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The Adventures of John and Julia Evans #1
Anasazi Intrigue
When a devastating flood wipes out homes in a small town, residents are shocked by the news of a possible poison spill that also kills many of the fish and neighbors' pets. The people don't know what to think or do, until Julia, the town's newest reporter, jumps into action and begins her investigation. Quickly Julia realizes the story is much bigger and more dangerous than she thought. As information unfolds, Julia and her husband find themselves on the run, trying to save their lives while finishing the story of a lifetime. Will Julia and John be able to get the scoop and save their lives?
- GenresMystery
280 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2010
2 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Linda Weaver Clarke
59 books54 followersAuthor Linda Weaver Clarke is the author of 35 books: Historical Romance, Cozy Mystery, Mystery Suspense, Swashbuckling Romances, Children’s Books, and non-fiction. All her books are family friendly. Linda works at the FamilySearch Center where she helps people find their ancestors. She believes it is important to learn about your heritage.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 30, 2019
3.5 Stars: John and Julia Evans are a married couple that are a bit of the stereotypical happy family. John is a historian who studies the Anasazi Indians and their artifacts and antiquities. Julia is small-town reporter who is trying to find that story to get her break. She thinks she might have found it when there is a terrible storm and flood. When the riverbanks overflow, she finds not only dead fish, but pets dying as well. She is hot on the trail of whoever is poisoning the water. It turns out that she finds more than she bargained for and both her and John are in danger.
I enjoyed learning a bit about the Anasazi people. It was not integral to the mystery, but it added to the story. The story was well-paced and interesting. There were some twists along the way that totally changed where the story was originally heading. I wasn't sure about the character of Julia in the first part of the story. She kept a lot of secrets from John that attributed to the danger they were in, but as the story continued, she redeemed herself in my eyes. I listened to the audiobook and although the narration was okay, I found that the voices for the characters were not up to what I would have expected. They were very similar and some of the male voices did not sound like males at all. Having said that, I enjoyed the story and was very satisfied with how it all turned out. I received a copy of this audiobook from the author. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoyed learning a bit about the Anasazi people. It was not integral to the mystery, but it added to the story. The story was well-paced and interesting. There were some twists along the way that totally changed where the story was originally heading. I wasn't sure about the character of Julia in the first part of the story. She kept a lot of secrets from John that attributed to the danger they were in, but as the story continued, she redeemed herself in my eyes. I listened to the audiobook and although the narration was okay, I found that the voices for the characters were not up to what I would have expected. They were very similar and some of the male voices did not sound like males at all. Having said that, I enjoyed the story and was very satisfied with how it all turned out. I received a copy of this audiobook from the author. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
April 20, 2019
4.5 star review Anasazi Intrigue (The Adventures of John and Julia Evans #1) by Linda Weaver Clark
AUDIO REVIEW
This is a relatively new author to me and although the narrator Carolyn Kashner is new to me; she did a good job with all the voices which made for an enjoyable listen.
This was a a book filled with secrets and lies. It was also full of interesting history and romance which I found captivating The intrigue and mystery, not to mention the danger kept me on the edge of my seat as I listened to this story.
I liked the main characters of John and Julia Evans, their dynamic worked well together. There were many twists, turns and surprises in Anasazi Intrigue as Julia and John follow the clues and I have to say that I was taken by surprise on a couple of occasions.
AUDIO REVIEW
This is a relatively new author to me and although the narrator Carolyn Kashner is new to me; she did a good job with all the voices which made for an enjoyable listen.
This was a a book filled with secrets and lies. It was also full of interesting history and romance which I found captivating The intrigue and mystery, not to mention the danger kept me on the edge of my seat as I listened to this story.
I liked the main characters of John and Julia Evans, their dynamic worked well together. There were many twists, turns and surprises in Anasazi Intrigue as Julia and John follow the clues and I have to say that I was taken by surprise on a couple of occasions.
July 5, 2011
Julia is a reporter in a small town. Hoping to earn her way to bigger stories, she starts investigating the poisoned deaths of some fish and cats. It may be related to the recent flooding, but Julia is hoping for something more interesting than an accident. Her investigation leads her and her husband John into an adventure that they might not survive.
I liked the plot and storyline. It was interesting and fast paced. In the beginning the title seemed to fit more with John's interests than Julia's investigation, but there are some good developments and tie-ins. By the end, the title does make more sense.
There was some interesting history of the Anasazi Indians woven into the story. Some of the information wasn't really pertinent to the story, but it didn't hinder the flow at all. It was like a little bonus lesson.
I had a bit of a problem with both John and Julia's characters. Julia was very frustrating and infuriating. For someone who proclaims to love her husband more than anything, she sure seems eager to keep potentially dangerous secrets to herself. I thought this was a little unrealistic given the level of their relationship. Maybe in a newer relationship her actions might seem more likely, but in this setting it just seemed not so much. Unless Julia is really as selfish and inconsiderate as it made her seem.
John's character seemed like an over-the-top fantasy husband. All his thoughts seemed to be about how much he loves Julia, how lucky he is to have her, and how even her faults make him love her more. Even when he had reason to be mad or upset, he didn't react that way. He just reasoned that she had reasons for doing those things, and he loved her for them. It made me want to gag a little, it was so unrealistic. I can't see any man calmly sitting back, thinking this way and saying nothing when his wife creates a situation that potentially endangers his life. No way.
I did find the comments about how men and women think like waffles and spaghetti to be hilarious, and very interesting. I have never heard it described like this, and I loved it. It seemed to make a lot of sense.
This is a very clean read. There is mention that John has a potty mouth, but the worst he ever says is "damned". Not very potty mouthed at all. Overall, this was a sweet read with a bit of a mystery.
I liked the plot and storyline. It was interesting and fast paced. In the beginning the title seemed to fit more with John's interests than Julia's investigation, but there are some good developments and tie-ins. By the end, the title does make more sense.
There was some interesting history of the Anasazi Indians woven into the story. Some of the information wasn't really pertinent to the story, but it didn't hinder the flow at all. It was like a little bonus lesson.
I had a bit of a problem with both John and Julia's characters. Julia was very frustrating and infuriating. For someone who proclaims to love her husband more than anything, she sure seems eager to keep potentially dangerous secrets to herself. I thought this was a little unrealistic given the level of their relationship. Maybe in a newer relationship her actions might seem more likely, but in this setting it just seemed not so much. Unless Julia is really as selfish and inconsiderate as it made her seem.
John's character seemed like an over-the-top fantasy husband. All his thoughts seemed to be about how much he loves Julia, how lucky he is to have her, and how even her faults make him love her more. Even when he had reason to be mad or upset, he didn't react that way. He just reasoned that she had reasons for doing those things, and he loved her for them. It made me want to gag a little, it was so unrealistic. I can't see any man calmly sitting back, thinking this way and saying nothing when his wife creates a situation that potentially endangers his life. No way.
I did find the comments about how men and women think like waffles and spaghetti to be hilarious, and very interesting. I have never heard it described like this, and I loved it. It seemed to make a lot of sense.
This is a very clean read. There is mention that John has a potty mouth, but the worst he ever says is "damned". Not very potty mouthed at all. Overall, this was a sweet read with a bit of a mystery.
October 27, 2019
I am an an avid reader but also almost exclusively audiobooks due to my schedule. Because of this, I can be critical of narrators. Especially when books have a single narrator required to speak with different voices for multiple characters. Most cannot do it without having some errors where they use the wrong 'voice' for the wrong character. Narrator Carolyn Kashner managed to pull it off in this book. And all of the voices were easy on the ears, by which I mean that none of the voices were hard to listen to or made me wish they would hurry up and finish talking so I didn't have to listen to it anymore. I have encountered many of those and it usually resulted in me returning the book unfortunately. I am a true believer in the fact that a bad narrator can destroy a great book and have turned away several books with good ratings because of just that. Luckily, I didn't have any problem listening to this book and was glad I didn't because the story kept me entertained throughout.
I am not a fan of including spoilers in my reviews, but John and Julia are a fun couple with three adult daughters. Now that they are grown, Julia is 'stretching her legs' in her reporter position and seems to have good instincts on when there is more to the story. Husband and wife keep things from each other and as a result, they manage to stumble into more than they were ready for. But, they still manage to keep their wits about them and outwit the bad guys. I'm excited to continue their adventure in Book 2 next.
I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I am not a fan of including spoilers in my reviews, but John and Julia are a fun couple with three adult daughters. Now that they are grown, Julia is 'stretching her legs' in her reporter position and seems to have good instincts on when there is more to the story. Husband and wife keep things from each other and as a result, they manage to stumble into more than they were ready for. But, they still manage to keep their wits about them and outwit the bad guys. I'm excited to continue their adventure in Book 2 next.
I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 4, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are mine.
This is the first book in the Adventures of John and Julia. John is a historian and Julia is a reporter for the local paper. Julia is looking for a story and after discovering some dead fish after a flood, she also learns some cats have suddenly died. She sends the fish off for testing and learns they died from cyanide poisoning. Now she believes she is on to something and begins to investigate in earnest - which causes someone to try to get her to stop.
John and Julia are a cutesy couple - married for decades and still mad about each other. At times I did not understamd that if this was their relationship, why Julia would keep secrets from him - although she does rectify that eventually. I liked the historical aspects of this mystery and learning about the Anasazi Indians. Overall, it was an enjoyable and interesting read.
I listened to this book - the narration, for me, fell flat especially during what should have been highly tense moments. The dialogue, as read by the narrator, often seemed very stiff and the male character voices were just not very good. However, she read clearly.
This is the first book in the Adventures of John and Julia. John is a historian and Julia is a reporter for the local paper. Julia is looking for a story and after discovering some dead fish after a flood, she also learns some cats have suddenly died. She sends the fish off for testing and learns they died from cyanide poisoning. Now she believes she is on to something and begins to investigate in earnest - which causes someone to try to get her to stop.
John and Julia are a cutesy couple - married for decades and still mad about each other. At times I did not understamd that if this was their relationship, why Julia would keep secrets from him - although she does rectify that eventually. I liked the historical aspects of this mystery and learning about the Anasazi Indians. Overall, it was an enjoyable and interesting read.
I listened to this book - the narration, for me, fell flat especially during what should have been highly tense moments. The dialogue, as read by the narrator, often seemed very stiff and the male character voices were just not very good. However, she read clearly.
April 1, 2020
I enjoyed this book. It is in the modern detective genre but I think it should be in the Indiana Jones section !?! Because that is what it reminded me of with alll the talk of artefacts, the romance, bad guys and the action or tense situations very Indiana. There was a mystery tuning through the story but no real questioning of the suspects and they just stumbled over the answer. I did like the characters especially the feisty Julia, I like it when females can take care of themselves and I did like John but some of this pranks seemed ill timed. I did enjoy it and will be listening to the next book but as a big mystery fan it wasn't quiet what I was expecting.
In the aftermath of a flood, reporter Julia Evans notices a lot of dead fish in an area not to badly hit by the flood. She begs her boss to let her investigate and soon starts a mystery that starts with dead animals but could quickly end up costing Julia her life. At the same time her husband has noticed some strange behaviour at a local dig site and is worried if Julia gets wind of the artefacts going missing she will put herself in harm's way investigating a bigger story. Can the two of them work out what killed the fish and who looted the treasure?
I liked the narrator but did speed it up because she was a bit slow.
In the aftermath of a flood, reporter Julia Evans notices a lot of dead fish in an area not to badly hit by the flood. She begs her boss to let her investigate and soon starts a mystery that starts with dead animals but could quickly end up costing Julia her life. At the same time her husband has noticed some strange behaviour at a local dig site and is worried if Julia gets wind of the artefacts going missing she will put herself in harm's way investigating a bigger story. Can the two of them work out what killed the fish and who looted the treasure?
I liked the narrator but did speed it up because she was a bit slow.
May 29, 2019
I love Linda Weaver Clarke's stories, each one catches me up in an adventure of fun, romance and suspense! This one had so much going on, and I loved every minute of it. Julia is a reporter, and she is trying to prove herself. When she stumbles across some fish that have died of cyanide poisoning after a horrible flood, she thinks she may have found her story. What she uncovers is much bigger than expected, and her adventure is fast paced, exciting and dangerous! This book is so much fun, it's underlying historical value as well as the story makes it such an interesting listen. But what I truly love is John with Julia. He is so supportive and loving, and goes on this trek with her to keep her dream alive and them both safe! With car chases, a little romance and the uncovering of artifacts, it has something for everyone!
Carolyn Kashner gives a very good performance of this story. She has such an array of voices to share in the book, and each one is specific to the character. She brings out the personalities in each, let's us feel the suspense and helps us through the danger with her inflections and emotional pull. It was wonderful.
Carolyn Kashner gives a very good performance of this story. She has such an array of voices to share in the book, and each one is specific to the character. She brings out the personalities in each, let's us feel the suspense and helps us through the danger with her inflections and emotional pull. It was wonderful.
June 11, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
Another well written story featuring historical facts, culture, and descriptive detail by this author. She always finds a way to incorporate neat facts about the towns or cultures in her stories. I thought John and Julia were a cute and comical couple and had admirable qualities. The plot is somewhat suspenseful as John and Julia find themselves in dangerous situations as a result of their investigations. It was interesting to see how the author brings all the pieces together in this adventurous tale.
I thought the narrator gave a great performance, as usual. I think this narrator is perfect for this author's writing style and they are a well matched duo.
Another well written story featuring historical facts, culture, and descriptive detail by this author. She always finds a way to incorporate neat facts about the towns or cultures in her stories. I thought John and Julia were a cute and comical couple and had admirable qualities. The plot is somewhat suspenseful as John and Julia find themselves in dangerous situations as a result of their investigations. It was interesting to see how the author brings all the pieces together in this adventurous tale.
I thought the narrator gave a great performance, as usual. I think this narrator is perfect for this author's writing style and they are a well matched duo.
January 31, 2020
This book reminds me of a cozy mystery wrapped into a much longer mystery novel. There is a lot of sweetness and the descriptions are a bit excessive at times. I am not typically a fan of the cozy mystery myself and I did feel that the beginning of the book was a bit disjointed with jumps in the timeline. However, if you are a cozy mystery fan that never feels they are long enough for you, this is certainly a book for you.
That being said there is a very intriguing mystery that takes a lot of twists and turns to keep the reader interested and engaged in the lives of the Evans.
I was provided with a free copy of this audio book for my honest review. The views expressed here are entirely my own.
That being said there is a very intriguing mystery that takes a lot of twists and turns to keep the reader interested and engaged in the lives of the Evans.
I was provided with a free copy of this audio book for my honest review. The views expressed here are entirely my own.
July 7, 2019
John and Julia Evans are out looking at nature's devastation after massive flooding in the vicinity of their home town. Julia is a reporter doing a story on the flooding, but comes across some dead animals which intrigues her. She sends the corpses to the university to see how the animals died and the results are even more puzzling. Her husband John is friends with an archaeologist and when John finds the nearby Anasazi sites raided things get even more interesting. Together they try to solve the mystery without the bad guys getting in their way.
This was a decent story, nothing too deep, but interesting enough to keep my interest. The narrator was fine, she has a pleasant voice.
This was a decent story, nothing too deep, but interesting enough to keep my interest. The narrator was fine, she has a pleasant voice.
June 3, 2019
Audible:It is very hard to review this book.After a good start,it was very slow going.The story and narration was so slow I sped timing up to 1.25 to listen to a lot of it. Julia,a reporter gets into trouble by finding dead fish and having them analyzed.She is married to John and they are a cutsey couple,even though they have grown children.With archeology going on,there didn't seem to be a lot of it in the book. Narration by Carolyn Kashner was good. I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
February 28, 2020
I had a hard time enjoying this book until at the end when I was struck by the thought that it was like the Nick and Nora Charles series in the 1930's and 1940's. Then they fell into place and their interactions made more sense. The mystery and the curious instinct of Julia kept the plot moving even when they seemed to not flow. I intend to listen to the other books in this series as well.
February 9, 2021
In this book you will learn about artifacts and the people trying to steal them. The author will have you on the edge of your waiting to see what happens to Julia and John. Julia is investigating for her newspaper and runs into a bigger story. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review
February 20, 2020
Fun family friendly adventure
The story was fun and light hearted. I enjoyed the historical pieces and the story line was fun, but a tad thin. A good story for sharing with the kids.
The story was fun and light hearted. I enjoyed the historical pieces and the story line was fun, but a tad thin. A good story for sharing with the kids.
January 11, 2021
This book was not my cup of tea. While the story was interesting I found some weird inconsistencies in the character development and the the plot to be a bit elementary. This may be a good middle grades story if it were edited a bit for that audience.
December 4, 2019
I love stories that deal with archeology, and history of the area. Learning more about the Anasazi Indians. The narration by Carolyn Kashner was good, the emotion of the devastation that had occurred, seemed real.
Perfect couple, her as a reporter, with him a history buff.
Definitely a winner for narration and story.
Given ARC audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Perfect couple, her as a reporter, with him a history buff.
Definitely a winner for narration and story.
Given ARC audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
September 30, 2011
Some time ago I had the pleasure of reading” Mayan Intrigue” by Linda Weaver Clarke. It was the second book in a series called “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.” That story did intrigue me and I wrote a review. Ms. Clarke liked it and asked me to read her first novel in the series, “Anasazi Intrigue.” Pleased by her invitation, I complied with Ms Weaver’s wishes and downloaded a copy to my trusted Kindle. To my personal delight I enjoyed “AnasazI Intrigue” as well if not more than “Mayan Intrigue.” Each book is played around an archeological theme, which caught my interest, as I am an archeological buff of sorts. I hold a deep respect of Linda Weaver Clarke’s knowledge of extinct Indian tribes and her research is one of the key factors that make her stories so different and highly entertaining.
Hopefully, Ms. Linda will not mind my sharing some of her background I read In the front pages of “Anasazi Intrigue.” Ms. Clarke refers to her favorite TV show in years past called “Hart to Hart” which featured a married couple madly in love investigating and solving crimes. This reviewer remembers this TV show to be humorous, romantic, and physically conditioned actors playing a glamorous couple chasing criminals and each other to and fro; and of course were both so worn out by the end of the show , they fell into bed. (I could never figure out why as I was still too young to understand.) To quote Ms. Linda, “I wanted to create something similar with good old fashioned values along with a little suspense and adventure.”
Hence, Linda Weaver Clarke created and introduced Julia and John Roberts and their three daughters who all reside in Santa Clara, Utah. Julia is an investigative reporter for a local newspaper. John is a talented knife maker and helpmate to Julia’s investigations; and always interested in catching romantic moments with Julia….. interested….trying. At times, reading through Julia’s impetuous nature, I considered her a bit dingy…but I love the humor and fun she brings to the story. By the end of the book, she manages to use her entire family, including one of the daughter’s boyfriend and John’s friend Paul who is an archeologist with a local university to solve the mystery. Julia is a definite enigma in confusing even the thieves. She causes me to laugh out loud.
Ms. Linda includes true experiences that happened to her and her husband. There is no way of distinguishing which is whom, the Clarke’s or the Evans’. Anasazi Intrigue’s Utah setting and the flood are accurate details. The devastating flood was an actuality in 2005 on the Santa Clara/Virgin River in St George, Utah. It is in and about this region that the story unfolds with mystery and suspense. Devious destruction done to historical lands and artifacts by the bad guys Julia wants to expose. Julia suspected something fishy going on when she discovered the dead fish in the flood waters and dead cats in her neighborhood and carried them in a sack to a friend’s lab to be tested for poison
Linda Weaver Clarke cleverly writes with gusto energy. Her writings are lively, romantic, suspenseful, tender, compassionate, humorous, mysterious, factual, keenly knowledgeable, fun, interesting, good old fashioned values and intriguing – and that’s the point.
Barbara J. Shelton
Hopefully, Ms. Linda will not mind my sharing some of her background I read In the front pages of “Anasazi Intrigue.” Ms. Clarke refers to her favorite TV show in years past called “Hart to Hart” which featured a married couple madly in love investigating and solving crimes. This reviewer remembers this TV show to be humorous, romantic, and physically conditioned actors playing a glamorous couple chasing criminals and each other to and fro; and of course were both so worn out by the end of the show , they fell into bed. (I could never figure out why as I was still too young to understand.) To quote Ms. Linda, “I wanted to create something similar with good old fashioned values along with a little suspense and adventure.”
Hence, Linda Weaver Clarke created and introduced Julia and John Roberts and their three daughters who all reside in Santa Clara, Utah. Julia is an investigative reporter for a local newspaper. John is a talented knife maker and helpmate to Julia’s investigations; and always interested in catching romantic moments with Julia….. interested….trying. At times, reading through Julia’s impetuous nature, I considered her a bit dingy…but I love the humor and fun she brings to the story. By the end of the book, she manages to use her entire family, including one of the daughter’s boyfriend and John’s friend Paul who is an archeologist with a local university to solve the mystery. Julia is a definite enigma in confusing even the thieves. She causes me to laugh out loud.
Ms. Linda includes true experiences that happened to her and her husband. There is no way of distinguishing which is whom, the Clarke’s or the Evans’. Anasazi Intrigue’s Utah setting and the flood are accurate details. The devastating flood was an actuality in 2005 on the Santa Clara/Virgin River in St George, Utah. It is in and about this region that the story unfolds with mystery and suspense. Devious destruction done to historical lands and artifacts by the bad guys Julia wants to expose. Julia suspected something fishy going on when she discovered the dead fish in the flood waters and dead cats in her neighborhood and carried them in a sack to a friend’s lab to be tested for poison
Linda Weaver Clarke cleverly writes with gusto energy. Her writings are lively, romantic, suspenseful, tender, compassionate, humorous, mysterious, factual, keenly knowledgeable, fun, interesting, good old fashioned values and intriguing – and that’s the point.
Barbara J. Shelton
October 5, 2011
Anasazi Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans is a romantic suspense mystery.
Julia Evans is a reporter who comes across some dead fish after a terrible flood has ripped through her county. Bagging them up she takes them to family friend, Matthew, who concludes that the fish had died from arsenic poisoning.
Julia must convince her boss that she is the right person to cover this story and not her smug co-worker, Ted. As Julia works to uncover more leads in order to continue following the story, Julia's husband, John, has uncovered a mystery of his own.
It seems someone is stealing priceless artifacts from ancient Anasazi burial kivas and selling them on the black market to the highest bidder. John is afraid that if Julia hears about this, he'll have more to worry about then a couple of dead fish.
As the two of the work to uncover the mysteries set before them, they run into dangerous men who wish them to drop the story or suffer the consequences. Julia is a stubborn women and will stop at nothing to uncover the truth, even at the cost of her own life.
This was an easy read that have a decent flow and narrative. The plot is a great one and I enjoyed hearing about the history of the Anasazi and the artifacts that were mentioned. I enjoyed the bad guys and thought they were well written, Devollyn, the main antagonist, was very enjoyable to read and brought depth to the book.
I wish there had been more history pertaining to the Anasazi, I am an ancient history buff and was truly looking forward to learning more as well, I believe, it would have given the plot more clarity. I believe that if I didn't know what I do about that particular race of people, I might not have known what the author was explaining. I would've liked to have seen more of the dream that Julia was racked with, it wasn't mentioned often enough to grasp the meaning behind the revelation at the end of the story and the event is left with a flat feeling for me.
I would give this a three out of five stars. I thought John was a great character and was written in an enjoyable way but for some reason, Julia wasn't endearing to me. She came across as whiny and spoiled more often than the courageous, go-for-all woman that she was sometimes portrayed as. Also, there was a couple of places in the beginning chapters that had Julia listed as Julia Roberts and it confused me, I think it was mentioned two or three times and at first, I thought it may have her byline name at the newspaper but it was never mentioned again and I'm still not sure.
All in all, if you like a good mystery with a little bit of history thrown in the mix, then you will be sure to enjoy Anasazi Intrigue.
Julia Evans is a reporter who comes across some dead fish after a terrible flood has ripped through her county. Bagging them up she takes them to family friend, Matthew, who concludes that the fish had died from arsenic poisoning.
Julia must convince her boss that she is the right person to cover this story and not her smug co-worker, Ted. As Julia works to uncover more leads in order to continue following the story, Julia's husband, John, has uncovered a mystery of his own.
It seems someone is stealing priceless artifacts from ancient Anasazi burial kivas and selling them on the black market to the highest bidder. John is afraid that if Julia hears about this, he'll have more to worry about then a couple of dead fish.
As the two of the work to uncover the mysteries set before them, they run into dangerous men who wish them to drop the story or suffer the consequences. Julia is a stubborn women and will stop at nothing to uncover the truth, even at the cost of her own life.
This was an easy read that have a decent flow and narrative. The plot is a great one and I enjoyed hearing about the history of the Anasazi and the artifacts that were mentioned. I enjoyed the bad guys and thought they were well written, Devollyn, the main antagonist, was very enjoyable to read and brought depth to the book.
I wish there had been more history pertaining to the Anasazi, I am an ancient history buff and was truly looking forward to learning more as well, I believe, it would have given the plot more clarity. I believe that if I didn't know what I do about that particular race of people, I might not have known what the author was explaining. I would've liked to have seen more of the dream that Julia was racked with, it wasn't mentioned often enough to grasp the meaning behind the revelation at the end of the story and the event is left with a flat feeling for me.
I would give this a three out of five stars. I thought John was a great character and was written in an enjoyable way but for some reason, Julia wasn't endearing to me. She came across as whiny and spoiled more often than the courageous, go-for-all woman that she was sometimes portrayed as. Also, there was a couple of places in the beginning chapters that had Julia listed as Julia Roberts and it confused me, I think it was mentioned two or three times and at first, I thought it may have her byline name at the newspaper but it was never mentioned again and I'm still not sure.
All in all, if you like a good mystery with a little bit of history thrown in the mix, then you will be sure to enjoy Anasazi Intrigue.
September 9, 2011
Anasazi Intrigue
Linda Weaver Clarke
This is first in a series of 4 about the adventures of John and Julia Evans. Julia is a newspaper reporter for the town’s local paper, always on the look for that big break and the ‘assignment of a lifetime’. Typically getting the stereotypical ‘fluff’ stories, Julia’s interest is peaked when she finds a number of dead fish and cats killed by cyanide. She is determined to find out what is poisoning the water and who is sneaking up the mountainside to the abandoned mine.
John shares a fondness for archeology with his friend Paul and they have been involved in digging in some local Anasazi archeological sites. Though the site was currently on hold, there were fresh diggings. It is illegal to collect artifacts and keep them, and John and Paul need to find who is up to this recent raid.
Both Julia and John have an investigation to see too, yet each hold out on the other bits of information. John leaving out info so that Julia doesn’t pursue it as a story lead, and Julia not telling John of the dangers she is encountering when those travelling up the mountain find her nosing around.
Mystery and suspense intertwined with fascinating facts about the Anasazi culture! The thing I absolutely loved most about this book was the relationship dynamics between John and Julia. Their relationship with each other symbolized to me a model of what faithful Christian marriages can look like, even 20 years after the ‘newness’ wears off. I loved how Linda Clarke Weaver used descriptions in each chapter of the ebb and flow of John and Julia’s relationship, the physical love for each other, the respect, and the learning to bear one another’s burdens. I also loved how conflict was resolved between the two, showing that even in strong relationships there are problems, yet with God as the center of the relationship, good can come from the resolution.
I am excited to read the rest in this series as I so enjoyed the historical insight behind the Anasazi and the mystery that went along with it. Historical suspenseful fiction, the best of the best!! Add in a strong Christian family and you have a super fantastic story!
Linda Weaver Clarke
This is first in a series of 4 about the adventures of John and Julia Evans. Julia is a newspaper reporter for the town’s local paper, always on the look for that big break and the ‘assignment of a lifetime’. Typically getting the stereotypical ‘fluff’ stories, Julia’s interest is peaked when she finds a number of dead fish and cats killed by cyanide. She is determined to find out what is poisoning the water and who is sneaking up the mountainside to the abandoned mine.
John shares a fondness for archeology with his friend Paul and they have been involved in digging in some local Anasazi archeological sites. Though the site was currently on hold, there were fresh diggings. It is illegal to collect artifacts and keep them, and John and Paul need to find who is up to this recent raid.
Both Julia and John have an investigation to see too, yet each hold out on the other bits of information. John leaving out info so that Julia doesn’t pursue it as a story lead, and Julia not telling John of the dangers she is encountering when those travelling up the mountain find her nosing around.
Mystery and suspense intertwined with fascinating facts about the Anasazi culture! The thing I absolutely loved most about this book was the relationship dynamics between John and Julia. Their relationship with each other symbolized to me a model of what faithful Christian marriages can look like, even 20 years after the ‘newness’ wears off. I loved how Linda Clarke Weaver used descriptions in each chapter of the ebb and flow of John and Julia’s relationship, the physical love for each other, the respect, and the learning to bear one another’s burdens. I also loved how conflict was resolved between the two, showing that even in strong relationships there are problems, yet with God as the center of the relationship, good can come from the resolution.
I am excited to read the rest in this series as I so enjoyed the historical insight behind the Anasazi and the mystery that went along with it. Historical suspenseful fiction, the best of the best!! Add in a strong Christian family and you have a super fantastic story!
May 28, 2014
Anasazi Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans
By Linda Weaver Clarke
Series: Mystery Series
Publ: Red Mountain Shadow Publishing c. 2012
Setting: Santa Clara/Virgin River area, Utah
2005
Julia Evans is reporting on the terrible flooding in the Santa Clara/Virgin River area of Utah as part of her job with the Dixie Chronicle. She and her husband John are astounded buy the massive destruction caused by what was normally a narrow shallow creek. They see whole houses being washed away sometimes with everything the family owns other than the clothes on their backs.
What she really doesn’t expect to find is a small pool of dead fish in an area slightly removed from the flood. She is even more confused when she finds that the fish have died from cyanide poisoning. Where did the poison come from? How did it get into the pool?
Julia sets out to find the answers to these questions.
As Julia tracks down the clues to the mysterious cyanide poisoning John is spending some extra time with his friend Paul who is an archeologist. While going with Julia on her reporting excursions during the flooding he notices some new digging at an archeological site he has visited with Paul. Paul tells John that the digging isn’t being done by authorized archeologists. They set out to find out who is doing the digging and extractions. Paul insists that John not tell Julia until the authorities are ready to release the information. John is happy to comply because he wants to protect Julia from what he know will be some very dangerous people and situations.
Aside from the adventure, danger and intrigue, this story is a wonderful look inside the workings of a loving family without whitewashing their faults.
I highly recommend this well-written entertaining story. It is a delightful visit to a unique part of our country and its history.
By Linda Weaver Clarke
Series: Mystery Series
Publ: Red Mountain Shadow Publishing c. 2012
Setting: Santa Clara/Virgin River area, Utah
2005
Julia Evans is reporting on the terrible flooding in the Santa Clara/Virgin River area of Utah as part of her job with the Dixie Chronicle. She and her husband John are astounded buy the massive destruction caused by what was normally a narrow shallow creek. They see whole houses being washed away sometimes with everything the family owns other than the clothes on their backs.
What she really doesn’t expect to find is a small pool of dead fish in an area slightly removed from the flood. She is even more confused when she finds that the fish have died from cyanide poisoning. Where did the poison come from? How did it get into the pool?
Julia sets out to find the answers to these questions.
As Julia tracks down the clues to the mysterious cyanide poisoning John is spending some extra time with his friend Paul who is an archeologist. While going with Julia on her reporting excursions during the flooding he notices some new digging at an archeological site he has visited with Paul. Paul tells John that the digging isn’t being done by authorized archeologists. They set out to find out who is doing the digging and extractions. Paul insists that John not tell Julia until the authorities are ready to release the information. John is happy to comply because he wants to protect Julia from what he know will be some very dangerous people and situations.
Aside from the adventure, danger and intrigue, this story is a wonderful look inside the workings of a loving family without whitewashing their faults.
I highly recommend this well-written entertaining story. It is a delightful visit to a unique part of our country and its history.
April 11, 2011
This is the first book in “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans” series. There are two books already released with one on the way this May.
Reporter, Julia Evans, is shocked as an horrific flood destroys many homes in Santa Clara, Utah. As she prepares to write about this tragedy, she stumbles upon fish and cats that have been poisoned. She investigates to learn whether this was deliberate or a terrible accident. Being the low person on the totem pole at her newspaper, Julia has to fight for the assignment and prove herself.
With the help of her beloved husband, John, they go on a journey they never expected. Julia realizes there are some dangerous forces behind the mysterious poisoning and discovers, what could be, the story that will put her name on the map. The question becomes whether or not she and John will survive long enough for her to write the story.
This is the first book I’ve read by Linda Weaver Clarke and I’m already hooked. The first pages grab you right in and grab at your heartstrings as you read about the destruction caused by the flood. When Julia and John fight for their lives, readers will be on the edge of their seats for this one.
There’s also romance in the mix. John and Julia’s marriage is strong and they are quite supportive of each other. Even when they have their ups and downs, it’s not for long and they get right back into each other’s arms. It’s nice to see a relationship portrayed this way. Very realistic and believable. In fact, all the characters are portrayed realistically including their three daughters.
This series is a “must read” for me and I’m excited that there are still at least two more books to enjoy.
Reporter, Julia Evans, is shocked as an horrific flood destroys many homes in Santa Clara, Utah. As she prepares to write about this tragedy, she stumbles upon fish and cats that have been poisoned. She investigates to learn whether this was deliberate or a terrible accident. Being the low person on the totem pole at her newspaper, Julia has to fight for the assignment and prove herself.
With the help of her beloved husband, John, they go on a journey they never expected. Julia realizes there are some dangerous forces behind the mysterious poisoning and discovers, what could be, the story that will put her name on the map. The question becomes whether or not she and John will survive long enough for her to write the story.
This is the first book I’ve read by Linda Weaver Clarke and I’m already hooked. The first pages grab you right in and grab at your heartstrings as you read about the destruction caused by the flood. When Julia and John fight for their lives, readers will be on the edge of their seats for this one.
There’s also romance in the mix. John and Julia’s marriage is strong and they are quite supportive of each other. Even when they have their ups and downs, it’s not for long and they get right back into each other’s arms. It’s nice to see a relationship portrayed this way. Very realistic and believable. In fact, all the characters are portrayed realistically including their three daughters.
This series is a “must read” for me and I’m excited that there are still at least two more books to enjoy.
January 24, 2012
I am so pleased to find yet another clean romance, and this book adds history and mystery to this genre. It is a well-written story with lots of heart. The characters are believable, and the story will keep you one's attention.
I love the fact that there is no foul language, sex, and any graphic violence. I get so tired of reading books are spoiled with these elements. This book is still engaging without being offensive.
I loved the chemistry between Julia and John. So often romances are limited to the 20-something crowd, and it was neat to see a romance between 30-something characters that were married. The love was not overdone, and I found their interactions quite entertaining. Both characters were flawed, and they willingly admitted their mistakes when necessary. It is clear that they were committed to their marriage and making it work.
There is still a young romance in this book, and since this book is the first in the series, I look forward to seeing more from this "romance" in the other books. (I won't say any more on that so I don't ruin it for you.)
While the mystery and history may not appeal to everyone, I found that it was just perfect, and I certainly look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
The author sent me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
I love the fact that there is no foul language, sex, and any graphic violence. I get so tired of reading books are spoiled with these elements. This book is still engaging without being offensive.
I loved the chemistry between Julia and John. So often romances are limited to the 20-something crowd, and it was neat to see a romance between 30-something characters that were married. The love was not overdone, and I found their interactions quite entertaining. Both characters were flawed, and they willingly admitted their mistakes when necessary. It is clear that they were committed to their marriage and making it work.
There is still a young romance in this book, and since this book is the first in the series, I look forward to seeing more from this "romance" in the other books. (I won't say any more on that so I don't ruin it for you.)
While the mystery and history may not appeal to everyone, I found that it was just perfect, and I certainly look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
The author sent me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
January 17, 2012
Linda Weaver Clarke has been writing historical fiction for years, and she also travels the country giving workshops on preserving family history through telling stories. Her new Intrigue mystery series departs slightly from her traditional historic fiction, blending her knowledge of ages past with her ability to spin a fun adventure with interesting characters. The depiction of the ancient cities is very interesting.
I must say the writing could have been stronger--there is a lot of passive wording and descriptions that could be entwined a little more smoothly into the story. However, the sweet interactions of the main characters, the highly interesting info on ancient history and the plundering of artifacts, and the intriguing mystery will keep you reading right up until the last page.
I must say the writing could have been stronger--there is a lot of passive wording and descriptions that could be entwined a little more smoothly into the story. However, the sweet interactions of the main characters, the highly interesting info on ancient history and the plundering of artifacts, and the intriguing mystery will keep you reading right up until the last page.
July 28, 2013
Linda Weaver Clarke fans will be thrilled to see her combine her sweet romantic stories, historical tidbits, and intrigue in her John and Julia Evans Mystery Series. Why I feel Anasazi Intrigue (Book 1) and the rest of this series will be a hit with Clarke's fans is because she stays true to her sweet romance and history loving readers by blending these elements into an intriguing mystery.
John and Julia Evans are a married couple with grown children. It's nice to see a romantic element to a story that involves mature adults and a marriage that is not perfect, but one in which both people are committed to making it work. Add to that their grown children, a friend of the family, and a group of interesting bad guys, and you have a recipe for a great read.
I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
John and Julia Evans are a married couple with grown children. It's nice to see a romantic element to a story that involves mature adults and a marriage that is not perfect, but one in which both people are committed to making it work. Add to that their grown children, a friend of the family, and a group of interesting bad guys, and you have a recipe for a great read.
I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
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January 22, 2014When a devastating flood takes out several homes in a small town, residents are shocked by the news of also a possible poison spill that kills many of the fish and neighbor's pets. Julia, the town's newest reporter, begins her investigation but realizes the story is much bigger and more dangerous than she thought! Julia and her husband find themselves on the run trying to save their lives while finishing the story of a lifetime! She never realized that being a reporter could be so dangerous. With artifacts, dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants, John and Julia have their hands full.
October 17, 2012
A true adventure book! You learn about the Anasazi Indians, artifact theft, and the flood of 2005 in southern Utah. Being from southern Utah, I was impressed with the author's detailed account about the flooding. It has plenty of adventure and mystery. Great Read!
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