When a massive earthquake strikes oneof Los Angeles' richest suburbs, no one could have predicted the astonishing discoveries ethat were to follow: as a swimming pool sinks into the earth, it reveals the entrance to a previously unknown cave.

And when aarchaeologish Erica Tyler arrives, she knows this could be one of the finds of the cntury: further investigation reveals an age-old ave painting, whose vibrant colours and symbols mark the work of a shaman, and the human remains of someone known only as 'the first mother', dating back almost 2000 years . . .

It is a mystery that could take a long time to understand, but local homeowners want the cave filled in immediately. Erica, though, is determined: her childood of foster homes meant she grew up never knowing her real identity and the First Mother, she decides, is not going to be consigned to history in the same manner . . .

I love how the story jumps throughout history, from the early inian Californios, to the first conquistadors to the gold rush. I most especially love though, that it takes place in California, the state where I grew up.

The ending seemed to me to have been a last minute ending. As if Mrs. Woods had had a deadline and it was running short. It was an ending that was competely predictable but still enjoyable.

Read more from the Author.

Knowledgable. It kept me glued to my seat until I had finished the last page.

Barbara Woods is definitely an author to keep your eye on.

Because of history. Mrs. WOods prings the present and the past very nicely together.

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Created Jul 05, 2003 at 9:51am • Submit your own review...