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Nightsong: A Neanderthal mystery
On the way to teaching her first class of the semester, anthropologist Bronwyn Bloom notices a disturbing incident in a local park but doesn't intervene. When Bronwyn learns later that she was the only witness to the abduction of a young boy, she takes it upon herself to find the boy. Her obsessive search for the boy triggers deep memories of her own—Neanderthal—ancestor. Can these memories from 40,000 years ago help her to find the boy, and also help her to understand who she really is?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2016
40 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Rhodes
1 book2 followersI've had a lifelong fascination with the Neanderthals. In the last ten years, groundbreaking research has added to our understanding of our ancient human cousins and has confirmed that many people alive today carry a bit of Neanderthal DNA. The idea came to me to write about a woman who has a lot more Neanderthal in her than the rest of us...
Anthropologist Bronwyn Bloom notices a disturbing incident in a local park but doesn't intervene. When she learns later that she was the only witness to the abduction of a young boy, she takes it upon herself to find the boy. Bronwyn has no choice but to face her own fears, and by doing so, she finally learns who she really is: Her obsessive search triggers deep memories of her own prehistoric ancestor, a Neanderthal girl who lived 35,000 years ago.
Kirkus Indie Reviews praised NIGHTSONG as “…a true page turner…and an enjoyable, satisfying escape with a unique twist.”
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 4, 2017
Kindle freebies tend to accumulate, but this one didn't sit around idly for long actually. I like all things Neanderthal, the subject is enormously fascinating to me. Plus I'm a fan of mysteries. And this was a combination of both, so why not. Pleasant surprise...this is of a much higher quality than an average kindle freebie, this is actually quite good. Even the past life regressions and new age aspects of the story weren't nearly as silly or tedious as they might have been and didn't detract from the story at all. In fact the book's main strength is its realism in depictions and dialogue. The main protagonist, the modern day Neanderthal, is anthropology professor who sets off to sold a kidnapping and ends up uncovering her own distant ancestry. That tiny percentage of throwback DNA that still has some mysteries to reveal about the past. Well written, well paced this one engage my interest and continued to do so, made for a quick read. Nicely done, particularly or a random unknown selection.
November 17, 2019
An interesting book. I wasn't at all sure what to expect from this when I picked it up to read. Neanderthal mystery? A woman connects with her Neanderthal origins to solve a mystery? It had all the opportunity to be really weird and quirky and at time it was, but it turned out to be pretty good. Just having to get past the Neanderthal connection in the character's make up. I guess the reason I picked it up was a tease I received when my genetic results came back with Neanderthal showing. Of course, it turns out that isn't uncommon we have found.
We are learning more and more about our ancestries. Whites are finding they have black ancestors. People believing they are strictly Northern European are finding all kind of things making them up. The story pulls on those threads. If you had a pronounced amount of Neanderthal in your make up, could there be a pull through the ages? That's the basis of the story. Yes, it is quirky. But, it turns out to be interesting, at least for me.
If you're a big detective/mystery reader, it just isn't more than interesting.
We are learning more and more about our ancestries. Whites are finding they have black ancestors. People believing they are strictly Northern European are finding all kind of things making them up. The story pulls on those threads. If you had a pronounced amount of Neanderthal in your make up, could there be a pull through the ages? That's the basis of the story. Yes, it is quirky. But, it turns out to be interesting, at least for me.
If you're a big detective/mystery reader, it just isn't more than interesting.
February 16, 2018
Different type of mystery. Thoroughly enjoyable
Thoroughly enjoyed Nightsong. Yes it's a mystery book with a twist that is unusual. I found it to be quite a page turner. I liked that there were two main storylines, the child abduction and Bronwyns connection with Neanderthals. The characters were interesting and interlinked well. Will be looking out for more from the author.
Thoroughly enjoyed Nightsong. Yes it's a mystery book with a twist that is unusual. I found it to be quite a page turner. I liked that there were two main storylines, the child abduction and Bronwyns connection with Neanderthals. The characters were interesting and interlinked well. Will be looking out for more from the author.
June 28, 2018
A good who done it with a prehistoric twist
A very good read about a professor who teaches about Neanderthals. A child is kidnapped and the professor is a main witness. The police do their best but the professor uses her inbuilt instinct to help steer the inquiry to its conclusion.
A very good read about a professor who teaches about Neanderthals. A child is kidnapped and the professor is a main witness. The police do their best but the professor uses her inbuilt instinct to help steer the inquiry to its conclusion.
July 19, 2017
A breat
A great book to get one to think outside the box. Easy reading. I want to read more by this author
A great book to get one to think outside the box. Easy reading. I want to read more by this author
August 17, 2017
The first half was an easy read and interesting. The last half was strange, and I'm surprised that I finished the book.
How could this book be rated so highly? I guess I missed something.
How could this book be rated so highly? I guess I missed something.
April 5, 2018
Great Read.
With the advance in home DNA testing, this book was fascinating. Made me want to get DNA d and see what my Neanderthal super powers might be.
With the advance in home DNA testing, this book was fascinating. Made me want to get DNA d and see what my Neanderthal super powers might be.
November 29, 2016
Good read
Not usually the type of book I read but I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. Highly recommend it.
Not usually the type of book I read but I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. Highly recommend it.
March 22, 2017
Uniquely captivating!
Very well written. Pulls you in almost instantly and keeps you going. Had great trouble putting it down even late at night until I needed sleep so bad I was dropping my kindle. I had hoped this was going to be a series because I want more, more, more!
Very well written. Pulls you in almost instantly and keeps you going. Had great trouble putting it down even late at night until I needed sleep so bad I was dropping my kindle. I had hoped this was going to be a series because I want more, more, more!
April 8, 2017
This is a page turner. I liked the connection to the ancient part but would have appreciated more detailed descriptions of everything and more careful characterization. It felt a bit choppy. But the plot is exciting.
April 10, 2017
An unusual mystery
This was a riveting well written story with some unusual twists and turns. I found it to be one of the best books I have read lately.
This was a riveting well written story with some unusual twists and turns. I found it to be one of the best books I have read lately.
April 16, 2017
Lost Child Mystery
When I see a book labeled a mystery I usually assume it will involve a murder. This is not the case with this book.
I like historical novels so I was intrigued with it being a Neanderthal mystery. I did enjoy her memory "flashbacks" and the similarity to the modern missing child story. I thought it different, interesting and well written. I will certainly be watching for her next book.
When I see a book labeled a mystery I usually assume it will involve a murder. This is not the case with this book.
I like historical novels so I was intrigued with it being a Neanderthal mystery. I did enjoy her memory "flashbacks" and the similarity to the modern missing child story. I thought it different, interesting and well written. I will certainly be watching for her next book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews