The Maltese Goddess (Archaeological Mysteries, No. 2) (Paperback)

by Lyn Hamilton (Author) "I LIKE TO THINK OF myself as an honorable person, but once I've explained to someone slowly, in words of one syllable, why it would..." (more)
Key Phrases: temple builders, safari suit, Martin Galea, Anna Stanhope, Marilyn Galea (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Armchair travelers and mystery buffs will enjoy the smooth blend of history and murder in this second installment (after The Xibalba Murders) featuring Toronto antiquities dealer, Lara McClintoch. Hired by charismatic architect Martin Galea to put the finishing touches on the interior of his new home in Malta, Lara flies to the Mediterranean island. As she struggles to overcome last-minute obstacles and meet her deadline, threats make it clear that someone is trying to drive her away. When the furniture that Martin purchased from her finally arrives, it brings a surprise: the bloody body of the architect himself stashed in a chest. Interesting characters combine with an agreeably complicated plot to keep the story moving, while details about the island are skillfully interwoven. Several twists at the end add emotional depth and leave the readers looking forward to Lara's next outing.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Lara McClintoch is obsessed with finding rare and beautiful artifacts. Her travels take her to the ends of the earth, where history jealously guards its treasures--and where the mysteries of the past meet the dangers of the present... Lara flies to Malta to personally furnish the home of Toronto's Martin Galea, whose reputation as an architect is rivaled only by his reputation as a womanizer. But when he turns up dead, Lara soon finds out that her client and his new home share a troubled past--a past that stretches back to the ancient world, and reaches out with the insidious hand of modern intrigue...

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425162400
• ISBN-13: 978-0425162408
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #161,462 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 2 in The Archaeological Mystery Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Loved Malta, July 21, 2004

By	K. Moffitt "Love to read" (CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What I loved about this book was the description of Malta. It made me want to visit which I have since done. I re-read the book before my trip just for the descriptions and went to many of the places Laura went to. Hamilton's descriptions of place were excellent and accurate and added immensely to the emotion of visiting Malta. The story line was okay but not great but it does set the stage for later books by explaining how she and Rob meet. I read all of her books, more for the description of locale than for the story line. Hamilton's writing creates amazing images of locale and to me this is one of the true joys of reading. And for all of you history buffs, take a trip to Malta, you'll love it.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Lacking in depth., April 7, 1999

By A Customer

Somewhat intrigued by the cover and title, I ended up reading this book and came away disappointed. Already a short book (245 pages), it would have been even shorter had the author left out the pages of interior-design filler material and the constant archaeological lectures of the young man (I forget his name) on Malta. These lectures were the most annoying part of the story; I had the impression the author was copying information out of an encyclopedia and spitting it back out of this convenient character's mouth. Don't waste your time on this one. Tim Thompson

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footsteps..., February 28, 2007

By	SUZANNE D'AMATO "Zen" (Malta) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I came across this book while waiting for my flight in an airport bookstore - and immediately grabbed it and purchased it - and am glad and grateful that I did. I read it all on my flight back home.... to Malta! It made me re-discover and appreciate my own country's heritage and ancient treasures.

What I enjoyed most in the book is the speech of the Goddess during the visit to the pre-historic temple of Mnajdra. It is a truly special place, located on top of a cliff providing a breath-taking view of the majestic mediterranean sea, with cool clean fresh air, and the aromatic smell of the wild plants.

It is now my favourite spot and go there as often as I can, to re-connect with my spirit and feel the magic of the place. Historians still argue today about the age of the temples. Most of them state a fixed 3000 BC, however there are other experts who have studied the rocks, and dated them back to Antideluvian times - ie: before the great flood which is said to have happened some 10,500-9,500 BC.

Other readers have expressed their desire to go to Malta in their reviews below. I encourage you all to do so, and visit Mnajdra. It is the 'real pearl' of the island. Unfortunately there has been episodes where the temple suffered vandalism and other harmful events. So please remember, take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footsteps! And enjoy!