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Gen Delacourt Mystery #4
A Thousand Tombs
Private Investigator Gen Delacourt and brand-new boyfriend Mack Hackett are about to walk into a restaurant when a teenage boy barrels down the sidewalk and into their lives. Luca Torello is circumspect about who he was running from and why, but the story slowly comes out. It involves an ancient coin, a pawn shop, and a group of Italians caught up in an intrigue as old as life itself. As Gen struggles to make sense of who is telling the truth, her budding relationship with Mack goes off the rails, her trust and loyalty are questioned, and she is thrown into the midst of a mystery that began with the dawn of time.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2014
82 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Molly Greene
15 books180 followersHello readers! I am the author of the Gen Delacourt Mystery Series, which includes Mark of the Loon, The Last Fairytale, Paint Me Gone, A Thousand Tombs, Swindle Town, Lock the Cellar Door, Midnight at Half Moon Bay, and The India Archives.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 12, 2014
Molly Greene’s latest story, A Thousand Tombs, is the fourth mystery involving sassy private investigator Gen Delacourt, and this time Gen is up to her eyebrows in intrigue when she and her boyfriend, San Francisco cop Mack Hackett, quite literally stumble upon a teenage boy on the run for his life. Young Luca barrels into their world with a mysterious ancient coin – a priceless Italian artifact of dubious provenance – and a gang of ruthless goons on his trail. Luca is evasive about his situation, but Gen and Mack are determined to help in any way they can; which, for Gen, means getting down to business and unraveling the mystery of the coin. As she hunts for the truth, Gen will be left to question everyone around her, from the sketchy Carabinieri officers determined to cut her off to the kindly old man who reminds her of her dear grand-père, and even secretive Luca, whose plight has won Mack’s pity and left Gen in a limbo of suspicion.
Greene is on an upward trajectory as a writer, and A Thousand Tombs gives no indication that she’ll be slowing down anytime soon. Followers of the series can expect all the spunky adventure Greene has filled her other stories with, as well as the return of familiar characters and a wonderfully intricate new mystery. While the previous book in the series, Paint Me Gone, took Gen into the mysteries of the art world, the story in A Thousand Tombs utilizes Greene’s aptitude for research to explore the fascinating history of the tomboroli, tomb robbers who excavate priceless archaeological finds across Italy. I was entrenched in this aspect of the novel, curious to find out more, while also as closely attached as ever to the personal goings-on of the characters, whether the relationship between Gen and Mack or the witty banter between Gen and her good friend, the always colorful Oliver Weston. As a storyteller, Greene does an excellent job of finding the balance between the many different facets of her novels, consistently maintaining the details of her story while also deepening the reader’s understanding of her characters and their world.
Gen is a feisty and lovable character, with a keen mind and a quick wit that spread right into the novel’s narrative. Readers familiar with Gen get to witness a slightly different, more conflicted side of her in A Thousand Tombs when her fragile relationship with Mack takes on new weight as their personal and professional lives begin to collide. Into the mix comes Gen’s touchy romantic history, and as she’s left to examine the frayed edges of her ability to trust, more layers begin to unravel before the reader. Greene excels at creating characters that readers will love to spend time with, but her knack for crafting suspenseful intrigue is at full swing here as well. On the whole, A Thousand Tombs is a quick-witted, well-paced mystery with a charming romance and a unique dose of history; a delightful escape into a memorable world, and a great addition to a beloved series.
(Review © Casee Marie, originally published on November 12, 2014 at LiteraryInklings.com. A copy of the book was provided for the purpose of review.)
Greene is on an upward trajectory as a writer, and A Thousand Tombs gives no indication that she’ll be slowing down anytime soon. Followers of the series can expect all the spunky adventure Greene has filled her other stories with, as well as the return of familiar characters and a wonderfully intricate new mystery. While the previous book in the series, Paint Me Gone, took Gen into the mysteries of the art world, the story in A Thousand Tombs utilizes Greene’s aptitude for research to explore the fascinating history of the tomboroli, tomb robbers who excavate priceless archaeological finds across Italy. I was entrenched in this aspect of the novel, curious to find out more, while also as closely attached as ever to the personal goings-on of the characters, whether the relationship between Gen and Mack or the witty banter between Gen and her good friend, the always colorful Oliver Weston. As a storyteller, Greene does an excellent job of finding the balance between the many different facets of her novels, consistently maintaining the details of her story while also deepening the reader’s understanding of her characters and their world.
Gen is a feisty and lovable character, with a keen mind and a quick wit that spread right into the novel’s narrative. Readers familiar with Gen get to witness a slightly different, more conflicted side of her in A Thousand Tombs when her fragile relationship with Mack takes on new weight as their personal and professional lives begin to collide. Into the mix comes Gen’s touchy romantic history, and as she’s left to examine the frayed edges of her ability to trust, more layers begin to unravel before the reader. Greene excels at creating characters that readers will love to spend time with, but her knack for crafting suspenseful intrigue is at full swing here as well. On the whole, A Thousand Tombs is a quick-witted, well-paced mystery with a charming romance and a unique dose of history; a delightful escape into a memorable world, and a great addition to a beloved series.
(Review © Casee Marie, originally published on November 12, 2014 at LiteraryInklings.com. A copy of the book was provided for the purpose of review.)
June 15, 2015
Another enthralling instalment in the Gen Delacourt mystery book series. With Oliver moving to Carmel, and Bree away on work, Gen is more on her own than ever in the friends department. So it’s lucky for her that things are working out so well between her and Detective Inspector Mack Hackett. Or are they?
When Gen and Mack head out for a romantic dinner for two, a teenage boy comes running down the street toward them. Mack, the ever-responsible police officer, grabs the kid and questions him. The boy—Luca--tells them that he is being chased by two guys who want to steal his guitar. They’re not sure they believe him, and when they go to drop him off, they quickly discover that he is homeless. Mack insists the boy come home with him. As Mack extracts the boy’s story from him, he is reminded of his own troubled youth, and that of his now-deceased brother Jimmy, whom he came to California to live with, and who was a father figure to him. Maybe, with Luca, Mack would have the chance to return the favour.
Gen sympathises with Luca, but his timing is inconvenient, to say the least. Now all of Mack’s energy seems to be directed towards Luca. When they discover an ancient, Italian coin in the boy’s possession, they aren’t sure what to believe. Luca claims an old man dropped it in his hat, as a tip. But as Gen learns more about the boy, and the coin, she gets involved too, albeit in a very different way.
But will Gen Delacourt be strong and skilful enough to solve a mystery so large that it exceeds not only the bounds of California, but that of the U.S. itself? This mystery goes back many generations, to old Italy, and involves Mafioso, the Italian Police and Homeland Security. This is one of Greene’s most ambitious mysteries yet, and she handles it with her usual skill and humour. Packed with the same great characters, deftly written dialogue and well-rounded scenes, pushed just that little bit further. This is a very enjoyable and recommended read for fans of Greene and the Delacourt mystery series.
When Gen and Mack head out for a romantic dinner for two, a teenage boy comes running down the street toward them. Mack, the ever-responsible police officer, grabs the kid and questions him. The boy—Luca--tells them that he is being chased by two guys who want to steal his guitar. They’re not sure they believe him, and when they go to drop him off, they quickly discover that he is homeless. Mack insists the boy come home with him. As Mack extracts the boy’s story from him, he is reminded of his own troubled youth, and that of his now-deceased brother Jimmy, whom he came to California to live with, and who was a father figure to him. Maybe, with Luca, Mack would have the chance to return the favour.
Gen sympathises with Luca, but his timing is inconvenient, to say the least. Now all of Mack’s energy seems to be directed towards Luca. When they discover an ancient, Italian coin in the boy’s possession, they aren’t sure what to believe. Luca claims an old man dropped it in his hat, as a tip. But as Gen learns more about the boy, and the coin, she gets involved too, albeit in a very different way.
But will Gen Delacourt be strong and skilful enough to solve a mystery so large that it exceeds not only the bounds of California, but that of the U.S. itself? This mystery goes back many generations, to old Italy, and involves Mafioso, the Italian Police and Homeland Security. This is one of Greene’s most ambitious mysteries yet, and she handles it with her usual skill and humour. Packed with the same great characters, deftly written dialogue and well-rounded scenes, pushed just that little bit further. This is a very enjoyable and recommended read for fans of Greene and the Delacourt mystery series.
