Romantic Suspense published by Grand Central Publishing 06 Jun 23
Riley Smith and Maya Fallon met five years ago when Riley was still searching for Helen of Troy’s tomb. At that time Maya had saved Riley and her father at the risk of what she guards. Beset with enemies, Maya reaches out to Riley and, by extension, Riley’s billionaire partner Cade for help. In exchange for Riley and Cade’s help, Maya will give them the clues to find legendary treasure and the tomb of an Amazon warrior who had founded the island. Once again, Riley reaches out to Eve Duncan for help.
The ensuing story is a cross between Shangri La and a Greek myth or should I say Amazonian myth – legendary ninja-like sherpas and unicorns and an embalming technique that keeps a body fresh and preserved like the day it died, even if that was hundreds of thousands of years ago. If you can suspend all disbelief and dive into the story, you’ll find it a classic Ms. Johansen action thriller of advance and retreat.
Eve, after some initial resistance, is persuaded to join Riley’s task force. Now it’s a grueling race to stay ahead of the bad guys who have infiltrated Maya’s people and are privy to every step the dream team takes and try to stay a step ahead. We have psychic Bailey who can talk to animals and is being groomed to become Maya’s successor. There is also a bit of romance between the leader of the Sherpas and Maya. Perhaps it might be explored in a future book that might feature these characters.
I loved the roller coaster ride and read with bated breath, praying for Maya’s side to succeed. For fans of Ms. Johansen and for new readers, it’s a book definitely worth reading.
Grade: B
Summary:
When archeologist Riley Smith comes to ask Eve Duncan for help, Eve has to say no. Traveling halfway around the world on a dangerous quest is not her expertise as a forensic sculptor. But Eve is intrigued by the prospect of an isolated island that holds a secret locked in time.
Traveling to Southeast Asia, Riley is aware of the threat from treasure hunters who are already searching and have no qualms about killing to get what they want. When she successfully evades them and finds the perfectly preserved body of a female warrior, it is just what she needs to entice Eve to help unlock the mystery.
As these two strong women seek answers about this extraordinary past life, Riley makes a living, breathing discovery that will change history. If she can escape the island and survive long enough to share it with the world.
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