Fool’s Gold by PJ Skinner
Sam’s dream job awaits in the jungle, but so does a dangerous secret; Will her first adventure be her last?
When geologist Sam Harris finishes university, she is determined to make her mark in a man’s world. But exploration roles are hard to come by. Desperate for her first job, Sam accepts a contract with Mike Morton, a dodgy entrepreneur, searching for gold in the remote rainforests of Sierramar.
Sam soon questions her decision, as she struggles with a violent colleague, and living conditions in the field. But everything changes when she photographs some Inca steps hidden deep within the jungle, which may lead to an ancient archaeological site.
Mike sends her back to the site to search for artifacts with a drunken historian. But rumours about priceless Inca relics have spread among their team, and Sam is deep in the jungle, far from help.
Can she trust her colleagues, or is one of them planning to take the fabled treasure for himself?
If you like classic adventure stories with gutsy female protagonists, exotic locations, and complex characters, then you'll love PJ Skinner's thrilling novel.
About the author
PJ Skinner is geologist who has spent thirty years roaming the planet and collecting tall tales and real-life experiences. Most of her postings were in remote and dangerous sites which provide background settings for her novels. She now writes fact-based novels from the relative safety of London. She still travels worldwide collecting material for the series and having her own adventures.
Review
‘Fool’s Gold’ is a riveting slice of adventure based around newly qualified geologist Sam Harris! This is the first in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it from the start to the finish. The premise of this book really appealed to me as a reader as I have fond memories of studying geology, albeit the fieldwork was in Scotland rather than the jungle! Also, who doesn't love an adventure story?! I devoured this book in one day and was so happy that the next in the series ‘Hitler’s Finger’ has already landed on my doorstep.
Sam Harris has just finished her PhD in Geology but is finding it hard to get work as a female geologist. When Mike Morton offers her a contract as a project manager in Sierramar she jumps at the chance, even though she isn't getting paid! Mike is searching for gold in the jungle of Sierramar but isn't making much headway. Whilst Sam is out on a rekky she photographs a cypher in the jungle which might lead to hidden Inca treasure!
I enjoyed Sam as a character as even though she is naive as hell she is also feisty, intelligent, loyal and funny! The rest of the characters are completely believable and I'm sure PJ is honing them from her experiences in the field as a geologist. I think this is what makes this book as it feels authentic and realistic! I can't wait to read more of the series.
It was when Sam photographs the cypher that the story really picked up the pace and it began to raise your blood pressure. The later part of the book builds to a nice crescendo and I loved the ending. This is an excellent opening to a series…
Let me know if you pick this one up and look out for my review of ‘Hitler’s Finger’!
