The Strangest Thing

Brian Sadler Archaeological Mysteries #3

by Bill Thompson

As the President of the United States disappears within the bowels of a Mayan temple the world holds its breath. What lies deep beneath the Temple of the Inscriptions in Palenque, Mexico? Does it shed light on a thousand-year-old question? Amateur archaeologist Brian Sadler intends to find out. Hundreds of years ago the Maya proliferated throughout Mexico and Central America, evolving from farmers and warriors to master architects and stonemasons in an inconceivably short span of time. Their massive multi-story temples are built of stone blocks - some weighing more than a hundred tons and sitting a hundred feet above the ground. These stones fit together so precisely a sheet of paper couldn't slip between them. Yet these Indians apparently built their multi-story temples using nothing but stone hand tools. Who - or what - taught them how? This book offers a theory. When, in one such Mayan ruin, a U.S. President vanishes without a trace from a chamber with only one exit, America's newly appointed President calls on his old friend Brian Sadler to find out the answer. Deep in the jungles of southern Mexico Sadler makes an astonishing discovery - something that might literally be The Strangest Thing . . . ever. This is the third title in the Brian Sadler Archaeological Mystery series. First was the award-winning book The Bethlehem Scroll, followed by A Search for the Lost City of the Mayas. It features stockbroker-turned-antiquities dealer Brian Sadler.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2014

About the author

If variety is the spice of life, author Bill Thompson’s life so far has been spicy for sure! Over the years, and in no particular order, he’s been

• an international insurance broker
• a mayor
• head of a state prison board
• a stockbroker
• a newspaper reporter
• a Bourbon Street piano player
• a corporate entrepreneur
• presented to Queen Elizabeth
• in jail (briefly … and wrongly!)
• a goat herder
• a church organist and choir member
• a real estate broker
• a world traveler
• president of an animal shelter
• a husband, father and grandfather
• an observer at a knighting in Westminster
• a fluent Russian speaker
• a passenger on the Concorde
• a caregiver
• a lifetime dog lover
• an award-winning novelist

Reviews

[Brandie Lea Slicer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting!

Another well thought story. Brian sure seems to have a lot of connections! This time his friend from college (POTUS), of course...lol, needs him to investigate the missing President he stepped in for. President Chapman had an interest in archaeology, and went missing at a recent find at a Mayan Temple. Once again, ancient mysteries are revealed and deadly turn about is fair play.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best of the series, but an interesting quick read.

This is a one day read, entertaining, and keeps the pages turning. I'd recommend it if you've read the first books in the series but don't judge the other books in the series by the simple plot in this book. It's still well researched and most of the characters are enjoyable and believable. Overall I would give it 3.5 stars for sheer entertainment.

[Mary]

It kept me wanting to read what would happen next. It's interesting to read about the actual places, & to think about could this have actually happened in real life (with the temple, how it was built, as well as other sites that have the big stones, how did they build perfect buildings, stones, etc). Then guessing what happened to the president in this story, as well as other people. It's interesting to read these books.

[Sherrie T]

As with all of the Brian Sadler mysteries, Bill Thompson does not disappoint with, The Strangest Thing! He keeps you on the edge of your seat in mystery. I highly recommend this author. His archaeological mysteries are well thought out and believable! I didn't even know I was into archaeological mystery until I read Callie (book one in the Brian Sadler Mysteries) now I'm hooked!

[wes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadler was kind of just along for the ride in this book. I thought the previous book was a far better read. The drama between Sadler and his love interest was minimal, along with the rest of the side stories. The end did have a surprise, but it felt like there were few options near the end. I try the next one on the strength of the first.

[Jade Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strangest thing

This is the first book I've read from THIS author. It is very well written and the details are very interesting. I am looking forward to another book with Brian Sadler.

[Caralynne M. Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archeology, Excitement & Aliens

The ancient artifact dealer, Brian Sadler, is ensnared in another archeological mystery involving a missing President of the United States and aliens. Great read!

[Martin Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical novel

It is a fine example of weaving historical facts with a fictional back drop, the character of Brian Sandler is further enhanced. Good light pacey read

[Clinton Gann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story but the side stories got a little weak and felt a little rushed to get finished.

[Kathleen Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice twist at end of novel

The characters development improving the story from novel one to three. Author Bill Thompson has written a good story. Thanks!

[Kathy Debow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book,enjoyed the characters and locations .

[Gregory S. Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

That's the series, need more.

Hey, this guys good. He has a plot that just keeps moving along, but not in the comic book style of so many others. My complements Mr Thompson.