Customer Reviews

The Pictograph Murders

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I loved this book! I chose this book for my book club to read last month and we all enjoyed it very much and look forward to the sequel. There are many topics of interest and layers to this book so we had a great discussion. I liked how the character of Alex developed through the book. Tony was positively creepy! The author did a great job with him as protagonist. The Indian folklore throughout this book was enchanting, enriching and extremely interesting. You can tell the author really loves the desert, outdoors, and has experienced life which is all to the readers benefit since we are able to revel in her descriptive phraseology - beautiful use of language! All in all an impressive first book.

This is a great murder mystery. It could be considered reminiscent of Hercule Poirot, but it definitely stands on its own. Pictograph Murders is set in the American southwest and the desert flavor is evident throughout. If you've never experienced the desert with its intense kind of sunlight, then you might wonder what all the serenading in Pictograph Murders is all about. It's right on the mark. Alex, the main character, thrives on sunlight and this serves as a clue that the book works on many levels of symbolism. Sure, there's a crime scene and suspenseful plot twists. The ending is satisfying and atypical of murder musteries, which is part of the reason why I liked the way it played out. The book is also a philosophical debate, sometimes carried out right amongst the characters. It's a distant mythos turned immediate reality. It could be a horror story masking as a murder mystery. Poirot should wear so many hats!
One thing's for sure: you can't make this book be what you want it to be. Let it keep changing right in front of your eyes. It's not a weakness due to inconsistencies or an author who couldn't make up their mind. It's the book.
I enjoyed this book a great deal! It bears rereading, which is my standard for judging a book. I highly reccomend it.

The Pictograph Murders by P. G. Karamesines is the story of Alex McKelvey and her desperate struggle to seek happiness by moving to the desert country of Utah with Kit, her Siberian husky. Swiftly carrying readers through a purely captivating tale of mystery and suspense that continues to hold the readers full and unabated attention from first page to last, The Pictograph Murders compels Alex through an investigation involving the archeological study of pots, witchcraft, and murder as the archaeological excavation site-owner disappears, and Alex's only lead is the site itself, and the mysterious arrival of a Coyote-figured stranger. A beautifully crafted mystery thriller, The Pictograph Murders is very highly recommended for mystery buffs as an enthralling tale of murder, archeology, myth, and an eccentric young woman who is determined to discover the truth.

Pictograph Murders pulls you in during its early chapters of character building supported with intriquing Indian folklore story. The read teases your mind as you become more entrenched in both subtle and overt plot and character twists. By half way through the book you want to cancel other plans and keep reading...by two thirds of the way through you DO cancel other plans and keep reading! I can hardly wait for the sequel, Loon Woman, to come out!

Karamesines is an exceptional writer. Her images are vivid and inspirational. Alex, the main character, is wonderful. I was drawn to her and her companion, Kit, instantly. I can't wait to see where Karamesines takes them next.
I was not able to put this book down! I am ready to join an archeological dig today!