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Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery #3
Quicksand
A thousand-year-old secret room. A sultan’s stolen treasure. A missing French priest. And an invitation to Paris to rekindle an old flame....
Historian Jaya Jones finds herself on the wrong side of the law during an art heist at the Louvre. To redeem herself, she follows clues from an illuminated manuscript that lead from the cobblestone streets of Paris to the quicksand-surrounded fortress of Mont Saint-Michel. With the help of enigmatic Lane Peters and a 90-year-old stage magician, Jaya delves into France's colonial past in India to clear her name and catch a killer.
Historian Jaya Jones finds herself on the wrong side of the law during an art heist at the Louvre. To redeem herself, she follows clues from an illuminated manuscript that lead from the cobblestone streets of Paris to the quicksand-surrounded fortress of Mont Saint-Michel. With the help of enigmatic Lane Peters and a 90-year-old stage magician, Jaya delves into France's colonial past in India to clear her name and catch a killer.
Audible Audio
First published March 10, 2015
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About the author
Gigi Pandian
49 books1,595 followersGigi Pandian is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author, breast cancer survivor, and accidental almost-vegan. She's the child of professors from New Mexico and the southern tip of India, and spent her childhood traveling around the world on their research trips. She now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and a gargoyle who watches over the garden.
She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.
She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
February 23, 2020
Quicksand by Gigi Pandian is a 2015 Henery Press publication.
Fast-paced mystery and adventure!
This is the third book in the Jaya Jones Mystery series, and I must say, so far, the series gets better with each installment.
In this chapter, Jaya, a history professor, is just beginning a new semester when she receives an invitation to visit her former lover, Lane Peters, in Paris. It’s an offer she can't refuse.
However, upon arrival in France, she finds herself swept up in an intriguing adventure, packed with fascinating history, and suspense.
This is a wonderful, clean, cozy series, but it is quite unlike most of the books that meet the criteria for this mystery sub-genre. Many have likened this book to an Indiana Jones style caper, and I’d have to say that is a very apt description.
The location and historical details provided are amazing and very descriptive. The characters are fun, zany and well drawn, and there is just the right amount of romantic tension to round the story out and keep the reader invested enough to tune in for the next episode.
This story grabbed my attention from the first chapter on. I didn’t want to put it down, but also didn’t want it to end. That should just about sum it up for any book lover.
Looking forward to Jaya’s next big adventure!
4.5 stars
Fast-paced mystery and adventure!
This is the third book in the Jaya Jones Mystery series, and I must say, so far, the series gets better with each installment.
In this chapter, Jaya, a history professor, is just beginning a new semester when she receives an invitation to visit her former lover, Lane Peters, in Paris. It’s an offer she can't refuse.
However, upon arrival in France, she finds herself swept up in an intriguing adventure, packed with fascinating history, and suspense.
This is a wonderful, clean, cozy series, but it is quite unlike most of the books that meet the criteria for this mystery sub-genre. Many have likened this book to an Indiana Jones style caper, and I’d have to say that is a very apt description.
The location and historical details provided are amazing and very descriptive. The characters are fun, zany and well drawn, and there is just the right amount of romantic tension to round the story out and keep the reader invested enough to tune in for the next episode.
This story grabbed my attention from the first chapter on. I didn’t want to put it down, but also didn’t want it to end. That should just about sum it up for any book lover.
Looking forward to Jaya’s next big adventure!
4.5 stars
May 20, 2018
Historian Jaya Jones has settled in San Francisco when she gets a letter from Lane Peters, an old fling, with a ticket to Paris. She has her doubts about going, she has a great job and leaving in the start of the term isn't the best thing, but, in the end, thanks to a little help from a friend she is able to leave her job for a week to see Lane again. But of course, nothing goes as planned...
I had no problems getting into the story even though this is the third book in the series and the first one that I read. This is a wonderful cozy mystery book with a fantastic main character; Jaya Jones. Actually a lot of fantastic characters. We have her friends Tamarind and Sanjay back in San Francisco. Tamarind is a librarian and Sanjay magician. Then, of course, there is Lane Peters, he just happens to be a very good thief and now someone needs his help and they think leverage in the form of blackmail against Jaya is a perfect idea. So Lane and Jaya must help the criminal North with a theft. Finally, have we Sébastien an old magician that helps Lane and Jaya when they are in France.
The story was wonderful and a page turner and I found it amusing to read about Mont Saint Michel again. Never read about the place before, but this is the second book this year I read about when the story takes place on the island.
The story was wonderful and a page turner and I found it amusing to read about Mont Saint Michel again. Never read about the place before this year, but this is the second book that brings up the place and where much of the story takes place. Also, even though I enjoyed all the characters I must admit that I found North to do the most intriguing, yes I know he is the baddie, but he was such a wonderful character and I do have a bit of a weakness for great baddies. So, I like him and I hope to read about him more in future books.
In the end, I want to say that Gigi Pandian has written a book that really suited me and if you like I like cozy mystery books, then I would recommend checking out this book and the rest of the books in the series. I'm lucky, I already own the first two books!
4.5 stars
I received a copy from the publisher and france book tours in return for an honest review!
I had no problems getting into the story even though this is the third book in the series and the first one that I read. This is a wonderful cozy mystery book with a fantastic main character; Jaya Jones. Actually a lot of fantastic characters. We have her friends Tamarind and Sanjay back in San Francisco. Tamarind is a librarian and Sanjay magician. Then, of course, there is Lane Peters, he just happens to be a very good thief and now someone needs his help and they think leverage in the form of blackmail against Jaya is a perfect idea. So Lane and Jaya must help the criminal North with a theft. Finally, have we Sébastien an old magician that helps Lane and Jaya when they are in France.
The story was wonderful and a page turner and I found it amusing to read about Mont Saint Michel again. Never read about the place before, but this is the second book this year I read about when the story takes place on the island.
The story was wonderful and a page turner and I found it amusing to read about Mont Saint Michel again. Never read about the place before this year, but this is the second book that brings up the place and where much of the story takes place. Also, even though I enjoyed all the characters I must admit that I found North to do the most intriguing, yes I know he is the baddie, but he was such a wonderful character and I do have a bit of a weakness for great baddies. So, I like him and I hope to read about him more in future books.
In the end, I want to say that Gigi Pandian has written a book that really suited me and if you like I like cozy mystery books, then I would recommend checking out this book and the rest of the books in the series. I'm lucky, I already own the first two books!
4.5 stars
I received a copy from the publisher and france book tours in return for an honest review!
July 17, 2019
This was a fun adventure. I like listening to these audiobooks when I want something light to read. The narrator is really good. I enjoyed the Paris and Louvre setting in this one. Jaya's behavior annoyed me more than usual though, especially in the Louvre. I'm surprised they didn't all go to jail because of her.
February 16, 2015
I like the style of this series. An armchair adventurer with an interest in history and culture will get their desires well satiated as they accompany Jaya on her adventures. To anyone who is a Francophile, look no further.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine for the March 2015 issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine for the March 2015 issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
August 12, 2016
One incredibly smart narrative with highly intelligent characters. I found both narrative and characters quite appealing. The plot has an interactive feeling with undeniably charismatic characters, you try to solve the mystery with them every step of the way. Fabulous historical elements cement the solidity of the storyline.
Sébastien quickly became my favorite, his zest for life, his vibrant personality jumps off the pages. Jaya possesses all the ingredients for a standout female protagonist. I like Lane but I am rooting for Sanjay. Lane's past seems impossible to escape, truthfully he comes across as insincere in turning over a new leaf, I sense hesitation. Ghosts from his past will manage to track him down and their demands place those in his life at risk. Jaya doesn't seem the type attracted to bad boys, she's far too pragmatic, Sanjay's her best man.
