Effigies

Love this series

While I'm usually drawn to hard science fiction & hard crime/thriller novels, somehow, I found my way to this series. I, absolutely, love it! Imho, literary works of art.

Great Read!

Imaginative and fun to read (listen to). It is fascinating and fun to learn about archeology, Mississippi's landscape, the South's and Native American peoples' culture, traditions and folk tales as Mrs. Evens takes us on Faye's imaginary journey and discoveries. The author's experiences as a Mississipian, as well as extensive research into the past and current history of the before mentioned groups of people and places played an integral part in making this story believable. Together the story, the characters and the narrator draw the listener into the imaginary setting and allow them to use critical thinking and fantasy as they try to solve the mystery and picture the events and happenings as they unfold. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

A Solid Four Stars

Mary Anna Evans's storytelling talent is excellent and her prose lovely. I learn much about the southeast US, too, while I listen, a region whose people and history I know little about, except for it's ante bellum through reconstruction years.
Plus I met her. For all she's studied, researched, travelled, and given of herself for us, her readers, she's as humble as her heroine's friend, Joe.
So, why just four stars? It's the literature within the story that supports the plot and the atmosphere. I've just never been a fan of that technique. I find it distracting.
But that my only complaint. I'm glad I've got so many more of her novels to look forward to.

Enjoy the journey!

Loved historical based stories and the tangible descriptions that make you feel you were there.

I've had that song stuck in my head

the entire time. Since the first time Choctaw was mention.

Choctaw Ridge. The day that Billy Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge.

Seems like nothin' ever comes to no good up on Choctaw Ridge

Anyone else hear this song during this reading?

D~

3.5

Faye and Joe are working on an archaeological dig in Mississippi. The story explores the relations between the Native Americans (and how archaeologists interact with their history), and their white and African American neighbors. The characters are interesting and well drawn. The mystery was interesting. I have to admit that I did not care for the Perry Mason moment towards the end because it just seemed so implausible. Overall, this is a series worth returning to.

Not just a Mystery- but great Historical Fiction!

Any additional comments?

I love everything about this series, including author notes at the end at the end of each book that clarifies facts versus fiction, and where to find more information on the topics used in her plots. Interpersonal relationships are complex but love interests clean enough to keep it from being labeled a "romance". And if the science doesn't inspire a new generation of archeologists, ...then maybe someone should check for a blood pressure...

A very good read

This one was not as good as the first two books, but still very good. In this installment, Faye and Joe are in Mississippi digging on the Choctaw Indian reservation. There are a lot of characters and stories to follow and the plot is solid and believable. The background research into the history of the Choctaw Indians was very thorough and interesting. There is more character development for Faye and Joe. The only thing that bothered me about the book is that it was obvious who committed the crimes and why. The fact that Faye overlooked the obvious was annoying. If I could give this book 4 and a half stars I would. It's great story and series. I am moving on to the next book..

No More for Me

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. The story just did not hold my interest. I find Faye's character unbelievable and the mysteries to be light and too easy to figure out. I also am not looking for a romance in my mysteries.

Would you be willing to try another book from Mary Anna Evans? Why or why not?

No. I have listened to 3 and do not like the undertone to each book. Faye has a big chip on her shoulder and as a character in RELICS told her, "This is the 21st Century. Move on" or something to that effect.

What didn’t you like about Cassandra Campbell’s performance?

Her voice is very annoying. She reads Faye in a breathy voice, then attempts an accent for other characters that always fails. There is a sarcastic tone to her reading.

Did Effigies inspire you to do anything?

Yes, it inspired me to remove the remaining books in the series from my Wish Lists at Amazon, Audible, and my public library.