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The Blackwell Files #9
The Dig
Sometimes the Most Priceless Treasure is Life Two members of an international archeological team have been murdered, and a third is missing. Summoned to the researchers’ site in Guadalajara, Mexico, Alton and Mallory must race the clock to uncover the sinister plans surrounding the site and protect the researchers from further attack. Along the way, they discover that the dig site’s ancient Aztec ruins aren’t the only source of mystery and surprise.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2017
838 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Steven F. Freeman
68 books80 followersThriller/mystery author Steve Freeman is a former member of the US Army's Signal Corps, a thirty-four-year employee of a large American technology company, and an avid traveler who has visited every continent but Antarctica. His novels draw from firsthand knowledge of military service, the tech industry, and the diverse cultures of our world.
He currently lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, daughter, and four dogs.
He currently lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, daughter, and four dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 16, 2018
First of all, Steve Freeman, I apologize for being so late in getting to your book, The Dig, a year after you sent in to me! The cover is quite appealing, and it’s always a pleasure to see what Alton and Mallory Blackwell are up to.
In this, their ninth adventure mystery, Alton, a cryptologist, and his wife Mallory, an FBI cyber-criminologist, are called upon with their usual team of experts to go to Mexico to unearth a scheme revolving around an ancient Aztec ruin that has been revealed recently in an earthquake. Two members of the archeological team have been murdered and a third man is missing. Alton and his team must secure the area and find the culprits before any more harm is done.
Freeman writes with a straightforward, simple style. His protagonists are pretty much what-you-see-is-what-you-get type of characters. Over the course of nine books, I haven’t seen a whole lot of change or growth in Alton or Mallory, except that Alton has come to know that he is worthy of Mallory’s love, and the two eventually married. I was happy to see Mallory take on a larger role in this book. His buddy David and adopted daughter Mastana, as well as several other familiar faces, accompany the couple on this assignment.
The Dig establishes an attractive setting for this adventure, which is set in the Guadalajara area. The author throws in a smattering of local landmarks and Spanish language to capture the feel of the region. He is most successful in his description when he puts Alton and the local police detective, Gaby Vasquez, underwater in one of the cenotes as they search for a missing artifact. This is one of the more dramatic scenes in a plot that is otherwise rather ho-hum.
That’s not to say that I was bored. I wasn’t. I was constantly looking for clues trying to figure out who the killer was and what the motive might be. Yes, it was fairly obvious, but I was looking for hidden motives. If you are looking for a hold-your-breath, heart-stopping type of thriller, the Blackwell Files is not the series for you. The story lines are fairly predictable. They basically follow a pattern, ending with an Agatha Christie style ending where all the parties gather for a tell-all reveal.
So why do I keep reading? Alton and Mallory are “just folks”. They are good, decent people. They’re smart, and they know how to get a job done. Not quite what I’d call a cozy, but not exactly thrillers, either. Just a “nice” read.
3.5 stars
In this, their ninth adventure mystery, Alton, a cryptologist, and his wife Mallory, an FBI cyber-criminologist, are called upon with their usual team of experts to go to Mexico to unearth a scheme revolving around an ancient Aztec ruin that has been revealed recently in an earthquake. Two members of the archeological team have been murdered and a third man is missing. Alton and his team must secure the area and find the culprits before any more harm is done.
Freeman writes with a straightforward, simple style. His protagonists are pretty much what-you-see-is-what-you-get type of characters. Over the course of nine books, I haven’t seen a whole lot of change or growth in Alton or Mallory, except that Alton has come to know that he is worthy of Mallory’s love, and the two eventually married. I was happy to see Mallory take on a larger role in this book. His buddy David and adopted daughter Mastana, as well as several other familiar faces, accompany the couple on this assignment.
The Dig establishes an attractive setting for this adventure, which is set in the Guadalajara area. The author throws in a smattering of local landmarks and Spanish language to capture the feel of the region. He is most successful in his description when he puts Alton and the local police detective, Gaby Vasquez, underwater in one of the cenotes as they search for a missing artifact. This is one of the more dramatic scenes in a plot that is otherwise rather ho-hum.
That’s not to say that I was bored. I wasn’t. I was constantly looking for clues trying to figure out who the killer was and what the motive might be. Yes, it was fairly obvious, but I was looking for hidden motives. If you are looking for a hold-your-breath, heart-stopping type of thriller, the Blackwell Files is not the series for you. The story lines are fairly predictable. They basically follow a pattern, ending with an Agatha Christie style ending where all the parties gather for a tell-all reveal.
So why do I keep reading? Alton and Mallory are “just folks”. They are good, decent people. They’re smart, and they know how to get a job done. Not quite what I’d call a cozy, but not exactly thrillers, either. Just a “nice” read.
3.5 stars
December 17, 2021
To be honest, seeing the cover and reading the description, I expected to find a different kind of story. I was expecting to find an exciting action/adventure thriller or a suspenseful mystery/thriller. Possibly mixed with a good creature horror story in the Aztec temple. Turns out, this is just a simple detective mystery novel in an archaeological setting.
This is not a bad novel. There’s definitely a pretty good murder mystery to be found in here. But if you are expecting to find a different kind of story like me, you might be disappointed.
This is not a bad novel. There’s definitely a pretty good murder mystery to be found in here. But if you are expecting to find a different kind of story like me, you might be disappointed.
September 17, 2017
I very much enjoy this series. The team is sent to Mexico due to the deaths for several archeologists. These books get me from the beginning and keep me hanging on until the end. I love the characters and the stories. This series is nonstop for me and I love it. I think this would make a great mini-series for TV. This series for me is this good. * I received this book from the author and this is my honest review*
August 18, 2017
Wow... I loved this story. It had history, thrilling cave dives, an ocean cruise liner intrigue, archeology, black market, and the main protagonist on this one was Mallory. If you are familiar with the series, husband and wife team, Alton and Mallory Blackwell, work together, but Mallory took the lead in this story. I rather liked that. The history the author used was terrific and reminded me of Dan Brown. Steve Freeman has his own style, and it was dramatic in this book. You won't want to put it down, and if you are a new reader he brings you into the fold.
The characters were complex and each has their own foils which only adds to the suspense. The descriptions of the area and of the archeology dig were terrific! When the cave diving came into the story, that added to the suspense and thrill. Another great job!
The characters were complex and each has their own foils which only adds to the suspense. The descriptions of the area and of the archeology dig were terrific! When the cave diving came into the story, that added to the suspense and thrill. Another great job!
October 1, 2017
This is the second book in the Blackwell Files series I have read and I found as compelling reading as Tear of God.
Alton and Mallory, and their team are sent to Guadalajara, Mexico to investigate the murder of two archaeologists and the mysterious disappearance of a third. It is not a simple murder investigation with intrigue including black market artefact sales and dubious characters.
Freemans regular characters are likeable, thorough in their work and clever. They are brought to life with excellent written imageries of their actions, thoughts and physical descriptions. The story line is full of action, mystery and history. It is all brought to life with beautiful descriptive passages of the background sights, sounds and smells.
The agents and police are teamed up to work on three different aspects of the investigation. Freeman’s story moves smoothly between one group with no confusion or distraction of the overall storyline.
It is, put simply, another great mystery story from Steven F. Freeman. I certainly need to go back and read the stories in the Blackwell Files I have missed
I received a free copy of this book for review.
My rating 5*. The story is well written, draws in the reader and the pace never slows down.
Alton and Mallory, and their team are sent to Guadalajara, Mexico to investigate the murder of two archaeologists and the mysterious disappearance of a third. It is not a simple murder investigation with intrigue including black market artefact sales and dubious characters.
Freemans regular characters are likeable, thorough in their work and clever. They are brought to life with excellent written imageries of their actions, thoughts and physical descriptions. The story line is full of action, mystery and history. It is all brought to life with beautiful descriptive passages of the background sights, sounds and smells.
The agents and police are teamed up to work on three different aspects of the investigation. Freeman’s story moves smoothly between one group with no confusion or distraction of the overall storyline.
It is, put simply, another great mystery story from Steven F. Freeman. I certainly need to go back and read the stories in the Blackwell Files I have missed
I received a free copy of this book for review.
My rating 5*. The story is well written, draws in the reader and the pace never slows down.
August 14, 2017
I have enjoyed the Blackwell Files books from the beginning and this one was no exception. I enjoy seeing Alton, Mallory and all the others over and over again because it really helps these books come to life from the pages.
The team gets called to Mexico due to the deaths for several archeologists and the safety for those remaining. The troubles are compounded because the are solving murders, protecting people, protecting artifacts, and having to do many other things with a limited number of people and troubles coming from what seems to be several different directions.
In this one the story was off the charts amazing because I loved the history added into it and the feeling of learning some amazing things right along with the characters. All the stories in this series teach you something, but this one was extra special to me because I loved the particular background this one took.
Another great mystery where solving it doesn't happen within 2 seconds of starting the book but goes right through to the end when it is revealed by our wonderful detectives!
The team gets called to Mexico due to the deaths for several archeologists and the safety for those remaining. The troubles are compounded because the are solving murders, protecting people, protecting artifacts, and having to do many other things with a limited number of people and troubles coming from what seems to be several different directions.
In this one the story was off the charts amazing because I loved the history added into it and the feeling of learning some amazing things right along with the characters. All the stories in this series teach you something, but this one was extra special to me because I loved the particular background this one took.
Another great mystery where solving it doesn't happen within 2 seconds of starting the book but goes right through to the end when it is revealed by our wonderful detectives!
December 29, 2023
Murders are happening at an Aztec archeological site, and an American team is sent in to investigate. The characters were each described with a brief profile but were never developed. Each played a role but I mainly kept track of them by their old injuries as that was the most distinct thing about them. The dig itself played very little role, and details about the site seemed to change (like the underground tunnels and chamber were carved out of solid rock but the archeologists were digging deep into the dirt of the floor (huh?) even though artifacts were just sitting on exposed--no digging necessary--altars and statues). The action did get exciting at times, and the whodunit was a lot more complicated than I expected from what seemed like a pretty straightforward storyline. Two unmarried characters had sex, but it was fade-to-black rather than a graphic sex scene. There was occasional use of bad language.
October 9, 2017
Young Adult Adventure/Mystery
Fun adventures as a team of NSA and FBI agents work with Mexican police to solve the mystery of multiple murders on a Mexican archeological dig. Powerful people in the U.S. demand answers and the identities of the killers.
Although this novel features "NSA agents", it actually resembles a traditional murder mystery plot. The lack of relevant tradecraft and the assembly of all the suspects, for the U.S. agents to slowly reveal their thought processes convinced me that this book is targeted at a Young Adult audience, rather than adult readers. For that audience, this would rate 4 stars.
Fun adventures as a team of NSA and FBI agents work with Mexican police to solve the mystery of multiple murders on a Mexican archeological dig. Powerful people in the U.S. demand answers and the identities of the killers.
Although this novel features "NSA agents", it actually resembles a traditional murder mystery plot. The lack of relevant tradecraft and the assembly of all the suspects, for the U.S. agents to slowly reveal their thought processes convinced me that this book is targeted at a Young Adult audience, rather than adult readers. For that audience, this would rate 4 stars.
October 12, 2017
Entertaining
Mr Freeman writes a nice thriller. The leading characters are interesting and the fact that through his books these characters have had their lives/personalities fleshed out makes a deverse story. Each character brings a different element to solving the crime. As proved in this story regarding artifacts and archaeologists where Mallory's background as a former FBI agent makes her look at the crime in many aspects and allows her to come up with the correct theory. I was disappointed in the ending where Marco is now going to prison. One will have to bread the book to see why this happens. There for me was a death too many.
Mr Freeman writes a nice thriller. The leading characters are interesting and the fact that through his books these characters have had their lives/personalities fleshed out makes a deverse story. Each character brings a different element to solving the crime. As proved in this story regarding artifacts and archaeologists where Mallory's background as a former FBI agent makes her look at the crime in many aspects and allows her to come up with the correct theory. I was disappointed in the ending where Marco is now going to prison. One will have to bread the book to see why this happens. There for me was a death too many.
September 7, 2017
The Dig by Freeman. I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it. Non-stopping adventure in Mexico with the promise of a who dunnit from the beginning. Most of the story revolves around the tunnels where the artifacts are or were. It's also where 3 deaths occur. A pair of the team pose as wealthy tourists, buying artifacts. But it is left to Mallory Blackwell to tie up the loose ends and expose the killer. Good reading.
September 29, 2017
Ancient artifacts, fascinating locations, a great mystery
THE DIG appealed to me with its focus on archeology, fascinating look into the illegal trade in Pre-Columbian artifacts, and immersive descriptions of Guadalajara.
My only issue was being able to identify the murderer way too early. Otherwise, a great read.
THE DIG appealed to me with its focus on archeology, fascinating look into the illegal trade in Pre-Columbian artifacts, and immersive descriptions of Guadalajara.
My only issue was being able to identify the murderer way too early. Otherwise, a great read.
June 22, 2019
I love archeology and finding artifacts made this a good plot. It brought the dig to life, as well as the team working to uncover why the deaths in the team, and what was really going on. The investigation by the police was through and they had great esteem for the leader. With other thoughts of what maybe going on, they found a solution and the culpert. Another good story to the end.
July 29, 2020
An interesting story with numerous plot twists!
Like murder mysteries? You're going enjoy this book. Characters are well established and believable, even though this is book number nine! Plot plays out in an orderly manner with surprises along the way that you don't see coming with a startling ending! You will not want to put it down!
Like murder mysteries? You're going enjoy this book. Characters are well established and believable, even though this is book number nine! Plot plays out in an orderly manner with surprises along the way that you don't see coming with a startling ending! You will not want to put it down!
November 22, 2021
The Dig by Steven Freeman
This is the first book of this author that I read. Very interesting and exciting crime thriller from start to finish. The perpetrator of the crimes was highly unexpected. The logical deduction employed by the US team in Mexico and articulated by Mallory to provide evidence was excellent and very convincing. Waiting to read his other books.
This is the first book of this author that I read. Very interesting and exciting crime thriller from start to finish. The perpetrator of the crimes was highly unexpected. The logical deduction employed by the US team in Mexico and articulated by Mallory to provide evidence was excellent and very convincing. Waiting to read his other books.
November 14, 2022
Digging danger
A fast paced and thoroughly enjoyable thriller! First time reading this author and I will definitely keep reading! Husband and wife Alton and Mallory Blackwell and a team of operatives are in Mexico, investigating murder scenes near the Basilica. Lots of twists and turns that kept me glued to the page. Recommended
A fast paced and thoroughly enjoyable thriller! First time reading this author and I will definitely keep reading! Husband and wife Alton and Mallory Blackwell and a team of operatives are in Mexico, investigating murder scenes near the Basilica. Lots of twists and turns that kept me glued to the page. Recommended
September 27, 2017
The Dog (Book 9)
This THRILLING Mystery takes you to Mexico . A culture that values it's history and heritage immensely. The characters are strong and the story line is interesting and educational. I loved it and RECOMMEND it thoroughly. ENJOY!
This THRILLING Mystery takes you to Mexico . A culture that values it's history and heritage immensely. The characters are strong and the story line is interesting and educational. I loved it and RECOMMEND it thoroughly. ENJOY!
October 13, 2017
When I was a child, archeology fascinated me, especially all the tales of Egyptian tombs. The adventure in this book is compelling, complete with dangerous situations and unsolved mysteries. I loved the descriptions in the caves and the cruise ship. It’s got many twists and turns. A great read!
October 18, 2017
Interesting Mystery
If you are interested in some light mystery involving an archeological expedition, then "The Dig," is the book for you. Some interesting characters, historical background and criminal action makes for a thrilling plot.
If you are interested in some light mystery involving an archeological expedition, then "The Dig," is the book for you. Some interesting characters, historical background and criminal action makes for a thrilling plot.
October 29, 2017
The Blackwell Files seem to follow the same formula - at least all the ones I have read. At the end of the books, the team and all the suspects meet in some location and the suspects are eliminated one by one until the real culprit is found. So predicatable!
December 25, 2017
Good Adventure
Good archeological adventure story. I could not figure it. There were a lot of characters and a lot of subterfuge. I would recommend this book for light reading. Happy Reading.
Good archeological adventure story. I could not figure it. There were a lot of characters and a lot of subterfuge. I would recommend this book for light reading. Happy Reading.
June 21, 2018
The Dig (The Blackwell Files #9)
Guadalajara Mexico is the site of an earthquake that uncovered an ancient temple hidden under a more modern cathedral. Members of the archaeological dig team are being murdered, Alton and Mallory investigate
Guadalajara Mexico is the site of an earthquake that uncovered an ancient temple hidden under a more modern cathedral. Members of the archaeological dig team are being murdered, Alton and Mallory investigate
July 26, 2018
Life in the Fast lane
New and exciting cities, people and investigation keep the Blackwell's and their team interesting enough to come back again and again. But when that case is solved, I still want more!
New and exciting cities, people and investigation keep the Blackwell's and their team interesting enough to come back again and again. But when that case is solved, I still want more!
November 4, 2021
Life below ground
Unusual site for a mystery with intrigue, death, adventures, and travel. It encompasses many different facets of the criminal world, and keeps one guessing until the end.
Unusual site for a mystery with intrigue, death, adventures, and travel. It encompasses many different facets of the criminal world, and keeps one guessing until the end.
November 22, 2021
It's an interesting archaeological novel. A team of experts from the US go to Mexico to investigate several murders. They proceeded in a systematic investigation that brings in the action, mystery, and suspense. it was well plotted out.
September 28, 2017
very good
October 3, 2017
Outstanding
This was excellent and it made you always wonder how it was going to end not the way I expected
This was excellent and it made you always wonder how it was going to end not the way I expected
October 4, 2017
A good read, plot was a bit simplistic and I confess I had it figured out before the reveal. I did enjoy reading this book and found it highly detailed and well thought out.
October 8, 2017
Interesting
Put together with mystery, murder, antiques, law enforcement and deception as a part. The whodunit factor outstanding in the access!
Put together with mystery, murder, antiques, law enforcement and deception as a part. The whodunit factor outstanding in the access!
October 11, 2017
good archeological mystery. fun read.
October 12, 2017
Nah, pass on this one
Finished it, but never really got me wanting to get to the next chapter - just was not there. Do not recommend, find something else.
Finished it, but never really got me wanting to get to the next chapter - just was not there. Do not recommend, find something else.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews