined to find out what truly happened to the people in the mass grave and to figure out who is behind the disregard for the facts.
It is tense, and really starts moving at a fast pace about midway through and then does not let up until the end, the hanging end of the cliffhanger. I want to know what happens next in both her professional and private life. And I am just going to have to wait. We cats are not known for our patience.
By the way, I do enjoy the four cats who are Elizabeth's furry assistants. Mostly they provide warmth and companionship but I am sure they will have an enhanced role as the series continues.
I will give this four purrs and two paws up.
Let me start by saying I hate cliffhangers. This book has a whopper of a cliffhanger that left me feeling a bit cheated which is why I am not giving it the full five purrs. Having said that, I do understand the motive behind it and will look forward to reading more of Elizabeth's exploits.
She is a truly interesting heroine. She is brilliant with a mind that captures images and is able to access them as her phrenic library. Because she is so smart, like many very smart humans, her social skills are somewhat lacking and when she finds herself in contentious situations, she is not at her best.
After the death of her father, she is called back from an archeological dig in Egypt where she has left her boyfriend and the work she loves. She must earn a living to take care of her extended family and is forced to take a job as a librarian. So when a former schoolmate asks her to help with an important find in Mexico, she leaps at the chance.
She quickly learns that not all is what is seems nor are the players whom they purport to be. Conflicts and disappointments abound but Elizabeth is determined to find out what truly happened to the people in the mass grave and to figure out who is behind the disregard for the facts.
It is tense, and really starts moving at a fast pace about midway through and then does not let up until the end, the hanging end of the cliffhanger. I want to know what happens next in both her professional and private life. And I am just going to have to wait. We cats are not known for our patience.
By the way, I do enjoy the four cats who are Elizabeth's furry assistants. Mostly they provide warmth and companionship but I am sure they will have an enhanced role as the series continues.
I will give this four purrs and two paws up.
July 6, 2015
Olmec Obituary is a fantastic story that is very well crafted. I found it very hard to put down.
I usually read sci-fi, fantasy and horror, although I have been known to enjoy a good mystery, such as in this case.
The unique format of the story captured my imagination early and kept it for the entire book. I found the characters to be realistic and believable. The archaeological detail, especially the description of the Great Ballcourt, inspired me to look up further information about the Olmec civilisation.
As a person who enjoys a good story that is well written I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any and all lovers of fiction. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I usually read sci-fi, fantasy and horror, although I have been known to enjoy a good mystery, such as in this case.
The unique format of the story captured my imagination early and kept it for the entire book. I found the characters to be realistic and believable. The archaeological detail, especially the description of the Great Ballcourt, inspired me to look up further information about the Olmec civilisation.
As a person who enjoys a good story that is well written I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any and all lovers of fiction. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 31, 2016
Fantastic novel. Combined my favourites of books and history nicely. Can't wait for next book in Intermillennial Sleuth Series.
December 20, 2016
2.5 stars.
I picked this one up because it basically ticked all of my boxes. I mean, it's a cozy mystery in which the protagonist is an archaeologist turned librarian and it's set in Canberra. I'm a librarian with an undergrad degree in archaeology who used to live in Canberra. It should have been a slam dunk.
And there were DEFINITELY elements of the story that I enjoyed. I loved the reimagining of the National Library, right down to the stained glass Celtic cross in the cafe. I liked how well archaeology was represented. I liked the friendship that develops between Elizabeth and Henry. I liked how unapologetically bookish it was.
However.
Elizabeth is possibly the most annoying brat of a character I've ever come across. First of all, I'm not entirely sure WHY she had to give up archaeology to stay in Canberra. Like...girl. There are stacks of jobs going with Australian archaeology companies. You don't HAVE to work in Egypt or Mexico or Azerbaijan. You could easily work in Australia as an archaeologist.
Furthermore, YOU HAVE A JOB ON THE GRAD PROGRAM AT THE NATIONAL LIBRARY!! Do you know how many graduate librarians would murder all their colleagues to get that job?! And you're moping your way around the National Library because it's not a job in archaeology?? STFU.
And let's just talk for a moment about the fact that Elizabeth is supporting three of her grandparents, her two younger siblings - one of whom requires fairly significant medical treatment on a regular basis - and herself on a grad program salary. Like...most grad programs start you out as an APS3. I was an APS3 for two years, and the most I made was $52,000. Good luck supporting six people on that salary, particularly when you live in a house that's big enough to have a library and a courtyard, as well as bedrooms for all those people.
To be honest, an awful lot of this book felt like set up. We're getting to know Elizabeth (and how perfectly perfect she is). We're getting to know her family, who seem to do nothing but eat fancy soups that need to be prepared over two days. We're getting to know her friends and colleagues and her douchey boyfriend. And then finally, at about the 60% mark, we really start to get stuck into the mystery side of things.
And then at around the 90% mark, we're given all these hints that there's going to be a big dramatic ending where the douchey boyfriend returns. BUT NO. The book just...ends.
That said, I think part of my meh feelings towards this were because I interpreted "intermillennial sleuth" as "time travelling archaeologist investigates crimes", so I kept expecting her to time travel. And while I liked the parts where we get the story of how all the Olmec skeletons died (right up until the part where it got super rapey, anyway), I wanted Elizabeth to work out MORE of that, rather than just solving the present day stuff.
So I guess on the whole, it has promise. But there were a TON of unanswered questions (like WTF was going on with Mai) and given how much I wanted to punch Elizabeth in her perfect I'm-25-and-have-a-PhD-*and*-a-librarianship-degree-*and*-a-photographic-memory-and-a-developed-career face, I don't know that I'll be continuing on with it.
(In case anyone is wondering why I have it on my POC Narrator shelf, it's because Elizabeth's father was half Chinese, so she's biracial)
I picked this one up because it basically ticked all of my boxes. I mean, it's a cozy mystery in which the protagonist is an archaeologist turned librarian and it's set in Canberra. I'm a librarian with an undergrad degree in archaeology who used to live in Canberra. It should have been a slam dunk.
And there were DEFINITELY elements of the story that I enjoyed. I loved the reimagining of the National Library, right down to the stained glass Celtic cross in the cafe. I liked how well archaeology was represented. I liked the friendship that develops between Elizabeth and Henry. I liked how unapologetically bookish it was.
However.
Elizabeth is possibly the most annoying brat of a character I've ever come across. First of all, I'm not entirely sure WHY she had to give up archaeology to stay in Canberra. Like...girl. There are stacks of jobs going with Australian archaeology companies. You don't HAVE to work in Egypt or Mexico or Azerbaijan. You could easily work in Australia as an archaeologist.
Furthermore, YOU HAVE A JOB ON THE GRAD PROGRAM AT THE NATIONAL LIBRARY!! Do you know how many graduate librarians would murder all their colleagues to get that job?! And you're moping your way around the National Library because it's not a job in archaeology?? STFU.
And let's just talk for a moment about the fact that Elizabeth is supporting three of her grandparents, her two younger siblings - one of whom requires fairly significant medical treatment on a regular basis - and herself on a grad program salary. Like...most grad programs start you out as an APS3. I was an APS3 for two years, and the most I made was $52,000. Good luck supporting six people on that salary, particularly when you live in a house that's big enough to have a library and a courtyard, as well as bedrooms for all those people.
To be honest, an awful lot of this book felt like set up. We're getting to know Elizabeth (and how perfectly perfect she is). We're getting to know her family, who seem to do nothing but eat fancy soups that need to be prepared over two days. We're getting to know her friends and colleagues and her douchey boyfriend. And then finally, at about the 60% mark, we really start to get stuck into the mystery side of things.
And then at around the 90% mark, we're given all these hints that there's going to be a big dramatic ending where the douchey boyfriend returns. BUT NO. The book just...ends.
That said, I think part of my meh feelings towards this were because I interpreted "intermillennial sleuth" as "time travelling archaeologist investigates crimes", so I kept expecting her to time travel. And while I liked the parts where we get the story of how all the Olmec skeletons died (right up until the part where it got super rapey, anyway), I wanted Elizabeth to work out MORE of that, rather than just solving the present day stuff.
So I guess on the whole, it has promise. But there were a TON of unanswered questions (like WTF was going on with Mai) and given how much I wanted to punch Elizabeth in her perfect I'm-25-and-have-a-PhD-*and*-a-librarianship-degree-*and*-a-photographic-memory-and-a-developed-career face, I don't know that I'll be continuing on with it.
(In case anyone is wondering why I have it on my POC Narrator shelf, it's because Elizabeth's father was half Chinese, so she's biracial)
October 31, 2016
This story was a unique combination of small mysteries contained with an overall mystery. This was the type of story that a problem solver/puzzle maker would love to read. There were pieces that would make the story enjoyable to be read multiple times...as if there would be something different to take away each time depending on how you interpret the author's writing.
The characters were easy to relate to and identify with. The mystery was well laid out, with the perfect combination of bits and pieces to keep the story moving and the mystery engaging. I especially enjoyed Elizabeth, she was fallible, a truly believable character, that she was both an Archaeologist and Librarian made her depth that much more real. I look forward to more story about her and many more adventures.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
The characters were easy to relate to and identify with. The mystery was well laid out, with the perfect combination of bits and pieces to keep the story moving and the mystery engaging. I especially enjoyed Elizabeth, she was fallible, a truly believable character, that she was both an Archaeologist and Librarian made her depth that much more real. I look forward to more story about her and many more adventures.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
March 31, 2019
The story was very slow and I found it hard to get into. I also had a hard time relating to the main character, Dr. Pimms. I picked this book up several times in hopes of enjoying it more but it never did keep my attention. Unfortunately I ended up giving up a little over halfway through the book. It's a shame too because I love archaeology and was hoping to find another good series with an archaeological background. Maybe one day I'll give it another try...
*I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
*I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
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