Customer Reviews

Lost in the Gila (Five Star First Edition Mystery)

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I loved the physical backbone of this book: the archaeology, the forensics, the completely plausible notion that the last king of Teotihucán could have traveled north with his retinue to leave monumental evidence of his empire in the Gila Wilderness of New Mexico. The history rings true, as do the struggles ripping apart the members of Adam Richter's expedition to excavate the treasures that must be buried somewhere close. Kate Donovan, the forensics expert, is that woman we all cheer for, the one who can't always control her emotions, her outrage, her judgment of fools. On this dig she comes up against some clever and unrelenting enemies, and the odds are stacked against her. The plot twists and turns, but my interest in Kate never dims. I'm not sure how to categorize this book--as mystery, thriller, romance, or literary drama--but the compelling, clear writing never stumbles, and wins me over on every page. A great read.

Lost in the Gila by Lois Gilbert is wonderful. You take a brilliant forensic anthropologist with uncanny instincts, mix in a set of dysfunctional and dangerous co-workers and you have a wild ride into the New Mexico wilderness. This story took me places I would never dare to visit and brought me face to face and breath to breath with danger and the unknown. I was completely exhausted and exhilarated by the end. A must read! Brava Miss Gilbert.

Lois Gilbert is a masterful storyteller. Her latest book, Lost in the Gila, is a fast paced ride that will keep you glued to your seat until its completion. It has all the elements of good fiction: mystery, romance, complex and interesting characters, and an intricate plot full of exciting twists and turns. Buckle up for a wonderful ride!

The world most acclaimed archeologist Sr. Adam Richter is planning a dig at a site in the Gila wilderness that has everyone in the filed clamoring for an invitation. The location appears to prove for first time that the Pre-Columbian Teotihuacán civilization stretched beyond Mexico into the United States. Forensic anthropologist Kate Donovan would die to receive an invite, but does not expect to receive one as she has bad reputation for causing problems for excavation teams with her strange paranormal skills that most professionals prefer to ignore Thus she is shocked when Dr. Richter invites her to join the team; she vows to stay out of trouble.

When she arrives at the Gila location, Kate is shocked that her host is missing and has been gone for a few days with no one able to explain or willing to tell her where he went. As the team goes about their work, Kate using her abnormal abilities locates an incredible find of gold and other treasures. She reports her discovery, but the accolades last until the first homicide occurs or perhaps the battle over who gets the glory and fame.

LOST IN THE GILA is an enjoyable on location suspense thriller that grips the audience once Kate gets to work at the site and never slows down as jealousy swamps the excavation and murder places everyone in danger. Readers will be fascinated by the rivalry for credit especially when the Dr. Richter remains missing in action. Although the homicides add tension, they feel a bit forced as the fun in this fine plot lies in the archeological war over who claims what; as an intriguing aside, all the prime players instinctively agree Kate the finder gets none.

Harriet Klausner