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Effigies  By  cover art

Effigies

By: Mary Anna Evans
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
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Publisher's summary

Archaeologist Faye Longchamp and her friend Joe Wolf Mantooth have traveled to Neshoba County, Mississippi, to help excavate a site near Nanih Waiya, the sacred mound where tradition says the Choctaw Nation was born. When farmer Carroll Calhoun refuses their request to investigate a nearby mound on his land, Faye and her colleagues are disappointed, but his next action breaks their hearts: He tries to bulldoze the huge relic to the ground. Faye and Joe rush to protect history - with their bodies, if necessary.

Soon the Choctaws arrive to defend the mound, and the farmer’s white and black neighbors come to defend his property rights. Though a popular young sheriff is able to defuse the situation, tempers are short.

But then that night, Calhoun is found dead, his throat sliced with a handmade stone blade. Was he killed by an archaeologist angered by his wanton destruction of history? Or, since local farmers have been plowing up stone tools like the murder weapon for centuries, did one of them take this chance to even the score with an old rival?

The sheriff is well aware that Faye and Joe were near the spot where Calhoun’s body was found and that their combined knowledge of stone tools is impressive. They had motive, means, and opportunity - but so does almost everyone in Neshoba County.

Mary Anna Evans has degrees in physics and engineering. She is the author of the award-winning Faye Longchamp mysteries.

©2006 Mary Anna Evans (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“We mystery lovers who’ve enjoyed Artifacts and then decided that Relics was even better may not believe this but Ms. Evans has done it again, and Effigies is the best one yet. Again, she makes a lesson in our past a fascinating read.” (Tony Hillerman, New York Times best-selling author)
“In all three of Faye Longchamp's adventures, Mary Anna Evans has given us insights into little-known aspects of America’s past. As an archeological tour alone, the book would be worth reading, but it’s the fascinating and complex characters that give the story life and vibrancy.” (Rhys Bowen, Anthony and Agatha award-winning author)
“Though Evans has been compared to Tony Hillerman, her sympathetic characters and fascinating archeological lore add up to a style all her own.” ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Effigies

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  • Overall
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Great Read!

Imaginative and fun to read (listen to). It is fascinating and fun to learn about archeology, Mississippi's landscape, the South's and Native American peoples' culture, traditions and folk tales as Mrs. Evens takes us on Faye's imaginary journey and discoveries. The author's experiences as a Mississipian, as well as extensive research into the past and current history of the before mentioned groups of people and places played an integral part in making this story believable. Together the story, the characters and the narrator draw the listener into the imaginary setting and allow them to use critical thinking and fantasy as they try to solve the mystery and picture the events and happenings as they unfold. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

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De-evolution

Time to bow out of this series. This one devolved into socio-political woke-ism in a hurry. Author has dropped bits here and there in previous books too, but this one went full ‘racist’ (said with fake scary theatric tone).
Public Service Announcement: Comparing different societies doesn’t have to be racist, math isn’t racist, being in time isn’t racist.
In reality, there is no pure blood any more, so who deserves reparation for things done generations or centuries ago, and who would deserve to pay it? I look white (automatic racist), but have Native American, African, AND European ancestry. I’ll just pay myself and hate myself.
We read/listen to fiction to escape all the crap of daily life. Shame on you for forcing it down our throats in one of the few guiltless escapes left. Grow up

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I got really tired

In fact, I fell asleep and didn't bother to go back and finish listening. I get so sick of hearing the political and/or perceived racist views that some authors always have to foist off onto their characters. This story goes on and on and on about how all white people all hate anyone of native American heritage. Mention it if you feel like you must, but don't make it the main plot of an otherwise interesting story. The sheer amount of implied racism in this particular book is so over-the-top that I will not be listening to any more titles by this author. Heck, where I live, those with Native American ancestry are proud of it, and dig around in their genealogy for years just to prove that their g-grandmother was Native American!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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No More for Me

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. The story just did not hold my interest. I find Faye's character unbelievable and the mysteries to be light and too easy to figure out. I also am not looking for a romance in my mysteries.

Would you be willing to try another book from Mary Anna Evans? Why or why not?

No. I have listened to 3 and do not like the undertone to each book. Faye has a big chip on her shoulder and as a character in RELICS told her, "This is the 21st Century. Move on" or something to that effect.

What didn’t you like about Cassandra Campbell’s performance?

Her voice is very annoying. She reads Faye in a breathy voice, then attempts an accent for other characters that always fails. There is a sarcastic tone to her reading.

Did Effigies inspire you to do anything?

Yes, it inspired me to remove the remaining books in the series from my Wish Lists at Amazon, Audible, and my public library.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Another good story

I enjoy the characters and the exploration of cultural historical info and tales. Storyline is gripping.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Incredible series

Absolutely addicting. The incredible history of different ethical populations, especially the first Americans, INDIANS, and the answers to readers questions about what is real and what is not in the beginning of next book is so awesome.

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Another interesting story

Once again Mary Anna Evans has mixed fact with fiction to write a gripping story. I especially love the author’s notes at the end which explained how much was fact, how much fiction and how much may be true. I also loved the Indian Legends.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful Mystery

I love the mysteries written by Ms.Evens. The story line is very gripping, the characters are very strong, and the narrator's voice is pleasing.

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  • Overall
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Fantastic!!

I could not stop listening to this book! I love how the author combines legends of the Choctaw people into this book, as well as making the attempt to shine a light on bigotry in general, and in the South as a stereotype.

This is a wonderful book and I can't wait for the next!!

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Best of the series so far

recommend to everyone who likes fiction based on historical facts. loved questions at end of the book.

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