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A geologist makes an astounding discovery—the world's biggest deposit of rare-earth elements—in the remote Republic of Namibia on the west coast of Southern Africa.

But China controls ninety-seven percent of the planet's rare-earths and uses it to hold the world's electronics industry at ransom. If they discover this new find, they will go to war to maintain their monopoly.

The CIA sends a team of black ops specialists under the command of Rex Dalton, accompanied by Digger, his special forces dog, to ensure China doesn't get their hands on the mine.

Though Rex and the team try to keep the discovery a secret, it's too late to keep the Chinese from finding out. Soon, Rex and Digger are in a race against time to keep the USA and China from starting World War III and destroy the small, fledgling nation of Namibia in the process.

UNEARTHED is a full-length novel, a nail-biting thriller by best-selling author JC Ryan. It is the fifteenth book in the electrifying Rex Dalton series.

553 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2021

311 people are currently reading
99 people want to read

About the author

J.C. Ryan

48 books149 followers
J C Ryan writes spellbinding mystery suspense thrillers with an archaeological backdrop.

He has been a combat and intelligence officer in the military, practicing lawyer and information technology project manager.

He holds a military as well as a law degree and is married with two daughters and two dogs.

JC currently makes his home on the Gold Coast of Australia.

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205 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews498 followers
January 7, 2022
Along the West Coast of South Africa is the Republic of Namibia, a small remote area where a geologist makes a far-reaching discovery! The biggest deposit of rare-earth elements to be found anywhere yet! A smashing find that can mean so much to the people living there, but China controls most of rare-earths and uses their hold to maintain a monopoly of the electric industry, as rare-earth's are used in it. And when China finds out about this new find, there is nothing they won't do to get control!
The miner contacts the USA, knowing they have the power to help them. Well the CIA sends a group of black ops specialists led by Rex Dalton, with Digger and his Team of amazing operators. We learn many new and interesting things in the start of the story that help us understand just what is going on later. The Team faces many problems that they find ingenious ways to correct, and Digger, the military dog, finds himself on a mission to aide Rex in more ways than before! A fascinating story that may take you a little longer to get into, but the result will delight you!
I received an ARC from the author and I offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
258 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2022
“Unearthed” By Far The Most “Cerebral” Of The Series

“Unearthed” is a much different type of read than its predecessors. I found it to be quite different from what I had become accustomed in the past.

“Unearthed” is not an “action driven thriller” from the first few pages to its inevitable conclusion. The action is still there, along with all the “other” aspects which we, loyal readers of the series, have come to enjoy, but it more subdued.

I thoroughly enjoyed the new dimension this new style has brought to the series giving it a greater sense of “depth”.

I highly recommend this book but recommend also reading the series in publishing order. If not you will not understand my review.

Great job JC Ryan. I’m looking forward to my next meeting with Rex, Digger, and “the Pack”.
Profile Image for Donna.
874 reviews4 followers
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December 31, 2021

Rex Dalton, with best fur pal Digger, and wife Catia are back with their crew! This time they are off to the Republic of Namibia, a country in Southern Africa, once again trying to stop China and her tricks! Action packed and full of espionage and intrigue, this is another fast paced story. Although this is a novel the author has included a lot of very interesting facts about the county, so you get a bit of a history lesson with your pleasure reading. If you’ve not read the previous books in this series, have no fear, you can pick up almost as if you had. However, I always recommend starting from the beginning. As an ARC reader for author JC Ryan, I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Margaret.
792 reviews5 followers
December 30, 2021
Aside from being the next in a greatly entertaining and thrilling series, Unearthed: A Rex Dalton Thriller by JC Ryan, I learned so much about rare earth minerals, their politics in the world today and everything I now know about Namibia. Did not know that the author is actually from Namibia. The author's notes after the story make it clear what is real vs fiction in the story. Also references are provided for further reading if the reader wants to dig deeper in a particular subject. Fantastic book overall. And who doesn't love Digger, the big black dog - well, other than liars and enemies.

I was given a copy of the ARC of this book and am voluntarily posting an honest review.
142 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2022
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Being from Namibia, I was hooked from the preview and enjoyed the descriptions of the places, people and food with a lot of nostalgia. The author stays factual and unbiased when describing the history and some of the challenges of the country and provides those that has never been to Namibia with wonderful information about this fabulous land and its beauty. The plot involving the Chinese taking over assets and control in African countries are unfortunately not fictional and therefore all the more frightening and relevant. Once again, a great book that I highly recommend.
2 reviews
Read
January 14, 2022
Once again Rex and Digger did not disappoint. I absolutely love the Rex Dalton books. This one is very special because I am living in Namibia, and love to read the book playing off in my country. JC Ryan did a fantastic job with the historical facts, as well as our current political circumstances. I have to say I kind of wish they do find this rare-earth metal in our country, it will really put us on the map. The special bond that Rex has with Digger is always a joy to read about. Digger is one very special dog. If you are a dog-lover, as well as intrigue and a bit of nail-biting, you will love the Rex Dalton series.
30 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2022
I was at first disappointed as the. format had changed. I made myself read on and was not disappointed too much. At 3/4 way thru the book, I synced minds with JC Ryan and realized he was updating to the current way of doing spying, interesting with lot of history thrown in, not as exciting as previous books; but much more current. Also good is there is more interaction with Rex and Digger. The fact there is much less bloodshed with this book compared to previous books will perhaps interest more people. Can hardly wait for the next book. Than you JC Ryan.
3 reviews
January 8, 2022
As always...beautiful.

I'm a PTSD survior with a varied 30 year USN career. My brother trains service and SAR dogs. I am blessed to have his skill transferred to my dog. I rescued Blue almost 7.5 years ago. At about 18 months he and I were trained in service dog 101. I see a lot of Digger in Blue. He's no where near the Military super dog that Digger portrays but your depth and breadth of canine details are spot on!

I have tracked everything you have written and enjoyed reading the exploits of Rex n Digger the most!

Keep em coming.
Thanks
Brad
21 reviews
February 19, 2025
Just when you thought…..

I was pleasantly surprised when I came across Unearthed. I thought I had read the last installment of the adventures of Rex and Digger. So, finding this lost “gem” gave me a few more days of unexpected pleasure

During its reading, it dawned on me the huge task it must be for a writer to weave several sub-plots through the main story, as Ryan does so marvelously in all his novels. Great sadness now - no more installments to marvelously entertain me. (Still no hope of getting my very own Belgian Shepherd, though,)
82 reviews
January 27, 2024
Thrilling and topically relevant.

This was my first time reading a Rex Dalton story but enjoyed it immensely. It's a great story and the politics involved, especially with regards to China, are I suspect much closer to fact than fiction.

I really like the final outcome too, although if it were a true story I don't think the actual ending would be anywhere near as gratifying.

A great read overall and highly recommended.
Profile Image for Stephen Cruickshank.
35 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2022
Unearthed

What a book it was a joy to behold the work done by rex and digger as always the antics were a must to read and I must admit to having read and re-read this book in case I missed something I would recommend this book to everyone I will no doubt have to read again and again please enjoy
Profile Image for FredM2.
289 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2022
I try to read all of JC Ryan's books. They are full of action and suspense with a new and different story line for each. They make it hard for me to put them down. I want to finish the story to see how it ends then I am disappointed when I am finished. Not it the ending but in the fact that it has ended and I need to get the next book. Really good reading.
44 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2024
Lack of Sleep Totally Worth It

I had to miss several hours of my coveted sleep to finish this book last night. JC Ryan has a way of twisting the plot around and then twisting even further the resolution. I could not put it down. I especially like that the canine protagonist gets more page time in this latest edition of Rex and Digger’s escapades. Keep them coming Mr. Ryan.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,389 reviews33 followers
January 13, 2025
A fantastic story and series

This was another enlightening and complex story. I think that I've learned more about the world from this series than I ever did in History class! Lol!! This was a lot more fun and entertaining too. ;)
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
12.7k reviews189 followers
January 3, 2022
Once again Rex and his wife and dog Digger are back to solve a mystery. This time in Africa. Danger, suspense and more to make this another fantastic story. Fast paced with twists and turns that you don’t see coming.
Profile Image for Deb.
179 reviews
January 9, 2022
Rex, Catia, Digger, and crew have returned for another round of intrigue and mystery. Author JC Ryan has provided an entertaining read while providing the reader with a history lesson on Namibia and an education on the metals needed to keep our modern day world functioning.
3 reviews
January 16, 2022
Big fan of the Rex Dalton series to this point. Unearthed struggled initially. Thought I was reading the “CIA World Fact Book” on Nambia in the early stages of this novel; got better but almost walked away mid novel. My view.
8 reviews
May 10, 2022
fantastic

The best book I’ve read in years. I look forward to this series continuing. I also enjoy the writers other books.
I think JC Ryan will be recognised in years to come as one of the worlds great writers.
82 reviews
September 28, 2022
Continuation of exciting saga

I liked fact one does not need to read the series in order, but I find it helpful. The adventures of Rex, Digger ,,and the others of the team provide great reading. I can imagine some things can occur similar to what occurs in the book
39 reviews
December 4, 2022
Hard to put down

Love that this series takes me all over the world. The author's descriptions make me feel like I'm riding along with Rex & company. Old friends after a few of their adventures. I wish I had a dog like Digger!
1,710 reviews10 followers
December 5, 2022
Trouble From China

A very special story based in the African country, Namibia. Poachers, crooked politicians and other scum don't have a prayer with Rex Dalton and Digger on their trail.
508 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2025
great series

I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment  I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
1,637 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2025
Another fast paced book in this series. This is a great series and easily addictive, best read in order. The plotlines are engaging and the characters are integral in the plot. The team is really bonding and that adds to the action.
6 reviews
January 8, 2022
The best yet from JC Ryan

So well researched and plausible. Read it in 2 days. Very well written and fast moving. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Jeanne Ann Randall.
6 reviews
January 8, 2022
Amazing as always....

Waited patiently for the book..... couldn't put it down once it was in my Kindle.... Rex Dalton rocks because the author rocks!
52 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2022
Unearthed

As usual another great book,has everything you need.Could not put it down till finished.Only sorry I have to wait for the next episode.Thank you Mr. Ryan.
Profile Image for Shaun.
20 reviews
January 23, 2022
Great read right to the finish

Another brilliant installment in Rex’s story, well written and keeps you going until the very end.

Can't wait for the next book now....
102 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2022
Enjoyable

Twists, turns. The story depth was very good. Great characters. Another winner in this series. A master of the genre.
142 reviews1 follower
Read
February 1, 2022
What an amazing story!

This was so interesting and intriguing! Love the characters, especially Rex and Digger! The story is fast-paced and keeps your interest to the end!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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