Original Title: Golden Chariot
Author: Chris Karlsen
Publisher: Bookstogonow
Published Date: March 2012
Genre: Mystery, Contemporary Romance
The rare discovery of a ship sunk during the time of the Trojan War has been found off the coast of Turkey, near Troy. Charlotte Dashiell is an American nautical archaeologist and thrilled to be part of the recovery team. The wreck may contain proof of her highly controversial theory about the Trojan War.
Charlotte is present when the Turkish government agent assigned to guard the site is murdered. Her possible involvement and a questionable connection to a private collector of black market relics bring her under suspicion. Atakan Vadim is the Turkish agent sent to investigate her. Unknown to either of them, the smuggler behind the murder plans to steal a valuable artifact and frame Charlotte for the theft...after they murder her.
Shouts of “fire” came from all sides of the camp. The west wind blew sparks in the direction of the lab. They could lose the entire camp, but not the lab, not the artifacts.
Charlotte grabbed an empty barrel from the fire line. She ran with it and started climbing the stairs to the shower stall’s water tank. A man’s large hand covered her mouth. His other hand brandished a gun. With the cold barrel to her ear, he walked her backwards down the few steps to the ground.
“Don’t scream.” Little-by-little his palm came away from her mouth.
Charlotte is an American archaeologist, who wishes to prove an interesting theory about Trojan Wars. She travels to the Turkish Coast and caught in a shipwreck..not only that, but also she becomes the prime suspect to the murder that takes place in that ship. Atakan is the male, who is responsible to investigate that murder. He was annoyingly suspicious on Charlotte at first. But, when Atakan knows that Charlotte is not behind the murder, the attraction between the couple grow. Yeah, there is romance and its good. Will Atakan be able to bring the real murderers, saving Charlotte? Is Charlotte's interesting theory true?
Charlotte and Atakan's adventures in undersea are really cool stuff and their discovery of Tron's and Trojan War's artifacts are really amusing. The character formation and dialogue writing was so good. Although I am new to the author, this author is one of those talents that I missed out. The Trojan War facts are interesting to read and felt like reading one of Dan Brown's.
Romance and mystery combined, this book was a great read!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.
My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.
I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream.
I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.
Chris will award eBook copies of her paranormal romance series to one commenter at every stop, a $75 Amazon GC grand prize to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Author: Chris Karlsen
Publisher: Bookstogonow
Published Date: March 2012
Genre: Mystery, Contemporary Romance
The rare discovery of a ship sunk during the time of the Trojan War has been found off the coast of Turkey, near Troy. Charlotte Dashiell is an American nautical archaeologist and thrilled to be part of the recovery team. The wreck may contain proof of her highly controversial theory about the Trojan War.
Charlotte is present when the Turkish government agent assigned to guard the site is murdered. Her possible involvement and a questionable connection to a private collector of black market relics bring her under suspicion. Atakan Vadim is the Turkish agent sent to investigate her. Unknown to either of them, the smuggler behind the murder plans to steal a valuable artifact and frame Charlotte for the theft...after they murder her.
EXCERPT
Shouts of “fire” came from all sides of the camp. The west wind blew sparks in the direction of the lab. They could lose the entire camp, but not the lab, not the artifacts.
Charlotte grabbed an empty barrel from the fire line. She ran with it and started climbing the stairs to the shower stall’s water tank. A man’s large hand covered her mouth. His other hand brandished a gun. With the cold barrel to her ear, he walked her backwards down the few steps to the ground.
“Don’t scream.” Little-by-little his palm came away from her mouth.
REVIEW
Charlotte is an American archaeologist, who wishes to prove an interesting theory about Trojan Wars. She travels to the Turkish Coast and caught in a shipwreck..not only that, but also she becomes the prime suspect to the murder that takes place in that ship. Atakan is the male, who is responsible to investigate that murder. He was annoyingly suspicious on Charlotte at first. But, when Atakan knows that Charlotte is not behind the murder, the attraction between the couple grow. Yeah, there is romance and its good. Will Atakan be able to bring the real murderers, saving Charlotte? Is Charlotte's interesting theory true?
Charlotte and Atakan's adventures in undersea are really cool stuff and their discovery of Tron's and Trojan War's artifacts are really amusing. The character formation and dialogue writing was so good. Although I am new to the author, this author is one of those talents that I missed out. The Trojan War facts are interesting to read and felt like reading one of Dan Brown's.
Romance and mystery combined, this book was a great read!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.
My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.
I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream.
I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.
GIVEAWAY
Chris will award eBook copies of her paranormal romance series to one commenter at every stop, a $75 Amazon GC grand prize to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
JUST LEAVE A COMMENT TO THE AUTHOR WITH YOUR EMAIL ID TO ENTER $75 GC GIVEAWAY.
OPEN INTERNATIONALLY! ENDS MAY 25TH 2012!
this is great!
ReplyDeletehttp://hailgil.blogspot.com/
Hi Gil,
DeleteThank you. This was a fun story to write.
Chris
What a colorful background you have. I was intriqued and can't wait to read your book! lisarayns(at)yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
DeleteI liked being a detective but never desired to write cop stories. I hope you enjoy the book. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you finish.
Chris
www.chriskarlsen.com
awesome! :D
ReplyDeletearagonmarius(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Marius,
DeleteThank you. It's always nice to hear an "awesome," in regards to a story.
Chris
Thank you for the wonderful excerpt & review. I have GOLDEN CHARIOT on my wish list.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Hello again, Marybelle. I'm glad you liked the excerpt. I'm certainly pleased with the review. I'm working on a trailer for Golden Chariot, which will be on my website and You Tube when I finish:)
DeleteChris
Trojan War? That sounds intriguing!
ReplyDeleteAlso, it's so nice to hear the author has rescue dogs and a horse! Lovely! :)
Thank you for the giveaway!
shilohova@gmail.com
Hi Petra,
DeleteI originally planned for Golden Chariot to take place in Istanbul and involve artifact smuggling. When I visited the ruins of Troy, I knew I wanted a different story, one that involved artifact smuggling still but the Trojan War too.
Chris
Oh wow! Mystery AND romance? I love them both. :)
ReplyDeletepragyasharma_100@yahoo.co.in
Hi,
DeleteI think you'll have fun with the story as it combines not only mystery and romance but history and thriller moments and a lovely Aegean Sea setting.
Chris
This sounds really interesting. I like the excerpt it's a really great teaser because you want to know what happens next. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteboriquaprincess@hotmail.com
Hi Cathy,
DeleteI'm glad you like the excerpt. It's often a toss up as what to include in an excerpt that does tease and intrigue:)
Chris
Chris is definitely a new author for me but knowing that her new book combined my favourite genres (part historical, part mystery, part romance) surely piqued my interest. Happy to hear that it's good and I cannot wait to read it myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review.
shy8629(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Shy,
DeleteI liked including a mix of things in the story and those that you mentioned are all interests of mine too. I hope you enjoy the story. I'd love to hear from you on it.
Chris
www.chriskarlsen.com
chriskarlsenwriter@gmail.com
I know absolutely nothing about the Trojan War.. this might be an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteHi Oddduck,
DeleteThe Trojan War was the subject of Homer's epic poem, The Iliad. The characters of that poem inspired my heroine, Charlotte in Golden Chariot.
Chris
Sounds interesting, I love The Trojan War (abouttoread@gmail.com)!
ReplyDeleteHI Tiffany,
DeleteI found the ruins of Troy inspiring. I have posted some pictures of it on my Pinterest Boards. The time frame of the war, The Bronze Age, is a particular interest to me as it relates to that part of the Near East.
Chris
This seems like a very interesting read! I would love to read and then can post a review on my blog.
ReplyDeletepiabernardino[at]bermillion[dot]com
Hi Pia,
DeleteThank you for the compliment. It would be great to have you review Golden Chariot on your blog also and much appreciated.
Chris
I love the cover! And the Trojan War sure is an interesting subject to read about ^^
ReplyDeleteellaangelus@gmail.com
Hi Ella,
DeleteThank you, I liked the cover too. My dear friend and fellow author, Jenni Conner, created it for me. I'm glad the subject matter interests you. The war and Troy are fascinating, IMO.
Chris
Sounds great! I love the Trojan War in plots!
ReplyDeletelterek1027@gmail.com
Hi Devoted,
DeleteThank you for the compliment. The war offers so many different views and makes for a good subject.
Chris
Your great experiences and love of books and travel make me really anxious to read your book!
ReplyDeletelahlstedt (at) gmail (dot) com
Hi Lisanne,
DeleteI am grateful everyday for the opportunities I've had, traveling is at the top. There's so many wonderful books, I doubt I could read all of them in 5 lifetimes.
Chris
I was looking at your other books at your website, both of which seem like very good books too. In each of your books, while all seem to have a touch of paranormal, it appears you have switched genres to some extent; a couple of time-travel back to medieval times and a modern day setting with mystery-suspense & paranormal elements. What prompted the change?
ReplyDeleteHi again Karen,
DeleteI love to write about what interests me. Time-travel, medieval history, the Trojan War, archaeology are all intriguing to me. By writing in two different sub-genres, I could create stories that covered all those. I've finished the draft of the sequel to Golden Chariot and am currently working on book 3 or my paranormal romance series, Knights in Time. I like to hear what you thought of the trailers on my website for Heroes Live Forever and Journey in Time.
Chris
I want to thank Books are Magic for inviting me here today and for the lovely review. I'm enjoying all the comments. I'll try to answer each during the day.
ReplyDeleteChris
I've always been intrigued by the Trojan War, and you don't see too many modern-day references to it...
ReplyDeletevitajex(at)aol(dot)com
Hi Anonymous,
DeleteYou're right, we don't see many references to the Trojan War these days. I don't know why as there's ongoing archaeological work and new discoveries all the time. Have to keep watching the History Channel with fingers crossed.
Chris
Sounds awesome! I love archeological fiction, and the Trojan War is fascinating. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletenmetolen@gmail.com
Hi Nikki,
DeleteThank you for the awesome. Always cool to hear. I love archaeology and love it in fiction too. I hope you like the story and wish you good luck.
Chris
Thank you for the giveaway. I look forward to reading your book.
ReplyDeletecathygarcia51(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Hi Cathy,
DeleteI would love to hear back from you on the book. I can be contacted through my website: www.chriskarlsen.com or via email: chriskarlsenwriter@gmail.com.
Chris
Thank you for hosting Chris today.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great review. Sounds like this is a book worth reading.
ReplyDeleteHI MomJane,
DeleteIt was a great review and I appreciate Vidya's thoughts. I wish you good reading and enjoy the book.
Chris
love this blog and decided to follow it! www.amysbooketlist.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteHi Amy,
ReplyDeleteWelcome and I am glad you chose to follow today. I hope you love the book too.
Chris
The book sounds really interesting! Thanks for sharing it & getting it on my radar!
ReplyDeletestephward84(at)hotmail(dot)com
HI Steph,
DeleteI am thrilled to be on the radar:) Hope you like the book. I have photos related to the story on my Pinterest page:http://pinterest.com/chriskarlsen/
Chris
This book sounds like it is along the lines of an amazing Clive Cussler. With historical background so the reader can come out with a bit of knowledge as well as the thrill of a murder mystery...with a modern Damsel in distress in the form of Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteThis goes on my TBR pile for sure!
Thanks for sharing and best of luck with this and all your books.
M.C.V. Egan
The Bridge of Deaths
m_c_v_egan@yahoo.com
Hi Catalina,
DeleteI'm flattered to have my book mentioned in the same sentence as Clive Cussler. Thank you for the good luck wishes. I'd love to hear from you after you get to read Golden Chariot.
Chris
I have to admit that I probably wouldn't pick this up on my own, so thank you for the review. I will have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteHi Steph,
DeleteI'm so glad Vidya's review struck a cord with you and I hope you will get the book and enjoy the story.
Chris
I have not read your book, (tho I intend to) but I see that many of the comments here are about the Trojan War, and how much readers enjoy reading about it. Do not ya feel that you've put that piece of history into Parentheses? I mean, what would you think about a story that takes place during the Trojan War? Would there be a difference in marketing strategy? I realize you have to scratch where it itches, but perhaps you could share some of your decision-making process. Just askin'.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlie,
DeleteThere's a series I like by the late David Gemmell that takes place during the Trojan War. My inspiration came from walking the walls of the ruins of Troy. I wanted my heroine to pay homage to the heroes of Troy (if the war took place). I used her to present an alternate but controversial theory to the alleged war. My intent was to write a romantic thriller rather than a historical. Yes, I think the marketing is different. When I wrote Golden Chariot, I wasn't writing to the market as I didn't know if the interest in the war was there. I wrote to the characters and the situation. My two paranormal romances open with the characters in the historical period and then I move them around in various time periods.
Chris
What? You can't just finish an excerpt like THAT.. Now, I want to know what's next..
ReplyDeleter.vicky44@gmail.com
Hi Vignesh,
DeleteI am glad you got a kick out of the excerpt. I could tell you what happens next but hope you'll read the book and tell me how you liked it @www.chriskarlsen.com. Photos and more related to the book can be found on my pinterest page: pinterest.com/chriskarlsen
Chris
Sounds like an interesting premise. Thank you for the excerpt (although it is much too short!). Good luck with the release and thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteelewkf1 at yahoo dot com
Hi Elf,
DeleteI appreciate you like the premise. I can tell you that things get worse before they get better for Charlotte (the next few chapters after the excerpt). Good luck to you on the giveaway.
Chris
Great review and thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletethrouthehaze at gmail dot com
Hi Throuthehaze,
DeleteWe talked earlier today at another stop. I am thrilled with the good review and hope you're interest is piqued:)
Chris
Good review, Vidya...comparing to Dan Brown--that's high praise!
ReplyDeletecatherinelee100 at gmail dot com
HI Catherine Lee,
DeleteIt is high praise. I am thrilled with Vidya's comparison.
Chris
This sounds like a great read! Thank you for the review and excerpt!
ReplyDeletespeck.sw@gmail.com
HI Susan,
DeleteThank you for the kind words. Glad you liked the excerpt:)
Chris
SOUNDS AMAZING, THANKS
ReplyDeleteSKYANGELHC@YAHOO.COM
Hi Skyangel,
DeleteThank you. I'm glad you're intrigued:)
Chris
Great giveaway!!! It seems a book, just right for my brother..he thrives on thriller novels..he will love it.
ReplyDeleteharsha_8418@yahoo.co.in
HiHarsha,
DeleteWhat a nice sister you are:) Let me know what he thinks.
I can be contacted at chriskarlsenwriter@gmail.com
Chris
New to Trojan War, like to try it.
ReplyDeletesound4peace at gmail dot com
Hi Satheesh,
DeleteIt's a fascinating period in history, IMO. I have photos of the region and shipwrecks and some on Troy on my boards at pinterest.com/chriskarlsen
Chris
Great! Thanks for inviting us to this great giveaway . Does this novel has anything to do with Troy movie? Because I know only that, LOL
ReplyDeleterajeshrk1988 at gmail dot com
Hi Rajesh,
DeleteNo, the novel is nothing like the movie. The heroine, Charlotte's theory deals with characters from the Iliad, which the movie is based upon.
Chris
This looks like an awesome book! Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletebeautybriteblog at yahoo dot com
Hi Charisma,
DeleteThank you for the kind words. I hope you enjoy the story.
Chris
Wow. Sounds like a a very absorbing read! I have always loved that time period and to put such intrigue into the plot, well I'll absolutely want to read this. Thanks for the giveaway. I could sure use one. Charlotte sounds like a spunky woman who will be very interesting! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Debra Jayne,
DeleteDoing the research on the period was both daunting and fascinating. I read many good books and articles and saw a number of interesting DVDs. Yes, Charlotte is not easily intimidated:)
Chris
I'm somewhat curious about the names, Vadim sounds more Russian than Turkish, how did you come up with it?
ReplyDeleteanzuazura at yahoo dot de
Hi Lana,
ReplyDeleteI did a search for both Turkish boy's names and surnames on a couple of sites. I was a bit surprised by Vadim also. I remember it belonging to the late French movie director, Roger Vadim and thought it French. Who knew:) Atakan means belonging to his "ancestors." All the Turkish names came from the sites I searched.
Chris
Thank you so much for this giveaway..its still May 25th here..so I am still in, right?
ReplyDeleteHi, old follower! Great giveaway
ReplyDeletesuba.478 at gmail dot com
Trojan wars huh? Great new topic in a whirl of contemporary romances. Would like to read it. sharmi.jagan@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am not much into reading..but, who can avoid a good thriller. I am in.
ReplyDeleteMail ID: jayantikumari.2010 at gmail dot com