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When historian Jaya Jones receives a mysterious package containing a jewel-encrusted artifact from India, she discovers the secrets of a lost Indian treasure may be hidden in a Scottish legend from the days of the British Raj. But she’s not the only one on the trail.
From San Francisco to the Highlands of Scotland, Jaya must evade a shadowy stalker as she follows hints from the hastily scrawled note to a remote archaeological dig. Helping her decipher the cryptic clues are her magician best friend, a devastatingly handsome art historian with something to hide, and a charming archaeologist running for his life. When a member of the dig’s crew is murdered, Jaya must figure out which of the scholars vying for her affections might be the love of her life—and which one is a killer.
From San Francisco to the Highlands of Scotland, Jaya must evade a shadowy stalker as she follows hints from the hastily scrawled note to a remote archaeological dig. Helping her decipher the cryptic clues are her magician best friend, a devastatingly handsome art historian with something to hide, and a charming archaeologist running for his life. When a member of the dig’s crew is murdered, Jaya must figure out which of the scholars vying for her affections might be the love of her life—and which one is a killer.
276 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
375 people are currently reading
4674 people want to read
About the author
Gigi Pandian
49 books1,595 followersGigi Pandian is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author, breast cancer survivor, and accidental almost-vegan. She's the child of professors from New Mexico and the southern tip of India, and spent her childhood traveling around the world on their research trips. She now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and a gargoyle who watches over the garden.
She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.
She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
March 21, 2017
Excellent, absolutely excellent. I was wanting an adventure, and I got one! Ms. Pandian did a wonderful job of combining theft, treasure hunts, and murder. Overall an absolutely wonderful book. Highly recommend!
February 4, 2019
I really like Gigi Pandian's Accidental Alchemist series so thought I'd give this series a try. Basically, it's a short adventure style mystery. The main character, Jaya Jones, receives a very old bracelet from her ex-boyfriend Rupert, that she heard was killed in a car accident the same day, he sent the bracelet so she heads to London and then Scotland with her new guy friend, Lane, to find out what happened to Rupert and locate the rest of the jewelry that accompanies the piece she received. Of course, all is not as it seems and, she and Lane encounter more then they bargained for including extracating themselves from a theft charge, outwitting a murderer and befriending supertitious locals that think she's a fairy. : )
If you like adventure style mysteries this is a fun series to pick up. The audiobook narrator, Allyson Ryan, is just fantastic. I love her! If you're an audiobook fan, I would definitely recommend listening to the audio version.
If you like adventure style mysteries this is a fun series to pick up. The audiobook narrator, Allyson Ryan, is just fantastic. I love her! If you're an audiobook fan, I would definitely recommend listening to the audio version.
September 29, 2016
New history professor Jaya Jones is trying to process the death of her ex-boyfriend when she receives a package in the mail from him that contains a bracelet. It looks to be old and possibly valuable. Now, she’s wondering if he really died in an accident like everyone thinks or if it was murder. And what is the story of the bracelet?
While I always enjoy a cozy mystery, I love when an author adds something else, which is the case here. I was hoping for a caper feel to things, and this book delivered on that perfectly. Between the mystery and the treasure hunt, there is always something going on. Along the way, we get to meet a great cast of characters. I’ll definitely be back for more.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
While I always enjoy a cozy mystery, I love when an author adds something else, which is the case here. I was hoping for a caper feel to things, and this book delivered on that perfectly. Between the mystery and the treasure hunt, there is always something going on. Along the way, we get to meet a great cast of characters. I’ll definitely be back for more.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 14, 2025
3⭐️ = Average Read.
Paperback.
I really enjoyed this until about half way through but I then kind of lost interest a little. The writing style was fine, although felt slightly immature. The mystery itself was reasonable but not gripping. All this, left me neither loving nor loathing.
Paperback.
I really enjoyed this until about half way through but I then kind of lost interest a little. The writing style was fine, although felt slightly immature. The mystery itself was reasonable but not gripping. All this, left me neither loving nor loathing.
