Concrete Evidence

Being an archaeologist, my friends are constantly recommending fiction novels with archaeologists in them. Most of the time I don't actually read the books. I smile politely and say thank you, put them in the "only if I am really bored" pile, and grab my handy dandy copy of every single Sherlock Holmes story written for my recreational reading. This time, I was intrigued. I don't know much about underwater archaeology (I'm landlocked and study the era before 10,000 BCE in the US and the Spanish Conquest in Peru). I figured that it would be a decent read and I would have millions of questions to pepper my underwater archaeologist friends with when I was done. You know, "Is this how it is done?" "Are these procedures correct for an underwater dig?" that kind of thing. Boy was I surprised!! I have recently talked with a vet that did a lot of work with archaeologists in Iraq, in fact he has been places that make me gasp. And we have had many, many conversations about antiquities looting in the Middle East and how it mirrors the large scale looting in Peru. I was very impressed with this book. It was fun, and it focused a light on archaeological ethics that needs to be spotlighted. The main characters' reaction to the looting and the steps she undergoes to try to clear her name resonated with me. If I had been in a similar situation, I would have done the same thing. To be a respected archaeologist requires a strong moral code. Indiana Jones was a fun character, but a horrible archaeologist. As the saying goes in archaeology, (and forgive me for not remembering the first person who ever said this) "Archaeology isn't about what you find, it's about what you find out." I really loved this book. And I will recommend it to my friends in the business of exploring mankind's past. Having a hot intern is always a fantasy!

Thanks to the author for giving me the opportunity to travel through a world of wonderful experiences which are not beyond the real facts around our real word. I enjoyed it so much. Thanks.

A definite page turner. Unreal how Grant uses the facts of actual events in her book. Makes you think about it and makes you want to do the research yourself. I loved the storyline and I hope there's more about Lee and Erica/JT and Alexandra to come. Loved it!