A good salary and an all-expenses-paid summer spent a sprawling Arizona ranch is too good a deal for fledgling anthropologist D. J. Abbott to turn down—especially when it's six hundred miles from home. What does it matter that her rich new employer and benefactor, Hank Hunnicutt, is a certified oddball who is presently funding all manner of off-beat projects, from alien conspiracy studies to a hunt for dragon bones? There's even talk of treasure buried in the nearby mountains, but D. J. isn't going to allow loose speculation—or the considerable charms of handsome professional treasure hunter Jesse Franklin—to sidetrack her. Then Hunnicutt suffers a mysterious accident and vanishes, leaving the weirdos gathered at his spread to eye each other with frightened suspicion.
But on a high-desert search for the missing millionaire, D. J. is learning things that may not be healthy for her to know. The game someone is playing here goes far beyond the rational universe—and it could leave D. J. legitimately dead.
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"This is one of my favorite "cozy" books. Whenever I want to read a book that I found comforting and familiar, I turn to Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels and read one of her books. This book is just about perfect: D.J. and Tom have a funny and sarcastic friendship and the adventure/mystery is great. Even though I have almost every sentence memorized, I still love this book. I have 2 different paperback copies of it and I've read it a million times."
— Kristina (5 out of 5 stars)
“[Peters] keeps the reader coming back for more.”
— San Francisco Chronicle“This author never fails to entertain.”
— Cleveland Plain Dealer“Grace Conlin is effective in her wry, self-deprecating portrayal of D. J.…The action is compelling and the characters are well developed.”
— AudioFile“Reader Grace Conlin captures the sardonic tone of the narrator.”
— Library Journal" My first EP book, and one of my absolute faves. Originally read sometime in the 80s and re-read many times more. Who doesn't love heroines whose jeans are too tight because of too many of those little cream puffs! "
— Karis, 2/16/2014" Not quite enough character development, not enough plot detail, not enough about anthropology... "
— Kristen, 2/12/2014" Liked it. Little mystery but not too scary for a baby like me. Going to try another by this author. Thanks Tara! "
— Alecia, 2/11/2014" I liked the archaeological details of the plot in this one--always one of Peters' strongest points. I also enjoyed all the colorful characters, and the lovely descriptions. What I didn't buy, unfortunately, was the romance between the main characters. Maybe because arguing is not my favorite form of flirtation--I just don't find it sexy. I also don't think it's EVER right for a man to spank a woman just because he's frustrated with her. Just, ew. "
— Rebecca, 2/11/2014" I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Pure fun! "
— Christy, 2/7/2014" A really good read. Gripping despite the fact that it takes place almost entirely in one setting, of the mansion. "
— Nona, 1/31/2014" Anthropologist goes up against loonies in AZ "
— Helen, 1/29/2014" Consistently one of my favorites of Elizabeth Peters' independent mysteries. This was also the first Elizabeth Peters book I read, which may have something to do with my preference . . . "
— Rosalyn, 1/28/2014" A fun quick read with a bit of romance and a bit of mystery and a ton of humor. The mystery isn't obvious, but it isn't rocket science either - just my style. I didn't have to strain my brain to figure out esoteric clues and I got to enjoy the ride. "
— Terri, 1/22/2014" Very formulaic, I kept waiting for Scubby and Shaggy to chime in. I'm a sucker for strong female characters so it was enjoyable on that front. The plot was weak at best. Nice deversion from the heavy books I have been trying to get through lately. All around a bubble gum read. "
— Cathie, 1/18/2014" In this "can't put it down" book by Elizabeth Peters, you will go on an adventure to the Arizona desert on a search for crazy squatters, lost treasure, and dragon bones. This book is a combination of all genres, and is quite satisfying. "
— Sandy, 1/8/2014" Not quite as suspenseful as some of her other books - it was particularly easy for me to figure out who the culprit was. "
— Laura, 1/7/2014" I lost my copy of this book. Hopefully I can find it at one of the used bookstores. "
— Shanna, 12/29/2013" Consistently one of my favorites of Elizabeth Peters' independent mysteries. This was also the first Elizabeth Peters book I read, which may have something to do with my preference . . . "
— Rosalyn, 12/28/2013" Not my favorite of her books. "
— Valerie, 12/23/2013" Not my favorite of her books. "
— Valerie, 12/17/2013" For those who love mysteries,archaelogy and laughter this is the book to read. "
— Julie, 12/16/2013" Poorly crafted, cardboard characters who act in unrealistic ways, constant unnecessary bickering between characters wears on the nerves. "
— Linda, 12/16/2013" Delightful! Take a graduate student escaping Classical archeology into anthropology, add Arizona sunsets and glowing turquoise, and you have a fun read. It's a mystery and a light romance, but mostly it's an excuse to remember Arizona and wallow in the richly described experiences. "
— Nicole, 12/14/2013" I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Peters. It's my one reading vice ;p "
— Tracy, 12/10/2013" In this "can't put it down" book by Elizabeth Peters, you will go on an adventure to the Arizona desert on a search for crazy squatters, lost treasure, and dragon bones. This book is a combination of all genres, and is quite satisfying. "
— Sandy, 11/27/2013" I listened to this book which is set in Arizona. The mystery surrounds the 'find' of eccentric Hank. He won't tell what it is and someone is going to great lentghs to make sure no one sees it. Who and why, well those are the questions to be answered. "
— Jody, 11/26/2013" Young woman working on PhD leaves Ohio to work at an exclusive ranch in Arizona to help a rich man with his search for antiquities. Gutsy, smart woman and an antagonistic male scholar butt heads trying to figure out what is happening and who is sabotaging the work. "
— Judy, 11/7/2013" I listened to this book which is set in Arizona. The mystery surrounds the 'find' of eccentric Hank. He won't tell what it is and someone is going to great lentghs to make sure no one sees it. Who and why, well those are the questions to be answered. "
— Jody, 7/20/2013" Very formulaic, I kept waiting for Scubby and Shaggy to chime in. I'm a sucker for strong female characters so it was enjoyable on that front. The plot was weak at best. Nice deversion from the heavy books I have been trying to get through lately. All around a bubble gum read. "
— Cathie, 7/12/2013" I really enjoyed this book - the mystery was engaging and I loved the central character with all her outrageous attitudes. "
— Barbara, 6/21/2013" This is my absolute favorite of the Elizabeth Peters single books. I can't even tell you how many times I have read it. "
— Deb, 4/3/2013" I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Peters. It's my one reading vice ;p "
— Tracy, 2/21/2013" Of all of Elizabeth Peters stand-alone books, this is by far my favorite, probably because I love a girl who loves to eat. "
— Melissa, 6/22/2012" I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Pure fun! "
— Christy, 6/13/2012" Liked it. Little mystery but not too scary for a baby like me. Going to try another by this author. Thanks Tara! "
— Alecia, 5/22/2012" just a light, evening read. "
— Barbara, 5/3/2012" I love when I get to go on an adventure with Elizabeth Peters. I find myself smiling every time I pick up one if her books to read. What fun it would be to forage around in her brain! "
— Nikki, 4/22/2012" A really good read. Gripping despite the fact that it takes place almost entirely in one setting, of the mansion. "
— Nona, 4/2/2012" Spunky, cute, but predictable. Over all a fun read. "
— Jaime, 3/10/2012" An eccentric AZ rancher gets help from an archeologist. The ranchers discovery ends up deadly and he doesn't even know for sure what he found. I love the way she gives you many suspects, sends you looking in all directions and always wrappes up the mystery and romance beautifully. "
— SJuhl4, 1/16/2012" just a light, evening read. "
— Barbara, 11/28/2011" I enjoyed this book; the setting was different for Peters since it was Arizona and the desert. The characterization was good, and I liked the female protagonist. It is not her strongest book, though; I would note, too, that it's one of her earlier novels. "
— Lisa, 10/17/2011" Quite enjoyed this one. I didn't guess the ending although in hind sight I guess it was a little predictable. Listened to the audio version. "
— Catherine, 9/24/2011" Such a fun read! The main character DJ is one of the most likeable ones I've come across. I loved the wonderful narrative. She is delightful The mystery was interesting. There were some great characters. "
— Chris, 8/29/2011" I really enjoyed this book - the mystery was engaging and I loved the central character with all her outrageous attitudes. "
— Barbara, 8/20/2011" I love when I get to go on an adventure with Elizabeth Peters. I find myself smiling every time I pick up one if her books to read. What fun it would be to forage around in her brain! "
— Nikki, 5/28/2011" For those who love mysteries,archaelogy and laughter this is the book to read. "
— Julie, 4/17/2011" Another good read :) <br/>Stand alone set in the desert outside of Arizona. An anthropologist has a summer intern job with a fabulously wealthy eccentric. Fun characters. Nice mystery and a little romance. The heroine loves to eat and is funny. "
— Bronwyn, 4/7/2011" Another good read :) <br/>Stand alone set in the desert outside of Arizona. An anthropologist has a summer intern job with a fabulously wealthy eccentric. Fun characters. Nice mystery and a little romance. The heroine loves to eat and is funny. "
— Bronwyn, 4/7/2011" Anthropologist goes up against loonies in AZ "
— Helen, 3/31/2011" Anthropologist goes up against loonies in AZ "
— Helen, 3/31/2011" An eccentric AZ rancher gets help from an archeologist. The ranchers discovery ends up deadly and he doesn't even know for sure what he found. I love the way she gives you many suspects, sends you looking in all directions and always wrappes up the mystery and romance beautifully. "
— SJuhl4, 3/2/2011" An eccentric AZ rancher gets help from an archeologist. The ranchers discovery ends up deadly and he doesn't even know for sure what he found. I love the way she gives you many suspects, sends you looking in all directions and always wrappes up the mystery and romance beautifully. "
— SJuhl4, 3/2/2011" Young woman working on PhD leaves Ohio to work at an exclusive ranch in Arizona to help a rich man with his search for antiquities. Gutsy, smart woman and an antagonistic male scholar butt heads trying to figure out what is happening and who is sabotaging the work. "
— Judy, 11/10/2010" Young woman working on PhD leaves Ohio to work at an exclusive ranch in Arizona to help a rich man with his search for antiquities. Gutsy, smart woman and an antagonistic male scholar butt heads trying to figure out what is happening and who is sabotaging the work. "
— Judy, 11/10/2010" I really enjoyed this book - the mystery was engaging and I loved the central character with all her outrageous attitudes. "
— Barbara, 4/6/2010" I really enjoyed this book - the mystery was engaging and I loved the central character with all her outrageous attitudes. "
— Barbara, 4/6/2010" My first EP book, and one of my absolute faves. Originally read sometime in the 80s and re-read many times more. Who doesn't love heroines whose jeans are too tight because of too many of those little cream puffs! "
— Karis, 8/2/2009" My first EP book, and one of my absolute faves. Originally read sometime in the 80s and re-read many times more. Who doesn't love heroines whose jeans are too tight because of too many of those little cream puffs! "
— Karis, 8/2/2009" A really good read. Gripping despite the fact that it takes place almost entirely in one setting, of the mansion. "
— Nona, 3/21/2009" A really good read. Gripping despite the fact that it takes place almost entirely in one setting, of the mansion. "
— Nona, 3/21/2009" I enjoy just about anything from Elizabeth Peters and this was no different. I'm constantly amazed at her characters, and the slow reveal of the danger to them and the final resolution of the mystery. <br/> <br/>It's nice to read a story that ends on an upbeat, too. A good summer read. "
— Carissa, 2/9/2009" I enjoy just about anything from Elizabeth Peters and this was no different. I'm constantly amazed at her characters, and the slow reveal of the danger to them and the final resolution of the mystery. <br/> <br/>It's nice to read a story that ends on an upbeat, too. A good summer read. "
— Carissa, 2/9/2009" Of all of Elizabeth Peters stand-alone books, this is by far my favorite, probably because I love a girl who loves to eat. "
— Melissa, 1/2/2009" Of all of Elizabeth Peters stand-alone books, this is by far my favorite, probably because I love a girl who loves to eat. "
— Melissa, 1/2/2009Elizabeth Peters (1927–2013) was a pen name of Barbara Mertz, who earned her PhD in Egyptology from the University of Chicago’s famed Oriental Institute. Over the course of her fifty-year career she wrote more than seventy mystery and suspense novels and three nonfiction books on Egypt, of which many were New York Times bestsellers. She was the recipient of numerous writing awards, including grandmaster and lifetime achievement awards from the Mystery Writers of America, Malice Domestic, and Bouchercon. In 2012 she was given the first Amelia Peabody Award, created in her honor and named after her major fictional character, at the Malice Domestic convention. She also wrote books under the names Barbara Mertz and Barbara Michaels.
Grace Conlin (1962–1997) was the recording name of Grainne Cassidy, an award-winning actress and acclaimed narrator. She was a member of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, DC, and won a Helen Hayes Award in 1988 for her role in Woolly Mammoth’s production of Savage in Limbo.