Digging Up Death

Mari Duggins Mystery #1

by Gina Conroy

Archaeology Professor Mari Duggins is adjusting to life as a single mom and trying to balance a television career, but gets caught between the pull of her former flame, a field archaeologist, and her ex-husband who is wanted by the FBI on an antiquities crime. Then her colleague is murdered, and she gets in over her head as she searches for truth in a desert of lies. Mari Duggins' life caves in as she tries to excavate the truth, but realizes only God can dig her out of the hole she's created. Will Mari sort through her muddled feelings and put her trust in someone else before her world caves in? Or will the truth bury her alive?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Christian, Contemporary, Romance, Ebooks, Christian Fiction

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Gina Conroy weaves heartfelt, humorous stories about life, love, and faith, inspired by her journey as a single-again, empty-nester caring for her aging mom. A novelist turned writing coach, she helps aspiring authors shape their stories and share their unique voices with the world. Learn more about her books, courses, and coaching at GinaConroy.com.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only made it through seven chapters, and that's enough for me. The main character and all her woes about failed love, and pretty much everything else, were too distracting. Made it impossible to keep focused on the main plot. Also, there were too many other characters to keep straight, and too many subplots.

[Colleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

OK, I get it, the main character has ISSUES. Lots of them. Daddy issues, husband issues, ex-boyfriend issues, mommy issues, guilt issues, phobias... this woman is serisouly damaged. The mystery part of the story is pretty good, but I felt hit over the head, over and over, by Mari's issues, and the religeous aspect was kind of thrown in, almost like an after thought, as if that were supposed to be the real focus of the book, but not well meshed with the story. And why do so many of these mysteries with women as the main character protray the woman as fashion-obsessed snobs? She's got a Coach handbag? Gee, that's nice, why mention it more than once? Describing the secretary that she LIKES as fashion-challeneged and she'd like to change her, but something about her "horrible polyester dresses" is appealing?? Why are all these female protaganists all so afraid to be and act their age? I'd love just ONE female-driven mystery to portray a REAL woman in the title role. One who isn't obsessing over calories, makeup, shoes, clothing.... And that's coming from a woman. The first section of the book is chick-lit, the second is a mystery, and the end is modern Christian fiction - yet nothing is really resolved on that score. It's a mess.

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

History and mystery

A fast moving mystery with great historical information. Family dysfunction and old friendships that have come apart make this a very relatable book. A Christian theme also binds the story .

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually read chick-lit. Action-adventure books are not often to be found on my nightstand. I can count the number of murder mysteries I’ve read on one hand. In fact, as a voracious reader and aspiring writer of young adult fiction, I might not have ever picked up Digging Up Death, the first Mari Duggins mystery, if it were not written by my friend Gina.

But a couple of chapters in, Gina disappeared from my mind and the mishaps of Mari, her archaeologist and scoundrel ex-husband , dead co-worker, and emotionally wounded children took center stage. Like any good author, Gina aptly entertains, letting her characters run amok, in a tale of international thievery, secret personal connections, and the dramatic life of a single mother caught in someone else’s web of lies. And murder. You’ll walk away knowing a thing or two about Egyptian history as well.

As in life, it can be hard to tell who can be trusted, who is guilty of what, and whether life will ever be normal again. Gina did a great job of throwing us twists and turns right down to the final chapter. What’s even better is that unlike many books written for adults, I can actually recommend this one to my young reader friends. It is rare to find a story that both adults and young adults will enjoy and several characters which, while not sinless, are the kind of adults you’d like your kids to grow up knowing (once you know who the good guys really are).

Be one of the first to catch this new book and I’m confident you too will recommend it to every reader you know!

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time initially with DIGGING UP DEATH. I felt the author was straddling between genres. Though labeled a Mystery/Romance, the first several chapters read like a chick-lit novel. The characters were described as if they were quirky caricatures, and over-the-top descriptions were given to the simplest of things. A pastry was described as “forbidden fat grams, assaulting my senses, my stomach growling with Eden temptation”. I am not a chick-lit fan, so these first several chapters were a struggle to get through. I would’ve stopped if I didn’t feel compelled by the obligation of writing a promised review. But, as I continued, I felt like the writing style slowly changed to a more serious tone, more like that expected in a suspense novel. I began to get involved with the characters, feeling Mari’s desperation as she tried to piece together how those around her fit into the puzzle of the unsolved murder. I felt her heart torn between Jack, her ex-husband, and Fletcher, her former flame. I felt nothing but contempt for Susan, a user and schemer. So, in the end DIGGING UP DEATH drew me in. Though I did feel the many overlapping secrets that tied so many people together was a bit far reaching, I enjoyed the twists and turns, red-herrings, and obstacles Gina Conroy created. I would recommend DIGGING UP DEATH to anyone who likes a good mystery, but doesn’t mind the quirkiness associated with a chick-lit novel.

Book provided for review purposes.

[Carrie M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very excited when I picked up this book as I have always been fascinated with archeology, and I did enjoy the main character Mari, a working, single mom still finding her way since her divorce 2 years ago. However, as many reviewers had stated, the descriptions were over the top, and the beginning of the book was hard to get into. I stuck with it though, and it did overall evolve into an enjoyable, albeit predictable, story. Two issues prevented me from rating the book higher: I do not mind "spirituality" in books, but the super-religious best friend was way over the top, and when the main character started dealing with her own issues of faith, it seemed really out of place with the rest of the story. And second, I hated the lack of resolution regarding her brother at the end.

[Lexi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wouldn't recommend to anyone sensitive to fatphobia, homophobia/transphobia, and heavy Christian influence.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina Conroy in her new book, “Digging Up Death” Book One in the Mari Duggins Mystery series published by StoneHouse Ink gives us a new adventure of Mari Duggins.

From the back cover: Archaeology Professor Mari Duggins is adjusting to life as a single mom and trying to balance a television career, but gets caught between the pull of her former flame, a field archaeologist, and her ex-husband who is wanted by the FBI on an antiquities crime. Then her colleague is murdered, and she gets in over her head as she searches for truth in a desert of lies. Mari Duggins’ life caves in as she tries to excavate the truth, but realizes only God can dig her out of the hole she’s created. Will Mari sort through her muddled feelings and put her trust in someone else before her world caves in? Or will the truth bury her alive?

Who ever heard of an Archaeology Professor crime solver? Well you have now. Mari Duggins is an Archaeology Professor and a single mom and she solves murder mysteries. I think Mari is a refreshing character as I don’t ever remember seeing someone like her before, which is a good thing. The murder investigation is top-notch just when you think you might have figured it out here comes a new twist that you are totally unprepared for. You are not going to want to put this book down until you finally finish reading. It is that good. You will not be disappointed with “Digging Up Death”.

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Marji Laine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story satisfied in so many ways. First, the title and cover were intriguing. Learning from the back cover blurb that the main character was an archaeologist made me laugh. But then I'd never expect to find an archaeologist dressed like the gal on the front cover. Like I said, intriguing.

The mystery in this book really drew me in: an explosion heard over the phone, a death-by-natural causes dubbed a murder, stolen artifacts, and devious people surrounding the main character. Halfway through, I literally put my hand to my head and said, "Oh my gosh. I know what happened." And what a lovely little twist it was! The whole situation wraps up neatly!

I give it 3 stars for a couple of reasons, though. First, the romance in the story isn't quite as neat or as satisfying. When I hear, "It will never last," rolling through my head, I know the heroine didn't match up with the hero - if you can call him that. In fact, that piece of the story - the hero - was pretty convoluted. Probably why the ending didn't work as well.

Second, the main character had a strong arch, but I felt through the first third of the book she was constantly angry and hated men in particular. A little to heavy on the sarcastic side and very self-absorbed, she did improve as the story moved forward. I couldn't get past her destroying evidence, though. I can excuse a lot of things, but impeding a police investigation isn't one of them. I probably would have stuck with 4 stars had it not been for that. The mystery really did shine, though.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mari Duggins is at a turning point in her life. Her husband left her alone with her two children and her brother two years ago to return to the archeology field in Egypt. Now, she is vying for a prime time TV spot to bring in more money for her family. About to begin her current program on archeology, her colleague has a heart attack, then her old lover shows up, bringing back lots of old feelings. When she hears that her colleague is dead, and her ex-husband is accused of stealing Egyptian artifacts, Mari stumbles around trying to find the killer, while trying to avoid her feelings for her old lover.

Mari's life is a series of crazy events that never stop dragging her down as she attempts to make the best choices for she and her family. Her friend Elizabeth attempts to share her faith, but Mari does not believe that God will accept her because of her past. Mari trudges through life trying to keep all the balls in the air, working for more money, happy children, and gluing her marriage back together. When she finally hits a wall and breaks down, Mari accepts Gods love and sees that This story is interesting and keeps you guessing until the end as Mari learns that God and family are the most important things in life. I'd recommend this for women who are looking for something more than a basic mystery or love story.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I will have to admit that I wasn't immediately impressed with the writing style. It was theatrical and over the top, not much my style but I decided to keep on reading to give it a fair chance. After the first chapter or so the over the top did get better with an occasional lapse here and there in her descriptive terms. There is a lot going on in this first day of Mari's life that is shown to us, and I do mean a lot. It doesn't let up until the end either. A few times I couldn't figure out why the investigating detective didn't question a few things but that comes from watching too many crime shows. I just kept hoping that I could remember all the twists and that the author wouldn't leave anything hanging. No fears there though. I will be watching for the next book to come out with Mari in as I really enjoyed her character and to see what happens next with her family. Try it and I don't think you will be disappointed at all.

[The Loopy Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Digging Up Death is a fast-paced mystery with a spunky main character that makes an engaging read. Mari leads a frenetic life as a single mother with a past full of baggage. While she is attempting to juggle her career and parenthood, she is also dealing with complex romantic entanglements, the murder of a colleague, and the question of faith. I enjoyed Mari's strength, humor, and juggling act. Many women can relate to Mari while enjoying this story that doesn't get bogged down in Mari's troubles. Instead, it focuses on her growth, her relationships, and of course, the murder mystery that begs to be solved. And the writer's approach is a refreshingly light and humorous one. I recommend Digging Up Death for a fun afternoon read for any mystery lover.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Digging Up Death - I was more excited about reading this at first because I know the author. I dug in and once I got past the first few chapters (which does have a bit of chick-lit feel to it) I started to fall in line with Mari and her search for truth. Yes, Mari is a bit quirky BUT I found myself really wanting to uncover the secrets of the mysteries that unfolded in the first pages. Conroy kept me on the "edge of my seat" and I was glad to see her "unearth" the truth and really play the theme out for all it was worth. It's a good pick and something to keep on your list when you're ready to either cuddle up on the couch by the fire or spend a day at the beach...

[Robin Patchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Gina Conroy has written a real page-turner with Digging up Death. Just when I thought I'd figured it out, she threw in a new twist. I loved the way the author weaved in the spiritual aspect of the story, so it didn't feel preachy. And I especially loved all the archaeological information. Fascinating stuff. I would have given it a 5-star rating, but I did feel the editing could have been better.

I'm anxious to see the next book in this excellent series.

[Richard Millsap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gina has cobbled together a reasonably good mystery. The science is well-researched and interesting. (I’d like to have seen more of it.) The humor is dry and at times perverse—just my style. The suspects shift as frequently as do the circumstances, though I began to have suspicions as to who-dun-it the last 40 percent of the book. (I was wrong.) There may have been a few too many threads for this reader, but a nice bit of writing overall.

[Elle Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, well-written story. While I figured it out before the end, it was well thought out and interesting.

There was, however, a serious problem with conversational line breaks. Often, dialogue belonging to two different speakers was in the same paragraph resulting in difficult reading. There was also an editing glitch where an aunt suddenly became a cousin. The inconsistency and dialogue issue did not detract from the story, so I gave it five stars despite those issues.

[Elyshia Schafer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was actually pretty good, but the lack of any real resolution when it came to her ex-husband and Fletcher got on my nerves. I suppose it sets it up for the next book (I assume there is one), but it would have been nice to see her resolving it, at least better than it did.

[Tiffany Brandenburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me forever to get caught up in this book. I trudged through this book until I was more than half way through maybe three quarters. But then it started to pick up and gained momentum. At the end, I enjoyed the book and that overshadowed the beginning.

[Jessica Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel didn't grab me. It seemed silly. An archeologist with a dirt phobia and a penchant for expensive name brand clothing. That pretty much sums it up.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free from Amazon and it was REALLY good! I loved Mari, the story was fun and the ending was excellent.

[Ron Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time author Gina Conroy is off to a good start with this one. Vibrant characters and a well done plot make for great light-mystery reading. Can't wait for he next one!

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second reading. interesting characters, involved situations - a nice mystery with a surprise ending.

[Krissys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story overall was alright, nothing that particularly impressed me or won me over. A bit too much with the author going all over the place but not a horrible read.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a very hard time getting into the story. The first several chapters took me about a year to read. However finally, the story line got me and I finished the book in a snap!