The Fossil

Secrets of Mars, Book 1

By: Joshua T. Calvert

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

In 2018, Canadian archaeologist Ron Jackson makes a mind-boggling discovery in Antarctica - right before disappearing without a trace, leaving behind only his controversial theory that humans have lived on Earth far, far longer than we think they have.

Decades later, in 2042, when Jackson's wife dies under mysterious circumstances, an unlikely pair of investigators, Agatha Devenworth and Pano Hofer, begin investigating whether her death might be connected to Jackson's disappearance. What exactly was it he found before he vanished? Why is the Human Foundation, a hyper-powerful business empire built on an endless series of game-changing inventions it has been rolling out, one after another, for over 20 years, trying to hide the truth from the two investigators?

And what could it possibly have to do with the first manned mission to Mars, which ended in disaster leaving countless conspiracy theories in its wake?

©2021 Joshua T. Calvert (P)2021 Podium Audio

Critic reviews

"An intriguing, character-driven mystery/thriller with 'science-fictional awe and' outer-space trappings." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Joshua T. Calvert has a gift for making nail-biting science fiction that you can't put down. Get ready for some sleepless nights!" (M.A. Rothman, USA Today best-selling author)

Good Till End

It was a great sci-fi book up until the end and the genre changed to fantasy.

We had gods millions of years old. The writer even through in a reference they were in the bible

Well written and captivating

Great story. Original plot and well written. Captivating from start to finish. About to start book 2

Probably much hidden truth in this story

From doing my own many many hours of study into histories & myths of ancient cultures & religions, the idea behind this book is intriguing. Even though there is little hard evidence of it, I'm betting there is much more truth to real history than anybody will ever admit. Perhaps one day humanity will be certain of our true origins.

Interesting take on an old idea

This is a decent rehash of ideas like The Martian Chronicles and Red Planet. Nothing really new, but the writing is decent and the performance is excellent. Pick it up, it's worth a casual listen.

Takes a while to get going, but when it does….

This is a very creative story IMO. It’s a unique twist that you have to hold on to. In the second half the story starts to get complicated. But keep going - the ending is very much worth it! For Audiobook listeners, the narrator does an amazing performance bringing the characters to life through just his voice. My only negative is that some of the build up has content that doesn’t really sit well. It’s a bit too much. Like the author is trying too much. Also the bouncing back and forth from one time period to another can get confusing. I had to restart a couple times to make sure I understood the content & context, relative to whichever time period.

Very good reader.

Very interesting. I enjoyed the audio book. Can’t wait to listen to books 2 & 3.

Well written, fast paced and compelling

This book was fun and interesting. Not your usual Man from Mars. I also enjoyed the narrator. He has large rang and a good pace.

Original story but could have been better written

This book could have been terrific and a terrific series, but unfortunately for me the main astronaut character as written was annoying and disappointing, I finished the book but could never read the next one

The Fossil

Excellent, but had no ending. Stretched out and out, then abruptly ended expecting you to run out and buy book 2.

Ancient Aliens Meets Logic and Reason

I really enjoyed the multiple storylines. The characters were well developed and engaging. The breadcrumbs the author gives are you just enough to keep you guessing without ruining the ending