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Emma Fielding Mystery #3
Past Malice
What bones are buried in the shadows of the past?
Asked to join a dig at the site of the eighteenth-century Chandler House, archaeologist Emma Fielding and her student crew have descended upon Stone Harbor, Massachusetts. But certain residents of the tiny coastal community are none too happy about Emma's arrival -- especially when her excavation uncovers a pair of freshly slain corpses. There are dark forces at play in this dangerously divided town, where a distrust of strangers wars with a desire for tourist dollars. And when a young local's life is snuffed out, Emma is determined to get to the twisted roots of the strange secrets buried in this killing ground. But a mystery that lies among the tumbled ruins of a once grand manor could change Stone Harbor forever. And for some murderous someone, one more death -- Emma's -- would be a small price to pay to keep it hidden.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
70 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Dana Cameron
49 books110 followers[From the author's own website]
I was born and raised in New England and I live in Massachusetts now, with my husband and benevolent feline overlords. Mine is a quiet, fairly ordinary life. I love that because it's what saves me from an overdeveloped sense of paranoia and a tendency to expect the worst. Combined with an eye for detail and a quirky take on life, these traits give me a vivid internal life, one that's sometimes a little nerve-wracking, but very useful for writing mystery and suspense.
My interest in archaeology stems from childhood, where my interest in books and the opportunities I had to travel made me begin to think about cultural differences. The thing I like best about this work is that it is a real opportunity to try and resurrect individuals from the monolith of history. I've worked on prehistoric and historical sites in the U.S. and in Europe, and like to teach, in the field, in museums, in the classroom, and through writing.
In my first book, Site Unseen, my protagonist Emma Fielding discovers that archaeologists are trained to ask the same questions that detectives ask: who, what, where, when, how, and why. When I started on these books, I realized that archaeology is also good training for writing because research, logic, and persistence are so important to both endeavors.
Naturally, that training worked with the archaeology mysteries--and it also helped with my first short story, "The Lords of Misrule," a historical mystery which appeared in the anthology, Sugarplums and Scandal. But how has it worked when I've tackled subjects as seemingly diverse as werewolves ("The Night Things Changed" in Wolfsbane and Mistletoe and "Swing Shift" in Crimes By Moonlight) and noir ("Femme Sole," in Boston Noir)? Easy: it's all about getting into someone else's shoes and walking around for a while. Preferably, getting into (fictional) trouble while you do it. Asking "what if?" and thinking about how culture and subcultures--in addition to personality--shape behavior.
I was born and raised in New England and I live in Massachusetts now, with my husband and benevolent feline overlords. Mine is a quiet, fairly ordinary life. I love that because it's what saves me from an overdeveloped sense of paranoia and a tendency to expect the worst. Combined with an eye for detail and a quirky take on life, these traits give me a vivid internal life, one that's sometimes a little nerve-wracking, but very useful for writing mystery and suspense.
My interest in archaeology stems from childhood, where my interest in books and the opportunities I had to travel made me begin to think about cultural differences. The thing I like best about this work is that it is a real opportunity to try and resurrect individuals from the monolith of history. I've worked on prehistoric and historical sites in the U.S. and in Europe, and like to teach, in the field, in museums, in the classroom, and through writing.
In my first book, Site Unseen, my protagonist Emma Fielding discovers that archaeologists are trained to ask the same questions that detectives ask: who, what, where, when, how, and why. When I started on these books, I realized that archaeology is also good training for writing because research, logic, and persistence are so important to both endeavors.
Naturally, that training worked with the archaeology mysteries--and it also helped with my first short story, "The Lords of Misrule," a historical mystery which appeared in the anthology, Sugarplums and Scandal. But how has it worked when I've tackled subjects as seemingly diverse as werewolves ("The Night Things Changed" in Wolfsbane and Mistletoe and "Swing Shift" in Crimes By Moonlight) and noir ("Femme Sole," in Boston Noir)? Easy: it's all about getting into someone else's shoes and walking around for a while. Preferably, getting into (fictional) trouble while you do it. Asking "what if?" and thinking about how culture and subcultures--in addition to personality--shape behavior.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 13, 2017
This is yet another great read.
I really like how Cameron builds up the mystery in these books, letting you guess at what could be going on. The characters are interesting and intriguing, even those not involved in the mystery.
Emma can't help getting involved in the murders and gets herself in danger. I love how the people close to her (like her husband) react to her adventures. It makes everything feel even more real.
In this book Emma has her sister over for a visit, and I suffered along with Emma over Bucky's behavior. I would have send her packing for less than what she says and does to Emma, I can tell you.
This book also has a quote that I LOVE and have to share:
"I was still surprised that people only wanted money for books. Not body parts or firstborns or souls. Just money. It always seemed like a steal to me."
(page 222)
All in all this is a really wonderful read and I can advice it to anyone looking for a good murder mystery. You bet I'll continue reading this series.
I really like how Cameron builds up the mystery in these books, letting you guess at what could be going on. The characters are interesting and intriguing, even those not involved in the mystery.
Emma can't help getting involved in the murders and gets herself in danger. I love how the people close to her (like her husband) react to her adventures. It makes everything feel even more real.
In this book Emma has her sister over for a visit, and I suffered along with Emma over Bucky's behavior. I would have send her packing for less than what she says and does to Emma, I can tell you.
This book also has a quote that I LOVE and have to share:
"I was still surprised that people only wanted money for books. Not body parts or firstborns or souls. Just money. It always seemed like a steal to me."
(page 222)
All in all this is a really wonderful read and I can advice it to anyone looking for a good murder mystery. You bet I'll continue reading this series.
Read
September 4, 2020This is my first Dana Cameron mystery and it was a delight. The intrepid amateur detective, Emma Fielding, is quite believable despite this modern age. (Her efforts to remember and use her cell phone-- a giggle.) The mystery was engrossing and the archaeology fascinating.
July 2, 2017
This was an interesting and fun read if you are interested in history and archaeology (and mystery). This is the first of her novels that I have read and I will read more of her novels.
June 13, 2023
i am really loving this series, i will continue to read them if i can get them
August 5, 2019
The book actually had me guessing all the way through, which to me is a sign of a good mystery. Although, I am not an avid mystery reader so perhaps this was old hat for some who are better read than I am. This is the third book in the series and I have not read any of the others.
I had mixed feelings about Emma Fielding, the archaeologist and star protagonist of this novel. Her relationships with her husband Brian and her younger sister Bucky were a big part of this book. Sometimes Emma simply came across as bitchy and self-centered when things weren't so good with them. However, there were other times when there was a playfulness. I actually liked both of those characters better than I liked her.
Essentially, Emma is leading a dig on the grounds of a historic mansion turned tourist trap. During the course of the dig two people are murdered including a security guard and the CEO of the mansion, who had plenty of his own flaws. There are a couple of curious accidents as well. This book is full of small town gossip and chatter and everyone knows everyone's business. We soon come to realize that many people connected to this site have a stake in it for their honor or their financial well-being depending on the outcome.
This book was published in 2003 before the cell phone became our extra appendage and Emma is not too keen to embrace the technology, much to the dismay of her husband, even though it could have saved her keester in a few sticky situations. There is an abundance of description of archaeological technique and procedure, which was interesting until it began to slow the book down in places.
I may or may not read another Emma Fielding mystery.
I had mixed feelings about Emma Fielding, the archaeologist and star protagonist of this novel. Her relationships with her husband Brian and her younger sister Bucky were a big part of this book. Sometimes Emma simply came across as bitchy and self-centered when things weren't so good with them. However, there were other times when there was a playfulness. I actually liked both of those characters better than I liked her.
Essentially, Emma is leading a dig on the grounds of a historic mansion turned tourist trap. During the course of the dig two people are murdered including a security guard and the CEO of the mansion, who had plenty of his own flaws. There are a couple of curious accidents as well. This book is full of small town gossip and chatter and everyone knows everyone's business. We soon come to realize that many people connected to this site have a stake in it for their honor or their financial well-being depending on the outcome.
This book was published in 2003 before the cell phone became our extra appendage and Emma is not too keen to embrace the technology, much to the dismay of her husband, even though it could have saved her keester in a few sticky situations. There is an abundance of description of archaeological technique and procedure, which was interesting until it began to slow the book down in places.
I may or may not read another Emma Fielding mystery.
March 19, 2022
I must confess, I’m a sucker for those Hallmark mystery movies! Guilty as charged, officer! I especially enjoy the Emma Fielding mysteries starring Courtney Thorne Smith and the hunky James Tupper—my God, what a good-looking man! The plots are rather thin, and the acting leaves much to be desired, yet it all makes for fine Friday night brainless entertainment! I especially love the concept of an archeologist-turned amateur sleuth solving mysteries in a cozy coastal village, such fun! Usually, the books are far better than their cinematic adaptations, but this, I’m sorry to say, is an exception. Let me break it down for you like this:
The actual story: In the movie, Emma is called to a historic castle at the bequest of her gal pal, Adelle, who fears a thief is at large and—gasp—the family curse is wreaking havoc on the inhabitants. She needs Emma to do some sleuthing and digging to find the culprit! Oh, how I love a cursed castle mystery!! Sign. Me. Up! The book’s storyline, however, proved to be less than stimulating. Emma’s just doing some digging at a large estate (not a spooky caste) along with her team of grad students to find old pots and pans and whatnot…blah. She stumbles across a couple dead bodies and, in between squabbling with her husband and her sister, she starts searching for clues. I think the Hallmark movie makers realized that the book was a total snooze-fest, so they dramatically altered the plot and the characters to keep viewers intrigued. Honestly, I’m OK with this. Read the full review on my blog Bubble Bubble Books and Trouble! https://wordpress.com/post/booksandtr...
The actual story: In the movie, Emma is called to a historic castle at the bequest of her gal pal, Adelle, who fears a thief is at large and—gasp—the family curse is wreaking havoc on the inhabitants. She needs Emma to do some sleuthing and digging to find the culprit! Oh, how I love a cursed castle mystery!! Sign. Me. Up! The book’s storyline, however, proved to be less than stimulating. Emma’s just doing some digging at a large estate (not a spooky caste) along with her team of grad students to find old pots and pans and whatnot…blah. She stumbles across a couple dead bodies and, in between squabbling with her husband and her sister, she starts searching for clues. I think the Hallmark movie makers realized that the book was a total snooze-fest, so they dramatically altered the plot and the characters to keep viewers intrigued. Honestly, I’m OK with this. Read the full review on my blog Bubble Bubble Books and Trouble! https://wordpress.com/post/booksandtr...
October 27, 2016
I know historical archaeology is a serious discipline, I know that Americans want to know more about the effects of European settlement on native Americans, but still.... As a European I find it hard to take seriously a book about an archaeologist working on a house that is 200-300 years old, sifting through soil for artefacts. My house is 52 years old and we still think of it as a "new" house. 200 years is quite old for a house, as 15 is quite old for a cat. But when you dig up the land you call it "gardening", not archaeology.
Petty, no doubt, ignorant even, I freely admit. Downright stupid, if you will. Lambast me for being a cultural snob. Do your worst, but it won't change the fact that this just spoiled the book for me.
"For an American, 100 years is a long time. For a European, 100 miles is a long distance."
Petty, no doubt, ignorant even, I freely admit. Downright stupid, if you will. Lambast me for being a cultural snob. Do your worst, but it won't change the fact that this just spoiled the book for me.
"For an American, 100 years is a long time. For a European, 100 miles is a long distance."
July 6, 2017
Book 3 of Emma Fielding
I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the previous ones because to me, the main character kept making dumb life- threatening decisions. Here's this extremely bright archaelogist who continues to put herself and her family at risk to solve murder mysteries. This book read like a typical horror movie where the female goes into the spooky basement all alone, after promising not to take risks, because she thinks she's smarter than everyone else. Sadly, it just made her look egotistical and stubborn, and not particularly bright. I was disappointed that the author went in this direction.
I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the previous ones because to me, the main character kept making dumb life- threatening decisions. Here's this extremely bright archaelogist who continues to put herself and her family at risk to solve murder mysteries. This book read like a typical horror movie where the female goes into the spooky basement all alone, after promising not to take risks, because she thinks she's smarter than everyone else. Sadly, it just made her look egotistical and stubborn, and not particularly bright. I was disappointed that the author went in this direction.
May 1, 2021
This is the third in Dana Cameron's series featuring Emma Fielding. A good story but too many characters and 1/3 too long (too much about hubby and Emma and some marriage issues). But the ending was satisfying, so I'll read the next book.
The author is a trained archaeologist and it is reflected in the excellent writing about field procedures which is NOT boring or erudite. That's why I hung on to the end.
The author is a trained archaeologist and it is reflected in the excellent writing about field procedures which is NOT boring or erudite. That's why I hung on to the end.
January 31, 2024
This author does an excellent job of including accurate details of an archaeological dig without being boring. Although it seems unlikely that there really is that many murders involved on digs. Certainly hope not, since my daughter is an archaeologist! The mystery is usually good and the characters interesting. There’s a bit more self reflection in this book than the previous ones, although it might have been triggered by a sister visit which is not uncommon.
November 1, 2017
I wasn’t as fascinated with the book as I thought I ought to have been. And i think that is largely in my mind that the site being excavated was too recent. So recent that there should be a lot of documentary information. So the setting interfered with my enjoyment of the book.
May 4, 2018
Emma Fielding is an experienced archeologist working in the NE. Good working relationship with spouse. Not clear why the murderer did what she did. Enjoyed the description of area and archeological information.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2021
Intelligent andFun
Well written, with full bodied characters and lots of interesting background and side stories. None of the serial killers and 'Eek, eek, they're after me!' , that encourages the reader to skip ahead to the last chapter. Every page was enjoyable.
Well written, with full bodied characters and lots of interesting background and side stories. None of the serial killers and 'Eek, eek, they're after me!' , that encourages the reader to skip ahead to the last chapter. Every page was enjoyable.
September 16, 2018
Twisted. Figured on the wrong person.
March 4, 2019
I like the main character and how she relates to the students. She is also very dogged at finding the truth in all her books
January 8, 2020
Good but needs more archaeology and less romance.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
July 29, 2021
Dana Cameron should stick to archaeology.
February 6, 2022
An archaeologist is working on a site of an eighteenth-century house in Stone Harbor, Massachusetts.
First a security guard is killed and then the head of the historical society is found dead.
First a security guard is killed and then the head of the historical society is found dead.
July 24, 2025
Just okay.
February 19, 2018
Good enough to make me interested in others in this series
November 19, 2008
Archeologist Emma Fielding has her hands full at her latest dig. Not only does someone associated with historic Chandler House hope to chase her away after she finds the body of a security guard, but her husband isn’t too keen on her investigating either. Will she risk her marriage to keep snooping, or will she ignore the secrets the townspeople are so anxious to hide? Emma isn’t a person to quit on a job, and soon danger is flying along with the dirt. A solid mystery with an insider’s look at what it means to be an archeologist in the field.
May 5, 2012
Archaeologist Emma Fielding is digging at Chandler House in Stone Harbor, Massachusetts, but she discovers two current bodies. There are bad vibes at the site where there appear to be bad feelings among many of the employees and neighbors. Emma borrows a boat and finds it has been sabotaged. Her husband isn't too happy about her working at a site where people kept getting killed, but Emma plods on and eventually figures out the culprits.
June 5, 2010
A solid mystery series. The main character is Emma Fielding, an archaeologist in New England. In this one, Emma is working at the Chandler House, where she becomes involved in two murders. An interesting subplot showing tension between Emma and her husband.
June 21, 2013
This one was more of a 2.9 for me. The story did keep me interested and it did have good mystery tied to it. However the ending fell short for me. I don't think the motive behind the killings were really explained and I hate to be left hanging like that wondering.
September 3, 2009
this is the best one so far, I haven't really enjoyed them. This one had more action and seemed easier to get into then the previous books.
Read
February 13, 20103 of 6
May 1, 2012
More enjoyable than the last book. This volume places Emma back in New England, where she literally stumbles upon a body during a summer dig.
April 26, 2014
This series is getting better as it goes along. I'm glad to have found another series to enjoy.
November 16, 2014
Love the archeology and the mystery. Emma needs to get smarter and I hope it happens soon. Every book does not have to include a chance for her to die. Save those for special occasions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews