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Alan Graham Mysteries #1
Burial Ground
Hired to find an ancient Tunica Indian burial site on a recently purchased Louisiana plantation, Alan Graham and his associate, P. E. Courtney, realize that a killer is on the loose when their client is murdered and the tenant is nowhere to be found.
213 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1998
19 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Malcolm Shuman
19 books10 followersAKA M.S. Karl and M.K. Shuman
Born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1941, Malcolm Shuman grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and was educated at Louisiana State University, which awarded him a B.A. in 1962 in the fields of geography & anthropology. Shuman then had the privilege of serving in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1966 where, as a member of the military police, he was assigned to Sandia Base New Mexico, with a Top Secret security clearance.
Series:
* Alan Graham Mysteries
Born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1941, Malcolm Shuman grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and was educated at Louisiana State University, which awarded him a B.A. in 1962 in the fields of geography & anthropology. Shuman then had the privilege of serving in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1966 where, as a member of the military police, he was assigned to Sandia Base New Mexico, with a Top Secret security clearance.
Series:
* Alan Graham Mysteries
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 27, 2014
Another mystery series! Well I think I'm decompressing from so many heavier books in recent weeks, months. And this series involves two of my pet enjoyments on top of mystery, the American South and archaeology. A third area of interest present in this edition is stories involving Native American history. So what was it about and what did I think.
Essentially, the story revolves around a request to survey land along the Mississippi for the possible location of of long-suspected ancient Tunica Indian burial site. The land is part of an old plantation, recently purchased from the long-owning family. The details of the land, the river, the local Indians, both ancient and modern, as well as the other black and white population and landmarks, including Angola Penitentiary, are all well done. What bothered me was the dated elements of the story. Though this novel was written in 1998 (and republished this year), it reads as historical fiction. And some may wonder how that can be. For me it is largely because of one thing---KATRINA. It simply felt strange to read a recent book that focuses so closely on the Mississippi River and its history and changes, effects of weather, etc. and to have no mention of that epic and changing moment. This is why I think I must change my idea about this book to historical mystery.
There are a couple of other details involving newer developments regarding the American Indian Graves Repatriation Act [I know that is not the correct title] and AIDS that also likely would be quite different if written a decade later. BUT the more I write, the more I feel I am not giving credit to what IS present, a mystery I did want to read, that I wanted to solve but read to the end without guessing that end. So I will re-set my expectations to a more historical genre and very likely look for the rest of the books in this series.
Rating 3.5 rounded to 4
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
Essentially, the story revolves around a request to survey land along the Mississippi for the possible location of of long-suspected ancient Tunica Indian burial site. The land is part of an old plantation, recently purchased from the long-owning family. The details of the land, the river, the local Indians, both ancient and modern, as well as the other black and white population and landmarks, including Angola Penitentiary, are all well done. What bothered me was the dated elements of the story. Though this novel was written in 1998 (and republished this year), it reads as historical fiction. And some may wonder how that can be. For me it is largely because of one thing---KATRINA. It simply felt strange to read a recent book that focuses so closely on the Mississippi River and its history and changes, effects of weather, etc. and to have no mention of that epic and changing moment. This is why I think I must change my idea about this book to historical mystery.
There are a couple of other details involving newer developments regarding the American Indian Graves Repatriation Act [I know that is not the correct title] and AIDS that also likely would be quite different if written a decade later. BUT the more I write, the more I feel I am not giving credit to what IS present, a mystery I did want to read, that I wanted to solve but read to the end without guessing that end. So I will re-set my expectations to a more historical genre and very likely look for the rest of the books in this series.
Rating 3.5 rounded to 4
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
September 6, 2014
This is the first novel in a series featuring archaeologist Alan Graham. Graham ekes out a living as a contract archaeologist in Louisiana when some unwelcome new competition arrives, in the form of the attractive and competent P.E. Courteney. Alan Graham has recently received an invitation to dig on land owned by oil millionaire T-Joe Dupont, to search for a Tunica burial ground. However, Native American burial grounds are protected and some people are unhappy that he is even going to be looking. Then Dupont is killed in an accident, but his son wants Graham to start work and Pepper Courteney is eager to be involved.
This is a fast moving and intelligent mystery, with two interesting lead characters and archaeology giving a nice background to the story. As well as the archaeological investigation, there are side stories involving possible contamination by a nearby nuclear power station and some escaped convicts from a nearby prison, chases through the bayou and murder. A good beginning to a series, introducing the characters and suggesting some future romance between Graham and Pepper Courteney. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
This is a fast moving and intelligent mystery, with two interesting lead characters and archaeology giving a nice background to the story. As well as the archaeological investigation, there are side stories involving possible contamination by a nearby nuclear power station and some escaped convicts from a nearby prison, chases through the bayou and murder. A good beginning to a series, introducing the characters and suggesting some future romance between Graham and Pepper Courteney. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
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March 20, 2021Updated. Original review below line.
After getting halfway into the second book, I'm much more hesitant to recommend this series. There are several incidents where racialized characters are portrayed stereotypically in the second book, which leads me to second guess my original interpretation of the use of the n-word in the first book.
The writing is clever. It's made me laugh out loud several times. It's renewing my interest in archaeology. And the plot twists were surprising. If you're willing to struggle through negative portrayals of BIPOC characters, this is worth checking out. If not, there's probably better out there in the archeo-mystery genre.
----------- original review ----------
Honestly shocked this has so few ratings. I got this randomly from a used book store just because it was an archeo-mystery. It was GOOD! Will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Note, one of the characters uses racial slurs, including the n-word. I would have preferred the author wrote that differently, but it is from the 90s and the character is certainly not portrayed sympathetically.
After getting halfway into the second book, I'm much more hesitant to recommend this series. There are several incidents where racialized characters are portrayed stereotypically in the second book, which leads me to second guess my original interpretation of the use of the n-word in the first book.
The writing is clever. It's made me laugh out loud several times. It's renewing my interest in archaeology. And the plot twists were surprising. If you're willing to struggle through negative portrayals of BIPOC characters, this is worth checking out. If not, there's probably better out there in the archeo-mystery genre.
----------- original review ----------
Honestly shocked this has so few ratings. I got this randomly from a used book store just because it was an archeo-mystery. It was GOOD! Will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Note, one of the characters uses racial slurs, including the n-word. I would have preferred the author wrote that differently, but it is from the 90s and the character is certainly not portrayed sympathetically.
June 22, 2017
One of the better books in the archaeo-genre that I've read. This story of a contract archaeology company in the deep south appears, in my limited knowledge of the science, to be fairly accurate as far as survey work. It also covers the discrimination & difficulties that women tend to be subjected to. Where it differs from some of the others in this genre is in it's dual theme of murder mystery. Keeps you guessing to the grisly end.
April 11, 2022
A bit disappointing as I was expecting some archeology going on in an archeological mystery. The story was more about the protagonist's reaction to the new kid in town.
March 4, 2024
Picked this up at a second hand store in St. Augustine. One of the best books I’ve read in a while.
June 7, 2025
This was slow and dull. I doubt I’ll read another. I didn’t care for any of the characters.
August 13, 2014
This review can also be found here.
Disclaimer:
This review is based on the reading of the advanced reader’s edition of this novel provided by the publisher via NetGalley. The review, in its entirety, is of my own opinion of the novel.
Synopsis:
Digging for ancient Native American artifacts, an archaeologist finds murder instead
Louisiana’s past is as layered as an onion, with American, French, and Spanish history all resting atop the myriad tribes who have spent millennia on the Mississippi. Alan Graham knows how to peel back the layers. A contract archaeologist in Baton Rouge, he scrapes out a living one dig at a time. Hired by a wealthy landowner to search his property for a cache of long-lost Tunica Indian relics, he expects to find only dirt. But when the client is murdered for his curiosity, Alan knows he is close to the discovery of a lifetime.
To find the artifacts and sniff out the murderer, he must work alongside his competition: the overeducated Yankee Pepper Courtney. As the two dig into the dead man’s past, they find it may be safer to leave some things buried.
Review:
Dr. Alan Graham is a contract archaeologist who is hired by a man named T-Joe Dupont to survey some of his land in search of Indian artifacts where there may have once lived a Tunica village. After the mysterious death of T-Joe Dupont, who was killed after driving into a pole, T-Joe’s son, Willy, contacts Dr. Graham and tells him to continue the survey of the land. The mystery continues as people go missing.
Alan is soon joined by one Dr. P.E. Courtney, a recent Harvard graduate and the newest archaeologist in town, and they begin their adventure for the Tunica Treasure, as well as some answers to the mysterious happenings going on around them.
Burial Ground is a novel that starts as a journey of one man's search for treasure and ends with another man's search for the truth. This novel is packed with action and confrontation, and the ending is one that I was not expecting.
Rating:
I gave this novel a solid 3 out of 5. I liked this book and enjoyed the mystery of the events surrounding the search for the Tunica relics, but I felt that there were parts of the novel, such as some character interactions and descriptions, that were a bit boring and added for length—and could have been shortened, or even just omitted.
To whom would you recommend to read this novel:
I recommend this novel to those who enjoy reading a good mystery novel.
Disclaimer:
This review is based on the reading of the advanced reader’s edition of this novel provided by the publisher via NetGalley. The review, in its entirety, is of my own opinion of the novel.
Synopsis:
Digging for ancient Native American artifacts, an archaeologist finds murder instead
Louisiana’s past is as layered as an onion, with American, French, and Spanish history all resting atop the myriad tribes who have spent millennia on the Mississippi. Alan Graham knows how to peel back the layers. A contract archaeologist in Baton Rouge, he scrapes out a living one dig at a time. Hired by a wealthy landowner to search his property for a cache of long-lost Tunica Indian relics, he expects to find only dirt. But when the client is murdered for his curiosity, Alan knows he is close to the discovery of a lifetime.
To find the artifacts and sniff out the murderer, he must work alongside his competition: the overeducated Yankee Pepper Courtney. As the two dig into the dead man’s past, they find it may be safer to leave some things buried.
Review:
Dr. Alan Graham is a contract archaeologist who is hired by a man named T-Joe Dupont to survey some of his land in search of Indian artifacts where there may have once lived a Tunica village. After the mysterious death of T-Joe Dupont, who was killed after driving into a pole, T-Joe’s son, Willy, contacts Dr. Graham and tells him to continue the survey of the land. The mystery continues as people go missing.
Alan is soon joined by one Dr. P.E. Courtney, a recent Harvard graduate and the newest archaeologist in town, and they begin their adventure for the Tunica Treasure, as well as some answers to the mysterious happenings going on around them.
Burial Ground is a novel that starts as a journey of one man's search for treasure and ends with another man's search for the truth. This novel is packed with action and confrontation, and the ending is one that I was not expecting.
Rating:
I gave this novel a solid 3 out of 5. I liked this book and enjoyed the mystery of the events surrounding the search for the Tunica relics, but I felt that there were parts of the novel, such as some character interactions and descriptions, that were a bit boring and added for length—and could have been shortened, or even just omitted.
To whom would you recommend to read this novel:
I recommend this novel to those who enjoy reading a good mystery novel.
April 24, 2015
I was surprised I had never heard of Alan Shuman before. He's a local author and he writes about archaeology. I'm glad that I have come across his books, because they're quite good. He does a good joy portraying the local culture and customs. His story is also clear and well written.
Burial Ground tells the story of Alan Graham, a contract archaeologist being hired to check out some private land. The owner believes that there is an Indian burial site on his land that could be very valuable. However, the owner very quickly ends up dead. Alan is dogged every step of the way by a new archaeologist in town trying to horn in on his business. They can either fight over the job or join forces.
I would definitely recommend this series to mystery readers, people with an interest in historical artifacts, and people with an interest in Louisiana. I was excited to find this new to me writer.
Burial Ground tells the story of Alan Graham, a contract archaeologist being hired to check out some private land. The owner believes that there is an Indian burial site on his land that could be very valuable. However, the owner very quickly ends up dead. Alan is dogged every step of the way by a new archaeologist in town trying to horn in on his business. They can either fight over the job or join forces.
I would definitely recommend this series to mystery readers, people with an interest in historical artifacts, and people with an interest in Louisiana. I was excited to find this new to me writer.
August 16, 2014
This was a fun book to read. Despite it's shorter length it offered a lot. Quick paced action. Well fleshed out characters. Good historical connection and research. A linear plot with a plausible conclusion. That last one is very important for me on Historical Mysteries. It's too easy to wrap something up in the last few pages in a over fictitious way so you can claim that no one would guess the ending. I like to stay involved with the plot and characters so realism plays highly in what I look for in this genre.
Very pleasant first novel in this series. I know this was first published years ago but this publisher is bringing some authors and book back to the surface, and I'm glad for it. I'll be picking up the next books in this series and see how the character interaction plays out.
Very pleasant first novel in this series. I know this was first published years ago but this publisher is bringing some authors and book back to the surface, and I'm glad for it. I'll be picking up the next books in this series and see how the character interaction plays out.
August 11, 2014
Join Baton Rouge archeologist Alan Graham as he, and Harvard PHD newcomer Pepper Courtney, hired to discover possible Indian burial grounds on a 12,000 acre spread bordering on the Mississippi, as they suddenly find themselves chased through the low lying bayous, held at gun point by an Indian trying to protect these burial grounds.
Graham not only tells us of the difficult life of a contract archeologist and his difficulties with a Yankee new comer who happens to be gorgeous, but the danger involved as his life and that of his sometime Yankee rival as he goes head to head with the Louisiana old ways.
Graham not only tells us of the difficult life of a contract archeologist and his difficulties with a Yankee new comer who happens to be gorgeous, but the danger involved as his life and that of his sometime Yankee rival as he goes head to head with the Louisiana old ways.
August 21, 2014
My View:
An archaeological mystery/procedural.
This was a very engaging read – for a short period of time I was transported to foreign soils with a history rich and vibrant, steeped in mystery and rumour; the land slowly releasing its story of ancient peoples and times and sins of the not so distant past. I entered a new world of contract archaeologists, discovered artefacts and learned a bit about history and watched several mysteries resolve without even leaving my chair! A most enjoyable journey and a great introduction to the protagonist Alan Graham.
An archaeological mystery/procedural.
This was a very engaging read – for a short period of time I was transported to foreign soils with a history rich and vibrant, steeped in mystery and rumour; the land slowly releasing its story of ancient peoples and times and sins of the not so distant past. I entered a new world of contract archaeologists, discovered artefacts and learned a bit about history and watched several mysteries resolve without even leaving my chair! A most enjoyable journey and a great introduction to the protagonist Alan Graham.
September 20, 2014
Burial Ground was good reading!!!
I love a good mystery/thriller, and this certainly was one. With interesting characters, an intriguing story and just right pacing, it captured my attention and held it easily.
I would love to hear this book on audio.
Sidenote: I prefer the newer (e-book) cover of this book versus the older version. I like the shadowy darkness. The cover was what lured me to the book in the first place. Visual appeal says a lot.
Thanks to the author/publisher for providing me with a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
I love a good mystery/thriller, and this certainly was one. With interesting characters, an intriguing story and just right pacing, it captured my attention and held it easily.
I would love to hear this book on audio.
Sidenote: I prefer the newer (e-book) cover of this book versus the older version. I like the shadowy darkness. The cover was what lured me to the book in the first place. Visual appeal says a lot.
Thanks to the author/publisher for providing me with a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
August 20, 2014
Archaeology based mystery.
February 10, 2015
Burial Ground is a short but engaging read and I really enjoyed my first encounter with Dr. Alan Graham and P.E. Courtney.
For full review: http://wp.me/p4JCbo-33
For full review: http://wp.me/p4JCbo-33
February 28, 2015
Good story
If you are interested in the discovery of historical items, along with a good mystery, this will keep your interest
If you are interested in the discovery of historical items, along with a good mystery, this will keep your interest
Want to read
May 25, 2015kindle
August 2, 2014
Great story regarding Indian burial sites. Lots of disappearances ensue....
April 14, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Louisiana’s past is as layered as an onion, with American, French, and Spanish history all resting atop the myriad tribes who have spent millennia on the Mississippi. Alan Graham knows how to peel back the layers. A contract archaeologist in Baton Rouge, he scrapes out a living one dig at a time. Hired by a wealthy landowner to search his property for a cache of long-lost Tunica Indian relics, he expects to find only dirt. But when the client is murdered for his curiosity, Alan knows he is close to the discovery of a lifetime.
To find the artifacts and sniff out the murderer, he must work alongside his competition: the overeducated Yankee Pepper Courtney. As the two dig into the dead man’s past, they find it may be safer to leave some things buried.
An archaelogical mystery, first released in the late-1990's.
Having read a lot of mysteries over the years, the level of expectation seems to get higher every book. What I am hoping for never seems to materialise...and this book was a perfect example of that.
The mystery itself was clever enough. It kept me turning the pages and hoping to find THAT clue that tied it all together. The characters were fine - especially Pepper - and the dialogue between the main characters was believable. The historical elements were interesting - I particularly liked the backstory of Louisiana itself. That certainly helped set the scene for me...
However, there was nothing about this book that made me want to read more of this series. Nothing that had that WOW factor. Nothing that made me think that this was going to be my next great reading spurt. That's sad, but true.
Paul
ARH
Louisiana’s past is as layered as an onion, with American, French, and Spanish history all resting atop the myriad tribes who have spent millennia on the Mississippi. Alan Graham knows how to peel back the layers. A contract archaeologist in Baton Rouge, he scrapes out a living one dig at a time. Hired by a wealthy landowner to search his property for a cache of long-lost Tunica Indian relics, he expects to find only dirt. But when the client is murdered for his curiosity, Alan knows he is close to the discovery of a lifetime.
To find the artifacts and sniff out the murderer, he must work alongside his competition: the overeducated Yankee Pepper Courtney. As the two dig into the dead man’s past, they find it may be safer to leave some things buried.
An archaelogical mystery, first released in the late-1990's.
Having read a lot of mysteries over the years, the level of expectation seems to get higher every book. What I am hoping for never seems to materialise...and this book was a perfect example of that.
The mystery itself was clever enough. It kept me turning the pages and hoping to find THAT clue that tied it all together. The characters were fine - especially Pepper - and the dialogue between the main characters was believable. The historical elements were interesting - I particularly liked the backstory of Louisiana itself. That certainly helped set the scene for me...
However, there was nothing about this book that made me want to read more of this series. Nothing that had that WOW factor. Nothing that made me think that this was going to be my next great reading spurt. That's sad, but true.
Paul
ARH
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews