Zoe Dmitroff is a San Francisco attorney whose grandmother was just found murdered. Zoe learns that she is the new Keeper of the Altar of Bones, a real-life fountain of youth deep in the wilds of Siberia.

Ry OMalley is a DEA agent whose brother was just found murdered. Ry learns that he is closely related to the person that really killed JFK.

Thrown together in a race for their lives, Zoe and Ry must trust each other if theyre going to be able to save themselves and the whole human race.

Altar of Bones by Philip Carter is James Bond meets the Amazing Race and the ultimate prize is life everlasting. Meticulously researched and vividly described, this fast paced page turner is definite edge-of-your-seat excitement.

Suspense, espionage, romance, mystery...the list goes on and on. Altar of Bones has something for everyone!
4 ½ stars

(Received complimentary copy for review purposes only.)

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On the back cover, it states that Philip Carter is a "pseudonym for an internationally renowned author". Apparently not one with much experience as an author. This book was not bad, but it could have been better. It is obvious that Mr Carter wrote this with a movie in mind because he spends a good portion of the book describing chases and violent fights that would take up no time in a movie, but while reading it can get old. The book has an interesting twist on an old conspiracy theory (can't go into detail or I would ruin the book for other readers) and the style is reminiscent of Dan Brown's books without so much information. Too bad the editor did not suggest some of the chases be trimmed down (or downright eliminated) to make this a tighter book.

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This is a good read, grabs you from the start to the end. Lots of tense action! I must admit that the ending left me with a question, but it didn't interfere with my enjoyment of the book.

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Action-packed whodunit. A kind of mix of James Bond and Indiana Jones.

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I got this book because I liked the cover art and it seemed interesting. I like how action-packed it was, but I'm not sure I like the ending.

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I took a chance on this book written under a pseudonym by an "acclaimed" bestselling author. The title seemed hokey, like a cheap knockoff of "The Davinci Code". However, I think this book is totally different and I was pleasantly surprised. The book is fast-paced and action packed from the very beginning. As you read, you can see the action being played out on the big screen. The author had the opportunity to put a great Stephen King style twist to the ending but played it safe. That is my only real criticism. If you like 'em fast and furious, you will like "Altar of Bones".

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This is an interesting mystery involving the KGB, CIA, FBI, FSB and, of course, a lot of conspiracy theories that would make the day of Oliver Stone (although I'd say my fave movie was more of Enemy of the State with Will Smith and Gene Hackman). Oh yes, there are at least 3 major conspiracy theories (one of them having to do with Russia and the Mad Monk, the others are totally American) and a few minor ones which make this whole aspect of finding out what the altar of bones was much more fun.

The altar does take center stage throughout the theories, action and mystery but so does Zoe. The last Keeper of the secret. She doesn't even find out about the secret until she is faced with a mystery given to her by a grandmother she never knew. Zoe's character was also further enhanced by her earlier experiences with family and her job. Her mother became the head of the Russian mafia in her area when she was just a child, and her job helps domestic violence survivors escape their dangerous lives. This made her ability to handle all the dangers believable while solving the mystery. I also enjoyed the characters of Ry who became a partner in solving the mystery as well as a great romantic interest.

I give this book 4 stars. I enjoyed the adventure even though it felt like it was taking so many turns you weren't sure if the mystery of the alter would be solved. The characters in this book were well interesting. Even though there were more villains than good-guys in this story, they also added a needed dimension in the book.

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