August 13, 2017
Fun and interesting read about a historian named Jones not the archaeologist Jones. I liked the characters, and the mystery and the background information about
Can't wait to start book 2.
Can't wait to start book 2.
September 25, 2012
If Indiana Jones had a sister, it would definitely be historian Jaya Jones, the likeable—and very curious—protagonist in “Artifact,” the debut treasure hunt mystery by Gigi Pandian.
Jaya receives a mysterious package from her ex-lover, Rupert, sent the same day he died in a supposed accident in Scotland. The package contains a jewel-encrusted artifact from India, and a cryptic note asking Jaya to hide the artifact for him because she’s the only one he can trust. Delving deeper into the provenance of the artifact, Jaya discovers the piece is part of a long-lost Indian treasure, which may be hidden in the Scottish highlands from the days of the British Raj. Realizing that Rupert’s death was no accident, Jaya follows the trail of the treasure from San Francisco to London to an archeological dig in the Scottish highlands…the same dig that Rupert was part of when he died.
The author is the daughter of two cultural anthropologists from New Mexico and the southern tip of India. She grew up all over the world, and the characters in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series—yes, it will be a series—come straight out of her own childhood adventures. Gigi was also awarded the prestigious Malice Domestic Grant for “Artifact.”
The first book in this series is loads of fun (a real roller coaster ride) and sprinkled with fascinating facts about the British presence in India. I can’t wait to see where Jaya goes next!
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo, author of “Marriage Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
Jaya receives a mysterious package from her ex-lover, Rupert, sent the same day he died in a supposed accident in Scotland. The package contains a jewel-encrusted artifact from India, and a cryptic note asking Jaya to hide the artifact for him because she’s the only one he can trust. Delving deeper into the provenance of the artifact, Jaya discovers the piece is part of a long-lost Indian treasure, which may be hidden in the Scottish highlands from the days of the British Raj. Realizing that Rupert’s death was no accident, Jaya follows the trail of the treasure from San Francisco to London to an archeological dig in the Scottish highlands…the same dig that Rupert was part of when he died.
The author is the daughter of two cultural anthropologists from New Mexico and the southern tip of India. She grew up all over the world, and the characters in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series—yes, it will be a series—come straight out of her own childhood adventures. Gigi was also awarded the prestigious Malice Domestic Grant for “Artifact.”
The first book in this series is loads of fun (a real roller coaster ride) and sprinkled with fascinating facts about the British presence in India. I can’t wait to see where Jaya goes next!
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo, author of “Marriage Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
July 13, 2012
I received this ARC from first-reads.
Jaya, the main character in this murder mystery, has received a long lost ruby Indian artifact from her recently deceased ex-boyfriend. She is apparently the only one who suspects that her ex-boyfriend's death is not a simple accident and she sets out to solve the mystery of his death and the source of the mysterious artifact.
The thing that I particularly like about this book is that so much history was included in the story without bogging it down, making it more interesting rather than less.
Jaya has all the qualities that we have admired in other female heroines. She is independent, intelligent, has an interesting career and plunges into adventure full-speed-ahead. She has a good sense of humor and enough personal quirks to let us know that she is one of the girls.
I debated a little about how to rate this book because I kept having the distinct feeling that the author was straining to keep this from being a YA book. If so, the effort was wasted because this is a book that I would certainly recommend to older teenage girls.
Jaya, the main character in this murder mystery, has received a long lost ruby Indian artifact from her recently deceased ex-boyfriend. She is apparently the only one who suspects that her ex-boyfriend's death is not a simple accident and she sets out to solve the mystery of his death and the source of the mysterious artifact.
The thing that I particularly like about this book is that so much history was included in the story without bogging it down, making it more interesting rather than less.
Jaya has all the qualities that we have admired in other female heroines. She is independent, intelligent, has an interesting career and plunges into adventure full-speed-ahead. She has a good sense of humor and enough personal quirks to let us know that she is one of the girls.