Exciting, fast paced, loads of fun. Very enjoyable sharp mystery.
Sébastien quickly became my favorite, his zest for life, his vibrant personality jumps off the pages. Jaya possesses all the ingredients for a standout female protagonist. I like Lane but I am rooting for Sanjay. Lane's past seems impossible to escape, truthfully he comes across as insincere in turning over a new leaf, I sense hesitation. Ghosts from his past will manage to track him down and their demands place those in his life at risk. Jaya doesn't seem the type attracted to bad boys, she's far too pragmatic, Sanjay's her best man.
Exciting, fast paced, loads of fun. Very enjoyable sharp mystery.
August 14, 2017
I just love how the author has used her real life experiences and true historical events to craft am action adventure novel. If you like Indiana Jones, Dan Brown, kick ass heroines or history this is the book and series for you.
January 13, 2021
It’s been five months since we last checked in with Jaya. In that time, she hasn’t heard anything from Lane Peters. She’s not sure if she should be worried or hurt by his silence. That changes when she gets a plane ticket to Paris along with a note from Lane saying he’s found something connected to the East India Company that he thinks she’d be interested in. Intrigued, she arranges for some time off work and heads over to France. Only, when she arrives, nothing is as she thought it would be. What has Jaya gotten involved in now?
I regret that it has taken me so long to return to Jaya’s world, but I’m glad I finally made the time. This series is a cross between mystery and adventure, and I love watching the plot unfold. It kept me off balance in the best way, and I was glued to the page from beginning to end. Jaya and Lane are the only returning characters who get much page time, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. The book is filled with colorful new characters that I absolutely loved. As always, we get a little bit of India’s history along with the story, and I appreciate that aspect of the series. If you are looking for a page turning good time, this is the book to pick up.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I regret that it has taken me so long to return to Jaya’s world, but I’m glad I finally made the time. This series is a cross between mystery and adventure, and I love watching the plot unfold. It kept me off balance in the best way, and I was glued to the page from beginning to end. Jaya and Lane are the only returning characters who get much page time, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. The book is filled with colorful new characters that I absolutely loved. As always, we get a little bit of India’s history along with the story, and I appreciate that aspect of the series. If you are looking for a page turning good time, this is the book to pick up.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 27, 2015
The premise of the plot felt way too 'out-there' even for me, but once the story got going it was a lot of fun and the history was engaging. This one isn't a murder mystery, but much more of a cozy action-adventure a la Indiana Jones. Can't wait for the next one!
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/115366...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/115366...
March 10, 2015
Thanks Henery Press and Net Gallery for this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an easy read and pretty fast paced. I loved the locale of France and I have pinned a picture of Mont St. Michelle on Pinterest so that certainly added to my enjoyment. Finding out who was the "real boss" also added to my enjoyment. At times I thought it was a little hokey, but it did keep me entertained.
This was an easy read and pretty fast paced. I loved the locale of France and I have pinned a picture of Mont St. Michelle on Pinterest so that certainly added to my enjoyment. Finding out who was the "real boss" also added to my enjoyment. At times I thought it was a little hokey, but it did keep me entertained.
May 26, 2020
I can only come up with one word to completely describe this entry in the Jaya Jones series: STUNNING! The writing, the characters, the settings, and the descriptions are just stunning. This book finds Jaya unsettled even though her teaching career is thriving. She feels something is missing from her life, namely Lane Peters. However, after receiving an invitation from Lane, along with clues to a treasure, asking Jaya to meet him in Paris, she immediately gets on a plane for her first trip to Paris. But, Jaya quickly learns that nothing is what it seems and soon both Jaya and Lane are desperately trying to save their personal and professional relationships, their entire lives as they know it. Everything leads to a showdown on Mont St-Michele, which the author describes so vividly you almost believe you are there. No spoilers I promise, but unlike the first two books, Quicksand has a huge twist at the end that I really didn’t see coming. I can’t wait to read the next book!
June 14, 2022
I’m sorry but Jaya was just a whiny brat throughout most of this book 😡😡🙄🙄
I actually wished the book was about the Almost 90 year old Sebastian, I was more interested in his story, his antics, and his character than her nonsense.
There was a mystery, Jaya whined and complained, and got Burt hurt over nothing, and then got self righteous with Lane about things she really should have, never mind she hasn’t told him about what happened with her “best friend”
North got off to easy
The bad guys were ehhh
All in all, the story wasn’t bad.. but Jaya 🙄🙄😒😒
I actually wished the book was about the Almost 90 year old Sebastian, I was more interested in his story, his antics, and his character than her nonsense.
There was a mystery, Jaya whined and complained, and got Burt hurt over nothing, and then got self righteous with Lane about things she really should have, never mind she hasn’t told him about what happened with her “best friend”
North got off to easy
The bad guys were ehhh
All in all, the story wasn’t bad.. but Jaya 🙄🙄😒😒
February 19, 2015
Quicksand is the third book in Gigi Pandian's Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mysteries series. It's the beginning of the school year for history professor Jaya, but a mysterious invitation to Paris quickly captures her attention and pulls her away from her San Francisco university. But as soon as Jaya arrives, it's quite clear that all is not what it seems.
What I like so much about this series is how they are really more of adventure stories than a mystery. Oh, sure, there's mystery involved, but the main plot is tied to history and lore and long lost buried treasure. Each story, Quicksand included, has an air of excitement, a thrumming undertone of action that propels the reader into the story and pulls her through chapter by chapter.
As I continued to read, I periodically set aside my book so that I could look up the Mont St-Michel and the The Machines of the Isle of Nantes. I sped through the final chapters with a determined resolve to figure out the mystery and who, exactly, was the mastermind behind it all.
While the title may refer to the sand found on the Mont, it could just as easily be an indicator of the book and the story itself. Once Gigi Pandian gets a hold of you, consider yourself stuck and sinking fast into the quicksand of her superb storytelling.
My thanks to the good hens at Henery Press for providing me with a free copy of Quicksand in exchange for an honest review.
What I like so much about this series is how they are really more of adventure stories than a mystery. Oh, sure, there's mystery involved, but the main plot is tied to history and lore and long lost buried treasure. Each story, Quicksand included, has an air of excitement, a thrumming undertone of action that propels the reader into the story and pulls her through chapter by chapter.
As I continued to read, I periodically set aside my book so that I could look up the Mont St-Michel and the The Machines of the Isle of Nantes. I sped through the final chapters with a determined resolve to figure out the mystery and who, exactly, was the mastermind behind it all.
While the title may refer to the sand found on the Mont, it could just as easily be an indicator of the book and the story itself. Once Gigi Pandian gets a hold of you, consider yourself stuck and sinking fast into the quicksand of her superb storytelling.
My thanks to the good hens at Henery Press for providing me with a free copy of Quicksand in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2015
This is the first book I've read by Gigi Pandian and found it to be so much fun! It is #3 in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery but can easily be read as a stand-alone. I plan to go back and read the first two novels in the series.
Jaya Jones receives a mysterious letter and airline ticket to Paris from a former love interest who she hasn't heard from in months. She is torn between her new teaching assignment and pursuing the mystery of the French occupation in India. What she doesn't expect is the danger that awaits her!
It was a fast-paced Indiana-Jones style story that kept me glued to the pages. It's a clean cozy mystery with plenty of excitement, romance and intriguing characters. I love history, especially anything about India and France and found the subject to be interesting and educational. I really liked Jaya's character as a historian (I like smart female leads). The writing style was friendly and personal and I could really relate with what Jaya was thinking. Plenty of plot twists keep you interested until the end of the book.
This series would make a great TV series!
Jaya Jones receives a mysterious letter and airline ticket to Paris from a former love interest who she hasn't heard from in months. She is torn between her new teaching assignment and pursuing the mystery of the French occupation in India. What she doesn't expect is the danger that awaits her!
It was a fast-paced Indiana-Jones style story that kept me glued to the pages. It's a clean cozy mystery with plenty of excitement, romance and intriguing characters. I love history, especially anything about India and France and found the subject to be interesting and educational. I really liked Jaya's character as a historian (I like smart female leads). The writing style was friendly and personal and I could really relate with what Jaya was thinking. Plenty of plot twists keep you interested until the end of the book.
This series would make a great TV series!
February 7, 2017
VERY evocative descriptions of some pretty impressive French sites, such as Mont St. Michel, the Louvre, Les Machines de L’Île. In fact, in Gigi Pandian's books I enjoy the sense of history and the amazing locations more than the plot itself, although the treasure always ends up being something amazing, which if it were real would have museums trampling each other to get ownership. It's always something based on or inspired by real, though perhaps obscure, history. So by the end you feel slightly more educated. :)
The author has a great sense of place. Her strength is the way her characters move around a location and make it their own, which easily brings the scene to life.
The plot itself begins with an Ocean's 12-style heist at the Louvre that seems simple but runs deep. Jaya and her sort-of boyfriend then career around France trying to figure out what's going to happen next. A lot of the scenes would translate well to a movie...
The author has a great sense of place. Her strength is the way her characters move around a location and make it their own, which easily brings the scene to life.
The plot itself begins with an Ocean's 12-style heist at the Louvre that seems simple but runs deep. Jaya and her sort-of boyfriend then career around France trying to figure out what's going to happen next. A lot of the scenes would translate well to a movie...
October 20, 2016
Ugh...waste of time! This book read like a piece of juvenile fiction. I even checked the genre after the first few chapters. What adult is entertained by this nonsense?? Don't bother!
January 19, 2023
I listened to the third entry in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mysteries. Jaya and many of her friends are back for another adventure. There were an incredible number of twists and turns in this story, which kept me guessing what was going to happen next.
Jaya is busily preparing for the new semester, when she receives an envelope containing a reservation for an upscale Paris hotel and a plane ticket to Paris. After not hearing from Lane for five months, it turns out the envelope is from him. He wants to “pick up where they left off.” Jaya’s both relieved to know he’s okay, but furious he took so long to contact her. But as soon as Jaya gets to Paris, she’s thrown once more into danger, this time related to Lane and his background as a thief. The danger threatens both her life and her career.
I’ll admit I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on at times, as the mystery Jaya and Lane were involved with was rather complicated and filled with twists. The two go from Paris to Mount Saint Michael, and encounter art treasures, automatons, and historical secrets, always struggling with various villains.
I liked both the story and the narration and look forward to listening to the next in the series soon. This is a B for me, so four stars here.
Jaya is busily preparing for the new semester, when she receives an envelope containing a reservation for an upscale Paris hotel and a plane ticket to Paris. After not hearing from Lane for five months, it turns out the envelope is from him. He wants to “pick up where they left off.” Jaya’s both relieved to know he’s okay, but furious he took so long to contact her. But as soon as Jaya gets to Paris, she’s thrown once more into danger, this time related to Lane and his background as a thief. The danger threatens both her life and her career.
I’ll admit I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on at times, as the mystery Jaya and Lane were involved with was rather complicated and filled with twists. The two go from Paris to Mount Saint Michael, and encounter art treasures, automatons, and historical secrets, always struggling with various villains.
I liked both the story and the narration and look forward to listening to the next in the series soon. This is a B for me, so four stars here.
July 31, 2025
This was an annoying book with
- an annoyingly contrived plot
- an annoyingly stupid main character
- an annoyingly overprotective bordering on sexist love interest
- an annoyingly badly written 90 year old man with the physique of a 30 year old.
But because I love the series and the other books were a lot better, I'll read the next one anyways.
Only now I'm firmly rooting for Sanjay and against Lane. Dammit have faith in the faculties of your woman and don't try to hide her away whenever you can!
- an annoyingly contrived plot
- an annoyingly stupid main character
- an annoyingly overprotective bordering on sexist love interest
- an annoyingly badly written 90 year old man with the physique of a 30 year old.
But because I love the series and the other books were a lot better, I'll read the next one anyways.
Only now I'm firmly rooting for Sanjay and against Lane. Dammit have faith in the faculties of your woman and don't try to hide her away whenever you can!
September 5, 2018
This was a fun adventure type mystery.
Set in Paris and Mont St Michel, the story involves Lane and Jaya being blackmailed into helping some shady characters and one con man into a theft at the Louvre Museum and then a search for hidden treasure at the Mont.
Who doesn't like a treasure hunt? This one was a bit over the top but fun.
As always this is well written and a great plot. I printed out my own map of the area.
My rating is 4.5 stars.
I bought a copy and plan to tell all my friends to read it too. I already have the next in the series to read.
Set in Paris and Mont St Michel, the story involves Lane and Jaya being blackmailed into helping some shady characters and one con man into a theft at the Louvre Museum and then a search for hidden treasure at the Mont.
Who doesn't like a treasure hunt? This one was a bit over the top but fun.
As always this is well written and a great plot. I printed out my own map of the area.
My rating is 4.5 stars.
I bought a copy and plan to tell all my friends to read it too. I already have the next in the series to read.
May 21, 2024
3.5* Story was entertaining, but I just don’t buy that Jaya is some super treasure hunter. She would have died without the people around her
January 17, 2015
When Jaya Jones, historian at a university in San Francisco, receives a first-class ticket and hotel reservation at an upscale property in Paris from her sometime-boyfriend Lane Peters, she hops on a plane to visit him. When she arrives at the hotel, she finds Lane didn't send the ticket, and didn't know she was coming. It was a ruse to get her there, because Lane has been recruited for an art heist from the Louvre, and Jaya is insurance that he'll do the job...
Once Jaya has resigned herself to what is happening, things begin to go horribly awry. When someone who was supposed to help can't be reached, Jaya is reluctantly recruited to take over. When the theft is complete, Jaya also sees something she's not supposed to, and realizes there is something more going on, something she isn't supposed to find out.
I must say that I enjoyed this book immensely, partly because I enjoy mysteries, and partly because I love history. The author weaves fact with fiction in such a way that it all seems believable, and that is exactly what a book is supposed to do. I really don't want to say much more about the plot, because I want everyone who reads it to find out what's happening at the same time as Jaya, and that will only occur if they read themselves. But I do want to tell you that it is an excellent mystery with enough twists to keep even the most seasoned mystery buff interested. For myself, I was interested in the imagery of the abbey, and the persona of Sebastien, whom I found delightful. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, but this in no way influenced my decision.
Once Jaya has resigned herself to what is happening, things begin to go horribly awry. When someone who was supposed to help can't be reached, Jaya is reluctantly recruited to take over. When the theft is complete, Jaya also sees something she's not supposed to, and realizes there is something more going on, something she isn't supposed to find out.
I must say that I enjoyed this book immensely, partly because I enjoy mysteries, and partly because I love history. The author weaves fact with fiction in such a way that it all seems believable, and that is exactly what a book is supposed to do. I really don't want to say much more about the plot, because I want everyone who reads it to find out what's happening at the same time as Jaya, and that will only occur if they read themselves. But I do want to tell you that it is an excellent mystery with enough twists to keep even the most seasoned mystery buff interested. For myself, I was interested in the imagery of the abbey, and the persona of Sebastien, whom I found delightful. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, but this in no way influenced my decision.
