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Faye Longchamp #12
Catacombs
What secrets lie deep beneath the surface?
A deafening explosion rocks a historic Oklahoma City hotel, sending archaeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth crashing to the marble floor of the lobby. She's unhurt but shaken—after all, any time something blows up in Oklahoma City, the first word on everyone's lips is the same: bomb.
Faye is in town for a conference celebrating indigenous arts, but is soon distracted by the aftermath of the explosion, which cracks open the old hotel's floor to reveal subterranean chambers that had housed Chinese immigrants a century before. Faye is fascinated by the tunnels, which are a time capsule back to the early 20th century—but when the bodies of three children are discovered deep beneath the city, her sense of discovery turns to one of dread...
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2019
57 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Mary Anna Evans
34 books460 followersMary Anna Evans is an award-winning author, a writing professor, and she holds degrees in physics and engineering, a background that, as it turns out, is ideal for writing her new book, The Physicists' Daughter. Set in WWII-era New Orleans, The Physicists' Daughter introduces Justine Byrne, whom Mary Anna describes as "a little bit Rosie-the-Riveter and a little bit Bletchley Park codebreaker."
When Justine, the daughter of two physicists who taught her things girls weren't expected to know in 1944, realizes that her boss isn't telling her the truth about the work she does in her factory job, she draws on the legacy of her unconventional upbringing to keep her division running and protect her coworkers, her country, and herself from a war that is suddenly very close to home.
Her crime fiction has earned recognition that includes the Oklahoma Book Award, the Will Rogers Medallion Awards Gold Medal, the Mississippi Author Award, a spot on Voice of Young America’s (VOYA) list of “Adult Mysteries with Young Adult Appeal,” a writer’s residency from The Studios of Key West, the Benjamin Franklin Award, the Florida Historical Society’s Patrick D. Smith Florida Literature Award, and three Florida Book Awards bronze medals.
In addition to writing crime fiction, she writes about crime fiction, as evidenced by the upcoming Bloomsbury Handbook to Agatha Christie, which she coedited with J.D Bernthal.
For the incurably curious, Mary Anna’s first published work, her master’s thesis, was entitled A Modeling Study of the NH3-NO-O2 Reaction Under the Operating Conditions of a Fluidized Bed Combustor. Like her mysteries, it was a factually based page-turner but, no, it’s not available online.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryAnnaEvan...
Twitter: @maryannaevans
Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/maryannaevans/
BookBub: @maryannaevans
When Justine, the daughter of two physicists who taught her things girls weren't expected to know in 1944, realizes that her boss isn't telling her the truth about the work she does in her factory job, she draws on the legacy of her unconventional upbringing to keep her division running and protect her coworkers, her country, and herself from a war that is suddenly very close to home.
Her crime fiction has earned recognition that includes the Oklahoma Book Award, the Will Rogers Medallion Awards Gold Medal, the Mississippi Author Award, a spot on Voice of Young America’s (VOYA) list of “Adult Mysteries with Young Adult Appeal,” a writer’s residency from The Studios of Key West, the Benjamin Franklin Award, the Florida Historical Society’s Patrick D. Smith Florida Literature Award, and three Florida Book Awards bronze medals.
In addition to writing crime fiction, she writes about crime fiction, as evidenced by the upcoming Bloomsbury Handbook to Agatha Christie, which she coedited with J.D Bernthal.
For the incurably curious, Mary Anna’s first published work, her master’s thesis, was entitled A Modeling Study of the NH3-NO-O2 Reaction Under the Operating Conditions of a Fluidized Bed Combustor. Like her mysteries, it was a factually based page-turner but, no, it’s not available online.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryAnnaEvan...
Twitter: @maryannaevans
Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/maryannaevans/
BookBub: @maryannaevans
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 22, 2019
The latest Faye Longchamp mystery sees her returned to Oklahoma to attend a native arts conference with her husband Joe Mantooth, who will take the opportunity to visit family in the state. As the conference is about to start, Faye is meeting Cully Mantooth, Hollywood actor, skilled flutist and accomplished flute carver. And he has a gift for her, a special flute designed for her on order from Joe who has used his various tribal connections to bypass any one who got in the way of ordering this gift. The moment was exquisite and perfect...until the bomb!
Oklahoma City has known bombing before and the response was rapid to this event. Strangely, no one knew what this was about. No one claimed credit— or blame. There were white supremacists demonstrating outside the conference but no immediate connection found.
But something was literally unearthed that called for Faye’s expertise. The explosion opened up an area beneath the hotel rumored to have existed but not seen for decades...catacombs below the city. So multiple mysteries now: who is the bomber and why did he attack the hotel; what is the true story of the underground “city” and the items found there. Faye hopes to help the FBI while also being present for Joe, family and friends at the conference.
This continues to be an interesting series unafraid to move into new, difficult areas in American life: racial divides, the threat of white supremacy movements, the continuing problems of native peoples in the United States. In contrast, there are also exciting segments on native crafts, art, and culture. And there is Faye always.
I do continue to recommend this series. This book could be read as a stand-alone but knowing some background enhances the reading.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Oklahoma City has known bombing before and the response was rapid to this event. Strangely, no one knew what this was about. No one claimed credit— or blame. There were white supremacists demonstrating outside the conference but no immediate connection found.
But something was literally unearthed that called for Faye’s expertise. The explosion opened up an area beneath the hotel rumored to have existed but not seen for decades...catacombs below the city. So multiple mysteries now: who is the bomber and why did he attack the hotel; what is the true story of the underground “city” and the items found there. Faye hopes to help the FBI while also being present for Joe, family and friends at the conference.
This continues to be an interesting series unafraid to move into new, difficult areas in American life: racial divides, the threat of white supremacy movements, the continuing problems of native peoples in the United States. In contrast, there are also exciting segments on native crafts, art, and culture. And there is Faye always.
I do continue to recommend this series. This book could be read as a stand-alone but knowing some background enhances the reading.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 17, 2019
Catacombs, Faye Longchamp, Book #12
by Mary Anna Evans
I would give this novel 10 stars if I could; 5 stars is simply not enough. How do you describe a book that hits the ground running from the beginning and never lets up, not even for a minute, to the very end? How do you describe a book full of actual history, married to a marvelous fiction that is as old as time and as fresh as yesterday's headlines? The usual applies: excellent plotting and pacing, a cast of wonderfully believable and relatable characters, stellar research, fantastic suspense, danger that never lets up, not even, if like me, you begin to suspect who the villain is about half way through the book, vivid descriptions that allow the reader to see the action and the surroundings as well as looking through a window. And, of course, a mystery that is neatly wrapped up at the end of the book, that leaves you breathless and feeling satisfied and still anxious to see what Faye and Joe's next adventure will bring.
