The Rosetta Key

In this delightful book American adventurer Ethan Gage looks for archaeological treasure in the time of Napoleon. Using historical figures and events, like the famed Rosetta Stone, author and historian Dietrich has created a swashbuckling saga. Because the book is written as a journal, Gage gets to have fun recounting his adventures. He plays down the danger and death and injects wit and wisdom throughout. If you enjoy Indiana Jones, you'll love this book. And you'll love the way Jeff Woodman performs it--with just the right touch of humor and irony. But he never lets the listener forget the danger that lurks around every corner. And he does a mean Napoleon. M.S. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

June 30, 2008
The packaging of this audiobook says “performed by Jeff Woodman,” and does he ever perform! Woodman executes a variety of accents in both sexes as he brings to life this rollicking Indiana Jones–like story of an adventurer in search of ancient secrets, and the woman he loves, set during Napoleon's attempted conquest of Palestine and Egypt. Woodman creates a memorable first-person protagonist in American Ethan Gage, who remains likable despite his many foibles, con-artist morals, frankly admitted cowardice and frequent use of annoyingly folksy similes. Woodman also pulls off convincing French, British and Arabic voices. His pacing never flags through the endless twists, turns and hair-raising escapes that make up this treasure-hunting tale. This enjoyable audio should be accompanied by a large bowl of popcorn. A Harper hardcover (Reviews, Feb. 18).

February 18, 2008
Last seen in Dietrich's Napoleon's Pyramids
, fleeing the forces of evil in a runaway hot-air balloon over Egypt, Ethan Gage undergoes further life-threatening adventures in this rollicking sequel. Nine months before the balloon incident, Gage arrived in the Holy Land with his benefactor, Napoleon Bonaparte. After various misunderstandings involving the secrets of the Great Pyramid, Bonaparte became his implacable enemy. Now, accused of treason by Napoleon's minions, Pierre Najac and Najac's boss, the French-Italian count and sorcerer Alessandro Silano, Gage flees to Jerusalem, where he searches for his former lover, Astiza, who he fears has fallen into Silano's hands. Gage is also hunting clues that may lead him to the fabled Book of Toth, an ancient tome that promises to reveal the secrets of the universe. Ever the incorrigible gambler and all-around scamp, Gage makes an irresistible antihero. The ending promises more volumes in what one hopes will be a long series. 8-city author tour.