Excellent debut mystery

Artifact (A Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery Book 1)

By: Gigi Pandian

Rating: 5 of 5

“Artifact” is the first book I have read by Gigi Pandian. I have been a cozy mystery fan since my early teens when I first discovered mysteries by Elizabeth Peters (under all of her aliases), Georgette Heyer, and others. Back in the day, having a female protagonist in a mystery was unusual and I was immediately captivated by Ms. Peters’ Amelia Peabody and have read every book since. When Ms. Peters recently passed, we lost a great mystery writer.

The heroine of “Artifact” Jayla Jones, reminded me of Amelia Peabody but in a much more updated and sassy sort of way. It may be that the subject of archeology is common to both characters but I think it has as much to do with attitude. While Jayla brought Peabody to mind, she is very much her own character. In one individual, the author brings together Asia and the New World and then promptly plants her in the wilds of Scotland. Truly a global character.

In the midst of a truly fun and interesting mystery, I realized I was being given two history lessons – one about the Picts of the UK and one about India under various rulers. My knowledge about both areas is cursory and I found myself looking up information from the book to see if it was accurate. Kudos to Ms. Pandian for doing excellent research and for teaching her readers without it being a bit dry.

I have already purchased the second book in this series and look forward to reading it and the to be released third book. I am thrilled to have found a new female sleuth to follow and recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.