If you've never read any of the books in this series, start it tonight. The first book is called "Artifacts," and it is available on Amazon.
by Mary Anna Evans
I would give this novel 10 stars if I could; 5 stars is simply not enough. How do you describe a book that hits the ground running from the beginning and never lets up, not even for a minute, to the very end? How do you describe a book full of actual history, married to a marvelous fiction that is as old as time and as fresh as yesterday's headlines? The usual applies: excellent plotting and pacing, a cast of wonderfully believable and relatable characters, stellar research, fantastic suspense, danger that never lets up, not even, if like me, you begin to suspect who the villain is about half way through the book, vivid descriptions that allow the reader to see the action and the surroundings as well as looking through a window. And, of course, a mystery that is neatly wrapped up at the end of the book, that leaves you breathless and feeling satisfied and still anxious to see what Faye and Joe's next adventure will bring.
If you've never read any of the books in this series, start it tonight. The first book is called "Artifacts," and it is available on Amazon.
July 22, 2019
This is #12 in the Faye Longchamp mystery series, but it works as a standalone. This is my first venture into the books, and I was not confused by character relationships or any references to past events.
What I enjoyed:
1. The story reveals timely cultural issues.
I had expected a straight-forward amateur detective-type mystery. While I got that (and it's a doozy), I also got a thoughtful, moving look at prejudices in our society. Even better? These arise naturally from the story circumstances. This isn't a book about an issue but a story that reveals an issue. There's a difference.
Evans writes with compassion, even as she describes the horrible ways that prejudices filter down through the years. Cully (an old movie star returning to Oklahoma) and Sly (Faye's father-in-law) both attended Indian schools. The under-funded schools lacked even basic items that make up "back-to-school" lists each year in the United States: pencils, paper, books. There was abuse at some schools. All of this is a true and shameful part of U.S. history. Both characters left without diplomas and had to build lives for themselves without it.
The catacombs of the title are the underground dwellings of a Chinese community in the early 20th century. These creative people dug through the walls of their below-ground basement apartments and created a multi-leveled living area beneath Oklahoma City. As strange as it sounds, this actually happened! Fascinating. Horrible, too. They weren't paid adequate wages and landlords refused to rent decent apartments to them. Why? Their ethnicity.
And then there's protest against the academic conference on Indigenous Art. It's disappointing but not surprising that certain types of people would protest this exploration of a culture that is not "theirs".
There's a running theme about the idea of "invisible people." Faye observes that the hotel maids are invisible to most. Those with power might not see them as people or consider their needs. But Faye does.
2. Faye Longchamp-Mantooth is unique.
She's observant and astute, two qualities that I imagine archeologists need in abundance! (The tidbits of professional knowledge are fascinating.)
While she's definitely a strong woman and a feminist, she is considerate and understanding of different codes of honor. For example, both she and Cully are somewhat hurt in the bombing. Medics attend Faye first and she wants to protest. Cully is an old man! Examine him first! But she knows that his chivalrous nature and generational ideas would never allow him to be treated before a woman. So instead of protesting, she respects that by remaining silent. (And Cully does a jig to demonstrate his "healthy" state.)
3. Faye and Joe's relationship is realistic and beautiful.
Evans gives us a realistic marital relationship here. Joe and Faye know each other, deeply care about each other, and feel secure enough in that love to argue together. (A healthy relationship doesn't mean a conflict-free one!) They support each other's work. She sees even more potential greatness lying inside him and is determined to make her husband shine. It's beautiful.
4. And more . . .
There's much more that I could rave about. The plot is great. The writing is terrific. All in all, it's a well-crafted story. Evans writes with compassion and understanding, and this is a wonderful book.
Thanks again to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy of Catacombs in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure to read this book.
What I enjoyed:
1. The story reveals timely cultural issues.
I had expected a straight-forward amateur detective-type mystery. While I got that (and it's a doozy), I also got a thoughtful, moving look at prejudices in our society. Even better? These arise naturally from the story circumstances. This isn't a book about an issue but a story that reveals an issue. There's a difference.
Evans writes with compassion, even as she describes the horrible ways that prejudices filter down through the years. Cully (an old movie star returning to Oklahoma) and Sly (Faye's father-in-law) both attended Indian schools. The under-funded schools lacked even basic items that make up "back-to-school" lists each year in the United States: pencils, paper, books. There was abuse at some schools. All of this is a true and shameful part of U.S. history. Both characters left without diplomas and had to build lives for themselves without it.
The catacombs of the title are the underground dwellings of a Chinese community in the early 20th century. These creative people dug through the walls of their below-ground basement apartments and created a multi-leveled living area beneath Oklahoma City. As strange as it sounds, this actually happened! Fascinating. Horrible, too. They weren't paid adequate wages and landlords refused to rent decent apartments to them. Why? Their ethnicity.
And then there's protest against the academic conference on Indigenous Art. It's disappointing but not surprising that certain types of people would protest this exploration of a culture that is not "theirs".
There's a running theme about the idea of "invisible people." Faye observes that the hotel maids are invisible to most. Those with power might not see them as people or consider their needs. But Faye does.
2. Faye Longchamp-Mantooth is unique.
She's observant and astute, two qualities that I imagine archeologists need in abundance! (The tidbits of professional knowledge are fascinating.)
While she's definitely a strong woman and a feminist, she is considerate and understanding of different codes of honor. For example, both she and Cully are somewhat hurt in the bombing. Medics attend Faye first and she wants to protest. Cully is an old man! Examine him first! But she knows that his chivalrous nature and generational ideas would never allow him to be treated before a woman. So instead of protesting, she respects that by remaining silent. (And Cully does a jig to demonstrate his "healthy" state.)
3. Faye and Joe's relationship is realistic and beautiful.
Evans gives us a realistic marital relationship here. Joe and Faye know each other, deeply care about each other, and feel secure enough in that love to argue together. (A healthy relationship doesn't mean a conflict-free one!) They support each other's work. She sees even more potential greatness lying inside him and is determined to make her husband shine. It's beautiful.
4. And more . . .
There's much more that I could rave about. The plot is great. The writing is terrific. All in all, it's a well-crafted story. Evans writes with compassion and understanding, and this is a wonderful book.
Thanks again to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy of Catacombs in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure to read this book.
July 31, 2019
This is Evans' Faye Longchamp mystery #12. Very interesting characters and stands alone even without having read previous in this series. Pages start off with a BANG with a BOMB going off in a convention center in Oklahoma City. Who makes the best FBI agent? An archaeologist by the name of Faye. Story revolves around who set the bomb and why? To really add depth to the story (HA HA) it is revealed that below ground are Catacombs that were homes to Chinese years ago. Unique story line and is worth the time if for no other reason than the historic flavor. "A copy of this book was provided by Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
January 16, 2020
title: Catacombs
Series: Faye Longchamp #12
Author: Mary Anna Evans
Rating: 2
What secrets lie e2ep beneath the surface?
A deafening explosion rocks a historic Oklahoma City hotel, sending archaeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth crashing to the marble floor of the lobby. She's unhurt but shaken—after all, any time something blows up in Oklahoma City, the first word on everyone's lips is the same: bomb.
Faye is in town for a conference celebrating indigenous arts, but is soon distracted by the aftermath of the explosion, which cracks open the old hotel's floor to reveal subterranean chambers that had housed Chinese immigrants a century before. Faye is fascinated by the tunnels, which are a time capsule back to the early 20th century—but when the bodies of three children are discovered deep beneath the city, her sense of discovery turns to one of dread...
My thoughts
Would I recommend it? no
Will I read more of this series? no
Will I read more by this author? no
it took me a while to get into the story , there was times I just wanted to put the book, but I went head and finished it even though it took me awhile to get into the story, while I did like the idea behind it , it just didn't keep me pulled into the story and the characters I just didn't feel like reading about at all with that said I want to thank NetGalley for letting me read it and review it
Series: Faye Longchamp #12
Author: Mary Anna Evans
Rating: 2
What secrets lie e2ep beneath the surface?
A deafening explosion rocks a historic Oklahoma City hotel, sending archaeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth crashing to the marble floor of the lobby. She's unhurt but shaken—after all, any time something blows up in Oklahoma City, the first word on everyone's lips is the same: bomb.
Faye is in town for a conference celebrating indigenous arts, but is soon distracted by the aftermath of the explosion, which cracks open the old hotel's floor to reveal subterranean chambers that had housed Chinese immigrants a century before. Faye is fascinated by the tunnels, which are a time capsule back to the early 20th century—but when the bodies of three children are discovered deep beneath the city, her sense of discovery turns to one of dread...
My thoughts
Would I recommend it? no
Will I read more of this series? no
Will I read more by this author? no
it took me a while to get into the story , there was times I just wanted to put the book, but I went head and finished it even though it took me awhile to get into the story, while I did like the idea behind it , it just didn't keep me pulled into the story and the characters I just didn't feel like reading about at all with that said I want to thank NetGalley for letting me read it and review it
May 27, 2019
5 stars
I read the Kindle edition.
Another wonderful story by Mary Anna Evans.
Archeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth gets herself into another captivating adventure once more. This time she is attending a seminar on Native American crafting skills with her husband Joe in Oklahoma City. A bomb goes off in the lobby of the hotel where they are staying just as Faye is getting to know her new cousin-in-law movie actor Cully Mantooth. He is a cousin of Joe's.
The FBI wants her expertise with some evidence that they found under the city where nearly a century earlier Chinese immigrants lived. They were felling from the hatred and discrimination they experienced above ground.
They set out to discover the identity of the bomber who was killed in the blast. Faye's eye for detail and some interesting art point them in the right direction. She gets herself in a pickle when a friend goes missing and she sets out to follow Cully who is acting mysteriously.
This is a very good book, flawlessly written. Ms. Evans' descriptions about Faye's surroundings are well put together; they put the reader right into the story. She seems to write effortlessly and beautifully. She makes writing look easy, and I'm sure it is not. I like Faye and Joe very much and really enjoy reading about their adventures and their relationship. This book reads very quickly. I was sorry to see the story end. I am very much looking forward to the next novel in this series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review.
I read the Kindle edition.
Another wonderful story by Mary Anna Evans.
Archeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth gets herself into another captivating adventure once more. This time she is attending a seminar on Native American crafting skills with her husband Joe in Oklahoma City. A bomb goes off in the lobby of the hotel where they are staying just as Faye is getting to know her new cousin-in-law movie actor Cully Mantooth. He is a cousin of Joe's.
The FBI wants her expertise with some evidence that they found under the city where nearly a century earlier Chinese immigrants lived. They were felling from the hatred and discrimination they experienced above ground.
They set out to discover the identity of the bomber who was killed in the blast. Faye's eye for detail and some interesting art point them in the right direction. She gets herself in a pickle when a friend goes missing and she sets out to follow Cully who is acting mysteriously.
This is a very good book, flawlessly written. Ms. Evans' descriptions about Faye's surroundings are well put together; they put the reader right into the story. She seems to write effortlessly and beautifully. She makes writing look easy, and I'm sure it is not. I like Faye and Joe very much and really enjoy reading about their adventures and their relationship. This book reads very quickly. I was sorry to see the story end. I am very much looking forward to the next novel in this series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review.
April 9, 2022
"WHAT SECRETS LIE DEEP BENEATH THE SURFACE?
"A deafening explosion rocks a historic Oklahoma City hotel, sending archaeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth crashing to the marble floor of the lobby. She's unhurt but shaken -- after all, anytime something blows up in Oklahoma City, the first word on everyone's lips is the same: bomb.
"Faye is in town for a conference celebrating indigenous arts, but she is soon drawn into the aftermath of the explosion, which cracks open the old hotel's floor to reveal subterranean chambers that had housed Chinese immigrants a century before. Fay is fascinated by the tunnels, which are a time capsule back to the early twentieth century -- but when the bodies of three children are discovered deep beneath the city, her sense of discovery turns to one of dread."
~~back cover
It's true. There were underground tunnels that Chinese immigrants lived in:
https://www.kgou.org/oklahoma-news/20... How Curious: A Chinatown Underneath Oklahoma City? Ms Evans obviously does her homework.
Of course Faye gets commandeered by the FBI and is drawn into the hunt to find the identify of the bomber, and then into the more frantic hunt to find the person who provided the bomber with the bomb. Another presenter at the conference disappears, and the subterranean search through the city's sewer system is on. As always, the guilt party is the last person you'd expect, and also as usual, Joe rescues Faye from the swirling deadly waters.
"A deafening explosion rocks a historic Oklahoma City hotel, sending archaeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth crashing to the marble floor of the lobby. She's unhurt but shaken -- after all, anytime something blows up in Oklahoma City, the first word on everyone's lips is the same: bomb.
"Faye is in town for a conference celebrating indigenous arts, but she is soon drawn into the aftermath of the explosion, which cracks open the old hotel's floor to reveal subterranean chambers that had housed Chinese immigrants a century before. Fay is fascinated by the tunnels, which are a time capsule back to the early twentieth century -- but when the bodies of three children are discovered deep beneath the city, her sense of discovery turns to one of dread."
~~back cover
It's true. There were underground tunnels that Chinese immigrants lived in:
https://www.kgou.org/oklahoma-news/20... How Curious: A Chinatown Underneath Oklahoma City? Ms Evans obviously does her homework.
Of course Faye gets commandeered by the FBI and is drawn into the hunt to find the identify of the bomber, and then into the more frantic hunt to find the person who provided the bomber with the bomb. Another presenter at the conference disappears, and the subterranean search through the city's sewer system is on. As always, the guilt party is the last person you'd expect, and also as usual, Joe rescues Faye from the swirling deadly waters.
October 11, 2019
this is the first book I have read in this series and I am already looking forward to starting at the beginning to find out how it all came together for Faye.
I liked the character of Faye and her husband Joe. They were interesting to read about and I felt that I got to know them a fair bit. Good people.
A good solid mystery with a few turns I certainly didn't expect.
I liked the character of Faye and her husband Joe. They were interesting to read about and I felt that I got to know them a fair bit. Good people.
A good solid mystery with a few turns I certainly didn't expect.
August 30, 2019
An archaeological murder mystery
Faye Longchamp-Mantooth is a respected archaeologist visiting Oklahoma City for a conference celebrating indigenous arts when an explosion rocks the hotel lobby hosting the delegates. This event causes everybody to remember the dark days following the original Oklahoma City bombing, but as Faye soon discovers, the truth about the explosion is even more disturbing.
Buried deep beneath the city, there are ancient catacombs that housed the Chinese labour force that built the city at the turn of the century. This vast network of tunnels and secret entrances served as a safe haven for the Chinese at a time when their lives were made very difficult above ground. Poverty, exploitation and racism were the order of the day, and they found refuge under the city. This account of actual events was really fascinating to me. Anecdotal and photographic evidence still exists to this day. The explosion uncovers a staircase leading down into the catacombs and several chambers and in one of these the investigating team discovers 3 small bodies wrapped in shrouds. This sets the scene for the story as Faye is tasked with helping the FBI make sense of the ghastly discovery.
Many startling twists and turns set a fairly fast-paced story, but I found the writing lumbered, and the characters were not convincing. I did, however, find the background about the indigenous people and their customs and traditions fascinating so there is a very positive side to the book.
Gillian
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
Faye Longchamp-Mantooth is a respected archaeologist visiting Oklahoma City for a conference celebrating indigenous arts when an explosion rocks the hotel lobby hosting the delegates. This event causes everybody to remember the dark days following the original Oklahoma City bombing, but as Faye soon discovers, the truth about the explosion is even more disturbing.
Buried deep beneath the city, there are ancient catacombs that housed the Chinese labour force that built the city at the turn of the century. This vast network of tunnels and secret entrances served as a safe haven for the Chinese at a time when their lives were made very difficult above ground. Poverty, exploitation and racism were the order of the day, and they found refuge under the city. This account of actual events was really fascinating to me. Anecdotal and photographic evidence still exists to this day. The explosion uncovers a staircase leading down into the catacombs and several chambers and in one of these the investigating team discovers 3 small bodies wrapped in shrouds. This sets the scene for the story as Faye is tasked with helping the FBI make sense of the ghastly discovery.
Many startling twists and turns set a fairly fast-paced story, but I found the writing lumbered, and the characters were not convincing. I did, however, find the background about the indigenous people and their customs and traditions fascinating so there is a very positive side to the book.
Gillian
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
October 11, 2019
I used to love this series but it no longer has the elements that I most enjoyed. I loved the setting in northern Florida where Faye’s house is located, and the struggle she had to restore / keep it. I loved her interactions with Joe and her children, and other recurring characters. Apparently the author lives in Oklahoma, so that’s where she’s sent Faye. There’s none of the magic of this unique character anymore.
As far as the plot, the ending was a little unexpected, which is good, but the theme - a bombing at a cultural conference - was so silly. I couldn’t believe or care about any of it.
As far as the plot, the ending was a little unexpected, which is good, but the theme - a bombing at a cultural conference - was so silly. I couldn’t believe or care about any of it.
August 7, 2019
Available for purchase August 13, 2019
“Evil must be obliterated.”
An explosion rocks an Oklahoma City hotel, killing only the bomber and ripping a hole in the hotel's walls revealing an underground system that a century ago housed Chinese immigrants who lived underground due to the hatred and discrimination they faced above. With an immediate FBI response, one bombing victim is Archaeologist Dr. Faye Longchamp-Mantooth who, along with her husband and distant cousin-in-law movie, actor and composer Cully Mantooth, is in town for a conference on Native American artistry and indigenous crafting.
Given her prior experience with the FBI, she’s asked to team up with FBI agents Micah Ahua (Assistant Special Agent in Charge), Liu, and Goldsby, to investigate the re-discovered area and what connection it may have to the bomber. Alongside Patricia Kura, an engineer from the Oklahoma City Department of Public Works, they delve down into the re-opened area only to discover the remains of three small children in an intricately painted room. This discovery is what gets the story going and Faye finds herself in the center of a confounding situation that leads readers in one direction, only to twist them in another when least expected.
As the story continues to unfold, people go missing and when their found and the person responsible for everything is revealed (as well as their motive) it leaves readers surprised, at least it left this reader surprised. I was not expecting it unfold as it did, but I thoroughly enjoyed how everything was revealed and the motive behind the book’s events.
I very much enjoyed the characters and the relationships between them, both new and old, in this book. Faye felt surprisingly realistic to me, she didn’t come across as some one-dimensional, easily forgettable character (which shouldn’t be surprising as this is the 12th Faye Longchamp book); she’s relatable and knowledgeable about the career field she’s in. I also really liked the realistic nature of the relationship between her and her husband, Joe, and the budding relationship between Faye, Joe, and Cully. Faye and Joe have their arguments, but I could still tell how much they loved and respected one another. As this is the first book I’ve read in the series, I’m looking forward to reading the others and seeing how their relationship began and developed over the previous 11 books.
One thing that fascinated me about the ‘bad’ character is that Even’s wrote them and their storyline so well that I sympathized with the character and understood their reasoning for what they did, even if it wasn’t morally or legally right. That’s something that impressed me as I don’t typically feel bad for the ‘bad’ characters in the books I read.
Catacombs (#12 in the Faye Longchamp series but can be read as a stand-alone) is a great way to be introduced to a new author and series character, Mary Anna Evans has certainly got me hooked on Evans’ writing and her character Faye; the storytelling reminds me a lot of Iris Johansen’s (one of my absolute favs) and her character Even Duncan. I love the way Evans writes and how she seamlessly mixes fiction and non-fiction items together (ex. The historical Chinese underground city with her original storyline). The introduction to the factual underground Chinese immigrant settlement was incredible to learn about, it makes me wonder just how many other underground settlements there are around the country whose knowledge has been lost to time. You can read more about the underground settlement here, here , and here .
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Poisoned Pen Press for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading the other books in Faye’s series and what adventure awaits her in the future.
This review is also posted on Fathoms Amidst the Lines and Functionally Fictional.
“Evil must be obliterated.”
An explosion rocks an Oklahoma City hotel, killing only the bomber and ripping a hole in the hotel's walls revealing an underground system that a century ago housed Chinese immigrants who lived underground due to the hatred and discrimination they faced above. With an immediate FBI response, one bombing victim is Archaeologist Dr. Faye Longchamp-Mantooth who, along with her husband and distant cousin-in-law movie, actor and composer Cully Mantooth, is in town for a conference on Native American artistry and indigenous crafting.
Given her prior experience with the FBI, she’s asked to team up with FBI agents Micah Ahua (Assistant Special Agent in Charge), Liu, and Goldsby, to investigate the re-discovered area and what connection it may have to the bomber. Alongside Patricia Kura, an engineer from the Oklahoma City Department of Public Works, they delve down into the re-opened area only to discover the remains of three small children in an intricately painted room. This discovery is what gets the story going and Faye finds herself in the center of a confounding situation that leads readers in one direction, only to twist them in another when least expected.
As the story continues to unfold, people go missing and when their found and the person responsible for everything is revealed (as well as their motive) it leaves readers surprised, at least it left this reader surprised. I was not expecting it unfold as it did, but I thoroughly enjoyed how everything was revealed and the motive behind the book’s events.
I very much enjoyed the characters and the relationships between them, both new and old, in this book. Faye felt surprisingly realistic to me, she didn’t come across as some one-dimensional, easily forgettable character (which shouldn’t be surprising as this is the 12th Faye Longchamp book); she’s relatable and knowledgeable about the career field she’s in. I also really liked the realistic nature of the relationship between her and her husband, Joe, and the budding relationship between Faye, Joe, and Cully. Faye and Joe have their arguments, but I could still tell how much they loved and respected one another. As this is the first book I’ve read in the series, I’m looking forward to reading the others and seeing how their relationship began and developed over the previous 11 books.
One thing that fascinated me about the ‘bad’ character is that Even’s wrote them and their storyline so well that I sympathized with the character and understood their reasoning for what they did, even if it wasn’t morally or legally right. That’s something that impressed me as I don’t typically feel bad for the ‘bad’ characters in the books I read.
Catacombs (#12 in the Faye Longchamp series but can be read as a stand-alone) is a great way to be introduced to a new author and series character, Mary Anna Evans has certainly got me hooked on Evans’ writing and her character Faye; the storytelling reminds me a lot of Iris Johansen’s (one of my absolute favs) and her character Even Duncan. I love the way Evans writes and how she seamlessly mixes fiction and non-fiction items together (ex. The historical Chinese underground city with her original storyline). The introduction to the factual underground Chinese immigrant settlement was incredible to learn about, it makes me wonder just how many other underground settlements there are around the country whose knowledge has been lost to time. You can read more about the underground settlement here, here , and here .
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Poisoned Pen Press for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading the other books in Faye’s series and what adventure awaits her in the future.
This review is also posted on Fathoms Amidst the Lines and Functionally Fictional.
July 28, 2019
An action-packed thrill ride in a mysterious underground Chinatown, Catacombs delights and regales. Another bomb has gone off in Oklahoma City, but it seems that this bomb was only designed to kill one person. Is it a suicide bomber, or did someone else set off the bomb? As the questions pile up, the FBI turns to Archeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth for help in finding the answers.
What I Like:
The main character, Faye, and her husband Joe are both relatable and admirable. It’s not often I run across characters I genuinely like as if they were real but Faye and her husband, Joe, are just such characters. They are unassuming and hardworking family people who love and respect each other healthily and genuinely. This genuineness is precisely what drives me and other readers to read book after book in this series.
I liked the way that the story explores social issues. The characters confront racism in a way that enables the reader to see the racism through the main character’s eyes, rather than being told about the horrific way people can act. The same is true regarding the theme of invisibility, where groups of citizens - older adults, Chinese in the early 1900s and the working class are virtually invisible to society. The plot of the story and the way the characters are developed leads the reader to empathize, which has a profound effect.
Learning about the Underground Chinatown in Oklahoma was fascinating and created the perfect setting for a mystery. This piece of history has a story all its own, and the imagery in the novel enabled the reader to see and experience it.
What I Wish
I wish I knew more about the life of the bomber and that bomber’s family. The story included relevant information, but it just felt like there was so much more to tell about them. They were interesting enough that I wanted to know more.
I enjoyed reading this novel so much that I hope more stories feature Faye Longchamp-Mantooth and her genuine family ties.
To Read or Not to Read
Read the whole series if you haven’t already. This book offers so much more than the typical who-done-it, you can’t miss it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
What I Like:
The main character, Faye, and her husband Joe are both relatable and admirable. It’s not often I run across characters I genuinely like as if they were real but Faye and her husband, Joe, are just such characters. They are unassuming and hardworking family people who love and respect each other healthily and genuinely. This genuineness is precisely what drives me and other readers to read book after book in this series.
I liked the way that the story explores social issues. The characters confront racism in a way that enables the reader to see the racism through the main character’s eyes, rather than being told about the horrific way people can act. The same is true regarding the theme of invisibility, where groups of citizens - older adults, Chinese in the early 1900s and the working class are virtually invisible to society. The plot of the story and the way the characters are developed leads the reader to empathize, which has a profound effect.
Learning about the Underground Chinatown in Oklahoma was fascinating and created the perfect setting for a mystery. This piece of history has a story all its own, and the imagery in the novel enabled the reader to see and experience it.
What I Wish
I wish I knew more about the life of the bomber and that bomber’s family. The story included relevant information, but it just felt like there was so much more to tell about them. They were interesting enough that I wanted to know more.
I enjoyed reading this novel so much that I hope more stories feature Faye Longchamp-Mantooth and her genuine family ties.
To Read or Not to Read
Read the whole series if you haven’t already. This book offers so much more than the typical who-done-it, you can’t miss it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Catacombs is the 12th book in the Faye Longchamp mystery series by Mary Anna Evans. Due out 13th Aug 2019 from Poisoned Pen, it's 320 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.
I read this book as a standalone without being familiar with the author or series. I had no trouble following the narrative or keeping the characters clear in my mind. There's enough backstory included that it gave me a powerful desire to hunt down the back catalog, without spoiling the earlier stories for me.
This is a procedural mystery featuring an archaeologist who is also a consultant for law enforcement. I like it that Faye is sharply intelligent and focused and the author allows her to be competent on her own terms. I also like it that she's a person of color and the author doesn't feel the need to shout it from the rooftops (I actually had to dig around pretty thoroughly to check that fact).
This book drew me in immediately with an explosion in the hotel which is the site of an academic conference on indigenous people in America. For fans of FBI type thrillers which are realistic enough to be believable, this one is a winner. The plot is fairly intricate, with several disparate parallel plot threads which are woven together well. The denouement is exciting and skillfully revealed.
Four stars. Well done. I'm looking forward to the next book. I've also acquired the first book in the series which has drawn me in from the first page. The author's a wizard with dramatic tension.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Catacombs is the 12th book in the Faye Longchamp mystery series by Mary Anna Evans. Due out 13th Aug 2019 from Poisoned Pen, it's 320 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.
I read this book as a standalone without being familiar with the author or series. I had no trouble following the narrative or keeping the characters clear in my mind. There's enough backstory included that it gave me a powerful desire to hunt down the back catalog, without spoiling the earlier stories for me.
This is a procedural mystery featuring an archaeologist who is also a consultant for law enforcement. I like it that Faye is sharply intelligent and focused and the author allows her to be competent on her own terms. I also like it that she's a person of color and the author doesn't feel the need to shout it from the rooftops (I actually had to dig around pretty thoroughly to check that fact).
This book drew me in immediately with an explosion in the hotel which is the site of an academic conference on indigenous people in America. For fans of FBI type thrillers which are realistic enough to be believable, this one is a winner. The plot is fairly intricate, with several disparate parallel plot threads which are woven together well. The denouement is exciting and skillfully revealed.
Four stars. Well done. I'm looking forward to the next book. I've also acquired the first book in the series which has drawn me in from the first page. The author's a wizard with dramatic tension.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 19, 2019
Superb! A truly interesting and unique mystery, using recent events and expanding on them to show what happens to an individual in a shock event and how it can lead to discovering multiple layers of hurt, betrayal, and, for some, renewal and, for others, retribution at the end. Surely how we live our lives can come back to haunt us and prejudice comes in multiple forms.
Mary Anna Evans is an outstanding wordsmith. The author's description of the opening blast from the viewpoint of one victim was mesmerizing as was the discovery process for the culprit(s). Is there any justification for an act of violence?
This is one of those authors whose books I buy sight unseen, knowing each and every book is going to be an excellent adventure with Faye Longchamp-Mantooth, but that it will also be a learning experience for me, the reader. This one does not disappoint. Who knew there were "catacombs" under Oklahoma City, where people were so desperate they literally carved a home for their community there in the dirt? The prejudice that was behind their desperation is still prevalent today, if more subtle. Even a Hollywood star can suffer from prejudices based on preconceived notions. The side-story, an inside look at the life of a "star" was fascinating and a delightful counter to the seriousness of the main plot.
"Faye laughed as her naive belief that the world ever made sense, but what better definition of a scientist could there be than 'a person looking for a way to make sense of the world'?"
My thanks to Barbara Peters and her staff at Poisoned Pen Press for a wonderfully produced book. The cover image is beyond striking! Amazing books like this are a joy to hold and to read.
Mary Anna Evans is an outstanding wordsmith. The author's description of the opening blast from the viewpoint of one victim was mesmerizing as was the discovery process for the culprit(s). Is there any justification for an act of violence?
This is one of those authors whose books I buy sight unseen, knowing each and every book is going to be an excellent adventure with Faye Longchamp-Mantooth, but that it will also be a learning experience for me, the reader. This one does not disappoint. Who knew there were "catacombs" under Oklahoma City, where people were so desperate they literally carved a home for their community there in the dirt? The prejudice that was behind their desperation is still prevalent today, if more subtle. Even a Hollywood star can suffer from prejudices based on preconceived notions. The side-story, an inside look at the life of a "star" was fascinating and a delightful counter to the seriousness of the main plot.
"Faye laughed as her naive belief that the world ever made sense, but what better definition of a scientist could there be than 'a person looking for a way to make sense of the world'?"
My thanks to Barbara Peters and her staff at Poisoned Pen Press for a wonderfully produced book. The cover image is beyond striking! Amazing books like this are a joy to hold and to read.
July 10, 2019
First of all I would like to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read an arc of Catacombs. I've been a fan of this series since the beginning but have not read the last couple of books so I happily jumped at the chance to read this one.
Faye and Joe are at a conference of Indigenous art and artisans. The conference literally starts off with a bang. Faye is meeting with Joe's cousin Cully when a bomb goes off. Although shaken both Faye and Cully are ok. The FBI requests Faye's help, and a secret room below the hotel is revealed...along with the bodies of 3 little boys. Thoughts of the little bodies along with the legend of an underground city that the early Chinese inhabited is enough to get Faye's full attention. It's a race to discover who the bomber is and if there is a tie-in to the dead children in the mysterious room. And then one of the conference speakers disappears and the tension continues to mount. A surprise twist results in a breathless ending.
Mary Anna Evans gives us an intelligent well paced mystery interspersed with fascinating bits of the history of the Oklahoma City area. All her characters are interesting and well-developed. Cully and Jakob are new additions and I hope we get to see them more in the future. While this book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone I would recommend reading the first couple of books first if for no other reason than to gain an understanding of Faye and Joe's beginnings. I highly recommend Mary Anna Evans' Faye Longchamp series!
Faye and Joe are at a conference of Indigenous art and artisans. The conference literally starts off with a bang. Faye is meeting with Joe's cousin Cully when a bomb goes off. Although shaken both Faye and Cully are ok. The FBI requests Faye's help, and a secret room below the hotel is revealed...along with the bodies of 3 little boys. Thoughts of the little bodies along with the legend of an underground city that the early Chinese inhabited is enough to get Faye's full attention. It's a race to discover who the bomber is and if there is a tie-in to the dead children in the mysterious room. And then one of the conference speakers disappears and the tension continues to mount. A surprise twist results in a breathless ending.
Mary Anna Evans gives us an intelligent well paced mystery interspersed with fascinating bits of the history of the Oklahoma City area. All her characters are interesting and well-developed. Cully and Jakob are new additions and I hope we get to see them more in the future. While this book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone I would recommend reading the first couple of books first if for no other reason than to gain an understanding of Faye and Joe's beginnings. I highly recommend Mary Anna Evans' Faye Longchamp series!
January 13, 2021
In this 12th novel in the Faye Longchamp series, Faye and her husband are in Oklahoma City to for a conference celebrating indigenous arts when a bomb goes off in the hotel. The explosion rips a whole in the hotel’s floor, revealing subterranean chambers where Chinese immigrants were living a hundred years ago. Sounds farfetched but this is a real thing. Faye is hired by the FBI response team for her expertise in archeology and asked to accompany them below ground. When three bodies of children are discovered there, a cold case murder mystery is at hand.
There are a lot of things to like in this novel. Archeology is always an attraction for me and the cultural aspects were informative as well as directly important to the plot. The character of Cully Mantooth, a musician, songwriter and accidental movie star provided a real punch to the story. This is my first read in the series, but I never felt like I was missing anything important from prior novels. There were a couple of places where I thought Faye didn’t act consistently with what I knew about her but that could have been due to prior experiences of which I am not aware.
Normally I would never jump into a series at the 12th book. However, I received a copy of this one as part of a package deal when I attended Bouchercon in 2019. The mystery elements were well done as was the action-packed finale. I would certainly read more of these, given the opportunity.
There are a lot of things to like in this novel. Archeology is always an attraction for me and the cultural aspects were informative as well as directly important to the plot. The character of Cully Mantooth, a musician, songwriter and accidental movie star provided a real punch to the story. This is my first read in the series, but I never felt like I was missing anything important from prior novels. There were a couple of places where I thought Faye didn’t act consistently with what I knew about her but that could have been due to prior experiences of which I am not aware.
Normally I would never jump into a series at the 12th book. However, I received a copy of this one as part of a package deal when I attended Bouchercon in 2019. The mystery elements were well done as was the action-packed finale. I would certainly read more of these, given the opportunity.
June 26, 2020
Below the surface in Oklahoma City, a vast system of catacombs exists where a community of Chinese people once lived underground in the early twentieth century.
These catacombs are not fiction, though the book Catacombs (Poisoned Pen, 2019) is. Mary Anna Evans, the author of Catacombs, explains, “The parts of this book’s historical backstory that are the most difficult to believe are true.” Not only did these Chinese live there, but the health department inspected the catacombs in 1921 and found “the 200 or more inhabitants of the submerged quarter in good health and surroundings and as sanitary as all get out.” Later, in 1969, part of the underground system was explored and photographed.
From this fascinating truth, Evans spins a complex, compelling narrative that weaves the past and present together into a taut mystery. Catacombs is the twelfth entry in a popular and award-winning series, featuring archaeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth and her husband Joe Mantooth. In this outing, they are joined by Cully Mantooth, a famous though aging actor and distant cousin. Cully plays a pivotal role in the developing story and guards a painful secret from his youthful days in Oklahoma.
The climax is exactly the kind of edge-of-your-seat dramatic confrontation with a unique twist that Evans does so well in her Faye Longchamp series.
These catacombs are not fiction, though the book Catacombs (Poisoned Pen, 2019) is. Mary Anna Evans, the author of Catacombs, explains, “The parts of this book’s historical backstory that are the most difficult to believe are true.” Not only did these Chinese live there, but the health department inspected the catacombs in 1921 and found “the 200 or more inhabitants of the submerged quarter in good health and surroundings and as sanitary as all get out.” Later, in 1969, part of the underground system was explored and photographed.
From this fascinating truth, Evans spins a complex, compelling narrative that weaves the past and present together into a taut mystery. Catacombs is the twelfth entry in a popular and award-winning series, featuring archaeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth and her husband Joe Mantooth. In this outing, they are joined by Cully Mantooth, a famous though aging actor and distant cousin. Cully plays a pivotal role in the developing story and guards a painful secret from his youthful days in Oklahoma.
The climax is exactly the kind of edge-of-your-seat dramatic confrontation with a unique twist that Evans does so well in her Faye Longchamp series.
September 16, 2025
Snagged me from the first blast—literally. There’s something about the way this one mixes archaeology, history, and a mystery under the streets that had my heart pounding and curiosity on fire.
Faye Longchamp crashes through an Oklahoma City hotel lobby after an explosion, only to discover hidden chambers beneath the floor—old tunnels once lived in by Chinese immigrants, and now, shadows and silence where secrets wait. When three children are found dead beneath the hotel, Faye’s not just digging for artifacts—she’s unraveling bad human stuff, dangerous loyalties, and betrayal.
What hit: the catacombs themselves feel alive, creepy, and atmospheric. The tension of “who did this, and why?” stays tight. And the character work—Faye, Joe, Cully—hits that sweet spot of flawed and brave. I found myself trusting Cully, then doubting him. Felt messy. Felt real.
Some parts I had to slow down—history + underground tunnel exploration can swamp you if you let it. But the payoff is huge: twists that surprised, secret motivations that made me gasp.
If you like your mysteries with depth, your history with hidden bones, and characters who fight both external villains and their own shadows—this one’s for you.
Faye Longchamp crashes through an Oklahoma City hotel lobby after an explosion, only to discover hidden chambers beneath the floor—old tunnels once lived in by Chinese immigrants, and now, shadows and silence where secrets wait. When three children are found dead beneath the hotel, Faye’s not just digging for artifacts—she’s unraveling bad human stuff, dangerous loyalties, and betrayal.
What hit: the catacombs themselves feel alive, creepy, and atmospheric. The tension of “who did this, and why?” stays tight. And the character work—Faye, Joe, Cully—hits that sweet spot of flawed and brave. I found myself trusting Cully, then doubting him. Felt messy. Felt real.
Some parts I had to slow down—history + underground tunnel exploration can swamp you if you let it. But the payoff is huge: twists that surprised, secret motivations that made me gasp.
If you like your mysteries with depth, your history with hidden bones, and characters who fight both external villains and their own shadows—this one’s for you.
June 9, 2019
Combining archaeology, crime-scene investigation, Hollywood stardom, history and mystery, Catacombs has something for many readers.
The clock starts the first moment an explosion terrifies guests at an Oklahoma City hotel, but we have to go back in time to determine who set the bomb and why. The blast opens up a staircase to catacombs beneath the city - catacombs rumored to house thousands of immigrants a century before.
Well-known archaeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth is at the historic hotel for a conference about indigenous peoples; the explosion sends her flying right into a mystery. Who wanted to destroy the hotel? Is it tied to the conference? Or is there something hidden in the catacombs that someone wants buried in the past?
This was my first Faye Longchamp-Mantooth book, but it won’t be my last. I was able to jump right into the story and characters without having their backstories.
Tying archaeology to crime-scene investigations, as well as the history of indigenous peoples and the society that lived under Oklahoma City was compelling. The characters are likable, and I want to know more about them.
The clock starts the first moment an explosion terrifies guests at an Oklahoma City hotel, but we have to go back in time to determine who set the bomb and why. The blast opens up a staircase to catacombs beneath the city - catacombs rumored to house thousands of immigrants a century before.
Well-known archaeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth is at the historic hotel for a conference about indigenous peoples; the explosion sends her flying right into a mystery. Who wanted to destroy the hotel? Is it tied to the conference? Or is there something hidden in the catacombs that someone wants buried in the past?
This was my first Faye Longchamp-Mantooth book, but it won’t be my last. I was able to jump right into the story and characters without having their backstories.
Tying archaeology to crime-scene investigations, as well as the history of indigenous peoples and the society that lived under Oklahoma City was compelling. The characters are likable, and I want to know more about them.
August 7, 2019
Faye Longchamp, an archeologist, can always be counted on to find more than anyone expects and this case is no different. She's visiting Oklahoma City with her husband Joe (he's a great character, btw) when a bomb goes off in the lobby of the hotel where they are staying. Is this about targeting the Native Americans in town for a conference or something else? The FBI calls her in, having worked with her before, when they discover a vast network of, well, catacombs which were used by the Chinese population of OKC many years ago. Of course, the identity and motive of the bomber is related to something else Faye finds. One of the nice things about this series (and admittedly I've only read a few) is that you always learn something, in this case about how Chinese immigrants were treated. You will be fine with this as a standalone because the characters are well drawn and the mystery itself is contained within this volume. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.
May 28, 2022
Catacombs begins with a bang, literally, in the lobby of the Gershwin Hotel in Oklahoma City. Just as Faye Lonchamp-Mantooth is getting to know her husband's cousin, Cully Mantooth, a bomb is detonated very near them. Strangely, there are no serious injuries, except for the death of the bomber. No one can figure out why the bomb was set during the conference recognizing indigenous cultures. Access to an underground system of rooms and tunnels is discovered and a room with walls painted in haunting pictures.
Faye is invited by the FBI to help in the investigation. Before the mystery is solved, her friend disappears, Cully's past becomes a concern, and Faye herself is threatened with death. The past holds the secrets, but the clues are scarce.
Catacombs is a fast read, the action speeds along. the characters are well-drawn and not having read any of the previous books in this series is not a problem. I recommend this novel.
Faye is invited by the FBI to help in the investigation. Before the mystery is solved, her friend disappears, Cully's past becomes a concern, and Faye herself is threatened with death. The past holds the secrets, but the clues are scarce.
Catacombs is a fast read, the action speeds along. the characters are well-drawn and not having read any of the previous books in this series is not a problem. I recommend this novel.
November 17, 2019
Faye and Joe have come to Oklahoma City where Joe will be taking part in an Indigenous People conference, showing his flint-knapping skills. Also taking part is Joe's distant cousin and Hollywood actor and composer, Cully Mantooth. But before the conference even begins, before Joe arrives, a bomb explodes in the lobby of the hotel, knocking both Faye and Cully off their feet. But no one is killed except the bomber, so what was his motive? Or his plans? The FBI quickly enlists Faye to help them, based on a surprising discovery beneath the hotel. Can they contain the situation? And just who was the bomber? In addition, Faye is certain that Cully harbors a secret of some sort, but does it have any bearing on this crime? Wonderfully evocative, quickly moving story that is hard to put down. Highly recommended.
July 16, 2020
I picked up this book earlier this year and was saving it to read on a planned trip to Oklahoma to pick up my daughter after she finished her MA at the University of Oklahoma. Well, she did finish that Masters, but due to the global pandemic, the trip was cancelled (she made it home on her own, with very little help from her dad - there's only so much furniture packing assistance that one can provide via Zoom). But, I still wanted to read the book, and I'm certainly glad I did.
The novel uncovers (literally) the secret underground Chinatown in downtown OKC, and deftly weaves that history into a solid mystery that addresses racial tensions of the past that persist into the present. This book would have been great to read on a road trip. But, as it turned out, is was just as good to read while staying at home.
The novel uncovers (literally) the secret underground Chinatown in downtown OKC, and deftly weaves that history into a solid mystery that addresses racial tensions of the past that persist into the present. This book would have been great to read on a road trip. But, as it turned out, is was just as good to read while staying at home.
August 17, 2019
I host a podcast and a few years ago was looking for books with an Oklahoma connection. Burials was available at the library and when I read the book I was hooked! Right after that I discovered that Mary Anna was actually living here in OKC and teaching at OU! She has been on the podcast twice and will be featured for a third time on the Aug 18th, 2019 episode.
She told me about the plot of the book last year at the Oklahoma Book Festival and I have been dying to read it ever since!
I learned some interesting facts about the history of Oklahoma City, and was taken on a wild, murder mystery, archaeological ride! I can totally see this book being made into a movie due to it's unique story and native american tie-in.
It begins with a bomb going off under a downtown hotel during a convention which leads to the rediscovery of underground rooms once occupied by Chinese immigrants. Some other, more gruesome things are also found in the tunnels, hence the murder mystery.
It was an extremely unique story, as are many of her novels. Truthfully, this is my favorite one so far!!
She told me about the plot of the book last year at the Oklahoma Book Festival and I have been dying to read it ever since!
I learned some interesting facts about the history of Oklahoma City, and was taken on a wild, murder mystery, archaeological ride! I can totally see this book being made into a movie due to it's unique story and native american tie-in.
It begins with a bomb going off under a downtown hotel during a convention which leads to the rediscovery of underground rooms once occupied by Chinese immigrants. Some other, more gruesome things are also found in the tunnels, hence the murder mystery.
It was an extremely unique story, as are many of her novels. Truthfully, this is my favorite one so far!!
June 2, 2021
Faye is in Oklahome City with Joe where he is presenting at a conference on indigenous arts. An explosion in the hotel lobby leads to the discovery of a room untouched for several years and a door into subterranean chambers. Turns out these (really!) are the former home of Chinese workers who lived there in the 1940's. It also is the location of the bodies of three young boys, determined to be brothers all suffering from hemophilia. Bigbee, an FBI agent, recommends Faye as a consultant on the job and she is given the opportunity to go into the chambers. She also meets Hoe's distant cousin, Cully, who is a movie star -- and had a Chinese mother who lived for a time in the underground chambers.... Love, love, love this series and not looking forward to reading the last one....
May 26, 2019
This series is always interesting even if you are not a fan of archaeology and you always seem to learn new things. In this case, Faye discovers that the Chinese lived for extended periods of time under the streets of Oklahoma City when a bomb is detonated inside a hotel she happens to be in. This leads to her once again putting her unique skills to use to aid the FBI as they search for the who and why of a supposed terrorist attack.
This series just gets better and better and the ending is another thrill ride that is worth the read. Please add this one to your to-read list.
Highly recommended!
This series just gets better and better and the ending is another thrill ride that is worth the read. Please add this one to your to-read list.
Highly recommended!
February 7, 2025
Faye Longchamp Mantooth returns to fight crime through the application of her considerable archeological expertise.
Faye and her husband Joe are in Oklahoma City to attend and present at a conference on Indigenous culture and history. They are planning to visit Joe’s dad, Sly Mantooth. Another distant relative, Cully Mantooth is also attending the conference and reconnecting with family that he hasn’t seen for decades after leaving for California as a 17 year old. When a bomb explodes in the conference hotel lobby, Faye and Cully are drawn into the mysterious catacombs found underneath the hotel.
Faye and her husband Joe are in Oklahoma City to attend and present at a conference on Indigenous culture and history. They are planning to visit Joe’s dad, Sly Mantooth. Another distant relative, Cully Mantooth is also attending the conference and reconnecting with family that he hasn’t seen for decades after leaving for California as a 17 year old. When a bomb explodes in the conference hotel lobby, Faye and Cully are drawn into the mysterious catacombs found underneath the hotel.
October 9, 2025
It is like reconnecting with an old friend to discover this book and a succeeding book by Mary Anna Evan’s featuring Faye Longchamp. I have enjoyed this series so much, but I did not know about these last two books. First this abstract is very poor and does not really explain the book, but hopefully some people will still give the book a try. The plot is involved and is hardly believable, but yes, there are tunnels under Oklahoma City. Because of her archaeological expertise, Faye becomes involved with the FBI after a bomb is set off and the tunnels are discovered. Very exciting to have another book in the series which I look forward to.
November 16, 2025
As always, Evans weaves a mystery puzzle around archaeological features of her chosen settings: this time the mystery involves the underground city where Chinese escaped and lived beneath Oklahoma City at the turn of the 20th Century. Hired to help the FBI with the interaction of this long deserted underground city with a modern above ground bombing, the protagonist begins to trace the source of a more modern painted room containing three dead babies, to a twisted religion with a "prophet." The narrative is skilled and involving. The relationship between the protagonist and her husband continues charming and positive.
November 21, 2025
I love this series, and I love Faye and Joe. Faye is a realistic, thoughtful, protagonist who also happens to be a successful woman of color. She and Joe are a great pair-- obviously in love, showing the utmost respect to each other, championing each other's successes. I also love that Mary Anna Evans hits upon cultural and historical injustices in her books and handles them in such a sensitive, compassionate manner. She does her research, and it shows.
These books are examples of excellent representation while also delivering excellent stories. (Plus, I always wanted to be an archeologist when I was little.)
Oh, and the narrator is fantastic.
These books are examples of excellent representation while also delivering excellent stories. (Plus, I always wanted to be an archeologist when I was little.)
Oh, and the narrator is fantastic.
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