I debated a little about how to rate this book because I kept having the distinct feeling that the author was straining to keep this from being a YA book. If so, the effort was wasted because this is a book that I would certainly recommend to older teenage girls.
March 15, 2013
I received this book from the Goodreads first reads program.
What a fun read!
Gigi Pandian writes with a quick wit, a loving attention to the eccentricities of the anthropological trades, and a keen eye for history. She wrapped the history of British India up with snippets of Scotland and even a bit of San Francisco culture quite well. Classic treasure hunt, classic adventure tale, classic mystery... what's not to love?
Indeed, this book did bring to mind Indiana Jones, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to more in this series. Great fun, and a perfect book to while away the hours. I'm quite glad I had a chance to read it.
What a fun read!
Gigi Pandian writes with a quick wit, a loving attention to the eccentricities of the anthropological trades, and a keen eye for history. She wrapped the history of British India up with snippets of Scotland and even a bit of San Francisco culture quite well. Classic treasure hunt, classic adventure tale, classic mystery... what's not to love?
Indeed, this book did bring to mind Indiana Jones, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to more in this series. Great fun, and a perfect book to while away the hours. I'm quite glad I had a chance to read it.
May 9, 2020
Interesting mystery and unusual background for the amateur sleuths. Interesting enough to listen to the end, but it lacked a certain something for me. I do not know what it was, just not as engaging (to me) as I wanted it to be.
Very competent audio narration.
Very competent audio narration.
July 19, 2013
Artifact is a Henery Press Publication. This book is scheduled to be released in August of 2013.
Jaya Jones is a historian living in San Francisco. All in one day she receives a package from her former lover, Rupert has a ruby bracelet enclosed with a note to Jaya explaining he need to keep the bracelet for him for awhile and that she would know what to do. He wanted her to call him, but that would be a little hard to do, because she also finds out the Rupert has been killed in a car accident.
Seeking more information about the bracelet, she heads to the university and is referred to a graduate student named Lane. When Lane sees the bracelet he is very interested. Interested enough to seek Jaya out and go along with her to Britain to do more research- because Jaya is convinced that Rupert was on to something and was murdered.
After flying to Britain, Lane and Jaya follow the clues to an archaeological dig in Scotland. Once introduce to the gang on dig, Jaya finds herself being reacquainted with Rupert's best friend Knox.
When someone on the dig is murdered, Jaya is in danger and the number one suspect.
Jaya's heritage and historical expertise come in handy when stories of fairies and other superstitions come out, but also the bracelet can be traced back to wars and rebellions from the 17 and 1800's that involved Britain and India.
Jaya is a person that is easy to relate to. The story is told from her perspective. (First person narrative). She is smart, funny, big hearted , but tries to pass herself off as jaded and cynical.
The mystery was well plotted with a few twist along the way. That could be irritating though, since it was always at the end of a chapter and I HAD to read the next one, then the next one. ( Grin)
A solid whodunit, treasure hunt and light romance all in one.
Yes, there are the inevitable comparisons to Elizabeth Peters. But, really ,who doesn't love Amelia Peabody? I think it's wonderful that someone has picked up where Peters left off and presented a modern day version of Amelia or Vicki Bliss. I LOVED it when Lane referred to Jaya by her last name. Cool!
I'm impressed with this one. Overall a solid A.
Jaya Jones is a historian living in San Francisco. All in one day she receives a package from her former lover, Rupert has a ruby bracelet enclosed with a note to Jaya explaining he need to keep the bracelet for him for awhile and that she would know what to do. He wanted her to call him, but that would be a little hard to do, because she also finds out the Rupert has been killed in a car accident.
Seeking more information about the bracelet, she heads to the university and is referred to a graduate student named Lane. When Lane sees the bracelet he is very interested. Interested enough to seek Jaya out and go along with her to Britain to do more research- because Jaya is convinced that Rupert was on to something and was murdered.
After flying to Britain, Lane and Jaya follow the clues to an archaeological dig in Scotland. Once introduce to the gang on dig, Jaya finds herself being reacquainted with Rupert's best friend Knox.
When someone on the dig is murdered, Jaya is in danger and the number one suspect.
Jaya's heritage and historical expertise come in handy when stories of fairies and other superstitions come out, but also the bracelet can be traced back to wars and rebellions from the 17 and 1800's that involved Britain and India.
Jaya is a person that is easy to relate to. The story is told from her perspective. (First person narrative). She is smart, funny, big hearted , but tries to pass herself off as jaded and cynical.
The mystery was well plotted with a few twist along the way. That could be irritating though, since it was always at the end of a chapter and I HAD to read the next one, then the next one. ( Grin)
A solid whodunit, treasure hunt and light romance all in one.
Yes, there are the inevitable comparisons to Elizabeth Peters. But, really ,who doesn't love Amelia Peabody? I think it's wonderful that someone has picked up where Peters left off and presented a modern day version of Amelia or Vicki Bliss. I LOVED it when Lane referred to Jaya by her last name. Cool!
I'm impressed with this one. Overall a solid A.
July 17, 2013
I'm not exactly original in saying this, but Artifact by Gigi Pandian is very much a story in the vein of Elizabeth Peters' Vicky Bliss mysteries, combining adventure with treasure hunt, murders, academics, humour and a dash of romance.
Is it as good? Hmm. The Vicky Bliss stories I've read so far aren't my favourite Elizabeth Peters books, but they're nice, entertaining, fun reads, and Pandian's Artifact is much the same.
I found the pacing pretty good, the research & historical detail interesting (it was obvious the author had either done considerable research into the chosen topics or rather already wisely based the action/mysteries in a field she's familiar with), plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep me guessing (some of the twists I could predict, others not). The cast of characters was interesting and varied enough and the dialogue flowed reasonably well.
I also liked that the romance, the implication of which was there from early on, never overtook the plot. I'm not sure I quite cared for how easily Jaya trusted Lane or how quickly that romance seemed to develop, perhaps because I prefer a bit more than "he has gorgeous cheekbones" to go on, but it wasn't really any worse than in most books with some romance.
My main issue was that I felt there was comparatively a little too much telling and too little showing for my taste. The parts with action - the parts where Jaya and Lane actually got up to stuff - were good and well-paced, but there were perhaps a few too many (and too long) parts where one or another character simply told others (and the reader) things we needed to know, whether background, exposition, or simply "what happened before". Some of this is of course needed and useful, but I'm not sure the balance was quite perfectly captured in Artifact.
This is also why I'm rating this three stars ("I liked it") and not four ("I loved it"). I did enjoy the book, and may well be interested in reading the next one.
* ARC of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. Thanks!
Is it as good? Hmm. The Vicky Bliss stories I've read so far aren't my favourite Elizabeth Peters books, but they're nice, entertaining, fun reads, and Pandian's Artifact is much the same.
I found the pacing pretty good, the research & historical detail interesting (it was obvious the author had either done considerable research into the chosen topics or rather already wisely based the action/mysteries in a field she's familiar with), plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep me guessing (some of the twists I could predict, others not). The cast of characters was interesting and varied enough and the dialogue flowed reasonably well.
I also liked that the romance, the implication of which was there from early on, never overtook the plot. I'm not sure I quite cared for how easily Jaya trusted Lane or how quickly that romance seemed to develop, perhaps because I prefer a bit more than "he has gorgeous cheekbones" to go on, but it wasn't really any worse than in most books with some romance.
My main issue was that I felt there was comparatively a little too much telling and too little showing for my taste. The parts with action - the parts where Jaya and Lane actually got up to stuff - were good and well-paced, but there were perhaps a few too many (and too long) parts where one or another character simply told others (and the reader) things we needed to know, whether background, exposition, or simply "what happened before". Some of this is of course needed and useful, but I'm not sure the balance was quite perfectly captured in Artifact.
