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thenovelbook's review against another edition
4.0
VERY evocative descriptions of some pretty impressive French sites, such as Mont St. Michel, the Louvre, Les Machines de L’Île. In fact, in Gigi Pandian's books I enjoy the sense of history and the amazing locations more than the plot itself, although the treasure always ends up being something amazing, which if it were real would have museums trampling each other to get ownership. It's always something based on or inspired by real, though perhaps obscure, history. So by the end you feel slightly more educated. :)
The author has a great sense of place. Her strength is the way her characters move around a location and make it their own, which easily brings the scene to life.
The plot itself begins with an Ocean's 12-style heist at the Louvre that seems simple but runs deep. Jaya and her sort-of boyfriend then career around France trying to figure out what's going to happen next. A lot of the scenes would translate well to a movie...
The author has a great sense of place. Her strength is the way her characters move around a location and make it their own, which easily brings the scene to life.
The plot itself begins with an Ocean's 12-style heist at the Louvre that seems simple but runs deep. Jaya and her sort-of boyfriend then career around France trying to figure out what's going to happen next. A lot of the scenes would translate well to a movie...
katreader's review against another edition
5.0
Quicksand by Gigi Pandian
The Third Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery
Once again I am swept away by Gigi Pandian. After five months with no word Lane sends Jaya a first class ticket to Paris to meet him. It's the start of the semester, she's fighting for tenure, how can she go? How can she not go? Instead of a romantic liaison, however, Jaya winds up in the middle of a con game, a major con, more dangerous than she could have imagined.
Filled with illusions, automatons, and history, we embark on another adventure, this time leaving San Fransisco for France, but with Indian history ever in the forefront. Secrets long thought lost or buried surface and there are questions of trust. Can people ever change? Do we want them to? Will the truth bring us closer, or further apart? What is it we really want? Jaya explores all of these questions, and finds something within herself as well.
I love the historical detail, even though some is fictional (and the author kindly points out fact from fiction in her author's note). The characters are so layered and discovering their truths even as they discover the truths about themselves and discover the truths about each other is fascinating. Fast paced, rich in detail, and with depth of character and story Quicksand is another great addition to the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery series. I can't wait to see what adventures lie ahead.
The Third Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery
Once again I am swept away by Gigi Pandian. After five months with no word Lane sends Jaya a first class ticket to Paris to meet him. It's the start of the semester, she's fighting for tenure, how can she go? How can she not go? Instead of a romantic liaison, however, Jaya winds up in the middle of a con game, a major con, more dangerous than she could have imagined.
Filled with illusions, automatons, and history, we embark on another adventure, this time leaving San Fransisco for France, but with Indian history ever in the forefront. Secrets long thought lost or buried surface and there are questions of trust. Can people ever change? Do we want them to? Will the truth bring us closer, or further apart? What is it we really want? Jaya explores all of these questions, and finds something within herself as well.
I love the historical detail, even though some is fictional (and the author kindly points out fact from fiction in her author's note). The characters are so layered and discovering their truths even as they discover the truths about themselves and discover the truths about each other is fascinating. Fast paced, rich in detail, and with depth of character and story Quicksand is another great addition to the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery series. I can't wait to see what adventures lie ahead.
erinnejc's review against another edition
3.0
This was another good addition to the Jaya Jones series by Gigi Pandian. I enjoyed this book, and as usual the writing was great. I only wish things between Jaya and Lane could progress quicker (but that might be the romance reader in me longing for that). Overall, great book and I look forward to more.
hugbandit7's review against another edition
4.0
I've read these books out of order so I kinda knew some things that were going to happen in this book, but not enough to ruin anything!
I have read 3 of this series now and really enjoy the historical information provided and the amount of research that had to go into writing these books. The interaction and conversations from the characters shows depth and kept me intrigued and entertained.
If you like history and mystery, you'll enjoy these books
I have read 3 of this series now and really enjoy the historical information provided and the amount of research that had to go into writing these books. The interaction and conversations from the characters shows depth and kept me intrigued and entertained.
If you like history and mystery, you'll enjoy these books
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
I always savor and slooooowly read the books in this series. I never want them to end! I want to be friends with Jaya and travel with her. She is fearless, but not in a casual devil-may-care way. It's well thought out, but not ponderously so.
I thoroughly enjoy reading books about strong women and Jaya is definitely that. She gets back in the game with Lane, her long-distance-man-with-a-past flame, and heads to France this time.
Jaya has so much crap to deal with and she has lived her life to stay focused on the task at hand. I always learn so much history while reading this series.
I really have a difficult time waiting between each one.
Hugely definite recommend.
I thoroughly enjoy reading books about strong women and Jaya is definitely that. She gets back in the game with Lane, her long-distance-man-with-a-past flame, and heads to France this time.
Jaya has so much crap to deal with and she has lived her life to stay focused on the task at hand. I always learn so much history while reading this series.
I really have a difficult time waiting between each one.
Hugely definite recommend.
mfallon3491's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
3.0
omnibozo22's review against another edition
3.0
Quicksand is the third in this series of lightweight breezy mysteries. Sanjay, the Hindi Houdini makes a small appearance in this one, though another retired magician plays a larger role in the search for ancient treasure stolen from India at the end of the 18th century. As usual, there are some rather silly plot points and decisions by the lead characters. This series would be a fun easy read for tweens, with just enough romantic tension to sustain their interest. The magic content is less engaging. I've read enough of Pandian for her writing method to become clear... make a plot point, then spend three pages in either discussion or internal hand wringing, before returning to the action. Helps fill 200 pages.
booksuperpower's review against another edition
4.0
Quicksand by Gigi Pandian is a 2015 Henery Press publication.
Fast-paced mystery and adventure!
This is the third book in the Jaya Jones Mystery series, and I must say, so far, the series gets better with each installment.
In this chapter, Jaya, a history professor, is just beginning a new semester when she receives an invitation to visit her former lover, Lane Peters, in Paris. It’s an offer she can't refuse.
However, upon arrival in France, she finds herself swept up in an intriguing adventure, packed with fascinating history, and suspense.
This is a wonderful, clean, cozy series, but it is quite unlike most of the books that meet the criteria for this mystery sub-genre. Many have likened this book to an Indiana Jones style caper, and I’d have to say that is a very apt description.
The location and historical details provided are amazing and very descriptive. The characters are fun, zany and well drawn, and there is just the right amount of romantic tension to round the story out and keep the reader invested enough to tune in for the next episode.
This story grabbed my attention from the first chapter on. I didn’t want to put it down, but also didn’t want it to end. That should just about sum it up for any book lover.
Looking forward to Jaya’s next big adventure!
4.5 stars
Fast-paced mystery and adventure!
This is the third book in the Jaya Jones Mystery series, and I must say, so far, the series gets better with each installment.
In this chapter, Jaya, a history professor, is just beginning a new semester when she receives an invitation to visit her former lover, Lane Peters, in Paris. It’s an offer she can't refuse.
However, upon arrival in France, she finds herself swept up in an intriguing adventure, packed with fascinating history, and suspense.
This is a wonderful, clean, cozy series, but it is quite unlike most of the books that meet the criteria for this mystery sub-genre. Many have likened this book to an Indiana Jones style caper, and I’d have to say that is a very apt description.
The location and historical details provided are amazing and very descriptive. The characters are fun, zany and well drawn, and there is just the right amount of romantic tension to round the story out and keep the reader invested enough to tune in for the next episode.
This story grabbed my attention from the first chapter on. I didn’t want to put it down, but also didn’t want it to end. That should just about sum it up for any book lover.
Looking forward to Jaya’s next big adventure!
4.5 stars