May 25, 2015
The Gen Delacourt Mystery Series includes Mark of the Loon, The Last Fairytale, Paint Me Gone, A Thousand Tombs, and Swindle Town... with more to come in the future. I've just sped through and thoroughly enjoyed these first five books, and will write a bit about each of them...
The blurb about this fourth book begins, "Private Investigator Gen Delacourt and brand-new boyfriend Mack Hackett are about to walk into a restaurant when a teenage boy barrels down the sidewalk and into their lives...." and I couldn't describe it any better. But there are a number of clever plot twists in this one, as well as some good relationship development. Definitely worth reading!
The blurb about this fourth book begins, "Private Investigator Gen Delacourt and brand-new boyfriend Mack Hackett are about to walk into a restaurant when a teenage boy barrels down the sidewalk and into their lives...." and I couldn't describe it any better. But there are a number of clever plot twists in this one, as well as some good relationship development. Definitely worth reading!
February 13, 2015
From the beginning you'll be hooked into this book.
Gen and Mack are very charming characters, they are surrounded with good friends. Mack rescues not only strays like dog named Stella and cat named Roly Poly. Also very good teenager Luca. Well paced mystery you'll love reading.
Gen and Mack are very charming characters, they are surrounded with good friends. Mack rescues not only strays like dog named Stella and cat named Roly Poly. Also very good teenager Luca. Well paced mystery you'll love reading.
December 30, 2014
Enthralling
Loved the story enjoyed watching Mack and Genevieve get their love back on track. Interesting Italian crime element . Waiting for next adventure
Loved the story enjoyed watching Mack and Genevieve get their love back on track. Interesting Italian crime element . Waiting for next adventure
June 10, 2017
A fun read
This was a fun mystery regarding some valuable old Roman coins. Gen, our heroine, is a private detective, caught in the middle of this. There are many interesting characters,but who are the good guys and bad guys? It was fast paced and kept me reading. I did think the characters were a little flat. And I felt Gen was a little emotionally immature, especially when it came to her boyfriend Mack.
This was a fun mystery regarding some valuable old Roman coins. Gen, our heroine, is a private detective, caught in the middle of this. There are many interesting characters,but who are the good guys and bad guys? It was fast paced and kept me reading. I did think the characters were a little flat. And I felt Gen was a little emotionally immature, especially when it came to her boyfriend Mack.
January 14, 2018
Italy Beckons and Reckons
I like this mystery with Gen as a detective. How a detective works is interesting to me. I learned many new facts.
I like this mystery with Gen as a detective. How a detective works is interesting to me. I learned many new facts.
June 24, 2021
This was well done and I enjoyed reading it and getting to know the characters. I will read more by this author and in this series.
December 1, 2023
Loved continuation, characters that grow and a good mystery. Well done!
October 2, 2014
Molly Greene's Gen Delacourt mystery series gets more entertaining with each new addition. This latest entry "A Thousand Tombs" is a well plotted non-murder mystery that is character driven featuring a group of misguided imperfect characters.
In this entry the San Francisco Private Investigator, Gen Delacourt directs her scrutiny to North Beach's Little Italy and attempts to understand a perplexing non crime mystery that stars the local Italian nationals, Italian Carabinieri, and Italian artifacts. While seeking to solve the complex mystery she simultaneously tries to resolve her fear of commitment and advance her tenuously evolving relationship with San Francisco Police Detective Mark Hackett. Gen's insecurities and emotional reactions in her personal life seem consistent and appropriate to the character that we have come to know. On the other hand, I'm not sure that I can relate to Mark's more stoic reactions to Gen's actions and expressions.
The juxtaposition of the mystery's characters engaged in unlawful actions while seeking the greater good is engaging. Like the real world all the players whether good, sort-of-good, semi-bad, or evil were noticeably imperfect and therefore intriguing. Ms. Greene's story is a reflection of the human condition which requires that we learn to enjoy life, imperfections and all.
In this entry the San Francisco Private Investigator, Gen Delacourt directs her scrutiny to North Beach's Little Italy and attempts to understand a perplexing non crime mystery that stars the local Italian nationals, Italian Carabinieri, and Italian artifacts. While seeking to solve the complex mystery she simultaneously tries to resolve her fear of commitment and advance her tenuously evolving relationship with San Francisco Police Detective Mark Hackett. Gen's insecurities and emotional reactions in her personal life seem consistent and appropriate to the character that we have come to know. On the other hand, I'm not sure that I can relate to Mark's more stoic reactions to Gen's actions and expressions.
The juxtaposition of the mystery's characters engaged in unlawful actions while seeking the greater good is engaging. Like the real world all the players whether good, sort-of-good, semi-bad, or evil were noticeably imperfect and therefore intriguing. Ms. Greene's story is a reflection of the human condition which requires that we learn to enjoy life, imperfections and all.
November 16, 2014
Private Investigator Genevieve Delacourt has finally snagged her guy - police detective Mack Hackett. The pair are just heading into a restaurant for a romantic dinner when a teen boy comes barreling A Thousand Tombs by Molly Greenebetween them; literally. One moment of being in the right place at the right time (or the wrong place at the wrong time, depending on your point of view) changes the course of more than just one evening. In fact, it could change the course of Gen and Mack's entire courtship.
A Thousand Tombs puts Gen in physical danger and puts her new relationship under enormous strain. Mack is a handsome yet secretive match for both Gen's beauty and brains. And yet both of them have trouble trusting; a fact that's hard enough without the mystery of that desperate teenager and four Italian coins. Gen's instinct is to help and to get to the bottom of the situation. But it's hard to put together a puzzle when you don't know what the final picture is supposed to look like. Molly Greene does a great job revealing brief flashes of that final picture, including the reader in the action, intrigue, and suspense.
As the Gen Delacourt series continues, I grow to like and enjoy all of the characters more and more. (Mack's my favorite, of course!) And I see more and more of the ties and strengths of family and friends throughout each story.
A Thousand Tombs puts Gen in physical danger and puts her new relationship under enormous strain. Mack is a handsome yet secretive match for both Gen's beauty and brains. And yet both of them have trouble trusting; a fact that's hard enough without the mystery of that desperate teenager and four Italian coins. Gen's instinct is to help and to get to the bottom of the situation. But it's hard to put together a puzzle when you don't know what the final picture is supposed to look like. Molly Greene does a great job revealing brief flashes of that final picture, including the reader in the action, intrigue, and suspense.
As the Gen Delacourt series continues, I grow to like and enjoy all of the characters more and more. (Mack's my favorite, of course!) And I see more and more of the ties and strengths of family and friends throughout each story.
September 6, 2015
A good story that has the thieving of artifacts, the meaning of land ownership in relation to found objects, and family feuds at its core. Detective Gen Delecourt and a police officer named Mack have an on again off again relationship. She is hoping it's on again. They discover a young man in trouble and they both step in to rescue him. There are ugly muscle types involved. The boy has what appears to be an ancient coin that everyone is after. The real identity of the boy and several other characters are revealed slowly so that we have a good sense of what is going on, but I found all the similar sounding names difficult to keep up with. I got lost trying to piece together who was who and who was good and who was bad. Other than that it was a great read.
November 7, 2015
To me the title was deceiving and it lacked what I would call real adventure but it was a good clean read
The title was a little deceiving to me. Wasn't quite what I expected. It was still a good clean read
The title was a little deceiving to me. Wasn't quite what I expected. It was still a good clean read
May 20, 2015
Families
Good story about relationships. Takes awhile before one realises what is going on and the mystery is solved. Glad Gen and Mack finally get totally together.
Good story about relationships. Takes awhile before one realises what is going on and the mystery is solved. Glad Gen and Mack finally get totally together.
May 23, 2015
I enjoyed the book, and loved the ancient Roman antiquities twist. I do wish Gen hadn't done the exact same dumb thing 3 times in ONE book. Still, it was an enjoyable way to spend an evening.
May 23, 2015
A fun series although this was the first one I read. I would like to go back and read some of the others.
June 3, 2015
Good story. Characters are growing on me...
June 18, 2015
The plot is good
This is a good story but very predictable. I would have liked to have had more information on the art and less on her wardrobe.
This is a good story but very predictable. I would have liked to have had more information on the art and less on her wardrobe.
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August 4, 2015I enjoyed the book. I would have appreciated some background on characters before the story abruptly began.
June 3, 2015
oh...so...slow.....
December 1, 2015
Good story. Good characters. Too short.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews