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Rogue Angel #45
Sunken Pyramid
At the bottom of a lake lies an ancient cache worth killing for
The note from her friend and colleague had read "I have quite the monster for you to chase, dear Annja." And then before she could speak to him, he'd been found dead in the hotel's stairwell. It didn't seemed possible. Annja Creed had been looking forward to three days of geeking out at the archaeology conference in Madison, Wisconsin, and then this tragedy strikes. And his is only the first death over the long weekend.
Determined to investigate her friend's death and find out why another colleague she trusts is arrested as the prime suspect Annja starts gathering the pieces of a cryptic puzzle. A small collection of Mayan gold medallions. The death of a potter. The violent appearance of a teenaged girl with a strange green knife. And at the center of the puzzle, an ancient mound pyramid purportedly hidden at the bottom of a Wisconsin lake. That's a discovery that could completely rewrite Mesoamerican history.
With each puzzle piece Annja Creed discovers, the mystery grows more dangerous. And what she knows can and probably will kill her.
The note from her friend and colleague had read "I have quite the monster for you to chase, dear Annja." And then before she could speak to him, he'd been found dead in the hotel's stairwell. It didn't seemed possible. Annja Creed had been looking forward to three days of geeking out at the archaeology conference in Madison, Wisconsin, and then this tragedy strikes. And his is only the first death over the long weekend.
Determined to investigate her friend's death and find out why another colleague she trusts is arrested as the prime suspect Annja starts gathering the pieces of a cryptic puzzle. A small collection of Mayan gold medallions. The death of a potter. The violent appearance of a teenaged girl with a strange green knife. And at the center of the puzzle, an ancient mound pyramid purportedly hidden at the bottom of a Wisconsin lake. That's a discovery that could completely rewrite Mesoamerican history.
With each puzzle piece Annja Creed discovers, the mystery grows more dangerous. And what she knows can and probably will kill her.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 2, 2013
6 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Alex Archer
99 books237 followersA house name for the Rogue Angel series, published by the Harlequin Publishing's Gold Eagle division.
The first eight novels were written by Victor Milan and Mel Odom. New writers joining the series starting with book nine include Jon Merz and Joseph Nassise.
The first eight novels were written by Victor Milan and Mel Odom. New writers joining the series starting with book nine include Jon Merz and Joseph Nassise.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 22, 2015
Might be better than Godzilla's secret recipe for hot sauce. I wouldn't know because I skipped a bunch. Superbabe uses Joan of Arc's handy disappearing sword. I liked the choice of content, but it felt airy and lacking substance. Like a giant arrow pointed at one showdown. "Our" modern world is never as cool as Fantasyland. I must admit my jealousy for anybody who can write sixty books in the same series. That never gets old, just ask my pal Herovit. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9...
November 16, 2022
This story, the 45th installment in the series and the 9th book for me, was significantly better than the other 8 I have read. As I have stated in other reviews of this series, Alex Archer is a pen name for a collection of several authors that the publisher uses for the Rogue Angel series. The true author for each book is mentioned inside the front cover on the copyright page but nowhere else. This book, "Sunken Pyramid" was written by Jean Rabe, who has penned only 3 others in the series.
I found this book more readable, the descriptions better, the character portrayals more clearly written, a little more gritty and done in a way that captured the humanity, both good and bad, especially well of each of the characters, especially of the 3 primary characters, Annya, Garin and Roux.
My appreciation for the quality of the writing of this story was especially keen because I had just read no. 43 in the series, "Clockwork Doomsday" which I found to be especially lacking in charm and likeability.
To compare, I would give Clockwork Doomsday a 2 and I gave Sunken Pyramid a 3.5.
I am wondering how far the publisher intends to take the series. No. 49 has been announced but no farther than that. Perhaps they will end at 50, or maybe they will continue on indefinitely to 60, 70 and beyond. Whatever they do, I would dearly love to get more insight into the background of the 3 primary characters and especially of Garin and Roux.
I found this book more readable, the descriptions better, the character portrayals more clearly written, a little more gritty and done in a way that captured the humanity, both good and bad, especially well of each of the characters, especially of the 3 primary characters, Annya, Garin and Roux.
My appreciation for the quality of the writing of this story was especially keen because I had just read no. 43 in the series, "Clockwork Doomsday" which I found to be especially lacking in charm and likeability.
To compare, I would give Clockwork Doomsday a 2 and I gave Sunken Pyramid a 3.5.
I am wondering how far the publisher intends to take the series. No. 49 has been announced but no farther than that. Perhaps they will end at 50, or maybe they will continue on indefinitely to 60, 70 and beyond. Whatever they do, I would dearly love to get more insight into the background of the 3 primary characters and especially of Garin and Roux.
July 24, 2014
Forty-fifth in the Rogue Angel urban fantasy series revolving around an independent archeologist, Annja Creed. This story takes place in Wisconsin.
My Take
Archer really makes you work for the connection here, starting with a young girl who wants to make her mark and knows better than her elders. A very Clive Cussler beginning to Sunken Pyramid. I am confused about the scene with the pelts; it sounds like she’s added her brother’s “pelt” to her pile?? Nor do I understand what tipped Nahkom off to her new status.
I can’t really blame Greene for wanting Annja out of there. It’s against police procedure and what can she know about proper forensic procedure. He doesn’t know her, what her skills are, so it’s rather annoying that she is so persistent. It doesn’t feel right. Manny’s actions manage to slide in under the wire, barely. I wish Archer had emphasized Manny’s dislike of Greene more, made it more believable.
Garin is somewhat out of character in this. He’s actually considerate of others! That or he needs a challenge and that’s why he’s showing himself off to Annja, lol. Of course, his childish side also shows. Poor Rembert! He wants to be around Annja as little as possible, and here’s Garin telling him to stick close to her if he wants to live!
Interesting connections about the Mayans in Florida and moving into Georgia. I did enjoy Archer’s theory about Lake Mayaimi. Edgar believes the Mayan arrived from the completely opposite direction.
Ambushes, a sting, chases, and a fascinating dive into Rock Lake with its sunken pyramid.
Basically, it's just a story that adheres to the Rogue Angel storyline because it involves the characters and archeology, otherwise it's missing the boat in too many ways. If I were to rate this on it being part of the Rogue Angel series, it'd have to be a"2", still it's an adventurous story…
The Story
Annja’s here on her dime --- she wants no one else to have a say in how she spends her time! --- as a speaker in two panels. As for Rembert, he’s free to shoot stuff on the side, and he has an eye for murder.
Lucky, since there is one murder after another in Madison, Wisconsin, right along with groups of smugglers. One of which is after the find Edgar made, the one with which he wanted Annja’s help to prove that the Mayans originated from the North.
Another mystery exists in the young girl with the knife who attacks Annja, again and again.
The Characters
Annja Creed is an independent archeologist who uses the income from her hostess duties with the television show, Chasing History's Monsters, to finance the digs she loves. Rembert Hayes is a longtime professional when it comes to cameras, and if he didn't desperately need the money for baby Colton, he wouldn't be doing this shoot with Annja. Not after that shoot in Avignon. Doug Morrell is the producer for the show, and surprisingly enough, one of her friends.
Garin Braden, a.k.a., Gary Knight, is over 500 years old and was once one of Joan of Arc's protectors. Now, he's a very wealthy, remorseless man. Keiko is a waitress he picked up in Chicago; Berdina is a gift shop attendant he picks up in Stuttgart. Roux was the knight he served; they now exist as frenemies with Annja's existence between them.
Dr. Edgar Schwartz is an old friend and colleague who specializes in the Anasazi. Dr. Peter Chiapont is another colleague and an expert on Egyptian architecture. Dr. LaVerne Steger, Elyse Hapgood, and Dr. Olivia Rouse are also at the conference. Gregor "Papa" Papadopoulos is a local archeologist involved with Edgar in some secret project. His specialty is the indigenous people of Wisconsin and northern Illinois from the 1600s and 1700s.
Lieutenant Arnold Greene is in charge and wants Annja gone. Detective Manny Rizzo is about to retire, and he thinks Schwartz was murdered.
The ruthless Willamar Aeschelman, a.k.a., Dreschler, is participating in the conference, primarily because he's picking up and auctioning off illegal artifacts. Stephanie "Stevie" Granger is one of his thugs.
Katrina Jacoby is a television news reporter. Robert "Bobby" Wolfe is a professional diver. Joe Stever was a potter; his cousin, Sully, runs a junk shop. George Bamford and Kip are friends of Sully's and just as fascinated by Her Imperial Snakeship, a.k.a., Mishegenabeg, or Anamaqkiu, which is also the name of the girl with the knife. Sully loans Annja, H.I.S. for her diving adventures. Keesha Donaldson is a big fan of Annja's, and Mitch is her uninterested friend.
In the prologue
Nahkom is a girl who prefers hunting to chores; Cha-kau-ka is her annoying little brother. The Anamaqkiu are dark spirits of the underworld.
The Cover
The cover is a night battle at the lake with Annja in her khaki field jacket and jeans, wielding Joan of Arc's sword while on the run. There's a bit of wind that night and a full moon overhead.
The title is the treasure here, the Sunken Pyramid.
My Take
Archer really makes you work for the connection here, starting with a young girl who wants to make her mark and knows better than her elders. A very Clive Cussler beginning to Sunken Pyramid. I am confused about the scene with the pelts; it sounds like she’s added her brother’s “pelt” to her pile?? Nor do I understand what tipped Nahkom off to her new status.
I can’t really blame Greene for wanting Annja out of there. It’s against police procedure and what can she know about proper forensic procedure. He doesn’t know her, what her skills are, so it’s rather annoying that she is so persistent. It doesn’t feel right. Manny’s actions manage to slide in under the wire, barely. I wish Archer had emphasized Manny’s dislike of Greene more, made it more believable.
Garin is somewhat out of character in this. He’s actually considerate of others! That or he needs a challenge and that’s why he’s showing himself off to Annja, lol. Of course, his childish side also shows. Poor Rembert! He wants to be around Annja as little as possible, and here’s Garin telling him to stick close to her if he wants to live!
Interesting connections about the Mayans in Florida and moving into Georgia. I did enjoy Archer’s theory about Lake Mayaimi. Edgar believes the Mayan arrived from the completely opposite direction.
Ambushes, a sting, chases, and a fascinating dive into Rock Lake with its sunken pyramid.
Basically, it's just a story that adheres to the Rogue Angel storyline because it involves the characters and archeology, otherwise it's missing the boat in too many ways. If I were to rate this on it being part of the Rogue Angel series, it'd have to be a"2", still it's an adventurous story…
The Story
Annja’s here on her dime --- she wants no one else to have a say in how she spends her time! --- as a speaker in two panels. As for Rembert, he’s free to shoot stuff on the side, and he has an eye for murder.
Lucky, since there is one murder after another in Madison, Wisconsin, right along with groups of smugglers. One of which is after the find Edgar made, the one with which he wanted Annja’s help to prove that the Mayans originated from the North.
Another mystery exists in the young girl with the knife who attacks Annja, again and again.
The Characters
Annja Creed is an independent archeologist who uses the income from her hostess duties with the television show, Chasing History's Monsters, to finance the digs she loves. Rembert Hayes is a longtime professional when it comes to cameras, and if he didn't desperately need the money for baby Colton, he wouldn't be doing this shoot with Annja. Not after that shoot in Avignon. Doug Morrell is the producer for the show, and surprisingly enough, one of her friends.
Garin Braden, a.k.a., Gary Knight, is over 500 years old and was once one of Joan of Arc's protectors. Now, he's a very wealthy, remorseless man. Keiko is a waitress he picked up in Chicago; Berdina is a gift shop attendant he picks up in Stuttgart. Roux was the knight he served; they now exist as frenemies with Annja's existence between them.
Dr. Edgar Schwartz is an old friend and colleague who specializes in the Anasazi. Dr. Peter Chiapont is another colleague and an expert on Egyptian architecture. Dr. LaVerne Steger, Elyse Hapgood, and Dr. Olivia Rouse are also at the conference. Gregor "Papa" Papadopoulos is a local archeologist involved with Edgar in some secret project. His specialty is the indigenous people of Wisconsin and northern Illinois from the 1600s and 1700s.
Lieutenant Arnold Greene is in charge and wants Annja gone. Detective Manny Rizzo is about to retire, and he thinks Schwartz was murdered.
The ruthless Willamar Aeschelman, a.k.a., Dreschler, is participating in the conference, primarily because he's picking up and auctioning off illegal artifacts. Stephanie "Stevie" Granger is one of his thugs.
Katrina Jacoby is a television news reporter. Robert "Bobby" Wolfe is a professional diver. Joe Stever was a potter; his cousin, Sully, runs a junk shop. George Bamford and Kip are friends of Sully's and just as fascinated by Her Imperial Snakeship, a.k.a., Mishegenabeg, or Anamaqkiu, which is also the name of the girl with the knife. Sully loans Annja, H.I.S. for her diving adventures. Keesha Donaldson is a big fan of Annja's, and Mitch is her uninterested friend.
In the prologue
Nahkom is a girl who prefers hunting to chores; Cha-kau-ka is her annoying little brother. The Anamaqkiu are dark spirits of the underworld.
The Cover
The cover is a night battle at the lake with Annja in her khaki field jacket and jeans, wielding Joan of Arc's sword while on the run. There's a bit of wind that night and a full moon overhead.
The title is the treasure here, the Sunken Pyramid.
July 21, 2020
3 stars.
Annja is attending a conference of archaeologists where she was supposed to meet up with a fellow archaeologist who'd told her he's discovered a big "monster" for her to chase. But he died in suspicious circumstances before her arrival. Then Garin also appeared at the conference with an assumed name and things got even more interesting when other conference attendees are found dead. Of course Annja finally figured out what it's all about but
Annja is attending a conference of archaeologists where she was supposed to meet up with a fellow archaeologist who'd told her he's discovered a big "monster" for her to chase. But he died in suspicious circumstances before her arrival. Then Garin also appeared at the conference with an assumed name and things got even more interesting when other conference attendees are found dead. Of course Annja finally figured out what it's all about but
December 26, 2013
Annja is attending an archaeology conference, only to find that an old friend who'd contacted her to meet was murdered the night before. A friend of his has also died of a heart attack. This leads to both an underground market in illegal antiquities, and a Mayan pyramid under a Wisconsin lake.
It was a fun read, but the threads of the story never really gelled. It was nice to see the return of a bit character from a previous volume in the series (no doubt written by the same author)
It was a fun read, but the threads of the story never really gelled. It was nice to see the return of a bit character from a previous volume in the series (no doubt written by the same author)
August 5, 2016
At the beginning I was totally sucked in and could not put it down. About halfway through, I realized I was pushing myself to finish it. I lost interest very quickly. It was almost torture trying to read the rest. I was REALLY hoping that it would pick back up.
July 6, 2016
Listened because I liked the premise of Mayans in Wisconsin. So so. I like the SF Graphic Audio titles better, especially Elizabeth Moon's. Many of the voice actors are the same, so I kept thinking of them as the other characters for the first couple of chapters.
October 2, 2013
3.5 stars
November 16, 2013
Pretty average for this series, and too many things were left hanging.
January 19, 2017
I'm not a big fan of books being acted rather than read, but this wasn't too bad. The story was pretty standard, but fun enough.
November 30, 2013
wonderful plot twist and turns
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews