Artifact

A Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery, Book 1

By: Gigi Pandian

Narrated by: Allyson Ryan

Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

When historian Jaya Jones receives a mysterious package containing a jewel-encrusted artifact, she discovers the secrets of a lost Indian treasure may be hidden in a Scottish legend. But she's not the only one on the trail.

From San Francisco to the Highlands of Scotland, Jaya must evade a shadowy stalker as she follows hints from the hastily scrawled note to a remote archaeological dig. Helping her decipher the cryptic clues are her magician best friend, a devastatingly handsome art historian with something to hide, and a charming archaeologist running for his life. When a member of the dig's crew is murdered, Jaya must figure out which of the scholars vying for her affections might be the love of her life - and which one is a killer.

©2012 Gigi Pandian (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Pandian's new series may well captivate a generation of readers, combining the suspenseful, mysterious and romantic." ( RT Book Reviews)

Fun read

Wonderful characters, not heady just nice and breezy. The alchemist trilogy is my favorite from her so far though.

good story.

little drops of humor in well developed story with perfect character mix. recommend reading this one for light entertainment

Great performance ok story

I normally enjoy Gigi Pandain's books, however the characters in this one weren't relatable. And a bit to much of a stretch, I enjoy fantasy and mystery but this was just out of my realm.

Disappointing Narration

This book is filled with humor and conflicting personalities and mystery and danger.

But only if you READ it.

Allyson Ryan is a conundrum of a performer. I like her speed and diction and tone.

Her voices, though, are inconsistent. As are her accents. The accents didn't bother me much, but then I'm not British or Scots or Indian. I'm usually pretty happy if I can tell who is talking and it's helpful if they sound the same every time they talk.

And they have to connect with the words they are saying.

What really rankled is the complete lack of humor in the read. This book is funny in a lot of places. Except that it isn't.

My mind wandered so often, I played back chapter after chapter. And, in the end, the book ended and I don't know who did it and I no longer care. Listening to this thing turned out to be a chore.

I think Ms. Ryan's voice is pleasant and I wonder if she shouldn't look into non-fiction.

If you are a hardcore fan of Gigi Pandian, then give it a shot. If you are looking for an engaging mystery - I wouldn't venture here.

Enjoyable Intro to a New Mystery Series!

Jaya Jones intertwines Anglo-Indian history with a mystery in Scotland. The characters are engaging and the danger tempered with a hint of romance. Artifact was an enjoyable introduction to what looks to be a series Gigi Pandian can be proud of.

Nice cozy mystery

I love a good cozy mystery to listen to while I do mindless tasks such as weeding, laundry, cleaning, etc.. This was a prefect story to keep me entertained.

Fun ride

This book was an action packed mystery from beginning to end. Well written and performed so you got a good taste of the characters.

narrator sounds like Stewie(on family guy cartoon)

narrator sounds like Stewie(on family guy cartoon) doing a characture of a cartoon British butler. I stuck through an good but not impressive storyline but several times considered stopping due to the narrator. the narrator did fine but two British characters , just caused her to overwork the accent. the story was good though seemed rushed to closure,( like the word quota was achieved so need to close).I may check other books by the author but not by the same narrator, particularly if anything British in the storyline.

Light listening

This would be a great book for those that prefer light and serene content. It was interesting and was not graphic in sex or violence. The language was clean and appropriate for all ages.
I prefer high action thrillers and sci-fi apocalyptic themes but this book was more appropriate for mixed company on a long road trip.
The narrator did a great job keeping momentum to the story. Great character definition and appropriate emotional tone for situations.

poor narration

Would you try another book from Gigi Pandian and/or Allyson Ryan?

I like Gigi's Gargoyle mysteries much better. Allyson's poor narration of men's voices gets in the way. Just not convincingly done.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Artifact?

Zero. Very little suspense. Can't even say it was a cozy romance. Sorry!

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Allyson Ryan?

Don't know the narrator's available.

Do you think Artifact needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not interested, but I did have them in my wish list.