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Relic Hunters Taskforce #1
Scroll: Archaeological Thriller
Indiana Jones meets Dan Brown
Dr. Abigail Spencer is an ancient languages scholar. So why do covert agents want her dead?
When Special Agent Jack Riley asks college professor Dr. Abigail Spencer to translate an ancient copper scroll, she has no idea it will lead to the lost treasure of Croesus hidden for centuries.
When they arrive in Ephesus, their contact is dead; the scroll is gone, and mercenaries sent by a covert organization are determined to kill them.
It's a race against time for Abigail. Can she reach the treasure before the killers, and manage to stay alive?
Dr. Abigail Spencer is an ancient languages scholar. So why do covert agents want her dead?
When Special Agent Jack Riley asks college professor Dr. Abigail Spencer to translate an ancient copper scroll, she has no idea it will lead to the lost treasure of Croesus hidden for centuries.
When they arrive in Ephesus, their contact is dead; the scroll is gone, and mercenaries sent by a covert organization are determined to kill them.
It's a race against time for Abigail. Can she reach the treasure before the killers, and manage to stay alive?
294 pages, Paperback
Published August 28, 2019
210 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Hartzler
136 books177 followersUSA Today Best-selling author Ruth Hartzler spends her days writing, walking her dog, and thinking of ways to murder somebody. That's because Ruth writes cozy mysteries and adventures.
She is best known for her archaeological adventures, for which she relies upon her former career as a college professor of ancient languages and Biblical history.
She is best known for her archaeological adventures, for which she relies upon her former career as a college professor of ancient languages and Biblical history.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 15, 2019
This is a well written story that is the first in the Relic Hunters Taskforce series. The Relic agents work to keep ancient relics and artifacts from being stolen by criminals, in particular those who want to sell the items for terrorist activities.
Dr. Abigail Spencer is a professor whose specialty is ancient languages. Special Agent Jack Riley enlists Abigail's help to help translate a copper scroll that is supposed to give inventory for a treasure that is in an underground tomb or temple in Ephesus that has been hidden for centuries. After a while, it becomes apparent that there is a mole within the Taskforce group, someone working with Jack and Abigail, probably.
This is a like an Indiana Jones movie that is constant action and danger, moving from one clue to another, with mercenaries on their trails. This is a very interesting read with lots of history and clues that are from scripture references from Revelation. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Dr. Abigail Spencer is a professor whose specialty is ancient languages. Special Agent Jack Riley enlists Abigail's help to help translate a copper scroll that is supposed to give inventory for a treasure that is in an underground tomb or temple in Ephesus that has been hidden for centuries. After a while, it becomes apparent that there is a mole within the Taskforce group, someone working with Jack and Abigail, probably.
This is a like an Indiana Jones movie that is constant action and danger, moving from one clue to another, with mercenaries on their trails. This is a very interesting read with lots of history and clues that are from scripture references from Revelation. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
July 4, 2022
This book has been described as Indiana Jones meets Dan Brown & that’s pretty accurate.
Dr. Abigail Spencer is a part-time professor of ancient languages but also retained by a covert organisation as a consultant - if you have not read the short prequel to the series “Inscription” I would definitely recommend it to understand how Dr Spencer became involved with the Relic Hunters Taskforce, who aim to prevent valuable ancient relics and artifacts from being stolen by criminals/terrorists.
In this book, Abigail is asked to translate a copper scroll that is believed to lead to the treasure of Croesus, hidden for centuries. What follows is an adventure that take Abigail & the relic hunters taskforce team to Turkey on a mission to discover & secure the treasure before the enemy “Vortex” agents can find it.
From the way Abigail is whisked out of her lecture part way through, to arriving in Ephesus to discover their contact is dead, this is a race against time. There are puzzles to solve, mysteries to unravel & booby traps to contend with. Who can be trusted? Is there a mole within the Relic Hunters Taskforce?
The story was fast paced, and whilst very fantastical in places, did have a grounding in research – you can tell that the author has knowledge of the subject. I liked the biblical references, which made it quite different to some other mysteries & formed a clever structure to the plot, which ultimately is about how “treasure” will make people greedy to the point of murder.
Dr Abigail Spencer is a feisty, gritty, capable heroine and we see her holding her own amongst the men. I just hope we don’t see her become the simpering love interest in later books!
A solid 3* read, and I look forward to reading the next in the series!
Dr. Abigail Spencer is a part-time professor of ancient languages but also retained by a covert organisation as a consultant - if you have not read the short prequel to the series “Inscription” I would definitely recommend it to understand how Dr Spencer became involved with the Relic Hunters Taskforce, who aim to prevent valuable ancient relics and artifacts from being stolen by criminals/terrorists.
In this book, Abigail is asked to translate a copper scroll that is believed to lead to the treasure of Croesus, hidden for centuries. What follows is an adventure that take Abigail & the relic hunters taskforce team to Turkey on a mission to discover & secure the treasure before the enemy “Vortex” agents can find it.
From the way Abigail is whisked out of her lecture part way through, to arriving in Ephesus to discover their contact is dead, this is a race against time. There are puzzles to solve, mysteries to unravel & booby traps to contend with. Who can be trusted? Is there a mole within the Relic Hunters Taskforce?
The story was fast paced, and whilst very fantastical in places, did have a grounding in research – you can tell that the author has knowledge of the subject. I liked the biblical references, which made it quite different to some other mysteries & formed a clever structure to the plot, which ultimately is about how “treasure” will make people greedy to the point of murder.
Dr Abigail Spencer is a feisty, gritty, capable heroine and we see her holding her own amongst the men. I just hope we don’t see her become the simpering love interest in later books!
A solid 3* read, and I look forward to reading the next in the series!
March 10, 2020
Scroll (Relic Hunters) by Ruth Hartzler
I received a free copy of this book via author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's been a long time since I read a book as interesting as Scroll. It made me feel like I was in the middle of the story and being part of it.
This is a completely different genre, written by Ruth Hartzler and I can't wait to see if next book is as good as this one was.
Ruth Hartzler has shown us she can write whatever genre she wants and does it wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book via author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's been a long time since I read a book as interesting as Scroll. It made me feel like I was in the middle of the story and being part of it.
This is a completely different genre, written by Ruth Hartzler and I can't wait to see if next book is as good as this one was.
Ruth Hartzler has shown us she can write whatever genre she wants and does it wonderful.
March 22, 2020
Abigail Spencer is a part-time professor of ancient languages. Her knowledge and background have led her to be a consultant in Relic Hunters Taskforce. This group tries to protect valuable relics from use for profit by terrorists’ groups. In this book Abigail is asked to find a copper scroll that will lead to the treasure of Croesus. The search involves solving puzzles, dangerous travel, crocodiles and mercury trails. I really enjoyed this book.
March 28, 2020
Excellent, not my usual read that's for sure, but I did like it. Treasure hunting, ancient artifacts and languages are always interesting.
April 23, 2020
Good book
Easy to read and get involved in the plot. The characters we like out of Indiana Jones. It had just enough violence to keep it interesting.
Easy to read and get involved in the plot. The characters we like out of Indiana Jones. It had just enough violence to keep it interesting.
dnf
July 26, 2023I started stopped and just don't feel like starting again.
March 26, 2020
This book is not my usual cozy read but I loved it. I didn’t read Book 1 but was able to read this one as a stand-alone. Abigail is teaching when Riley walks into the classroom and makes her leave with him immediately. She gets shot at and is in a high-speed chase. I won’t say everything that happens but this book is a page-turner. At the end, fellow professor thinks she spends her spare time “quilting and baking with her Amish friends”. Little does he know, she had just returned from a trip relic hunting exotic locations with the handsome Riley, had guns pointed at her, and found a cave filled with gold artifacts. I am headed off to read Book 3!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2019
Those of you who know me know I hate writing negative reviews. I love Indiana Jones type archaeological thrillers but this book isn't one of them. The characters are paper thin, the dialogue doesn't roll off the tongue, the plot, so far as I managed to wade through it, dragged unbearably. What little I read before I threw up my hands and ran screaming into the night was dreary and boring. Life is too short. Also, the way the female lead tingled every time the male lead touched her made me think this book was going to be a bodice ripper--and I am not into those. I like a strong female character, as I like strong male characters and I didn't see this book having either.
August 19, 2019
Scroll is Book 1 in the Relic Hunters Taskforce Series. I have really enjoyed this authors cozy mystery series, and was excited to try something different from her. This book is so action packed I barely took a break to eat. I just couldn't put it down. This book is described as Indiana Jones meets Dan Brown and that description is SPOT ON.
The protagonist is Dr. Abigail Spencer who is an ancient languages scholar. She is an academic to her core and well renowned in her field. Special Agent Jack Riley enters the picture and asks Dr. Spencer to translate an ancient copper scroll. This takes them on a highly covert life threatening mission.
The research in this book is so incredible. It is so apparent to this reader that the author has researched and studied the topic. I was picturing a movie in my mind the action and suspense was so well described. There were secrets that surprised me. The characters were well fleshed out, complex and so interesting.
This is a clean suspense, genre's could include romantic suspense , suspense action, christian fiction and religious mysteries.
I truly wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series, actually I cannot wait for it!!!! Highly recommend this book!!!!
The protagonist is Dr. Abigail Spencer who is an ancient languages scholar. She is an academic to her core and well renowned in her field. Special Agent Jack Riley enters the picture and asks Dr. Spencer to translate an ancient copper scroll. This takes them on a highly covert life threatening mission.
The research in this book is so incredible. It is so apparent to this reader that the author has researched and studied the topic. I was picturing a movie in my mind the action and suspense was so well described. There were secrets that surprised me. The characters were well fleshed out, complex and so interesting.
This is a clean suspense, genre's could include romantic suspense , suspense action, christian fiction and religious mysteries.
I truly wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series, actually I cannot wait for it!!!! Highly recommend this book!!!!
August 23, 2019
Can I give this book 6 stars?
This is a very different story for Ruth Hartzler from her Amish mysteries.
Dr. Abigail Spencer is an ancient languages scholar. She is part of a special task force that keeps relics and other major discoveries safe from evil governments and organizations.
Special Agent Jack Riley asks college professor, Dr. Abigail Spencer, to translate an ancient copper scroll, she has no idea it will lead to the lost treasure of Croesus hidden for centuries. She has a major adventure that takes her to Ephesus, Turkey. Among some other locations. The team is running for their lives several times as the Vortex agents are tracking them to find the hidden treasures.
This is a fun and well-written story that is fast-paced, keeps you on your toes, and keeps the pages turning. The first couple of chapters are slow-paced, but necessary for the background information.
If you are a fan of Ritter Ames Bodies of Art series? You will love this book.
This is a very different story for Ruth Hartzler from her Amish mysteries.
Dr. Abigail Spencer is an ancient languages scholar. She is part of a special task force that keeps relics and other major discoveries safe from evil governments and organizations.
Special Agent Jack Riley asks college professor, Dr. Abigail Spencer, to translate an ancient copper scroll, she has no idea it will lead to the lost treasure of Croesus hidden for centuries. She has a major adventure that takes her to Ephesus, Turkey. Among some other locations. The team is running for their lives several times as the Vortex agents are tracking them to find the hidden treasures.
This is a fun and well-written story that is fast-paced, keeps you on your toes, and keeps the pages turning. The first couple of chapters are slow-paced, but necessary for the background information.
If you are a fan of Ritter Ames Bodies of Art series? You will love this book.
September 4, 2019
Ooh! A new series! Abigail is just an ordinary Greek language academic in a small college near the Amish community where she grew up and her sister still lives, but she gets tapped by a covert agency to help out with a very big problem with the bad guys. The agents are the ones with physical skills and guns, she's the one with mega research skills and contacts with the academic community. She gets dragged off to places she'd rather explore but must avoid villainous murderers and keep trying to find the artifact for permanent preservation. A fast paced and interesting novel filled with well researched info besides the fictional stuff. Loved it!
August 28, 2019
I was captivated after reading the prequel to the series in SUMMER OF SUSPENSE. Then SCROLL picked up the pace and led me on a heart-pounding journey inside the earth to an ancient alter and a vast treasure. But it wasn't about the treasure for me. It was the verbal challenges and heart stopping booby traps along the way. It is a book that makes you want to hide away from your responsibilities and read, read, read! This book is a treasure!
October 30, 2019
Holy Infiltration Batman!
Ruth Hartzler can write a wild and crazy plot. Her characters are strong and gritty. The heroine is not a super strong butt kicker,but
Ruth Hartzler can write a wild and crazy plot. Her characters are strong and gritty. The heroine is not a super strong butt kicker,but
August 27, 2019
This was absolutely amazing! I love Ruth Hartzler’s writing. This style is so different from her cozies and very exciting! My heart was beating so fast, wondering how Abigail and Riley were going to get out some of the situations they ended up in. Treasure can make people insanely greedy to the point of murder! Definitely a page-turner to take your breath away!
August 28, 2019
I was so surprised with this first book of a new series by Ms. Hartzler. I had thoroughly enjoyed her Amish series , so was excited to start this one. I could not put it down. The mystery, the settings, the adventures, the knowledge of her subjects were all amazing. I can not say enough about this wonderful new series. I can not wait for the next one!
November 14, 2021
The Relic agents work to preserve ancient relics and artifacts from being found and sold to the wrong people or terrorists. They enlist the help of Professor Dr. Abigail Spenser of ancient languages. Needing her to interrupt the sayings on a copper scroll. To be hidden in a Tomb In Ephesus
Was Interesting, good information, for me the plot didn’t flow.
Was Interesting, good information, for me the plot didn’t flow.
August 27, 2019
This is going to be a great series for this author!
August 28, 2019
Interesting Mystery
I loved this interesting mystery a la Indiana Jones.The storyline and characters were engaging.
This book is recommended for all who love mysteries.
I loved this interesting mystery a la Indiana Jones.The storyline and characters were engaging.
This book is recommended for all who love mysteries.
September 5, 2019
Buckle up; this Adventure/ Thriller is fast and furious.
September 26, 2019
Amazingly fun and breathtaking
I learned what “rich as croeces” meant. The history was interesting and the fictional characters were endearing. Looking forward to more adventures!
I learned what “rich as croeces” meant. The history was interesting and the fictional characters were endearing. Looking forward to more adventures!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews