Description
The Crimson Masquerade (Book 3 of The Ardis Cole Series)
“… superbly crafted and entertaining mystery adventure …”
— Midwest Book Review
Trouble precedes Ardis Cole to the site of a Han Dynasty tomb in China. Dr. Yong Po, who has asked for her assistance, is being stalked by a person wearing a crimson opera mask. Ardis is concerned when her co-worker, Grant Merlin, fails to arrive at the project, and his ex-wife, Sheri, takes his place. More problems arise when Sheri is attacked on the cliffs by the same masked intruder. Ardis’ search for the tomb of emperor Sun Yan leads to ancient intrigue surrounding a captive princess, referred to in his poetry as the “Lady of White Jade.” As Ardis delves deeper into the tomb’s secret, a centuries old crime of passion is eerily replayed in the present.
Each book in The Ardis Cole Series takes place in an exotic location. The authors have travelled to such places as Peru, Russia, Egypt, China, and Australia in preparation for this series.
Book is also available through Amazon and BN or ask for it wherever books are sold. The ebook version of this book can be ordered through Amazon.
About the Authors
Vickie Britton and Loretta Jackson are not only experts in researching the setting for their novels; they also travel to the location to get a sense of the local scenery and to learn more about the culture. Britton holds a degree in British Literature and has taken courses in forensics and criminal justice. Jackson, a graduate of K.U., has taught English and Creative Writing at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and at Mission Valley near Eskridge, Kansas. Both authors reside in Kansas.
Britton and Jackson are available for book signings and book club discussions.
Website on Facebook: www.facebook.com/VickieBrittonAndLorettaJackson
Stephanie Parker McKean –
Thrilling! Vickie Britton and Loretta Jackson’s mystery The Crimson Masquerade can be summed up in one word: thrilling.
The Crimson Masquerade sweeps readers into Xian, China, where Chicago archaeologist Ardis Cole teams up with one of China’s foremost archaeologists, Yong Po. Yong Po believes he has found the tomb of Sun Yan, dating back to 200 AD. Besides the wealth of historical fact to be collected from the tomb, a priceless statue of rare white jade is rumored to be inside. But before Yong Po can disclose the location, he is murdered.
Ardis expects her good friend and co-worker Grant Merlin to join her on the project. Instead, Grant’s ex-wife shows up, creating chaos and claiming handsome bachelors Jacen and Billy as personal entertainment. That’s tough on Yong Po’s assistant Won and his daughter Jen—because Jen has a deep romantic interest in one of the men herself. However, the biggest problem the crew faces is the unknown attacker who wears a black robe and crimson opera mask. The entire crew is in danger and when Sheri disappears, the mystery deepens.
Ardis and Grant become suspects in robbery and murder at the abandoned tea plantation and even team members turn against them.
The Crimson Masquerade is so brilliant and thrilling that it will leave readers bereft when it ends.
A&RBC Review, Teresa Beasley –
Editorial Review – Ardis Cole is back in her third mystery, Crimson Masquerade by Loretta Jackson and Vicki Britton. In this new installment, Ardis is sent to China to work with Dr. Yong Po on the site of a Han Dynasty tomb. Ardis learns that Dr. Po is being followed by a person wearing a crimson mask. Ardis assembles a crew to help Dr. Po as well as trying to solve the mystery behind the masked character.
Ardis is hit with many obstacles from members being attacked, murder and surprising twists. The more Ardis digs for answers the more secrets she reveals related to the Han Dynasty tomb. Ardis’ trip to China turns out to be more than she bargained for. Readers will be in for a shock when Ardis pulls all the clues together.
The Crimson Masquerade is about betrayal, secrets and greed. This book started off slow but picked up and kept my attention especially when unexplained activities started to occur. This book had a shocking ending which had me guessing until the end. The main character is consistent with the previous books in this series and the supporting characters were unique. I recommend Crimson Masquerade to others.
This book was provided by the authors for review purposes.
Kate –
Interesting read – Enjoyed the plot but would like to see more realistic information about what it is that archaeological excavations and investigations actually do.
IMK –
A great adventure – This book is a wonderful meeting of two unlikely people who find they share more than just an interest in unlocking history and finding a treasure. The story keeps you interested and as you read you might think you have it figured out but just wait you could be in for more surprises. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read adventure books and loves a good mystery.
Mystery Scene Magazine –
Editorial Review, Praise for Book 1, The Curse of Senmut – Nice thrills and chills. The authors have obviously done their archeological homework, and in between all the mysterious goings-on, we learn fascinating details of Hatshepsut’s stormy reign. The Egyptology is all there, and it’s enjoyable.
Midwest Book Review –
Editorial Review – Loretta Jackson and Vickie Britton have effectively collaborated to present a series of superbly crafted and entertaining mystery adventures featuring Ardis Cole, an intelligent, fearless, and perservering young lady who finds herself in the midst of exciting and suspenseful mysteries set in a variety of different locales.