Wrecked

Faye Longchamp #13

by Mary Anna Evans

Next title in the Faye Longchamp Archaeological Mysteries. When tragedy strikes and everything she loves is threatened, Faye Longchamp, an expert in American archaeology, will resort to desperate measures. Because some losses cut to the bone...

A murder mystery with an archaeological twist, Wrecked is:
Florida-based mystery
Perfect for fans of James Lee Burke and Nevada Barr
For readers of archaeological mysteries
The suspicious drowning death of Captain Edward Eubank breaks archaeologist Faye Longchamp's heart. It also confuses her, because he was found in scuba gear and she's never heard him even mention scuba diving. During their last conversation, he told her that he believed he'd found a storied shipwreck, but when Faye checks it out, she finds nothing there—not a plank, not a single gold coin, nothing. If there's no treasure, then why is her friend dead?

But the situation quickly escalates beyond a murder mystery. Surrounded by a community struggling in the aftermath of a major hurricane that has changed the very landscape, Faye grapples not only with the loss of her friend, but with her fears for her daughter, who is being romanced by a man who may be very dangerous.

As a professional with her own consulting firm, Faye had long ago given up her "anything goes" attitude when the law stood between her and an interesting dig. Now that recklessness is back. There's nothing she won't do to protect her daughter.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Archaeology

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2020

About the author

Mary 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

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always glad to see another Faye Longchamp mystery come along as I have been reading this series for some time. The setting for this episode is primarily on or beside the water of the Florida coast. Some time is on Joyeuse Island , Faye’s long time home and a plantation prior to the Civil War. Its history has been mentioned in other books in the series. More time is spent on the family boats, investigating a scuba diving death, and helping, along with her husband and teenage daughter, the many local residents who have damaged homes and lives due to the recent hurricane.

Faye is overwhelmed with tasks and challenges here: taking supplies around the area to those without electricity; checking in on friends to be sure they are alright, helping her husband fix tarps on damaged roofs until they can be repaired; and also wondering about a possible 1800s shipwreck possibly having been unveiled by the hurricane’s force on the ocean. And then she worries about her 19 year old daughter who seems to be enamored by the wrong man.

It’s possible there are too many things happening in this story but Evans manages them all and I enjoyed the ride. I also enjoy watching the development of her marriage and family as I started this series when she was single. This episode involves more personal, introspective thinking on Faye’s part as she realizes her daughter is becoming a young woman and doesn’t need her mother as she has in the past. It has a different feel from past episodes perhaps because, in addition to the mystery, there are so many family matters to be attended to.

I recommend this series highly.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

"SOME LOSSES CUT TO THE BONE ...
"The suspicious drowning of Captain Edward Eubank breaks archaeologist Faye Longchamp's heart. It also confuses her, because he was found in scuba gear and she's never heard him even mention scuba diving. During the last conversation, he told her that he believed he'd found a storied shipwreck, but when Faye checks it out, she finds nothing there -- not a plank, not a single gold coin, nothing. If there's no treasure, then why is her friend dead?

"Surrounded by a community struggling in the aftermath of a major hurricane that has changed the very landscape, Faye grapples not only with the loss of her friend but with her fears for her daughter, who is being romanced by a man who may be very dangerous.

"As a professional with her own consulting firm, Faye no longer takes an 'anything goes' attitude when the law stands between her and an interesting dig. Now, that recklessness is back. There's nothing she won't do to protect her daughter."
~~back cover

Very mixed emotions about this last book in the series. The author ends the book in the way she always has ... leaving the reader wanting to know what comes next in the lives of Faye Longchamp- Mantooth and her husband Joe Wolf Mantooth, their adopted daughter Amande and their son Michael. On the other hand, I've been disappointed in these last books because Joe & Faye don't seem as close as they once were -- and that closeness was a big draw this this reader.

Also as always, the plotting was top notch, the characterization very realistic and the ending a surprise and a nail biter.

[Ericka Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number 13 in the series and still going strong.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series because it is like meeting neat people who do interesting things in different places.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder hits close to home in a series I have followed for a long time, when a much beloved friend dies suspiciously after a diving trip.

Faye Longchamp and her family are helping their community after a devastating hurricane when Captain Edward Eubank’s body is discovered by Faye’s young daughter. Faye and the Captain had been discussing the possibility of a sunken blockade runner in the area but with everything going on she puts it in her to-do pile. Obviously the Captain had other plans.

This book was more personal for Faye with not only her friend’s murder but her relationship with her young daughter. Although it held my interest throughout, I kept feeling something was missing. All in all, a good read and a very exciting ending.

Recommended!

[Kat Lebo · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑾𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅, Book 14, of the Faye Longchamp Archaeological Mysteries
by Mary Anna Evans

Kudos to Mary Anna Evans on once again producing a top notch read! As usual, the research is excellent, I had one question about sentence structure, but I found no real grammar errors, misspellings, or other proofing errors. The book was jammed packed with action, as Faye and her friends try to solve 8 seemingly separate mysteries: 1 murders, 1 attempted murder, 2 break-ins, one destruction of private property, 2 possible insurance frauds, and a missing persons case. All this taking place after a Category 3 hurricane swept through Florida. Which of the cases are related and which are truly separate and why keeps everyone busy through the entire book. Evans has an almost magical way to weave actual history with her fiction, making readers like me who have to know which is which running for the internet. Thank you to Evans for including her "Notes for the Incurably Curious," at the end of the book, saving me long hours of searching for the 𝑃ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑎, and finding only references to the 𝑆𝑦𝑟𝑒𝑛, on which the other, imaginary, ship was based. Using her Notes, I was able to find information on the iron-sided, wheeled, double engine steam ships that were Blockade Runners during the Civil War. Most of us are familiar with the 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟 and the 𝑀𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑐𝑘 at the Battle of Hampton Roads during the Civil War if we paid attention in our high school U.S. History classes, but I was not aware of how many ironclad ships existed on both sides of the war, and even a few that were privately owned.

So, I mentioned earlier that there was something I questioned. It appears at location 126 (kindle): "With her own eyes, she'd seen three men brandishing handguns as they robbed a convenience store, led by three men brandishing handguns." While I wasn't confused as to what was meant, I did notice the redundancy.

All in all this is a thrilling read. If you have not read this series, you should give it a try. Start from the beginning, which would be 𝐴𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑠.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was riveting from the very beginning.

Many traditional cozy mysteries end with all the possible suspects gathered together for the great reveal by the detective on the case. Ms. Evans put a new twist on this with all the suspects gathered in a bar and an anything but quiet reveal as knives, broken bourbon bottles, and guns are involved. Wow! To add to it, there were so many valid red herrings I wasn't sure who was the culprit until this scene erupted and the person was revealed by their actions.

Ms. Evans is a wonderful wordsmith. The book starts out with a realistic and striking "bird's eye" view of the devastation wrought by a hurricane and how difficult it is for anyone, but particularly the poor, to recover physically and mentally. The hurricane's effect, and how it is used against good people by grifters, becomes one of the backdrops to the entire book.

"Looking at the damage left by the hurricane broke Amande's heart. It made her feel helpless, useless. There was no quicker way to become a hero than to hand a bottle of water to a Floridian who had been without air conditioning for a July week, but Amande didn't want to be a hero. She was looking at a torn-apart world, and she wanted a different one."

Don’t we all?

Amande is becoming almost as interesting as her mother, Fay Longchamp-Mantooth, and Ms. Evans does a great job of showing the angst between a mother and a young adult about to leave the family nest. This is but one of many levels beneath the main story. I am so looking forward to the next adventure with Faye and her family.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Wrecked" is the 13th book in the Faye Longchamp archaeological mystery series by Mary Anna Evans. This was a good introduction to the series for me and works fine as a standalone novel. It is set around the fictional Joyeuse Island in the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida panhandle. The area has been devastated by a hurricane and Faye and her family are helping the community by delivering water and food to those in need. Faye’s husband, Joe, has a drone that he is using to take aerial photos of storm damage and changes to the coastline. One of his photos reveals something off the coast that could be either an underwater spring or a shipwreck uncovered by the storm. Soon after seeing these photos a family friend is found drowned in what appears to be a scuba accident, but Faye has doubts since the man has never shown any interest in scuba diving. This is very much an expanded family story involving friends, neighbors, family and especially Faye’s worries about her strong, but rebellious young daughter. Suspects include unscrupulous business people taking advantage of those in need following the storm, a professor who seems willing to do anything to get ahead in her career, and several people involved in the boating and diving business. Has one or more of them discovered a lost treasure ship and are willing to kill to keep it a secret? The photos are the key and this puts Faye’s family in the crosshairs of a killer. Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be book 13 on the series, but this is my first read, and this one can be read as a standalone because it feels like I miss anything. Faye has helped solve cases in the past, but this particular case she is facing is personal as it is someone she knows and spoke to before he died. The sudden discovery of Edward’s dead body and the town being hit with a destructive hurricane is too much for the people and also Faye. It felt like everything is filing up, and everyone doesn't know which one to deal with first.

Faye, on the other hand, is determined to solve the mystery surrounding Edward’s death and find answers to things she found out. But of course, it will be too easy if she won't face any challenges. And these challenges will further push her to solve the case. I found this book as fast-paced, puzzling, riveting, and the characters are well-developed. I specifically love the historical facts in this story. I love to learn as well as try to solve the mystery myself. The story has taken many turns that I didn't see coming, but overall I truly enjoyed it. I will check out the rest of the book in this series to get to know Faye even more.

[Gail Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been getting to know Faye Longchamp since February and have enjoyed every minute spent with her and her family and friends. This is the 13th book in the series about the archeologist from the panhandle of Florida -- and I really hope #14 comes out soon! The setting for #13 is Faye's home country where a hurricane has gone through and done damage to a lot of the neighboring community. Faye's home is okay, but she and Joe are busy bringing food and supplies to those who have lost their homes. When in the midst of the recovery Faye's friend Captain Eubank dies while scube diving, Faye is suspiscious: she NEVER heard the Captain mention that he cared to scuba dive! He did however have a curiousity about a possible sunken boat from Civil War times, so the sheriff doesn't seem as concerned as Faye. Meanwhile Faye's list of possible murderers includes three young men who are interested in her daughter, two women who seem to be involved with some shady insurance deals, an archeology major with an interest in the books Captain had at his house and maybe even Manny who runs the local bar and resatauant.....

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story that combines mystery, murder and treasure hunting. This is book 13 in the Faye Longchamp Archaeological Mystery series. I have only read one other book in the series and this book could be read as a stand alone but I think I need to read some of the previous books to enjoy this one a little more. Set in Florida Faye is heartbroken when her friend Edward Eubank is found dead. He is a salvage operator that was corresponding with Faye about a found shipwreck. She starts to investigate when it was determined that he "accidentally" died while scuba diving and now there is no sign of the wreck. Faye is also worried about her older teen daughter and the man she is dating. A good mystery and the characters are great. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit to being a fan of this series, any installment of which can be read as a standalone (but which of course are even more meaningful if you've followed Faye). It's distinguished by the fact that Faye is an archeologist, which means, at least for me, there's something new to learn each time. Now she's at home in Florida and struggling a bit with her family (well, her daughter). When her husband Joe finds a an odd spot in the water he's flown his drone over, Faye reaches out to her friend Edward Eubank, who is later found dead. Law enforcement doesn't think there was foul play but Faye. who is a smart one and who knows Edward was trying to find treasure, thinks otherwise. This is a nicely doe mystery that has a few surprises, good characters, and fine storytelling. NO spoilers from me. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrecked by Mary Anna Evans is a great introduction to the Faye Longchamp Mantooth archaeological series. The fictional setting of Joyeuse Island in the Gulf of Mexico is where this novel is based and where the mystery begins. A beloved family friend is found floating face-down in the Gulf waters; a drone is shot out of the sky and Faye’s home is broken into. This is a page-turner with great characters, incredible detailed descriptions of the Gulf Coast with twists and turns to keep the reader excited for the next chapter. I especially enjoyed the complexity of Faye’s family life juxtaposed against her “working life.” Cannot wait to catch up on the earlier novels. A great read for mystery lovers!

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

307 pages

4 stars

Another great book from Mary Anna Evans. I've read most of the Faye Longchamp – Mantooth series and have never been disappointed.

In this one a dear friend and colleague of Faye's has been murdered. Faye knows he was on the search for hidden treasure in the water near Faye's home. Has it been uncovered by the recent hurricane? Things escalate when Joe's little drone is shot out of the sky and then Faye and Joe's home is broken into and some of Joe's drone photos were stolen.

Ms. Evans has a real talent at bringing her characters to life. I really like Joe and Faye's relationship. They work so very well together.

This is a very good mystery and I am awaiting the next in the series.

[James A. Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hurricane is Over but the Mess Continues

Faye and Joe along with their adopted teenage daughter Amande fared better than most. The storm brushed their home island in passing leaving strewn with toppled trees but the solid old plantation house protected the humans. The whole family is traveling to the mainland everyday to clear trees off the roads, pull tarps over damaged homes and deliver desperately needed food and water to their neighbors. It's a hectic time but then people start dying under suspicious circumstances. Once again Faye is investigating but this time there are so many suspects. Can she sort it out in time to save her family? Another page turner will keep you guessing until the end...enjoy!

[Roxanne Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Faye Longchamp series about a smart, strong woman who's trying to run her own business, raise her family, and protect her family home...and who just seems to end up with murders in her vicinity! In the latest, a close friend dies in a suspicious diving accident, Faye and Joe help their neighbors recover from a hurricane, and Faye navigates the tricky landscaping of raising a smart, strong daughter. Great story!

I read a digital arc via Edelweiss+

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good addition to this story that I discovered recently.
This time the plot involves Faye on a more personal level but it's as entertaining and gripping as the other installment in this series.
Great characters, a tightly knitted plot and a solid mystery that kept me guessing.
Even if it's the first in the series it can be read as a standalone.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hurricane blows through Micco County, Florida. In its wake, Faye and her family help others worse off than themselves. Joe is even able to use his new drone to help assess the damage. Faye is excited by what she sees in one of the drone's photos, and so is her friend Captain Eubank. But that photo puts them all in danger, especially since county resources are strained by the hurricane damage. Hard to put down. Highly recommended.

[Audrey Chan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed the archaeology and history aspects of this series which sets it apart from other mysteries. However, this installment is lacking in the archaeology department, as much of the focus is on Faye's conflict with her daughter. Hunting sunken ships and lost treasure that led to the death of Faye's friend should have been a page turner instead, compared to previous books, it was more like the writer was phoning this one in.

[Janet Balliet]

Faye & Joe are busy helping people after the hurricane. She visits the Captain & discusses a ship wreck. Joe takes pics with his drone & one is published in the newspaper. His drone is shot down while Nate is flying it. The Captain"s body washes up at the marina. Faye is not happy that Manny take such an interest in her daughter, Amande. Faye & the sheriff look into the death & other suspicious dealings in the county. All the photos are stolen or lost.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first experience with Faye Longchamp archaeological mysteries. I look forward to reading more. An engaging and entertaining mystery. Lots of family drama also. Interesting facts about post hurricane issues and problems. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

[Laurel Heebsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Another great novel featuring archaeologist Faye Longchamp Mantooth. Set in the aftermath of a devastating hurricane, the cast of local characters becomes wider and more diverse. We read more of Cally’s memoir and Amande becomes a more fully developed independent woman.

[Cheri Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never disappointed!

Ms. Evens always writes fascinatingly complex stories. To fans of archeological mysteries know she us an expert in balancing the technical with the human elements. I always pre- order her books with complete confidence.

[Sans Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Florida and archaeology...what's not too love? Thoroughly enjoyed Evans' newest mystery about her biracial archaeologist Faye, her Native American spouse Joe, and her adopted daughter Amande. I look forward to the next installment in this series.

[VickiLee · Rating 2 out of 5]

What happened? This book, part of a beloved series, seemed ill-plotted and awkwardly written. Joe said “ain’t” more times than needed, I searched to unearth what a “yellow Bimini” was, and the novel itself was filled with weak characters aplenty and not enough energy to light a match.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! That was some finish! I love this series but it’s a quiet read focusing on the characters. Faye has suspicions about the death of her long time friend. Despite the sheriff’s discouraging her, she continues her investigation. I love this series and this was as good as they get!

[Virginia Kessen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much about community and family relationships as it is the mystery, another strong entry in a great series.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another strong entry in a series that I always enjoy. Faye Longchamp Mantooth is remarkable. Getting to know her and her family is a joy.

[Holly Mcclain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as expected, definitely long awaited!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF