$50,000 An Ounce! [Paperback]

Albin Roman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 7, 2003

It was Hal Decker's most perplexing case: find the thief who stole a rare Martian meteorite from an anonymous owner who has not reported it missing. With no suspects, motives or clues, his only lead is a two-gram slice of that precious rock worth $50,000 an ounce!Resorting to website research, phone line trickery and adroit persuasion, Decker uncovers 200 suspects from a dozen countries who might have stolen the original meteorite. During the course of his frenetic search he is bewitched by a lovely geologist, badgered by a passionate lady friend and baffled by a mysterious brunette tourist.In pursuit of his suspects, he travels 10,000 miles from San Francisco to Buenos Aires to Antarctica, fighting resistance every mile en route. Arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula, he hikes inland and discovers the secret of the missing meteorite. But now he is faced with the ultimate Polar disaster: stranded for the winter on the frozen continent without food and shelter, and no hope of rescue for nine months!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Albin A. Roman, a retired reporter, editor and military public affairs officer, has traveled from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and from New Guinea to the Galapagos. He also wrote The Silver Dollar Eyes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 266 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (January 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595262678
• ISBN-13: 978-0595262670
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,902,750 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Adventures with Hal, May 20, 2003

By 

John C. Healy (Richmond, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: $50,000 An Ounce! (Paperback)

Retired from the military and newly licensed as a P.I., Hal Decker's first case involves meteorites, geologists and, of course, women. He travels from his office in San Francisco to Buenos Aires and on to Antarctica, encountering trials and tribulations every step of the way. I read it in one sitting. I recommend this title to all mystery fans.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Mystery, May 13, 2003

By 

Wallace C. Merrill (San Mateo, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: $50,000 An Ounce! (Paperback)

$50,000 an Ounce is an easily read Mystery about a search for a valuable rock. Hal Decker a middle aged Private Investigator is hired fo find a 5 pound meteorite that came from Mars. His use of the Internet's and a beautiful blond geologist's help, get him started on a heralding adventure traveling to the Antarctic in his search. This book has a little of everyting that makes a good detective story, sex, bribery, intrigue, and action. It also gives the reader an education on meteorites, robotics, and the Antarctic. It was fun to read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Secret Ingredients Inspire 5 Star Rating, March 21, 2003

By 

Dianne Felton (Newport Beach, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: $50,000 An Ounce! (Paperback)

Al Roman has successfully concocted a zesty stir-fry of mystery,travel and science. $50,000 an Ounce features likeable detective, Hal Decker, whose clever sleuthing reveal most unusual facts about meteors and relatively unvisited Antarctica. This well researched novel moves quickly as Hal's assignment collides with women, intrigue and disaster. The witty dialogue particularly with gal pal Jerry qualify this "keeper" in the humor category as well. This is the perfect book for that next airport wait or plane ride whereby you effortlessly become both entertained and educated. Enjoy!