Relics

August 1, 2005
Evans' second archeological mystery is every bit as good as her debut, Artifacts (2003). Soon after archeologist Faye Longchamp joins a team in rural Alabama researching the "Sujosa," an isolated dark-skinned people with Caucasian features and an unusual resistance to AIDS, she discovers that the man in charge of the project has made a hash of the preliminary dig. Faye determines to prove her own worth by planning the excavation of a more likely site, but she gets sidetracked when an act of arson kills Dr. Carmen Martinez, an oral historian who was gathering old tales and songs to learn about the group's mysterious origins. The apparent suicide of an 18-year-old Sujosa boy deepens the puzzle. Faye makes a compelling heroine, and she's supported by an interesting array of suspects, though her making use of some conclusions she's jumped to about the Sujosa to unmask the murderer may strike some readers as a stretch. Transcripts of Dr. Martinez's interviews scattered throughout the narrative provide important clues for the discerning reader.

February 1, 2006
Adult/High School -Evans -s "Artifacts" (Poisoned Pen, 2003) introduced readers to Faye Longchamp, detective and archaeologist. Here, the woman is sent to a rural Alabama settlement to lead a team assigned to unearth the mysteries of the Sujosa tribe. The group is distinguished by a rare eye color and unusual immunity to diseases, especially AIDS. Not long after Faye arrives, an oral historian assigned to the archaeological dig dies in a fire of suspicious origin. Soon after, an 18-year-old Sujosa boy reportedly commits suicide. Now Faye suspects that there is much more intrigue in the tribe -s history and that a murderer lurking in the community is responsible for both deaths. Unless she can discover the secrets of the Sujosa, she is sure that she will be the next target. Evans delivers a convincing read with life-size, unique characters, not the least of whom is Faye -s Indian sidekick, Joe. The archaeological adventures are somewhat reminiscent of Tony Hillerman -s -Jim Chee - mysteries (HarperCollins). While the story is complex, "Relics" will engage the imagination of readers attracted to unearthing the secrets of lost cultures." -Catherine Gilbride, Farifax County Public Library, VA"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 18, 2005
Evans' second archeological mystery is every bit as good as her debut, Artifacts (2003). Soon after archeologist Faye Longchamp joins a team in rural Alabama researching the "Sujosa," an isolated dark-skinned people with Caucasian features and an unusual resistance to AIDS, she discovers that the man in charge of the project has made a hash of the preliminary dig. Faye determines to prove her own worth by planning the excavation of a more likely site, but she gets sidetracked when an act of arson kills Dr. Carmen Martinez, an oral historian who was gathering old tales and songs to learn about the group's mysterious origins. The apparent suicide of an 18-year-old Sujosa boy deepens the puzzle. Faye makes a compelling heroine, and she's supported by an interesting array of suspects, though her making use of some conclusions she's jumped to about the Sujosa to unmask the murderer may strike some readers as a stretch. Transcripts of Dr. Martinez's interviews scattered throughout the narrative provide important clues for the discerning reader.

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.