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Sinai Deceit
A dark family secret. A bizarre cult. A talisman that can destroy entire cities. Darwin must stop the skeletons in his past... before they bury our future.
Darwin Lacroix is a wreck. An ancient booby trap nearly kills his wife, Eyrún. A tunnel under their home hides an alchemy lab with strange crystals. And a tabloid reveals his forebear stole American gold, threatening his job as Vatican special director of antiquities. Then he’s slapped with a paternity suit.
Could his life get any worse?
Modern tests show the crystals are a scientific holy grail—an unlimited energy source—worth billions. But the sword has a double edge. The gems could make pocket-sized nuclear bombs. And thousands more are buried in Egypt.
When North Korean agents hack the research, they rush to steal the secret for their glorious leader.
Can Darwin and Eyrún stop them from digging up a vile weapon?
Join the adventure as they dash from Corsica to California to Zurich and Paris and finally into the remote heights of Mount Moses.
Sinai Deceit blends history, archaeology, and a sprinkle of real hard science into a story that just could be—true.
Buy Sinai Deceit and join the adventure.
Darwin Lacroix is a wreck. An ancient booby trap nearly kills his wife, Eyrún. A tunnel under their home hides an alchemy lab with strange crystals. And a tabloid reveals his forebear stole American gold, threatening his job as Vatican special director of antiquities. Then he’s slapped with a paternity suit.
Could his life get any worse?
Modern tests show the crystals are a scientific holy grail—an unlimited energy source—worth billions. But the sword has a double edge. The gems could make pocket-sized nuclear bombs. And thousands more are buried in Egypt.
When North Korean agents hack the research, they rush to steal the secret for their glorious leader.
Can Darwin and Eyrún stop them from digging up a vile weapon?
Join the adventure as they dash from Corsica to California to Zurich and Paris and finally into the remote heights of Mount Moses.
Sinai Deceit blends history, archaeology, and a sprinkle of real hard science into a story that just could be—true.
Buy Sinai Deceit and join the adventure.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2022
About the author
Dave Bartell
22 books124 followersDave Bartell has spent his life chasing questions across mountains, deserts, laboratories, and quiet places where the universe feels close enough to touch. He climbed the highest mountain in the continental United States at ten, earned the nickname 'mountain goat' for his relentless pace on the trail, and could start a campfire with a single match before he learned algebra. As a teenager, he preserved indigenous bone beads found on a Southern California peak—his first archaeological discovery, long before he knew the word for it.
A degree in biochemistry sharpened his sense that humanity is made of stardust and story. Air Force survival training taught him how to think when options vanish. Zen meditation taught him how to listen to mysteries hiding in the quiet. He raced road bikes at more than fifty miles an hour, circled Lake Tahoe in four hours, and learned that endurance is a kind of prayer.
Today, Dave writes archaeological thrillers that blend science, history, and wonder. A member of the Archaeological Institute of America, he draws from a lifetime of adventure to craft stories of discovery, danger, and the search for meaning in a vast, ancient world. He lives in Los Gatos, California, where the hills still offer enough wilderness to spark a novel.
A degree in biochemistry sharpened his sense that humanity is made of stardust and story. Air Force survival training taught him how to think when options vanish. Zen meditation taught him how to listen to mysteries hiding in the quiet. He raced road bikes at more than fifty miles an hour, circled Lake Tahoe in four hours, and learned that endurance is a kind of prayer.
Today, Dave writes archaeological thrillers that blend science, history, and wonder. A member of the Archaeological Institute of America, he draws from a lifetime of adventure to craft stories of discovery, danger, and the search for meaning in a vast, ancient world. He lives in Los Gatos, California, where the hills still offer enough wilderness to spark a novel.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 4, 2026
I recently stumbled upon Dave Bartell’s work with high hopes. Bartell continues the exploration of Darwin Lacroix, the energetic and inquisitive young archaeologist who seems destined to find adventure wherever he goes. While investigating below the Lacroix family home, a passage reveals something truly mysterious, while a family secret could bring them to their knees, and a group wanting to capitalise on a recent discovery that could lead to significant international trouble. Darwin Lacroix and his team will have their hands full once more.
While exploring in the Lacroix family home, Darwin’s wife, Eyrún, stumbles upon a trap that almost kills her. Within it, an alchemy lab holds strange crystals, surrounded by something to keep prying eyes away. The crystals have properties neither Darwin nor Eyrún have ever seen. When the crystals are said to hold an unlimited energy source and be worth a significant amount, many rush to find them. These small gems are capable of making minute nuclear weapons and more nefarious groups scramble to find them scattered across Egypt. One group in particular hopes to capture the research and the crystals to return them to North Korea, where an excited leader hopes to make his mark. All the while, a scandal rocks the Lacroix family when one of their ancestors is said to have stolen gold from an American ship. Add to this, there is a question of paternity, which could put the Lacroix trust into jeopardy. Darwin Lacroix will not be resting as he juggles issues on all sides.
Archaeological thrillers have long been among my favourite genres, and Dave Bartell keeps impressing me as I seek a better understanding of this type of thriller. Solid storytelling complements significant action, allowing the reader something easily enjoyed. The opening chapters present a unique perspective that paves the way for stronger themes, as is typical with this series. Using short chapters helps create that speed Bartell has come to enjoy injecting into the piece, as the reader soon finds themselves addicted. Bartell definitely makes it easy to want to binge these books, which I have been doing.
The characters provide a solid framework, as the first five novels have exemplified. Darwin Lacroix uses a strong personality and eagerness to further his archeological knowledge to connect with the attentive reader, educating them along the way. He has ongoing backstory that emerges, including that of his ancestors in this piece, which enriches the reading experience. Darwin mixes a need to understand with trying to bridge a personal connections to the mysteries he encounters. The supporting cast flavours the story without overshadowing the core elements. There are both returning characters and one-offs to keep things interesting. I find myself learning about and enjoying many of those who grace the pages of this series, wondering about some of their own backstories and developments.
Bartell peppers the story with twists, surprises, and escalating dangers that add to the greatness of the series. This has been a typical find with these books, as . Bartell shares minimally at any one time. All this permits a sense of tension, while ensuring a significant educational read. While a number of the surprises lead to scandalous revelations, it is all highly entertaining as the genre hopes to accomplish. The archaeological and historical elements are not overwhelming to those unfamiliar with the subject matter. Each book shows significant research to encapsulate the subject matter. It shows that Bartell is invested in his writing and those who read it.
Kudos, Mr. Bartell, for another great piece I could devour with ease.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
While exploring in the Lacroix family home, Darwin’s wife, Eyrún, stumbles upon a trap that almost kills her. Within it, an alchemy lab holds strange crystals, surrounded by something to keep prying eyes away. The crystals have properties neither Darwin nor Eyrún have ever seen. When the crystals are said to hold an unlimited energy source and be worth a significant amount, many rush to find them. These small gems are capable of making minute nuclear weapons and more nefarious groups scramble to find them scattered across Egypt. One group in particular hopes to capture the research and the crystals to return them to North Korea, where an excited leader hopes to make his mark. All the while, a scandal rocks the Lacroix family when one of their ancestors is said to have stolen gold from an American ship. Add to this, there is a question of paternity, which could put the Lacroix trust into jeopardy. Darwin Lacroix will not be resting as he juggles issues on all sides.
Archaeological thrillers have long been among my favourite genres, and Dave Bartell keeps impressing me as I seek a better understanding of this type of thriller. Solid storytelling complements significant action, allowing the reader something easily enjoyed. The opening chapters present a unique perspective that paves the way for stronger themes, as is typical with this series. Using short chapters helps create that speed Bartell has come to enjoy injecting into the piece, as the reader soon finds themselves addicted. Bartell definitely makes it easy to want to binge these books, which I have been doing.
The characters provide a solid framework, as the first five novels have exemplified. Darwin Lacroix uses a strong personality and eagerness to further his archeological knowledge to connect with the attentive reader, educating them along the way. He has ongoing backstory that emerges, including that of his ancestors in this piece, which enriches the reading experience. Darwin mixes a need to understand with trying to bridge a personal connections to the mysteries he encounters. The supporting cast flavours the story without overshadowing the core elements. There are both returning characters and one-offs to keep things interesting. I find myself learning about and enjoying many of those who grace the pages of this series, wondering about some of their own backstories and developments.
Bartell peppers the story with twists, surprises, and escalating dangers that add to the greatness of the series. This has been a typical find with these books, as . Bartell shares minimally at any one time. All this permits a sense of tension, while ensuring a significant educational read. While a number of the surprises lead to scandalous revelations, it is all highly entertaining as the genre hopes to accomplish. The archaeological and historical elements are not overwhelming to those unfamiliar with the subject matter. Each book shows significant research to encapsulate the subject matter. It shows that Bartell is invested in his writing and those who read it.
Kudos, Mr. Bartell, for another great piece I could devour with ease.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 4, 2025
Beware the Dusty Tunnel
Sinai Deceit is a rollicking good tale pulled from the LaCroix family history. Replete with privateering ancestors in the Hundred Years War between France and England, stories of stolen gold hidden away for centuries, and the founding of Corsica by Pasquale LaCroix.
Darwin and Eyrún are struggling to get their beloved organization, ACA, up and running, to assist with the repatriation of looted artifacts. Zac is putting his energy back into work to recover from the betrayal by Jasmin.
However, they manage to get together with Emilio and other friends and family and eat and drink spectacularly well. The wines they drank alone had me drooling at the mouth.
However, Emilio has been harboring a secret, and a letter from a long-lost relative in America sets off a chain of events that could potentially alter the fortunes of the LaCroix family forever.
Sinai Deceit is one of the most exciting and humorous books in Dave Bartell's series. It has another doozy of a cliffhanger ending, setting up the next book in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of thrillers everywhere.
Sinai Deceit is a rollicking good tale pulled from the LaCroix family history. Replete with privateering ancestors in the Hundred Years War between France and England, stories of stolen gold hidden away for centuries, and the founding of Corsica by Pasquale LaCroix.
Darwin and Eyrún are struggling to get their beloved organization, ACA, up and running, to assist with the repatriation of looted artifacts. Zac is putting his energy back into work to recover from the betrayal by Jasmin.
However, they manage to get together with Emilio and other friends and family and eat and drink spectacularly well. The wines they drank alone had me drooling at the mouth.
However, Emilio has been harboring a secret, and a letter from a long-lost relative in America sets off a chain of events that could potentially alter the fortunes of the LaCroix family forever.
Sinai Deceit is one of the most exciting and humorous books in Dave Bartell's series. It has another doozy of a cliffhanger ending, setting up the next book in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of thrillers everywhere.
November 28, 2023
I have read all the books in this series and this is the first one that I did not enjoy at all. Some suggestions for the author would be to include a LaCroix family tree and some good maps. Would make it much less confusing. Events seemed to jump too fast with little or no connection. I have the next volume in hand, and I hope it is better than this one.
March 22, 2023
Clunk... The first three books in this series were enjoyable. The fourth slipped a bit but was still ok. This one is really not very good. Writing is dry and the story is dragging. Not recommended.
September 25, 2023
Enjoyed this story, wished I read the ones before it!
Dave Bartell writes an action thriller with Sinai Deceit. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. This book is part of the Darwin Lacroix Adventure series, and this is volume five. I didn't read the ones before it, but after reading this, I want to see how the story got led up to this point. I was introduced to Darwin and his wife Eyrun, and learned a bit about the duo, and what they do. The story reminds me a little bit of Indiana Jones meets a shaman, with the exception that they have a hidden lab under their home, housed with strange and rare crystals. Now, that they have this holy grail, there are enemies that they encounter to make sure this type of power doesn't get into the wrong hands. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. Sinai Deceit is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
Dave Bartell writes an action thriller with Sinai Deceit. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. This book is part of the Darwin Lacroix Adventure series, and this is volume five. I didn't read the ones before it, but after reading this, I want to see how the story got led up to this point. I was introduced to Darwin and his wife Eyrun, and learned a bit about the duo, and what they do. The story reminds me a little bit of Indiana Jones meets a shaman, with the exception that they have a hidden lab under their home, housed with strange and rare crystals. Now, that they have this holy grail, there are enemies that they encounter to make sure this type of power doesn't get into the wrong hands. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. Sinai Deceit is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
November 14, 2024
Nile Delta, Egypt 1799. Napoleon and his childhood friend Henri Lacroix secretly board a ship to escape from the advancing Admiral Nelson’s army. Henri is a scientist/archeologist who had just been on the cusp of a life-changing discovery and doesn’t want to leave it unexplored.
Corsica, France, Present day. Darwin Lacroix’s wife Eyrun finds the handwritten diary of Letizia Lacroix, the wife of Pasqual Lacroix who discovered the Heracleum scrolls. In it she discovers more forgotten family history, then behind the library secret door she follows a series of dangerous hidden passages.
Meanwhile, a distant relative from the wrong side of the sheets in America is researching if he has a claim to the money made by the Lacroix Shipping Company in the 1600’s.
Footnote: 1) Using the spelling avocat, instead of advocate threw me until I looked it up..
Fave scenes: opening Stephanie’s music box, Chloe’s reactions to the family visit, escaping the museum and the jar of powder.
Corsica, France, Present day. Darwin Lacroix’s wife Eyrun finds the handwritten diary of Letizia Lacroix, the wife of Pasqual Lacroix who discovered the Heracleum scrolls. In it she discovers more forgotten family history, then behind the library secret door she follows a series of dangerous hidden passages.
Meanwhile, a distant relative from the wrong side of the sheets in America is researching if he has a claim to the money made by the Lacroix Shipping Company in the 1600’s.
Footnote: 1) Using the spelling avocat, instead of advocate threw me until I looked it up..
Fave scenes: opening Stephanie’s music box, Chloe’s reactions to the family visit, escaping the museum and the jar of powder.
January 2, 2023
BARTELL remains true to his mission to author a series of inter-related novels based around the central characters of DARWIN LACROIX and wife. Unlike other authors, he spins a tale that has a beginning, middle and an end. By that I mean that he actually ties up the story line by the end of each book. He doesn't string the readers along to 'force' them to purchase the next book to get more of the story.
His books are entertaining, easy reads that reach a satisfactory conclusion.
His books are entertaining, easy reads that reach a satisfactory conclusion.
May 13, 2023
Good on you
I have to admit this. As soon as I complained about kickbacks, you stopped plugging stuff. Good on you. Next if all of you authors stopped invading the "specials" for your heroes and Russians for your villians and strech yourselves outta the box and instead do something like, oh, I dunno, create your characters instead of using canned ones I think your readers would be delighted.
I have to admit this. As soon as I complained about kickbacks, you stopped plugging stuff. Good on you. Next if all of you authors stopped invading the "specials" for your heroes and Russians for your villians and strech yourselves outta the box and instead do something like, oh, I dunno, create your characters instead of using canned ones I think your readers would be delighted.
Read
October 21, 2024I'm enjoying all of the Lacroix series so far. I have a vivid imagination so sometimes I feel as if I'm living the book......laughing, crying and scared at some of the predicaments Darwin and his wife and friends find themselves in.
Sadly, I know the series will have an ultimate ending at which time I'll have to find another good read to embrace. Thank you Dave for your research and imagination.
Sadly, I know the series will have an ultimate ending at which time I'll have to find another good read to embrace. Thank you Dave for your research and imagination.
May 29, 2026
Another Thrilling Adventure
This is a great Darwin Lacroix adventure! I loved it. There’s so much going on in it. So many characters and some of them are just the most despicable human beings. Darwin and Eyrun are soon embroiled in danger and fast paced action to prevent their family being torn apart by these greedy people.
This is one of those books that will keep you awake long into the early hours but it’s so worth it.
This is a great Darwin Lacroix adventure! I loved it. There’s so much going on in it. So many characters and some of them are just the most despicable human beings. Darwin and Eyrun are soon embroiled in danger and fast paced action to prevent their family being torn apart by these greedy people.
This is one of those books that will keep you awake long into the early hours but it’s so worth it.
December 16, 2022
One of the best books in this genre I’ve read in a while! The storyline is tight and the research that went into this book is extensive. You will be on the edge of your seat during Darwin’s action scenes. And laughing out loud at some of his situations. The book is entertaining and a welcome addition to this series. I recommend it most highly!
February 11, 2023
Must read for anyone who likes a good, exciting mystery!
Love this series, can't wait for the next one! I found myself so addicted that I couldn't put the books down. I went from one straight into the next.
Love this series, can't wait for the next one! I found myself so addicted that I couldn't put the books down. I went from one straight into the next.
April 5, 2023
The Lacroix Family
I enjoyed reading this series very much. I couldn't put them down. Anyone who likes to read books on archaeology would enjoy this series. I look forward to another one!
I enjoyed reading this series very much. I couldn't put them down. Anyone who likes to read books on archaeology would enjoy this series. I look forward to another one!
June 25, 2023
All 5 series books
Where is book #6? The first five were well written. They flowed from one to another smoothly. Where is book 6 that locates the gold at the coordinates they are at?
Where is book #6? The first five were well written. They flowed from one to another smoothly. Where is book 6 that locates the gold at the coordinates they are at?
December 1, 2023
Awesome Adventure
Lots of adventure and intrigue made this a must read story. It's fast pace keeps you glue to the pages. The characters are well developed and believable. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
Lots of adventure and intrigue made this a must read story. It's fast pace keeps you glue to the pages. The characters are well developed and believable. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
February 11, 2023
Wait! What, when, where, who??? Archiolobabel!
When I began reading this story,I was caught up in the incredible amount of detail! Not a speed read, yeah?
When I began reading this story,I was caught up in the incredible amount of detail! Not a speed read, yeah?
August 25, 2026
great read
Another great read from Bartell, thank you, I just wished the main character Darwin was more manly, he’s French I get it.
Another great read from Bartell, thank you, I just wished the main character Darwin was more manly, he’s French I get it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews