With bonus review: ‘The Hidden Bones’, by Nicola Ford
Late last year I bothered Allison & Busby for review copies of some of there books, and I’ve been trying to work out how to fit them into the blog ever since. Well, today is publication day for The Lost Shrine, thus I have decided to do a joint review post in celebration.
Nicola Ford is the pen name of archaeologist Dr Nick Snashall, who is National Trust Archaeologist for the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. She has a two book deal with the publisher and I hope she’ll get another because the Hills & Barbrook series has only just started getting wind in its sails.
On to the reviews. The Hidden Bones is only getting a short review because I want to focus on The Lost Shrine.
Blurb
Following the recent death of her husband, Clare Hills is listless and unsure of her place in the world. When her former university friend Dr David Barbrook asks her to help him sift through the effects of deceased archaeologist Gerald Hart, she sees this as a useful distraction from her grief. During her search, Clare stumbles across the unpublished journals detailing Gerald’s most glittering dig. Hidden from view for decades and supposedly destroyed in an arson attack, she cannot believe her luck. Finding the Hungerbourne Barrows archive is every archaeologist’s dream. Determined to document Gerald’s career-defining find for the public, Clare and David delve into his meticulously kept records of the excavation.
But the dream suddenly becomes a nightmare as the pair unearth a disturbing discovery, putting them at the centre of a murder inquiry and in the path of a dangerous killer determined to bury the truth forever.
My Review
I really enjoyed this crime novel.
The story is compelling and the characters life-like as they butt heads and deal with their complicated emotions while trying to dig into a mystery in the Wiltshire Downs. The tension increases with various unexplained happenings and confessions, until it reaches a satisfying crescendo. I liked the slow build-up that brought several strands together and allowed for character and location development.
The description of life on a dig made me really glad I decided not to study archaeology, my back just wouldn’t cope. And I’m too old for tents.
Blurb
Clare Hills, archaeologist and sometime sleuth, is struggling to finance her recently established university research institute along with her long-time friend, Dr David Barbrook. When Professor Margaret Bockford finds the Hart Unit commercial work with a housing developer on a site in the Cotswolds, the pair are hardly in a position to refuse. There is just one slight catch: the previous site director, Beth Kinsella, was found hanged in a copse on-site, surrounded by mutilated wildlife.
Despite initial misgivings, Clare leads a team to continue work on the dig, but with rumours about Beth’s mental state and her claims that the site was historically significant refusing to be laid to rest, and lingering disquiet between local residents and the developers, progress is impeded at every turn. When one of the workers finds something unsettling, Clare suspects there may be more to Beth’s claims than first thought. But can she uncover the truth before it is hidden for ever?
My Review
Two years have passed since Hungerbourne brought Clare Hills back to archaeology, and the Hart Unit is in desperate need of funds. When a developer in Gloucestershire needs a replacement organisation to assess and dig a site, called Bailsgrove, Clare jumps st the chance to rescue the Unit.
The previous dig leader hanged herself, the police shut down the site, the developer is s bully, the locals aren’t friendly, and Clare doesn’t have a dig team. But other than that, it’ll be easy money…
The murder mystery runs along in the background of the archeological narrative. Dealing with difficult developers, unhappy locals and time limits, while trying to buy a house brings Clare to life. Her continued grief and confusion about her husband’s death and his friend James, add texture and depth.
On the mystery front, there’s unexpected finds and sudden realisations that vindicate the previous dig leader, revelations from other characters that make it clear that her death wasn’t suicide, while Sally is investigating a seemingly unrelated murder. It all gets put together in a flurry of attacks, murders and confusion as Jo and D I Mark Stone rush to save Clare.
The plot slowly ramps up, drawing in different strands to an exciting crescendo. I didn’t expect the killer to be the killer until almost the end, which was nice. The characters are developing with time, especially Clare, who is slowly rebuilding her confidence, and the various relationships are interesting to watch as they develop and change. I loved the descriptions of the countryside, and life on the dig site, they were very evocative.
They reader is left with things to ponder, like how do we preserve the past when we need to build houses? How do we protect sites from illegal diggers and unscrupulous companies?
And who burgled Clare’s flat? – Actually, given what was taken, I have thoughts on that front. I’m hoping Nic gets a contract for another couple of books so I can find out if I’m right.
Oh, and Clare probably shouldn’t make a habit of running around in her undies though; people might get the wrong impression.
Everything Is Better With Dragons 