An Eye for Gold

by Sarah Andrews

Book Overview

Packed with suspense, science and lots of gold, Sarah Andrews' sixth novel takes us from the eagles' domain high over the American West right down into the depths of the earth itself. Like a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, Andrews' engaging heroine, forensic geologist Emily Hansen, uses geological clues to solve crimes. Now, fresh from extricating herself-just barely-from suspicion in the investigation of the murder of a dinosaur paleontologist in Salt...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312977921
• ISBN13: 9780312977924
• Release Date: December 2001
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Surprisingly Refreshing

I thoroughly enjoyed An Eye for Gold. I read the book for my geology class, but I found myself not being ble to put it down. Structurally, the writing style was unique, but because we discuss a lot of the subject matter in class, I found it more interesting. The biggest hinderance to me was her plot structure because it wasn't the traditional conflict-climax-resolution, but once I got past that I found it to be a real page turner.

good story

I was not originally going to review this book but disagreed wildly with the other reviews. I thought the mining detail was one of the most interesting facets of the book, not at all hard to follow, and added immensely to my enjoyment of the book. Similarly, i was delighted with the non-formulaic nature of the plot; it is intriguing not to be able to unravel the whole thing on page 10 or so. I also enjoyed the digression into the character of the missing geologist and his relationship with his wife. For me, the most unconvincing and flattest part of the book is Em's relationship with Ray, her ostensible love interest. Maybe he will develop some in later books, but I just could not believe that this woman could have reached the point of thinking about marrying someone who wants her to abandon the intellectual side of her nature. Nor am i convinced by Em's repeated soul-searching and rejection of requests to helf the FBI. This woman could not be this un-self-aware.

Tough read...

I really enjoy the Em Hanson books and would have easily given the other books in the series 5 stars, but this book is far too technical for the average reader. At times, I felt like I was reading a miner's manual. For me, all of the explanations of mining procedures, chemical analysis and mineral analysis did not add to the story. I found myself skipping over many paragraphs then would have to back up and reread. That got very tedious.

Good read to get away grom it all

It has been a bust for the oil industry with prices so low that many companies are laying off long time employees. Forensic geologist Em Hansen is out of work again so she visits her boyfriend Ray to see if their relationship has any longevity. While in Salt Lake City, Em joins FBI agent Tom Latimer for lunch. They successfully worked together on a case and Tom actively recruits Em to join the Feds. Em rejects the notion of joining such a regimented group as the FBI.She accompanies Tom to Nevada where he investigates a claim filed against a mining company. Pat Gilmore claims that this proposed mining operation will destroy the habitat of an endangered species. However, by the time Em and Tom reach their destination, Pat has died in a car accident. Em cannot resist the lure of sleuthing, which brings her to the attention of someone whose actions place the geologist on a personal endangered list.Oil prices aside, a Sarah Andrews mystery is a human drama. Her latest tale allows her fans to see inside the heroine in such a way tht the reader grasps Em's confusion due to the conflict between her inner fears and dreams. The mystery is well done and fast-paced aided by complex secondary characters. AN EYE FOR GOLD is treasure for anyone who enjoys an environmental who-done-it.Harriet Klausner