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Riley Cooper #1
Expedition Indigo
Archaeologist Riley Cooper is offered the chance of a lifetime: a chance to find the Crux Fidelis, the coronation cross of Charlemagne. Under Water Sea Adventures members believe they have found the remains of the Indigo, a heavily laden cargo ship commissioned by Charlemagne and presumed lost on its maiden voyage off the coast of southern Italy in the early 800s. If Riley can find the cross, it will prove Charlemagne's coronation as the First Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day had not been a spontaneous act, but rather a desperate political maneuver by a Pope in need of protection.
When Riley joins UWSA off the coast of Sorrento, Italy, tensions and tempers fly as a competing team arrives in search of the treasure and an approaching hurricane gains strength and heads straight toward the dive site. And when one of the crew is murdered, Riley must find the strength to fight back and keep the treasure out of the other team's hands.
When Riley joins UWSA off the coast of Sorrento, Italy, tensions and tempers fly as a competing team arrives in search of the treasure and an approaching hurricane gains strength and heads straight toward the dive site. And when one of the crew is murdered, Riley must find the strength to fight back and keep the treasure out of the other team's hands.
319 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2014
4 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 4, 2015
This is a cracking debut. It was thrilling to travel along on this expedition with Riley Cooper. I loved experiencing her character blossom as this suspenseful story unfolded. I can't wait for her next adventure.
Stacy's writing is captivating. I could not put the book down. I'm ready for Expedition Indigo, the movie. And for Riley Cooper, book two. Bravo!
Stacy's writing is captivating. I could not put the book down. I'm ready for Expedition Indigo, the movie. And for Riley Cooper, book two. Bravo!
July 25, 2014
EXPEDITION INDIGO is one heck of a book. It tells a fascinating story of Riley Cooper, archaeologist, and her quest for a cross once belonging to Charlemagne. Riley is a blend of professional and woman rare in modern novels in that she doesn't exhibit super-human strength, knows her mind well and yet worries about girl things such as how she looks and how she's perceived. Her toughness is subtly done, something I found refreshing. The dashing Stefano draws Riley's interest, but when she finds he has a disturbing secret, she realizes she must make a difficult choice. This love story is told against the backdrop of Italy, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Catholic seat of power in Rome. You can't get better visuals than that.
Stacy Allen is obviously fluent in Italian and French and foregoes the usual repeating of those non-English phrases, giving the reader credit for being smart enough to understand them without subtitles, as it were. She's also an expert diver who takes her characters on well-handled dives with attention to detail and safety rules. She's well-traveled and so can take us (sometimes on the run) through major airports, train stations and hotels as if we were watching it all on film.
Her characters are well drawn and interesting. The story sweeps us across two continents and a couple of oceans and fills our heads with scenes and information that keep us reading long after we should be doing the laundry. I enjoyed it very much.
Stacy Allen is obviously fluent in Italian and French and foregoes the usual repeating of those non-English phrases, giving the reader credit for being smart enough to understand them without subtitles, as it were. She's also an expert diver who takes her characters on well-handled dives with attention to detail and safety rules. She's well-traveled and so can take us (sometimes on the run) through major airports, train stations and hotels as if we were watching it all on film.
Her characters are well drawn and interesting. The story sweeps us across two continents and a couple of oceans and fills our heads with scenes and information that keep us reading long after we should be doing the laundry. I enjoyed it very much.
July 31, 2014
I loved this book. I didn't want this book to end, and was so glad it included a preview of Riley's next adventure.
I thoroughly enjoyed the underwater adventures of Riley Cooper, a strong woman of many talents--including archeology, scuba diving, and making music. Those were a great combination for someone who joins a dive to recover a ship downed off the coast of Capri (one of my fav places to travel) in the 800s. As an archeologist, Riley knows how to handle the treasures they find; as a diver she helps to find them. As a woman, she finds it hard to resist the Italian charms of a fellow diver.
Stacy Allen is a world traveler and a scuba diver, apparently, so she knows what she's talking about. The extensive details, especially about diving in the sea, were NOT overdone, but they lent authenticity to scenes I won't soon forget. And Riley's love interest was kinda hot! Congrats to Stacy Allen for a very memorable story.
And I adore the cover!
I thoroughly enjoyed the underwater adventures of Riley Cooper, a strong woman of many talents--including archeology, scuba diving, and making music. Those were a great combination for someone who joins a dive to recover a ship downed off the coast of Capri (one of my fav places to travel) in the 800s. As an archeologist, Riley knows how to handle the treasures they find; as a diver she helps to find them. As a woman, she finds it hard to resist the Italian charms of a fellow diver.
Stacy Allen is a world traveler and a scuba diver, apparently, so she knows what she's talking about. The extensive details, especially about diving in the sea, were NOT overdone, but they lent authenticity to scenes I won't soon forget. And Riley's love interest was kinda hot! Congrats to Stacy Allen for a very memorable story.
And I adore the cover!
September 2, 2014
Travel, adventure, double crosses, intrigue, thieves, yachts, SCUBA diving, sexy men, a Vatican connection, an engaging protagonist – these are a few of the reasons I love Stacy Allen's Expedition Indigo. This page-turning thriller captured my imagination and took me on a wild high stakes ride.
In Allen’s first Riley Cooper book, Riley comes into the position of archeologist for an international salvage team when her best friend and mentor is unable to make the trip. But her expertise and cool head under pressure are what keep her on the job when mishaps occur. Riley was determined to succeed, and I was pulling for her the whole way.
An engaging debut thriller.
In Allen’s first Riley Cooper book, Riley comes into the position of archeologist for an international salvage team when her best friend and mentor is unable to make the trip. But her expertise and cool head under pressure are what keep her on the job when mishaps occur. Riley was determined to succeed, and I was pulling for her the whole way.
An engaging debut thriller.
August 10, 2014
I enjoyed reading this fun, smart action adventure novel and found it difficult to put down. I'm a fan of thrillers that revolve around history/archeology and this novel certainly does. The scenes are well-written and the reader gets a feeling of actually being on where the action is, whether it is on the storm tossed boat, or the murky depths of the Mediterranean. It is refreshing to have a nicely drawn smart, resourceful, but also realistic female protagonist. I look forward to reading more of Riley's adventures!
September 24, 2014
It only took me 3 days to read Expedition Indigo. Without giving too much away, the book introduces us to Archeologist Dr. Riley Cooper. She's extremely likeable, despite nerves she'll do anything to get the job done.I loved reading about Charlemagne, the deep sea dives and the feeling of being on an adventurous vacation in the Mediterranean, eating delicious foods. Can't wait for the 2nd Riley Cooper adventure!
August 19, 2014
Expedition IndigoI just had the great honor of reading a ARC, and what a Thrill ride of a story! I enjoyed the research of the story, and how it all comes together so easy. Looking forward to Riley's next adventure!
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January 25, 2017This book was a nice escape. If you like action/adventure with a dash of history finished with a strong female lead then you'll enjoy this book. It was easy to relate to Riley (the main character) and you can tell the author did her research for the story. Great read!
August 15, 2014
Wonderful! This book has a little bit of everything. Adventure, romance, murder. Looking forward to the next installment of Riley Cooper.
August 17, 2014
I received Expedition Indigo as an ARC and devoured it in less than 48 hours. The adventure tale centers on the mythology of Charlemagne and the Crux Fidelis - the coronation cross sought after by undersea treasure hunters. Archaeologist Riley Cooper is one of the most compelling female protagonists I've read in a long time - smart, ingenious and courageous beyond her years. I loved that the action took place off the coast of Sorrento, Italy because the details are what make this story a pleasure to read. The exotic locations mixed with the mythology make it a great summer read any time of year. I especially loved the tension created when a hurricane begins to move in as competing teams square off on the dive site marking the remains of the Indigo - presumed lost on its maiden voyage in the early 800s. Intrigue and danger both above and below the turbulent waterline make Expedition Indigo a must read. It also heralds the arrival of a fantastic new heroine in Riley Cooper. Stacy Allen has written an amazing first book in a series that is far and away more than the sum of its parts. This is an adventure anyone can enjoy but fans of historical fiction and undersea adventure will especially savor. A real gem of a read from a great new author!
September 15, 2014
Expedition Indigo is an action-packed good read. I'm not a fan of historical time-travel type fantasies, and fortunately this is not one. With enough historical and cultural detail to weave a rich story, Stacy Allen creates an exciting, contemporary adventure with characters of good depth. The heroine, Riley Cooper, is a satisfyingly complex, skilled, ethical, professional and loveable character, and the supporting cast are well-portrayed and interesting individuals as well. Allen's remarkable skill at capturing well-paced, natural-sounding dialogue added greatly to my enjoyment of the book.
Expedition Indigo is a page turner without resorting to totally-unbelievable Hollywood-style scenarios, something that I have found annoying in many other thrillers. The underwater setting for many of the most exciting passages adds a really interesting dimension to the story. It has been decades -- many, many decades -- since I strapped on scuba gear, but I found myself biting down hard on my regulator during the realistic and brilliantly-written dive scenes.
I'm looking forward to more of Stacy Allen's story telling and Riley Cooper's adventures.
Expedition Indigo is a page turner without resorting to totally-unbelievable Hollywood-style scenarios, something that I have found annoying in many other thrillers. The underwater setting for many of the most exciting passages adds a really interesting dimension to the story. It has been decades -- many, many decades -- since I strapped on scuba gear, but I found myself biting down hard on my regulator during the realistic and brilliantly-written dive scenes.
I'm looking forward to more of Stacy Allen's story telling and Riley Cooper's adventures.
September 10, 2014
For an avid reader, or bookworm, there is nothing greater than finding a new author, especially one that's writing a series that is exciting, knows how to tell a great story, and writes characters that you either want to know or be. In this first novel Stacy Allen introduces us to Dr. Riley Cooper an intelligent, ballsy heroine, who finds adventure on the high seas and in the arms of a steamy Italian lover. Need I say more. From page one the action starts and never lets up. It's the type of book that keeps you up way past your bedtime saying just one more page. A great adventure with great characters. Don't be surprised if you want to run off to Italy after reading this book. Who knew a Mediterranean treasure hunt could be so exciting. Murder, mayhem, wine, and love. Bravo Stacy Allen, can't wait for book two.
August 21, 2014
So interesting, what a read!
I really enjoyed this, it is not like a lot of books I read. I found that I could easily follow along even in the parts in other languages. That was great! I often get lost when another language is just kinda thrown in there to add to the story. But, I usually lose some of the story and get caught up on the change in language. Not the case here. SO happy too. I found this to be thrilling with a twist of romance. Stefano is an interesting character and I love the spark between him and Riley. Riley is on one major adventure and I was so lucky to go along! How very exciting and a fun read!
I really enjoyed this, it is not like a lot of books I read. I found that I could easily follow along even in the parts in other languages. That was great! I often get lost when another language is just kinda thrown in there to add to the story. But, I usually lose some of the story and get caught up on the change in language. Not the case here. SO happy too. I found this to be thrilling with a twist of romance. Stefano is an interesting character and I love the spark between him and Riley. Riley is on one major adventure and I was so lucky to go along! How very exciting and a fun read!
September 14, 2014
I wondered why my wife couldn’t put down Expedition Indigo. As soon as I read the first pages, I knew why. Allen paints history and undersea adventure with bittersweet romance in a Mediterranean backdrop.
Expedition Indigo’s pace keeps the pages turning with archaeologist, Dr. Riley Cooper, as a believable heroine. As the characters go head to head with robust motivation, the stakes loom larger than life and can change our understanding of history. Riley is no superhero. She overcomes vulnerabilities and rises to her challenges armed with grit, determination and smarts.
Excellence in writing.
Expedition Indigo’s pace keeps the pages turning with archaeologist, Dr. Riley Cooper, as a believable heroine. As the characters go head to head with robust motivation, the stakes loom larger than life and can change our understanding of history. Riley is no superhero. She overcomes vulnerabilities and rises to her challenges armed with grit, determination and smarts.
Excellence in writing.
December 30, 2014
My goodness, this book starts out with a bang and doesn't let up! Even when I thought I was safe with the characters getting coffee, bam, Allen adds a shocker, and suspense. Allen is a fantastic teacher-writer, and by that I mean, she sneaks in lessons about Italy, landmarks, history, and diving while telling us a crackling, edge-of-your-seat suspense--and equally important, love story. CAN'T WAIT FOR PART II!! What a fantastic read that can be done in one or two sittings (assuming you must take a break to eat something).
September 2, 2014
Expedition Indigo is a great story and a comfortable read. I truly enjoyed it. Each time I picked it up I did not want to put it down without discovering what was happening next. Riley's on again/off again relationship with Stefano and the race to trump the bad guys, not to mention the storm, kept me glued to the story.
Congratulations to Ms. Allen on an excellent and thrilling first novel. I can't wait for Riley's next adventure. Sandra Vanderpool
Congratulations to Ms. Allen on an excellent and thrilling first novel. I can't wait for Riley's next adventure. Sandra Vanderpool
August 24, 2014
Received a complimentary copy to read and review. Great book. I couldn't put it down. It's a real page turner. I love the characters that Stacy has created. It has great twists and turns. There's suspense, intrigue, and romance thrown into the mix. It makes for a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it to those readers who love a romance with suspense. It won't disappoint. It's one of those to be added to your TBR list. I look forward to reading more of Stacy's books.
September 5, 2014
Great debut novel. Fast-paced action, adventure, and intrigue, with a little romance thrown in for fun! Riley Cooper is a superb title character, with traits we can all relate to in some way. Fantastic job, Stacey! Keep them coming!
September 18, 2014
great read - can't wait for the next one!!!
August 30, 2014
Have not read in years but I'm really looking forward to reading this book
April 18, 2019
I love a good thriller and this one did not disappoint! Honestly, what didn’t this book have?- Adventure, romance, thrills, exotic locations, you name it. Stacy Allen has a way of making the reader feel like they are right there in the action with Riley Cooper. I thoroughly enjoyed how Riley was a strong, honest, independent woman who came off as a real person and not a fictional character with too many past issues or too perfect a person with perfect timing and reactions to events unfolding before her. This book was well paced and an enticing read. I had the pleasure of meeting the author a while ago and couldn’t wait to get my hands on her first book. I so look forward to more adventures with Riley Cooper!
November 10, 2014
EXPEDITION INDIGO opens with a compelling prologue about a shipwreck in the Mediterranean in 808 A.D. In fact, I was so drawn into the story of 12-year-old Lazio that, at first, I was a little disappointed when the present-day story began. Soon, though, protagonist Riley Cooper, won me over. Quirky, intelligent, and highly moral, Riley has OCD, a condition rarely seen in adventure heroines and which Allen writes about with sensitivity. Riley's rituals, along with her conflicting desires for safety and adventure provide another layer of depth to Stacy Allen's engaging story of piracy, adventure, sunken treasure, and romance. Allen writes about Italy, archaeology, and scuba diving with the voice of one who's been there and knows just which details to use to bring the story to life. (And yes, I'm happy to say she reveals what happened to Lazio.) If you like an unusual protagonist and an adventure story spiced with romance, I highly recommend EXPEDITION INDIGO.
December 28, 2014
Expedition Indigo is the kind of story you do not want to end. The characters were well developed and enjoyable to follow as they moved toward their goals. The author's obvious experience with diving, history, and archeology gave the characters' excusion high credibility.
It was interesting to see a strong female lead who was comfortable with herself and confident. This character should provide the author with plenty of fuel for an exciting series.
The story contained just enough exposition to help the reader feel comfortable with the adventure. I'd say most readers learned quite a bit as they were being entertained.
The story setting brought back memories of my own trip to Italy years ago. This was a comfortble read that cost me a good deal of sleep.
I'm looking forward to Riley Cooper's next adventure and hopefully more late night thoughts of Italia.
I highly recommend Expedition Indigo and any future work about this character or by this author.
It was interesting to see a strong female lead who was comfortable with herself and confident. This character should provide the author with plenty of fuel for an exciting series.
The story contained just enough exposition to help the reader feel comfortable with the adventure. I'd say most readers learned quite a bit as they were being entertained.
The story setting brought back memories of my own trip to Italy years ago. This was a comfortble read that cost me a good deal of sleep.
I'm looking forward to Riley Cooper's next adventure and hopefully more late night thoughts of Italia.
I highly recommend Expedition Indigo and any future work about this character or by this author.
January 26, 2015
Having read this novel within a few days and Loving it, I am honored to give Allen a five star review for her debut. Stacy is skilled at creating characters with depth (a strong female lead for one who you will root for and adore), a plot with excitement, adventure (I read books to be transported to the author's world...not only does Stacy have the talent for this, I actually learned a lot too along the way), and having the ability to take a reader along with her through these events (scenery, character, description, plot). It's a beautiful novel. Her harness of language and story telling is evident and the reader will not be disappointed. They will want to tag along with Riley Cooper and experience her world in every page. I look forward to more from Stacy and seeing her career blossom. xxx
November 16, 2014
Stacy Allen's debut novel is a gem. She hit all of my buttons - Italy (and gorgeous Italian men), food, wine, and adventure. Her protagonist, Riley Copper, could easily be a good friend: quirky, seasoned with OCD traits, learned, interesting, strong, courageous in her own way, and motivated by a call to do the right thing at every turn.
I thought one of Mrs. Allen's best writing traits was that she is herself a wealth of knowledge, but the information about SCUBA, travel, and archaeology was woven into the storyline with such mastery that it never felt like attending a lecture - but I did learn so much. This is always a sought-after reward in my reading choices. Looking forward to RIley's next adventure!
I thought one of Mrs. Allen's best writing traits was that she is herself a wealth of knowledge, but the information about SCUBA, travel, and archaeology was woven into the storyline with such mastery that it never felt like attending a lecture - but I did learn so much. This is always a sought-after reward in my reading choices. Looking forward to RIley's next adventure!
December 28, 2014
This debut thriller is the kind I like. The characters are real, believable. There's history and exotic locations. The author knows what she's writing about, clearly, and her heroine Riley Cooper experiences real emotions like anxiety. Nothing cardboard here.
Furthermore...and admittedly this is just me talking...but I LOVE the cover. Why are there so few really BLUE covers when it is my favorite color and it draws me in every time! Well done, Stacy Allen, and I look forward to more adventures from your Riley Cooper!
Furthermore...and admittedly this is just me talking...but I LOVE the cover. Why are there so few really BLUE covers when it is my favorite color and it draws me in every time! Well done, Stacy Allen, and I look forward to more adventures from your Riley Cooper!
January 15, 2015
Take Indiana Jones and Dirk Pitt, add a dash of quirks and a teaspoon of reluctance, and enter Riley Cooper. This is a rollicking good, suspense-filled adventure with memorable characters and beautifully choreographed scenes in Italy, onboard ship, and in the water. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into treasure hunting, scuba diving, and even life in the Vatican! Calling this book extremely well plotted and a true page page-turner is not an exaggeration and I can't wait to see what Riley gets into next. Terrific debut novel that leaves you wanting more.
July 4, 2015
Take Hedy Lamarr, Dirk Pitt, Nora Charles, Adrian Monk, and Barbara Tsakiris and reform them into one character, and you get Riley Cooper!
Academia, underwater adventure, villains, car chases, murder and attempted murder are the ingredients in this well crafted novel populated with friends, foes, romantic interest, and even the Vatican.
Kristin Kalbli is the audio performer magnifica who brings each character into sharp focus and excitement into the narrative.
This is a book not to be missed!
I am grateful to have been gifted with this book courtesy of AudioBook Blast
Academia, underwater adventure, villains, car chases, murder and attempted murder are the ingredients in this well crafted novel populated with friends, foes, romantic interest, and even the Vatican.
Kristin Kalbli is the audio performer magnifica who brings each character into sharp focus and excitement into the narrative.
This is a book not to be missed!
I am grateful to have been gifted with this book courtesy of AudioBook Blast
April 8, 2015
My kind of treasure hunt! The first Riley Cooper adventure takes the female archaeologist to an underwater treasure hunt off the coast of Italy. The descriptions of deep sea diving made me wish I had the guts to try it myself. It was no surprise to learn that author Stacy Allen has experience in this type of expedition; as I read the book I felt like I was right there on the voyage. I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 22, 2014
Blends mystery and history together to create a suspenseful ride. The first scene, opening on the ancient ship and the shipwreck, thoroughly drew me in. I loved the details on Italy and on scuba diving, and the romantic angle also kept my interest. Riley is a great character, and I look forward to her next adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews