Step into the thrilling world of the Faye Longchamp Mysteries, where ancient artifacts and modern murders collide in the sultry American South! Penned by Mary Anna Evans, this captivating series follows archaeologist Faye Longchamp as she digs up history and solves crimes with grit and heart. Blending suspense, archaeology, and Southern charm, these novels invite readers to uncover secrets buried in time.
With Faye at the helm, each book is a treasure hunt wrapped in a whodunit, set against the vibrant backdrop of Florida’s panhandle, Mississippi’s mounds, and beyond. If you love strong heroines and stories that weave history with mystery, Faye’s adventures are your next obsession.
How Faye Longchamp Mysteries Began
Mary Anna Evans, an archaeologist and environmental consultant with degrees in physics and engineering, launched the series in 2003 with Artifacts. Inspired by her love for the past and her Southern roots, Evans crafted Faye Longchamp as a biracial, fiercely independent woman navigating a world of relics and danger. Her goal? To create a heroine who thinks like a scientist but loves with a full heart, blending real-world archaeology with page-turning suspense.
The series grew from Evans’ desire to spotlight the South’s rich history and diverse cultures. Drawing on her experiences, she wove tales that explore Native American heritage, Civil War secrets, and the region’s complex racial tapestry, all while keeping readers guessing.
The Heart of Faye Longchamp Mysteries
The series kicks off with Artifacts, where Faye, strapped for cash, illegally sells relics from her Florida island home, Joyeuse, only to uncover a 40-year-old murder. In Relics, she heads to Alabama to study the mysterious Sujosa people, but a teammate’s death turns her dig into a crime scene. Effigies takes Faye to Mississippi, where a Choctaw mound and a farmer’s murder unearth dark secrets. Later, Wrecked finds her grappling with a friend’s suspicious drowning amid a hurricane-ravaged coast.
Each book blends archaeology with suspense, exploring themes of heritage, identity, and justice. Faye’s journeys delve into Native American history, slavery’s legacy, and the South’s cultural melting pot, all while delivering tight mysteries. Evans’ vivid settings—think humid marshes and sacred mounds—act as characters, grounding the stories in a palpable sense of place. Faye herself, with her scientific mind and fierce loyalty, grows from a scrappy artifact hunter to a PhD-wielding consultant, making her a relatable yet inspiring sleuth.
The series’ style is gritty yet accessible, balancing technical archaeology with human drama. Readers praise its rich characters, like Faye’s Native American husband, Joe Wolf Mantooth, and the surprising twists that keep you guessing until the end.
Why Faye Longchamp Mysteries Resonates
The Faye Longchamp Mysteries have carved a niche in the mystery genre, earning accolades like the Benjamin Franklin Award and three Florida Book Awards bronze medals. Fans adore the series for its smart blend of history and suspense, often comparing Faye to Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon for her tenacity and Southern flair. Its focus on underrepresented histories, like Native American and African-American narratives, adds depth, making it a standout for readers craving substance with their thrills.
Evans’ ability to keep the series fresh across 13 books, from 2003’s Artifacts to 2020’s Wrecked, speaks to its enduring appeal. It’s a love letter to the South, its past, and the women who shape its future, inspiring both mystery buffs and history nerds to dig deeper.
- First Book: Artifacts (2003)
- Latest Book: Wrecked (2020)
- Total Books: 13
- Awards: Benjamin Franklin Award, Mississippi Author Award, three Florida Book Awards bronze medals
Grab Artifacts and dive into the Faye Longchamp Mysteries’ world of secrets, suspense, and Southern history. Your next adventure awaits!