Under the Stone Paw

Power Places Series, Book 1

By: Theresa Crater

Narrated by: Tim Toddhurst

Length: 14 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

A forgotten family legacy. Six crystal keys. One shot at unlocking the secrets beneath the Sphinx.

Anne Le Clair, a successful young attorney, has managed to remain free from her family’s gothic past - until now. When she inherits her murdered aunt’s antique necklace, however, she finds no escape from its secrets.

Under the Stone Paw is a thrill ride from the upper crust of New York society to the forbidden tunnels underneath the Sphinx, from a time before Jesus and Mary Magdalene sought to free humanity to our own time when a shadowy consortium of powerful individuals threaten to control it.

©2016 Theresa Crater (P)2019 Theresa Crater

Loved the book, hard to listen to.

I loved reading these books and decided halfway through the trilogy that I would be buying them here to experience them again. I'm so disappointed in all of the audioversions. Of the three in this trilogy, this was the best narrator, but that didn't improve my opinion of the Audiobook much because as the first book I spent the whole thing looking forward to the other two books hoping it would turn out to be someone relatable. This man read well, but sounds too mature to be reading for these characters. I kept hoping someone the right age to connect to really either one of the main characters would show up... didn't happen.

A little mystery

Although this is categorized as visionary fiction there are mystical, historical, and mysterious undertones. It's a great plot and has a fun take on some of the same conspiracies as the Da Vinci code

A Great Adventure!

I love it when authors write about what is truly happening in the world today and makes it entertaining. There are so many things in this book which are fact mixed with some fantasy to make one heck of a listen. I enjoyed listening to the story and found myself unable to stop until the end. If you enjoy hearing about the real world with a bit of fantasy/sci-fi mixed in then you'll enjoy this book. The author really has her finger on the pulse point of the scientific world as well as many other theories being proven today. The narration was well done. Each character had their own voice and emotions. Overall, a great adventure just waiting for you to pick up and hear it.

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Good Potential But Lacks Depth

This was an enjoyable and interesting read. The author clearly has studied many faith traditions and metaphysical lore. I look forward to subsequent books in the series as the characters, writing, snd premise mature. Of course there are a few quibbles. Structurally, the ending was abrupt and plot resolution was thin. Personally, I felt it had a lot more potential than what actually ended up on the page, which was disappointing. It felt to me as though, despite the author’s depth of knowledge, editors may have suggested she “dumb down” the metaphysical and esoteric knowledge & history in order to appeal to a wider audience. As a result, much of this material is a mile wide and an inch thick, coming across as shallow and untethered from its history and philosophy. Particularly after the rushed ending, this left me with an overall sense of a new age Dan Brown-ish attempt, with even less “meat.” Maybe I’m wrong about unmet potential, but if this review ever reaches the eyes of author or editors I hope they’ll hear that their audience wants more depth not less. The philosophical, metaphysical, historical, & faith communities incorporated into these novels deserve serious scholarship and treatment on the page or else it feels like cultural appropriation. Again, I’m not saying that was the author’s intent. There is enough meat there that you can sense she knows more and I hope that depth is given freer rein in upcoming books.

Decent read, disappointing narration

My first read from author Theresa Crater. I wanted to read this book. I looked forward to reading this book. Then I listened to the book. So much promise but disappointing. Reminiscent of James Rollins, Steve Berry & Dan Brown, but lacking and the flatness of the narration left it wanting more. The premise was so0 good so I'll give the author another chance but it won't be in an audiobook by this narrator.

An action story created around fact and fiction!

This book merged several loosely related topics regarding Templars, Egyptology, alternative history, and Edgar Casey’s predictions in an action-packed adventure related to finding the Hall of Records. Theresa Crater has done a very good job presenting an entertaining story that may very well contain more truth than most people would wish to hear or consider. Overall the Audible version of this book was very good, but the pace of the narration seemed to lag for me.

Fascinating Listen

Under the Stone Paw by Theresa Crater really pulled me in. I have always been fascinated by ancient Egypt with the pyramids, Sphinx , and temples. Then add in the mystery of Atlantis, and I was sold. The author does a fantastic job of melding fact, fiction, imagination, speculation, legend and myth into one tale. I loved how the author wrote this totally original book with its vivid imagery and historical details into one contemporary story. The character of Anne LeClair also appealed to me, and I enjoyed her journey. The narration by Tim Toddhurst was great in the aspect that he gave the numerous characters distinguished voices and brought them to life. I felt his pace was a little slow until I sped up my listening device. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. I would definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator.

Boring

I really wanted to like this book by chapter 9 I just couldn't take it anymore the heroine was so dumb and lacked any real conviction and a closed mind. I just couldn't stand her. the narrator was monotone in any voice he used. Awful

Too long

This story should have been condensed taking out much of the explanations & more action.