March 17, 2015
Quicksand is the first book by Gigi Pandian that I've read and I was really blown away by it. This isn't your typical cozy mystery. It's much more than that.
Jaya is a really smart heroine that you will really connect with. The book centers around an art heist, an old flame and Paris.
The chemistry between Jaya and Lane is electric. I wish there were a little more romance to the book, but that's not really a gripe, its more me feeling sorry for Jaya, who didn't get much alone time with the guy she's really attracted to.
The art heist keeps you on the edge of your seat, but that is only just the beginning of this story. One of Lane's associates ends up missing, and it looks like something really bad has happened to him and once they have things settled with North (the guy that's sort of blackmailing them into working for him) they start a quest to find out how he was involved. That leads them to Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is really an intriguing place on its own. When you add a treasure hunt in underground crypts, that makes it even more so.
I also loved the character Sebastian, that we are introduced to here. He is a friend of Sanjay's he helps them in their quest to find the secrets hidden there. Sebastian is a fabulous older man, just the sort of man that makes things interesting, especially as he's ready to jump right into the adventure. He's not doing anything from an armchair.
The story starts out a little bit slow, but once Jaya arrives in Paris, things pick up and they move full throttle until you've turned the last page.
This is a real edge of your seat story.
A must read series!!!
Jaya is a really smart heroine that you will really connect with. The book centers around an art heist, an old flame and Paris.
The chemistry between Jaya and Lane is electric. I wish there were a little more romance to the book, but that's not really a gripe, its more me feeling sorry for Jaya, who didn't get much alone time with the guy she's really attracted to.
The art heist keeps you on the edge of your seat, but that is only just the beginning of this story. One of Lane's associates ends up missing, and it looks like something really bad has happened to him and once they have things settled with North (the guy that's sort of blackmailing them into working for him) they start a quest to find out how he was involved. That leads them to Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is really an intriguing place on its own. When you add a treasure hunt in underground crypts, that makes it even more so.
I also loved the character Sebastian, that we are introduced to here. He is a friend of Sanjay's he helps them in their quest to find the secrets hidden there. Sebastian is a fabulous older man, just the sort of man that makes things interesting, especially as he's ready to jump right into the adventure. He's not doing anything from an armchair.
The story starts out a little bit slow, but once Jaya arrives in Paris, things pick up and they move full throttle until you've turned the last page.
This is a real edge of your seat story.
A must read series!!!
February 7, 2018
The intrepid Jaya Jones is lured to Paris by a false message seeming to be from her ex-lover Lane Peters. When she arrives, she finds both she and Lane are an integral part of a master criminal’s plot to rob the Louvre, setting them on a journey around France to uncover a long-buried secret treasure that some would be willing to kill for.
I fully expected to love this book because I really enjoyed the first two in the series. However, it surpassed even my high expectations. I actually think this is the best of the series so far. Quicksand has a small but feisty heroine, a low-key romantic subplot, and plenty of twists and turns. The historical content was new to me and interesting without detracting from the story line. While the tension was not heart-pounding—it’s a mystery more than a thriller—the story has page-turning action and engaging characters that made this book hard to put down.
My one complaint would be the final, final twist (I won't say what it was) seemed a bit unnecessary, but didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Quicksand is Book Three of the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mysteries. I recommend reading all of them, but they can stand alone if you have not read them in order. It was an exciting, engaging and entertaining read.
I fully expected to love this book because I really enjoyed the first two in the series. However, it surpassed even my high expectations. I actually think this is the best of the series so far. Quicksand has a small but feisty heroine, a low-key romantic subplot, and plenty of twists and turns. The historical content was new to me and interesting without detracting from the story line. While the tension was not heart-pounding—it’s a mystery more than a thriller—the story has page-turning action and engaging characters that made this book hard to put down.
My one complaint would be the final, final twist (I won't say what it was) seemed a bit unnecessary, but didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Quicksand is Book Three of the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mysteries. I recommend reading all of them, but they can stand alone if you have not read them in order. It was an exciting, engaging and entertaining read.
December 18, 2016
It's been a long time since I've read a book that was interesting enough to make me stay up to midnight in order to finish it. This book had just the right amount of suspense and danger to suit my tastes. I also enjoyed the brief author's notes at the end which sort out fact from fiction (it helps me know what to Google for more information).
January 1, 2015
Jaya Jones was preparing to instruct her students at a San Francisco college when she received an invitation to go to Paris to help her old boyfriend, Lane Peters. So she flew to Paris to discover that Lane had not sent the invitation but it was sent by a master art thief, North. Lane had previously stolen art works for North but was currently an art historian. However North needed his help to steal a work from the Lourve and Jaya was used to insure that Lane cooperate.
The theft took place and the art work was returned but the document needed from a desk in the Louvre was found. The document, a portion of a medieval manuscript, led North and his gang to the Mont San Michel, a monestary on an island in northern France. Jaya and Lane and eventually a retired magician, Sabastien, all go to Mont San Michel to help thwart a theft of a fortune.
This is an interesting mystery that is the third in a series. The plucky Jaya Jones character uses her knowledge of history to solve the mysteries in exotic locations like Paris and France.
The theft took place and the art work was returned but the document needed from a desk in the Louvre was found. The document, a portion of a medieval manuscript, led North and his gang to the Mont San Michel, a monestary on an island in northern France. Jaya and Lane and eventually a retired magician, Sabastien, all go to Mont San Michel to help thwart a theft of a fortune.
This is an interesting mystery that is the third in a series. The plucky Jaya Jones character uses her knowledge of history to solve the mysteries in exotic locations like Paris and France.
March 10, 2015
Jaya Jones is an art historian and teacher. She living in San Francisco when receives an all expense offer of trip to Paris from her ex. Arriving in Paris she finds he didn't send it. Again Jaya becomes in intriguing situation of blackmail, lost treasure, robbery, magic, and a missing priest. The characters are well developed and grab your interest. The twists and and turns will add keep the suspense up making it difficult to put the bown down. This the first time I have read this author but it will not be the last.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
April 23, 2021
Quicksand is the third in this series of lightweight breezy mysteries. Sanjay, the Hindi Houdini makes a small appearance in this one, though another retired magician plays a larger role in the search for ancient treasure stolen from India at the end of the 18th century. As usual, there are some rather silly plot points and decisions by the lead characters. This series would be a fun easy read for tweens, with just enough romantic tension to sustain their interest. The magic content is less engaging. I've read enough of Pandian for her writing method to become clear... make a plot point, then spend three pages in either discussion or internal hand wringing, before returning to the action. Helps fill 200 pages.
January 7, 2017
I've read these books out of order so I kinda knew some things that were going to happen in this book, but not enough to ruin anything!
I have read 3 of this series now and really enjoy the historical information provided and the amount of research that had to go into writing these books. The interaction and conversations from the characters shows depth and kept me intrigued and entertained.
If you like history and mystery, you'll enjoy these books
I have read 3 of this series now and really enjoy the historical information provided and the amount of research that had to go into writing these books. The interaction and conversations from the characters shows depth and kept me intrigued and entertained.
If you like history and mystery, you'll enjoy these books
September 29, 2017
I haven't had a difficult time with the audiobooks in this series until this one. Either I got bored and zoned out a bit, or this book is choppy. I'm not sure which. The historical aspects are fantastic, and I generally like Jaya, but the love triangle is rearing its ugly head.
June 26, 2019
I've enjoyed the previous books in this series, but this one wasn't as good. I kept having a feeling of deja vu with many of the plot twists - and I definitely haven't read it before; Jaya was a little irritating, and part of it was simply too far-fetched.
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July 27, 2017"Lively and humorous...Charming characters, a hint of romantic conflict, and just the right amount of danger." - Publishers Weekly
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