This is also why I'm rating this three stars ("I liked it") and not four ("I loved it"). I did enjoy the book, and may well be interested in reading the next one.
* ARC of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. Thanks!
September 5, 2024
Good clean fun as always with Gigi's books. I do miss the gargoyle with the French accent from her Accidental Alchemist Mysteries series.
September 9, 2012
This debut featuring historian extrordinaire Dr. Jaya Jones could and should develop a great following. Artifact is a fun and informative introduction to a cast of characters as diverse as Dr. Jones is, and Pandian captures the quirks and distinctions with aplomb. Conversation is one of the most enjoyable features of this mystery as Pandian has a knack for dialogue and cadence that is charming without turning anyone into a caricature of their nationality. The romance is not overdone, and there is much to look forward to in future installments as we learn more about Lane, the love interest, and Jaya herself. The historical and archeological facts interspersed throughout made this most enjoyable and I can only hope this continues in the next adventure. And I will be reading the next adventure...
January 12, 2013
Another women sleuth but this one is special and unique as she is a PHD seeking tenure at a San Francisco Bay area university. Her specialty is centered on the history of the relationship of Britain and India. She is very smart, very clever, very motivated, very head strong, very attractive, has relationships with mysterious men and knows and practices ju-jitsu.
What more could you desire as a female mystery protagonist? And did I say she is cute and from from Berkeley.
I particularly enjoyed how Gigi Pandian's tale included and relied upon historical information concerning periods and subjects that I had never previously focused upon or knew I would have the slightest bit interest in. The history, information and mystery is very well presented and I enjoyed it through the last page.
Gigi indicates she plans to publish Jaya Jones next adventure soon, I'll be looking forwatd to it.
What more could you desire as a female mystery protagonist? And did I say she is cute and from from Berkeley.
I particularly enjoyed how Gigi Pandian's tale included and relied upon historical information concerning periods and subjects that I had never previously focused upon or knew I would have the slightest bit interest in. The history, information and mystery is very well presented and I enjoyed it through the last page.
Gigi indicates she plans to publish Jaya Jones next adventure soon, I'll be looking forwatd to it.
January 16, 2021
I'm not sure about the characters, the romance in particular seemed to come out of nowhere, and the protagonist decided a lot of things based on feelings. Certain characters backstories were also told randomly and given almost no reaction, to be then picked up again in later chapters.
The mystery didn't really go anywhere, so much you can't tell how they actually solve it. The mystery of the rubies is better explained than the actual murder.
From the cover art I thought Jaya would be an Indian woman with a deep skin color, but she's actually described as pale, I suppose it makes sense since she's mixed and there are light skinned people in India (And it may be based off the author) but the difference still felt wrong.
In the end it wasn't a horrible read, even if I'm quite allergic to history lessons and I've already forgotten most of it. What I know is that Jaya has terrible taste for boyfriends.
If you're interested in Indian history and would like to read about a fictional lost treasure go ahead and read this, but the actual mystery and romance and character development is seriously lacking.
The mystery didn't really go anywhere, so much you can't tell how they actually solve it. The mystery of the rubies is better explained than the actual murder.
From the cover art I thought Jaya would be an Indian woman with a deep skin color, but she's actually described as pale, I suppose it makes sense since she's mixed and there are light skinned people in India (And it may be based off the author) but the difference still felt wrong.
In the end it wasn't a horrible read, even if I'm quite allergic to history lessons and I've already forgotten most of it. What I know is that Jaya has terrible taste for boyfriends.
If you're interested in Indian history and would like to read about a fictional lost treasure go ahead and read this, but the actual mystery and romance and character development is seriously lacking.
December 17, 2019
This was a thrilling adventure story mixed in with a historic treasure from a time period that I am not as familiar with, and I found it fascinating. The Jaya Jones character is hailarious, impulsive, a little too trusting, but above all else she has a heart of gold! I can’t wait to read more of this series to see where Jaya ends up next. My only critique is that at times the story was a little choppy, it jumped from time periods and events a little too much. The way the historical aspect of the mystery was solved came about too quickly and it didn’t fit into the plot as well as it could have. But overall I was very happy with the story, especially with the promise of more to come!
February 28, 2023
Not 100% cleanbut probably only 3 crude words and no F-bombs, sex, or gore.
I found it delightful.
I enjoyed the narrator.
History and a mystery. Cleanish.
Strong 4.5
I found it delightful.
I enjoyed the narrator.
History and a mystery. Cleanish.
Strong 4.5
February 24, 2025
Decent cozy-thriller, but I had hoped the historical aspect had been a bigger part of the story and plot
August 28, 2012
I haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 8/28/12
Received 8/31/12 started 9/1/12 and finished 9/2/12
Jaya Jones receives an Indian bracelet and mysterious note from her ex boyfriend Rupert in the mail. The package was postmarked the same day Rupert died in an automobile accident in Scotland. She decides the coincidence of the date was fishy and she needs to determine if the artifact was the reason Rupert was killed. She meets Lane, and jewelry historian expert, and together they travel to England then Scotland to follow the clues. Throw in a magician best friend, a Russian landlady, and a whole host of other characters and Jaya really has her hands full solving this mystery.
I hadn't won a book in so long and then I won this one. WooHoo number 1. It arrived really fast. WooHoo number 2. and it was a great read. WooHoo number 3!
Jaya is a fun character and her thought process and her actions seem realistic and not forced at all. I love that she wears heels all the time. She did have a little too much patience with the boys. I want to go to Scotland and stay at a small pub and inn and have locals that tell all sorts of Fairy Stories. Good story line, great characters, and a fun read.
Received 8/31/12 started 9/1/12 and finished 9/2/12
Jaya Jones receives an Indian bracelet and mysterious note from her ex boyfriend Rupert in the mail. The package was postmarked the same day Rupert died in an automobile accident in Scotland. She decides the coincidence of the date was fishy and she needs to determine if the artifact was the reason Rupert was killed. She meets Lane, and jewelry historian expert, and together they travel to England then Scotland to follow the clues. Throw in a magician best friend, a Russian landlady, and a whole host of other characters and Jaya really has her hands full solving this mystery.
I hadn't won a book in so long and then I won this one. WooHoo number 1. It arrived really fast. WooHoo number 2. and it was a great read. WooHoo number 3!
Jaya is a fun character and her thought process and her actions seem realistic and not forced at all. I love that she wears heels all the time. She did have a little too much patience with the boys. I want to go to Scotland and stay at a small pub and inn and have locals that tell all sorts of Fairy Stories. Good story line, great characters, and a fun read.
July 4, 2015
At last! A well-educated, reasonably confident, independent woman who thinks outside the box! She has an interesting background, quirky friends, and an ex lover with a mysterious artifact. Oh, and he's apparently dead, but no corpus delicti. Enter a pushy grad student and an assortment of new characters. Soon there is more history and mystery to be burrowed through, suspense, and a logical but unexpected denouement. Certainly a brain-grabbing read with clear depictions of places and people easily visualized by the reader. Characterizations are realistic (think I worked with one or three of them).
Allyson Ryan really nailed it! Her performance truly enhanced this story and the differentiation and audible attitudes of the characters are exceptional.
This book forced me to sit up waaaay too late by wanting to finish it in one sitting.
Allyson Ryan really nailed it! Her performance truly enhanced this story and the differentiation and audible attitudes of the characters are exceptional.
This book forced me to sit up waaaay too late by wanting to finish it in one sitting.
June 1, 2017
This sounded fun and cute. It was cute, but it came across for me as trying to be so cute and clever that it always felt like it was trying just a little too hard and seemed forced.
I also couldn't connect to any of the characters as real people I cared about. They all felt like comic book characters who did cliched things, and said forced lines.
This was just the wrong book for me, I think. It didn't connect for me at all. When I got almost to the halfway point and still wasn't truly invested in either the people or the events, I decided it was a wrap for me and this went back to the library.
I also couldn't connect to any of the characters as real people I cared about. They all felt like comic book characters who did cliched things, and said forced lines.
This was just the wrong book for me, I think. It didn't connect for me at all. When I got almost to the halfway point and still wasn't truly invested in either the people or the events, I decided it was a wrap for me and this went back to the library.
Read
July 27, 2017“How wonderful to see a young, new writer who harks back to the Golden Age of mystery fiction. Artifact is witty, clever, and twisty… Do you like Agatha Christie? Elizabeth Peters? Then you’re going to love Gigi Pandian.” — Aaron Elkins, Edgar Award-Winning Author of the Gideon Oliver “Skeleton Detective” Mysteries
May 13, 2013
A self-published book that claims to be by the next Elizabeth Peters. It's not anywhere near that good (which I should have known by the absence of a legitimate publisher). Slow, with many seams showing.
October 9, 2017
What a fun book! Loved the treasure hunt theme.
April 23, 2017
Cozy History, Archaeology mystery
When historian Jaya Jones receives a mysterious package containing a jewel-encrusted artifact from India, sent by her ex-lover the same day he died in the Highlands of Scotland, she discovers the secrets of a lost Indian treasure may be hidden in a Scottish legend from the days of the British Raj.
But she's not the only one on the trail.
From San Francisco to London to the Highlands of Scotland, Jaya must evade a shadowy stalker as she follows hints to a remote archaeological dig. Helping her decipher the cryptic clues are her magician best friend, an art historian with something to hide, and a charming archaeologist running for his life.
A nice change from the cozy novels of quilters, cooks, librarians and other assorted walks of life I have been reading!
When historian Jaya Jones receives a mysterious package containing a jewel-encrusted artifact from India, sent by her ex-lover the same day he died in the Highlands of Scotland, she discovers the secrets of a lost Indian treasure may be hidden in a Scottish legend from the days of the British Raj.
But she's not the only one on the trail.
From San Francisco to London to the Highlands of Scotland, Jaya must evade a shadowy stalker as she follows hints to a remote archaeological dig. Helping her decipher the cryptic clues are her magician best friend, an art historian with something to hide, and a charming archaeologist running for his life.
A nice change from the cozy novels of quilters, cooks, librarians and other assorted walks of life I have been reading!
July 13, 2025
This treasure hunt of a cozy mystery was a lot of fun. I really liked Jaya and Lane. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. This first in the series wasn’t perfect. There were moments when it seemed like a wild goose chase and there were some elements that felt like they went unaddressed in the end. But the (slightly less adventurous) female Indiana Jones aspect of it all really enchanted me. And now I want to read the whole series and any other treasure hunting mystery romances that I can find.
June 16, 2017
A fun romp! Jaya Jones is an appealing heroine, with some actual skills that set her apart from the normal cozy sleuth (she's a historian and trained in jiu-jitsu). Her half Indian heritage adds interest and makes her perfect for the Popsugar Reading Challenge!
January 25, 2018
This one was just okay for me. I couldn't really connect with the main character, Jaya Jones. I love another series by this author, The Accidental Alchemist. It features an adorable French gargoyle. I read the audio version of this one. The narration was quite good. It was read by Allyson Ryan.
April 19, 2022
Great start to the series. Not a fan of either Lane nor Rudolf though 🙄🙄
The author did a great job of moving the plot along with murder, treasure hunters, history, and mysteries to solve along the way.
The author did a great job of moving the plot along with murder, treasure hunters, history, and mysteries to solve along the way.
January 5, 2026
This was a cute mystery, very clean. The main character is not your stereotypical armchair detective, she felt fresh and unlike anything I've read before. The plot was a bit predictable, but I liked the book enough that I would consider reading the second book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews