The African Quest (Archaeological Mysteries)

Rating:
Summary: A well written mystery.
Review: I enjoyed this book, the first I have read by Lyn Hamilton. It was well-plotted with enough red herrings to keep it interesting. Lyn Hamilton is a refreshing author who invests time and energy writing the story, rather than creating a lightweight piece that panders to the dumbing down of readers.

Rating:
Summary: Armchair lovers are going to love this one
Review: Through a quirky set of circumstances, Lara McClintoch finds herself in a partnership with her ex-husband Clive Swain. Clive has grandiose ideas, but expects everyone else to do the work to make them happen. Lara put up with Clive because her best friend is involved with him. She reluctantly agrees to his latest scheme to draw attention to their antique business starting with her acting as a tour guide to the ancient and mysterious North African country of Tunisia.

Lara plans to purchase artifacts and furnishings for a client while guiding her charges. The trip starts off on the right foot. Everyone seems congenial and friendly towards one another. However, over time Lara notices strange happenings amidst the people on the tour. The weirdness turns sinister when guests die in what seems like accidents until finally a clear- cut murder occurs. The local police insist everyone remain in country while they investigate all the deaths. Unable to idly sit by, Lara decides to take matters into her own hands and begins her own investigation.

The exotic world of Northern Africa comes vividly alive within THE AFRICAN QUEST so much so that the audience will believe they accompany Lara on tour. The characters are fully developed, especially the heroine and the who-done-it is engaging. However, what makes Lyn Hamilton's novel worth reading is the varying perspectives of Tunisia seen through the eyes of the tourists, Lara, and the locals, which adds much color to a strong amateur sleuth tale.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Too many bodies - too little plot
Review: When I like Lyn Hamilton's books - and I liked Xibalba and Moche a lot, I like them because there is fascinating archeology and myth to be learned while journeying to interesting places with a cast of characters, appealing and formidable. This one had too many characters, none of whom were likable or frightening, and very little about the art or mythic history of the Carthaginians. I'm looking forward to her next one, but I'd give this a pass.