Customer Reviews

The Maltese Goddess (Archaeological Mysteries, No. 2)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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

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!

I like Lyn Hamilton's style of writing, and I like the way she really gives a complete picture of her locales. I like the character of Lara also, and I don't find her coy or pretentious. That said, this isn't the best of these books, but it is worth reading. It fills in the story of how Lyn meets Rob, and how their friendship develops.

The story is slow in some places, and I didn't find a lot intrigue as I have in her other books. I enjoyed it nonetheless.

This is my second Lyn Hamilton Lara McClintock mystery. I didn't much care for the first one, but I thought, hey, maybe she got better. Well, she got more facile. Once again the reseach is fine and the subject matter interesting. Once again the set-up is fine and the resolution flaccid. And, please, Lyn, spare us the introductory feminism. We're grownups now. It seems to me that Hamilton is writing a book about a book, keeping herself at arm's length from material that ought to be be better served. And yet... and yet, I've already bought the 3rd book in the series hoping against hope that what Lyn Hamilton's got going for her as a writer will find someplace to go.

Though her antiquities store is located in Toronto, Lara McClintock is at her happiest when she travels the world, seeking priceless artifacts for her clients. Her successes have gained her renowned architect Martin Galea as her latest client. This does not turn out as well as expected since the womanizing egotist expects immediate service. His newest demand is for Lara to fly to Malta to organize his newly purchased home for a party being thrown in a few weeks.

Almost from her first step on the fog laden island, Lara feels a sense of foreboding that threatens to overwhelm her sanity. Cut brake lines and dead cats left near her front entrance make her feel that someone wants her out of the house. Furniture begins to arrive. However, one of the pieces contains Martin's corpse. Flush from a recent successful investigation of a Mexican homicide (see THE XIBALBA MURDERS), Lara begins to investigate. She is unaware that her actions could result in international repercussions.

After reading this exotically absorbing and culturally colorful archeological thriller, readers will want to fly to Malta to hear the siren's song. Lyn Hamilton is a gifted writer, who has created an intricate who-done-it wrapped inside a mystical tale that cleverly links past Goddess worship to current events. THE MALTESE GODDESS is a terrific read that would make a tremendous movie.

Harriet Klausner

Mr. Galea, a very good customer of Lara, buys some antiques in her shop, but needs here to put everything in his maltese house for an important party. Paying her well for that, she can't refuse to fly to Malta and arrange that. But what a surprise when he arrives dead at destination inside a piece of furniture. Lara is suspected of the murder, so she has to investigate to find out the real one.

Still with an archeological link, still a good story, but still not at the level of the first of her. You will see the real Lyn Hamilton again in the next book, THE CELTIC RIDDLE, but why not read all of them in the chronological order, it is much better !