What do you think?
Rate this book
The Simulacrum
Less than a year after discovering a human fossil and a dinosaur fossil found together, paleontologist Wayne Oakford is murdered. His niece, Mary Dillard, believes the killer was another scientist who was trying to ruin his reputation. She hires a private detective, Gunnar Schofield, to investigate the murder. While travelling across the country, the pair learns that a secret society of scientists has been falsifying the fossil record to discredit creationism and support Darwin's theory of evolution. Will she succeed in clearing Wayne Oakford's name? Will the truth about evolution be exposed to the world?
"A fast-paced thriller with an intriguing scientific mystery.... [P]lenty of similarities to Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, that blockbuster page-turner. This book moves at a similarly brisk pace, with short chapters, snappy dialogue and great chemistry between the two leads as they jet from one destination to another, one revelation to the next, one precarious bit of danger after the other.... [T]his thriller ... delivers." -- Kirkus Reviews
"A fast-paced thriller with an intriguing scientific mystery.... [P]lenty of similarities to Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, that blockbuster page-turner. This book moves at a similarly brisk pace, with short chapters, snappy dialogue and great chemistry between the two leads as they jet from one destination to another, one revelation to the next, one precarious bit of danger after the other.... [T]his thriller ... delivers." -- Kirkus Reviews
- GenresMysteryChristian Fiction
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2014
19 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 9, 2019
Not to bad
I did enjoy this book it’s a little bit contrived but still was pretty fun to read and the ending made you want more of the characters.
I did enjoy this book it’s a little bit contrived but still was pretty fun to read and the ending made you want more of the characters.
September 18, 2014
As both a scientist and a Christian, I was eager to read this book. The Simulacrum is correct in its assertion that evolution is taught as if it's proven instead of still being a theory. Many of the criticisms of macro evolution are deftly presented through dialog to advance the plot. The only area that gave me pause was the motivation behind the bad guys -- scientists who would do anything to cover up any discovery that would challenge evolution theory. But you can't have a mystery/thriller without bad guys, so I chalked it up to artistic license. If the Da Vinci code can have evil priests, then The Simulacrum can have evil... well, I can't tell you because that would be a spoiler.
The writing is great and the story is fun. If you like detective novels and thrillers with a rugged hero and sassy yet in-need-of-rescue heroine, you won't be disappointed in this book.
Looking forward to the next one.
Merged review:
As both a scientist and a Christian, I was eager to read this book. The Simulacrum is correct in its assertion that evolution is taught as if it's proven instead of still being a theory. Many of the criticisms of macro evolution are deftly presented through dialog to advance the plot. The only area that gave me pause was the motivation behind the bad guys -- scientists who would do anything to cover up any discovery that would challenge evolution theory. But you can't have a mystery/thriller without bad guys, so I chalked it up to artistic license. If the Da Vinci code can have evil priests, then The Simulacrum can have evil... well, I can't tell you because that would be a spoiler.
The writing is great and the story is fun. If you like detective novels and thrillers with a rugged hero and sassy yet in-need-of-rescue heroine, you won't be disappointed in this book.
Looking forward to the next one.
The writing is great and the story is fun. If you like detective novels and thrillers with a rugged hero and sassy yet in-need-of-rescue heroine, you won't be disappointed in this book.
Looking forward to the next one.
Merged review:
As both a scientist and a Christian, I was eager to read this book. The Simulacrum is correct in its assertion that evolution is taught as if it's proven instead of still being a theory. Many of the criticisms of macro evolution are deftly presented through dialog to advance the plot. The only area that gave me pause was the motivation behind the bad guys -- scientists who would do anything to cover up any discovery that would challenge evolution theory. But you can't have a mystery/thriller without bad guys, so I chalked it up to artistic license. If the Da Vinci code can have evil priests, then The Simulacrum can have evil... well, I can't tell you because that would be a spoiler.
The writing is great and the story is fun. If you like detective novels and thrillers with a rugged hero and sassy yet in-need-of-rescue heroine, you won't be disappointed in this book.
Looking forward to the next one.
January 15, 2015
The Simulacrum is a scientific thriller revolving around the origin of man sprinkled with violence, murder and kidnapping. With lots of fast-moving action sprinkled throughout. Mary Dillard is determined to find out who really murder her paleontologist uncle. The mystery becomes far more complicated than she ever imagined. With the aid of private Investigator Gunnar Schofield she discovers a secret society of Scientist determined to protect their version of scientific theory at any cost. Even at the cost of her life.
I loved the beautifully worded fast-paced story Linda Yezak and Brad Seggie have woven. I loved the twists in plot and the unexpected action scenes. Every heart-pound moment has a you-are-there feel to it. The amount of research shows through in every detail of this “what if” adventure.
Although I loved the story I did not love the detailed explanation of scientific theories. Even though it was in laymen’s terms I found myself wanted to scan those sections to get back to the action. I appreciated the information but at times for me there was almost too much.
I loved the characters of Mary and Gunnar. Their interaction was believable and fun. Indian Jones has nothing on these two. The villians were interesting. However, I did figure out who the mysterious mastermind was behind all the murder and mayhem with in the first few chapters. But then again I read a lot.
The Epilogue gave me a taste of what will be in the next book in the series. I will be one of the first in line to purchase the next adventure of Gunnar and Mary. This is a wonderful read even if you are not a science nerd.
October 12, 2014
A Must Read for Fans of Suspense/Thrillers
Brad Seggie and Linda Yezak have crafted an exceptional mystery suspense-thriller. When Mary Dillard engages the services of private detective Gunner Schofield to clear the name of her murdered Uncle Wayne Oxford, she triggers an avalanche of opposition from the scientific community.
Oxford was a respected paleontologist on a quest to determine answers to hidden truths and unravel problems with fossil dating. He was killed just before a meeting at a conference of his peers and others in his field. Mary Dillard is convinced his planned disclosure cost him his life.
The efforts of Mary and Gunner become a magnet attracting Oxford's killer. As they attempt to track down the killer, an escalating sequence of attacks against their lives ensues. I can see parallels to the original Raider's of the Lost Ark. Time and again, I caught myself trying to guess how the protagonists would escape the current dilemma.
This is an action packed, page turner that easily qualifies as a thriller. Not only that, readers will find fully developed, three dimensional characters, something not always seen in books of this genre. What I like is the way readers are brought into the lives of Mary & Gunner, her ties to her uncle, her job so close to the antagonists, Gunners demons and Mary's resemblance to his wife.... The plot makes their lives impossible for much of the time.
The Simulacrum left me totally satisfied. I'm a fan of thrillers, and this was as good as it gets.
The Simulacrum (Gunnar Schofield Book 1)
Brad Seggie and Linda Yezak have crafted an exceptional mystery suspense-thriller. When Mary Dillard engages the services of private detective Gunner Schofield to clear the name of her murdered Uncle Wayne Oxford, she triggers an avalanche of opposition from the scientific community.
Oxford was a respected paleontologist on a quest to determine answers to hidden truths and unravel problems with fossil dating. He was killed just before a meeting at a conference of his peers and others in his field. Mary Dillard is convinced his planned disclosure cost him his life.
The efforts of Mary and Gunner become a magnet attracting Oxford's killer. As they attempt to track down the killer, an escalating sequence of attacks against their lives ensues. I can see parallels to the original Raider's of the Lost Ark. Time and again, I caught myself trying to guess how the protagonists would escape the current dilemma.
This is an action packed, page turner that easily qualifies as a thriller. Not only that, readers will find fully developed, three dimensional characters, something not always seen in books of this genre. What I like is the way readers are brought into the lives of Mary & Gunner, her ties to her uncle, her job so close to the antagonists, Gunners demons and Mary's resemblance to his wife.... The plot makes their lives impossible for much of the time.
The Simulacrum left me totally satisfied. I'm a fan of thrillers, and this was as good as it gets.
The Simulacrum (Gunnar Schofield Book 1)
August 13, 2014
The title is the first thing I need to talk about. A Simulacrum is a copy of something, a copy that is not of the same quality and is meant to deceive, if I interpret the definition correctly. The novel is not a copy of anything, however. The premise of the novel is different than any novel I have ever read...unique and fascinating! The explanations of complex scientific evidence that supports the premise of the novel are cleverly woven into the plot of the story.
Seggie and Yezak have posed some fascinating questions for their readers. I have always believed in Darwin's theory of evolution without question, but after reading this novel, I have been asking myself some hard questions about my beliefs. The scientific information that supports the theories of Creationism is credible and thought-provoking; now I have to do some research myself to see if any of their facts are true! My willing suspension of disbelief really kicked in with the last 3rd of the novel. The characters are believable and sympathetic, especially Gunnar Schofield. A few weak spots that strained my belief, but overall the novel is a solid hit and deserves 4 stars.
Seggie and Yezak have posed some fascinating questions for their readers. I have always believed in Darwin's theory of evolution without question, but after reading this novel, I have been asking myself some hard questions about my beliefs. The scientific information that supports the theories of Creationism is credible and thought-provoking; now I have to do some research myself to see if any of their facts are true! My willing suspension of disbelief really kicked in with the last 3rd of the novel. The characters are believable and sympathetic, especially Gunnar Schofield. A few weak spots that strained my belief, but overall the novel is a solid hit and deserves 4 stars.
October 27, 2014
This was a good book. It started to feel like the DaVinci code, only reversed. Instead of the Church trying to cover up a scandal, it was the scientific community. The book brought up some interesting views on the science behind evolution and the interpretation of the data we have. I haven't looked into any of the claims that were made, but they were made in a similar fashion of the DaVinci code - information set in a fictional story that may or may not be true for the real world.
I'm a Christian, so I took in what was being said and felt it could be true. I'm also someone who seeks out the truth, so I'm going to look into the claims that were made here; I'm going to figure out if anything here has credence.
As for the story, it was good. The characters had depth and were interesting. I saw a few twists coming a mile away, and some of the dialogue seemed clunky. But I enjoyed the read and I would probably read a sequel if it is ever written. The end surely set up the characters for another adventure.
I'm a Christian, so I took in what was being said and felt it could be true. I'm also someone who seeks out the truth, so I'm going to look into the claims that were made here; I'm going to figure out if anything here has credence.
As for the story, it was good. The characters had depth and were interesting. I saw a few twists coming a mile away, and some of the dialogue seemed clunky. But I enjoyed the read and I would probably read a sequel if it is ever written. The end surely set up the characters for another adventure.
January 10, 2015
Full of.action.and.adventure
A page turner full of action, mysrery, and hidden agendas. When her uncle is discredited and murdered she hires a PI to help her. The story heats up fast and involves famous and powerful people. A inviible college wants to keep the belief of Darwin's Evolution and natural selection to continue unchallenged. What happens to archological finds that go against Evolution. They are discredited and hidden from the public. The deeper they dig the fact that a full skeleton was found along side a dinosaur by her uncle. He kept the skull and planned to expose the fact that the archeological finds were being changed to disprove spontaneous evolution did not happen. There are a kidnapping, gun fire, car chases, and loads of twists. I am recomending this book to my friends and I hope this auuthor writes more books.
I was given a free book in exchange for my honest review.
A page turner full of action, mysrery, and hidden agendas. When her uncle is discredited and murdered she hires a PI to help her. The story heats up fast and involves famous and powerful people. A inviible college wants to keep the belief of Darwin's Evolution and natural selection to continue unchallenged. What happens to archological finds that go against Evolution. They are discredited and hidden from the public. The deeper they dig the fact that a full skeleton was found along side a dinosaur by her uncle. He kept the skull and planned to expose the fact that the archeological finds were being changed to disprove spontaneous evolution did not happen. There are a kidnapping, gun fire, car chases, and loads of twists. I am recomending this book to my friends and I hope this auuthor writes more books.
I was given a free book in exchange for my honest review.
September 18, 2020
Review: The Simulacrum by Linda Yezak.
The book is a work of Fiction with adventure, a murder, a new romance, a chase, a secret society, travel and a good politically scientific stimulating story. The author shows how intensive the research was by her complexity for an intriguing plot, concepts and information that was well written to keep me interested and fascinated.
Mary Dillard was determined to find out who murdered her paleontologist uncle who studies the ancient times by using fossils as evidence. As the mystery goes on and becomes more complicated that she needed the help from private investigator Gunner Schofield. They discovered a secret society of Scientists who are controlling and protecting their version of scientific theory of the evolution being the plausible reason for human existence, which they believe is the true information and would do anything to keep their work hidden away.
The book is a work of Fiction with adventure, a murder, a new romance, a chase, a secret society, travel and a good politically scientific stimulating story. The author shows how intensive the research was by her complexity for an intriguing plot, concepts and information that was well written to keep me interested and fascinated.
Mary Dillard was determined to find out who murdered her paleontologist uncle who studies the ancient times by using fossils as evidence. As the mystery goes on and becomes more complicated that she needed the help from private investigator Gunner Schofield. They discovered a secret society of Scientists who are controlling and protecting their version of scientific theory of the evolution being the plausible reason for human existence, which they believe is the true information and would do anything to keep their work hidden away.
October 25, 2019
I'm a fan of James Rollins' early works (Amazonia, Excavation) and this novel reminds me of those stories. The Simulacrum is a fun read with action and intrigue, and calling into question the practice of teaching theory as absolute fact.
The following may contain spoilers.
This novel doesn't teach creationism over evolution, nor does it try to push a literal interpretation of the creation account in Genesis. Instead, it asks why some scientists refuse to entertain alternate theories based on new discoveries as science is prone to do. In this case, a human fossil found alongside a dinosaur. The find leads to a murder, coverup, conspiracies, and chases galore. I couldn't wait until it was released, and though it took a theistic evolution approach, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope there will be a Book 2.
The following may contain spoilers.
This novel doesn't teach creationism over evolution, nor does it try to push a literal interpretation of the creation account in Genesis. Instead, it asks why some scientists refuse to entertain alternate theories based on new discoveries as science is prone to do. In this case, a human fossil found alongside a dinosaur. The find leads to a murder, coverup, conspiracies, and chases galore. I couldn't wait until it was released, and though it took a theistic evolution approach, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope there will be a Book 2.
January 15, 2015
Even though:
1) I couldn't pronounce the title
2) I had no idea what it meant (it's explained in the book)
3) This isn't a genre I normally read
I couldn't put this book down. Brad Seggie and Linda Yezak owe me a good night's sleep!
Mary Dillard's uncle is murdered, at least she thinks so. The police don't agree. So she hires down-at-the-heels private eye, Gunnar Schofield. Together they delve into the dangerous world of academic science that neither knew existed.
With a deep underlying message - sometimes you need to take a stand for truth - and plenty of action, plot twists, and heart-stopping moments, this book will keep you turning each page. If you enjoyed the movie, God's Not Dead, you'll enjoy this book. I highly recommend it!
1) I couldn't pronounce the title
2) I had no idea what it meant (it's explained in the book)
3) This isn't a genre I normally read
I couldn't put this book down. Brad Seggie and Linda Yezak owe me a good night's sleep!
Mary Dillard's uncle is murdered, at least she thinks so. The police don't agree. So she hires down-at-the-heels private eye, Gunnar Schofield. Together they delve into the dangerous world of academic science that neither knew existed.
With a deep underlying message - sometimes you need to take a stand for truth - and plenty of action, plot twists, and heart-stopping moments, this book will keep you turning each page. If you enjoyed the movie, God's Not Dead, you'll enjoy this book. I highly recommend it!
July 16, 2015
I am interested in the topic of creationism vs, evolution so this book delivers if you are looking for a suspense/mystery that has an evolutionary conspiracy as its theme. There is action and intrigue and a touch of romance. A human skeleton is discovered along with a dinosaur opening up a huge scandal and putting the scientists at risk. Gunnar Schofield, the detective, is likeable and reminded me somewhat of an Indiana Jones type, although he wasn't the scientist. I really wanted to like it more but upon analysis I think the addition of the bad guy's point of view throughout took some of the suspense away. Also there were a few times when it felt like I was in a lecture instead of reading a story. Still, the premise is an intriguing one, so its worth a read on that count alone.
January 2, 2015
Simulacrum?
I'll start by saying, "I enjoyed this book."
I did have a problem understanding the Science vs Creationism in the beginning of the story. I felt maybe it should have been explained in the story sooner than it was.
I would have liked to read more about the back story of the Invisible College. I felt shorted on some of the characters, especially the bad guys.
I plan to read book two. I hope some of the characters reappear in the second book. I would like to see some of them get what they deserve, good or bad!
I'll start by saying, "I enjoyed this book."
I did have a problem understanding the Science vs Creationism in the beginning of the story. I felt maybe it should have been explained in the story sooner than it was.
I would have liked to read more about the back story of the Invisible College. I felt shorted on some of the characters, especially the bad guys.
I plan to read book two. I hope some of the characters reappear in the second book. I would like to see some of them get what they deserve, good or bad!
January 29, 2015
If you are looking for a book that tackles tough issues, is filled with personal struggles, has enough action and suspense to satisfy your thirst for murder, personal combat, car chases, wild motorcycle rides and plane crashes with just a touch of romance too... This is a book you have to read. Join Gunnar and Mary as they tackle the iron grip of the Invisible College has on evolutionary science in today's world.
August 27, 2015
When a prominent anthropologist is murdered in his Virginia home, the hunt for the killer sends Gunnar Schofield and his client, Mary Dillard, halfway across the country and back. What they discover in their search takes them deeper into the world of secret organizations. What lies have been perpetuated on society all this time? Who is behind them? What do they hope to gain?
So much to unravel in so little time . . .
So much to unravel in so little time . . .
August 8, 2014
This is a great spin on the standard archaeological mystery. Great to see facts presented from a Christian perspective, and the authors have definitely done a good job of raising some interesting insights. Add to that a feisty heroine, a hunky-but-haunted detective on a motorcycle and the result is a whirlwind adventure.
May 4, 2016
I was enjoying this book and had in mind a five star rating, until I got to the end, except it wasn't the end.
Was disappointed to read that the cliffhanger it finished on, may or may not continue/be completed because the authors were waiting to see what the reviews were like first! Sorry but your rating just dropped, so maybe we won't know what comes next.
Was disappointed to read that the cliffhanger it finished on, may or may not continue/be completed because the authors were waiting to see what the reviews were like first! Sorry but your rating just dropped, so maybe we won't know what comes next.
May 13, 2016
Good read!
I enjoyed the book thoroughly. I didn't completely understand the scientific jabber but got enough to get the sense of it. Good action scenes and a good job of keeping me guessing at the chief villain. I noticed very few grammar or spelling mistakes, which I appreciate. The only upsetting thing is that I'm ready for the second book and it doesn't exist!
I enjoyed the book thoroughly. I didn't completely understand the scientific jabber but got enough to get the sense of it. Good action scenes and a good job of keeping me guessing at the chief villain. I noticed very few grammar or spelling mistakes, which I appreciate. The only upsetting thing is that I'm ready for the second book and it doesn't exist!
October 15, 2014
Interesting, entertaining and fast-paced mystery
Simulacrum comes at you with all the wit and humour of a Hiassen novel, while matching the fast pace and mind bending probe into Christian doctrine of the Davici Code. A thought provoking adventure--bring on the sequel.
Simulacrum comes at you with all the wit and humour of a Hiassen novel, while matching the fast pace and mind bending probe into Christian doctrine of the Davici Code. A thought provoking adventure--bring on the sequel.
October 20, 2014
I tried, really I did, but this book just wasn't good. I want to enjoy Christian fiction, but Christian writers make it so hard. It's like they assume Christians must be stupid so they write in a simplistic style.
May 19, 2015
I liked the book it does leave unanswered questions, all in all the plot does start out slow but draws you in and makes you think not just give you the quick ending in the first few chapters if you like mystery's it's a good afternoon read. .
I received this book in return for an honest review
I received this book in return for an honest review
May 12, 2016
At last
It is so nice to finally have a story where Christians aren't the bad guys.
The writing is a little simplistic; the characters a little too predictable as is the romantic touch. But overall still a good read.
It is so nice to finally have a story where Christians aren't the bad guys.
The writing is a little simplistic; the characters a little too predictable as is the romantic touch. But overall still a good read.
July 30, 2016
Great book!
This book was fast paced and kept me interested, in addition it challenges a lot of popularly accepted "science" and the theory of evolution even though it is not a "Christian" book. If you like a fast paced mystery, here is a good read.
This book was fast paced and kept me interested, in addition it challenges a lot of popularly accepted "science" and the theory of evolution even though it is not a "Christian" book. If you like a fast paced mystery, here is a good read.
November 3, 2014
It was interesting to learn more about Creationism.
But I was a bit disappointed by the end of the story.
But I was a bit disappointed by the end of the story.
Read
December 7, 2014Nice plot
It was good adventure, but it left it hanging. I would like to read the next book, nice easy read.
It was good adventure, but it left it hanging. I would like to read the next book, nice easy read.
August 29, 2015
A real adventure!
This was a fast paced murder mystery/adventure all rolled up into several car chases. I loved the story and can't wait wait for more.
This was a fast paced murder mystery/adventure all rolled up into several car chases. I loved the story and can't wait wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews