Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse Review

 

Oh wow, I just loved Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse. This is the author's second novel in the Treasures of the Earth series and it was just as awesome as the first. I truly can't choose a favorite out of the two. Even though these books are a series, they can truly be read as stand alone stories. And I'm one who is picky about making sure I read books in order if there is anything that could cause spoilers being read out of order. 

The majority of the book takes place in Colorado during the spring and summer of 1889, during the Bone Wars, though we see some earlier years in the first couple of chapters, where the author gives some background for Martha's love of paleontology and a bit of her spiritual upbringing. 

The story is told from four points of view, Martha Jankowski who is determined to unearth the next big dinosaur discovery for the museum, Jacob Duncan who is a paleontology student who dreams of working on a dinosaur dig, Cole Anderson the Pinkerton agent, and the unnamed, mysterious villain.

 

There is actually a competition going on between two dig sites and a deadline to get their respective dinosaurs dug up and into the museum. Martha is horrified at the behavior of other paleontolgists who have made a bad name of the profession in their competitiveness, and she is determined to do things honorably with her team. But with the other team stick to the rules? Jacob finds himself caught in the middle, and also finds himself falling for Martha, but there are things that are coming between them. Will Martha be able to trust him? 

We get our first glimpse of the villain at the beginning of the book and learn more about this person as the story progresses, but it isn't until almost the very end of the book that the author reveals who exactly this villain is. Let me just say, I didn't really see it coming, even though I had considered this person for a bit. There have been murders that stretch back quite a few years, and it is Mr. Anderson the Pinkerton agent who is adding up the clues in the background. We don't see much of him or the villain, just a bit of a chapter occasionally to remind us that there is more going on besides a maybe-love story and a dinosaur bone competition. 

There are murders that are shown, but not with any horrid details, and a bit of violence at one point with a character being beat up. Nothing too disturbing, at least for me. 

Additionally, there is a spiritual focus on redemption through Christ and forgiveness. We see a character's spiritual growth and stuggle. 

All in all, another wonderful book by Kimberley Woodhouse. I can't wait to read more from this series. My only disappointment was not being able to see the characters from the first book. I admit, I was hoping they would show up even if just briefly. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.