05/13/2019

This enjoyable, if over-the-top, series launch from Stringer (How to Kill Friends and Implicate People) opens with a bang as Marah Chase, who earns large fees for retrieving valuable archeological treasures, dodges peril on a mission in Syria. When she manages to escape into Israel, she’s taken into custody on the orders of British spook Joanna Mason, who needs Marah’s help. Islamic terrorists have teamed with the Visitologists, members of a cult who believe that ancient aliens mentored humans in the past, and that the aliens will return once humanity becomes enlightened. Together, they’re seeking the tomb of Alexander the Great, which is reported to house a mysterious weapon of incredible power. Joanna asks Marah to find the tomb first and keep the “relic of mass destruction” out of the wrong hands. Readers should be prepared for numerous stock situations—Marah must evade several deathtraps, and Joanna has to deal with adversaries within her own department. Those willing to suspend disbelief, and who don’t demand novelty, will find this a fun ride. Agent: Stacia Decker, Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary. (July)

"If you merged Ocean’s Eleven with Indiana Jones, you’d get Marah Chase and The Conqueror’s Tomb—a high-octane, pulse-pounding race to save the world from an ancient weapon."

"In the best tradition of pure entertainment, obviously written by a writer writing for themselves. Beyond the action, thrills, and story, there’s joy on every page."

"Ever wonder what Raiders of the Lost Ark would be like if it was set in the present day and Marian Ravenwood got to do all the cool stuff instead of Indiana Jones? Marah Chase and the Conqueror’s Tomb gives you a chance to find out. Jay Stringer has given readers a ripping yarn with all the elements of a multi-dimensional spy adventure: a dangerous, high-stakes quest, formidable adversaries, international intrigue, love and lust, loyalty and betrayal, cliff-hanging suspense à la Dan Brown and, best of all, a cast of characters that will keep you thinking about them and wondering what they’ll do next. Then there’s Stringer’s deliciously ambiguous approach to the potentially supernatural. Is it magic or technology? Read it and decide for yourself."

"A fun, new twist on the traditional adventure tale, Jay Stringer’s Marah Chase and the Conqueror’s Tomb updates and re-imagines the Indiana Jones-style treasure hunter narrative. Marah Chase is cunning, empowered, and queer, a Lara Croft for the 20th century. The action propels forward at a breathless pace, each chapter a cliff-hanger. A delight to read!"

"Stringer, author of the Sam Ireland and Eoin Miller mysteries, has a winner here with Marah Chase—pulse-pounding adventure, in the best Indiana Jones tradition, with a charismatic gay woman fueling the action."

"A full-throated adventure that combines the politics of contemporary terrorism with ancient myths. With conspiracy theories and a sassy heroine, Marah Chase and the Conqueror’s Tomb will keep you turning the pages to the very end."

"Stringer effortlessly weaves a complex web of espionage and betrayal around a rip-snorting, larger-than-life adventure in the spirit of Indiana Jones."

"Stringer, author of the Sam Ireland and Eoin Miller mysteries, has a winner here with Marah Chase—pulse-pounding adventure, in the best Indiana Jones tradition, with a charismatic gay woman fueling the action."

"Stringer, author of the Sam Ireland and Eoin Miller mysteries, has a winner here with Marah Chase—pulse-pounding adventure, in the best Indiana Jones tradition, with a charismatic gay woman fueling the action."

Dark, bloody, and outrageously comical.

Loved this book, smart, vicious, and properly laugh out loud funny.

Clever, funny, fast-paced, and more-ishly noir-ish. Very highly recommended.