mfallon3491's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
3.0
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...
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
rini's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Ableism, Confinement, Death, Kidnapping, and Violence
I don't care if it's talking about an automaton, "wheelchair bound" is ableist!murderbydeath's review
4.0
The premise of the plot felt way too 'out-there' even for me, but once the story got going it was a lot of fun and the history was engaging. This one isn't a murder mystery, but much more of a cozy action-adventure a la Indiana Jones. Can't wait for the next one!
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/1153661/quicksand
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/1153661/quicksand
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