Missing Pieces

by Jeni Grossman

CNN reporter Dulcey Moore kisses her children goodbye and flies to the middle east to document history in the making: the excavation of a magnificent golden goddess statue in the fallen city of Zeugma, Turkey. Yet when terrorist attack her entourage, a perilous pollitican plot is revealed. Al Qaeda henchman Aboud is hunting the statue to fulfill an ancient prophecy that would grant the extremists ultimate power over Islam. The CIA has gone undercover in Zeugma to prevent this coup. The safety of the free now hinges on the cooperation of Americans and Turks. With the help of native guide Asena. Dulcey navigates the power struggles and cultural clashes that arise as the dig progresses. But as tensions mount outside and inside the excavation camp, she struggles to distinguish friends from enemies. In a pulse-pounding race to secure the goddess, Dulcey learns the value of honor, family, and heritage as she risk her life to preserve her most precious treasures.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Mystery, Christian Fiction

306 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Linnae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dulcey Moore is a seasoned reporter for CNN and has taken an assignment to the Middle East, specifically Turkey. There is a magnificent golden statue that is supposed to be unearthed from an archeological dig and she's going to be the one on camera as it is broadcast live to school children and others around the world.

She doesn't realize going in that the statue has more than just historical significance. Al Queda wants the statue for the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy, a pawn in their scheme to consolidate power. As Dulcey tries to navigate cultural differences, it becomes clear that more than just the broadcast is at stake.

* * * * *
We've been learning about the civilizations of the Ancient Middle East, in our homeschool history class. This dovetailed so perfectly with those lessons. The setting felt authentic--I appreciated reading afterword that the author had spent some time in Turkey, herself. I was very interested in the cultural exchanges between the American TV crew, the ex-pat archaeologist, and the other people of modern day Turkey.

I also really liked how there was so much history that even common-place looking homes could have a wealth of ancient treasures inside them, just picked up from the surrounding areas. I realize that was fictional, but I could see it happening. That sense of deep history is something that I don't have any experience with, but I was drawn to it.

The plot thread of Al Queda and the statue's potential significance kept the story moving along briskly.

This was well-written and gave me much to think about.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We were given a stack of cd books from a friend and I keep them until I was 'free' to do roadtrips again. This was the first we pulled out. I enjoyed the cd version but had to keep pausing to ask hubby 'who was that?" or backup, I want to hear it again, or I am confused..... So many names and locations. The listening is good but I think I do better with a visual on the names of people and places so they don't all sound the same. I have even used a pencil to mark things I may want to refer back to...(my books).
We liked the story. It was interesting and moved quickly. The characters were good and the detail made it easy to visualize.
My first from this author.
Very much appreciate a 'clean' book.
Although LDS author, there wasn't any churchy dialogue except to educate about the location which I did like.

[Shae Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I think Jeni has great writing ability this is the second book of hers I've read and I am still holding my opinion that while she's a good writer, her books are little too 'busy' for me. Too many details and characters and too much to try and track and follow to be able to enjoy it as a story. I do believe the story was good and had good potential but was too wordy and disoriented to follow easily.

[Susan Forsgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding contemporary, adventure, mystery tale.
I learned much about the Turkish culture and practices of Muslims.
I now see the Iraq war much different than before.

[PrivateLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing and horrifying at the same time. I enjoyed the storyline and I enjoyed learning so much about Turkey, but I was also appalled at the way these Turkish women have to live. The practice of "Honor Killings" is absolutely deplorable. To force a brother to murder his own sister for the sake of the family's honor is unimaginable. These poor boys that have to live with themselves for the rest of their lives after doing this to their own sister and these poor girls that live in fear of it happening to them and the ones that do end up having their throats slit for the sake of their families honor! Absolutely disgusting!

[Elizajm · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book I've read for fun in a LONG time. Being in grad school makes me hate to read any more than I have to, BUT this book reminded me why I love reading! A great suspense, mystery story tied to archaeology and religion in the Middle East (Turkey). About a CNN reporter who goes on an assignment at an archaeological dig and gets more than she bargained for. The concept reminded me of The Da Vinci Code.

[Robin Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I liked this book. You never know when it comes to LDS fiction, but this one was recommended by a good friend so I gave it a try. Grossman knows what she's talking about- she done reporting, newspaper writing, and covered the actual city of Zeugma's discovery (which happened while she was living in Turkey). She's well qualified for the subject. If you like reading about the Middle East, you'll probably like this book too.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book, although I felt there were some holes (..that or I was un-engaged and skimmed through important details). I liked the premise of the book: a reporter goes to Turkey to cover the excavation of a solid gold goddess statue from thousands of years ago, and gets immersed in the Muslim culture. Jeni Grossman is a WAY better author than Anita Stansfield, but I don't think I would go out of my way to read another of her books.

[Dianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exciting book about a CNN reporter on story in Irag and Turkey. She's covering an archeological dig in Turkey, a golden goddess and when terrorist get involved...I found the information and insights into the culture there really interesting. I enjoyed listening to it and will probably read it again someday.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is one of my favorite books now. I just ordered it on Amazon because I loved it so much. It gave me every emotion, that I think a book should give. It made me cry, smile, I even felt sick one time because I didn't want something to happen. I was even asked if I felt all right. I feel as if I know the characters and we are very close friends. I admire Jeni Grossman very much.

[Jessica]

OK I didn't actually read this book. I tried for several days to get into it, but it just didn't happen. Way too many characters introduced and too much factual info for me to swallow. Not my fave!

[Sherilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's kind of hard to keep some of the characters straight because of the foreign names. But you get a great history lesson about an ancient civilization in Turkey. And you can look at the actual dig site on Google Earth!!!!! Awesome.

[T.K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just can't make myself finish this, despite trying for months. It's clear that the author did a lot of research; unfortunately, she tried to cram all that information into her story. And despite a good set up, she tips her hand too often and robs the story of suspense.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listening to this book on tape was a bit tough. There were several sections where I wanted to turn the page and skip ahead. It was a bit wordy and slow moving in parts. Still a worthwhile story, just wouldn't be my first pick...

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've tried several times to keep reading this book, but it's just not holding my attention long enough. I'm not certain what the problem is, but I think it might be that there are too many details that aren't moving the story along.

[Aimee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not my favorite book. It took me more than halfway through to get even half way interested. I'm not sure why.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating look at the cultural mix of modern day Turkey.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeni does a great job of introducing Southeast Turkey with a good story that keeps the reader turning the pages!!

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little hard to read. In some places, it was very slow moving. But over all, it was a decent read.

[Carolyn Summerhays · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice story but also very informative. I learned a lot about some of the beliefs of Islam. We have more in common than I knew.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started reading and decided to stop. I was annoyed and disliked the main character of the book by the start of the second chapter. I don't like reading books when the main character is stupid.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really interresting, I really enjoyed learing a few things about the other religions even though it was in a fictional setting.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring......

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was very interesting. It brought up the perspective of the general feelings of people from the Middle East about their culture and the role of Americans in their lives.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book. Defiantly had to pay attention to all the different names. I wish she could of given me a little more about when she arrived home to her family.