Darwin Lacroix Series by Dave Bartell

His rich discovery will make history… if someone doesn’t steal it first. Darwin Lacroix wants to rewrite the story of the past. The archaeologist knows that a $10 million discovery of diamonds in Iceland is just a fraction of Emperor Nero’s fortune. He’s read the ancient scrolls buried beneath Mt. Vesuvius, and he’s about to prove that Nero lined the lava tubes with impossible amounts of gold... moreHis rich discovery will make history… if someone doesn’t steal it first. Darwin Lacroix wants to rewrite the story of the past. The archaeologist knows that a $10 million discovery of diamonds in Iceland is just a fraction of Emperor Nero’s fortune. He’s read the ancient scrolls buried beneath Mt. Vesuvius, and he’s about to prove that Nero lined the lava tubes with impossible amounts of gold. But when a powerful cartel seizes control of the hunt, Darwin’s quest becomes a race against time to reveal the mother lode first. With a volcanologist and an unsavory diamond expert on board, the academic’s search for riches meets lethal obstacles at every turn. Deep underground, the choices Darwin makes could determine who in his party makes it out alive. Roman Ice is a thrilling suspense novel in the tradition of Sahara, The Lost World, and Treasure Island. If you like alternate history, archaeological adventures, and complex characters, then you’ll love Dave Bartell’s action-packed tale. Buy Roman Ice today to unearth the impossible. less

An ancient wonder. A bitter rival. Will securing his family's legacy get him killed? Darwin Lacroix has made an incredible discovery, but his lack of proof gnaws at him daily. After putting his wedding to the captivating Eyrun on hold, the archaeologist receives a tip that could finally prove his grandfather's research. There's just one catch: To make the find, he'll have to forge an uneasy alliance with a cunning Italian archrival... moreAn ancient wonder. A bitter rival. Will securing his family's legacy get him killed? Darwin Lacroix has made an incredible discovery, but his lack of proof gnaws at him daily. After putting his wedding to the captivating Eyrun on hold, the archaeologist receives a tip that could finally prove his grandfather's research. There's just one catch: To make the find, he'll have to forge an uneasy alliance with a cunning Italian archrival. When the partnership gets him closer than ever to the Library of Alexandria, Darwin fears that his hope may blind him to the truth. But the explorer's attempt to keep his own secrets could risk his life. It could put the ones he loves right into the scorching line of fire. Will Darwin have to pay for the discovery of a lifetime with his final dying breath? Hypatia’s Diary is the second book in the gripping Darwin Lacroix Adventure archaeological thriller series. If you like treacherous exploits, high-tech explorations, and ancient enigmas, then you’ll love Dave Bartell’s curation campaign. Buy or download Hypatia’s Diary to unearth a storied mystery today! less

A Paris icon in flames. A conspiracy in the Church. Can this determined explorer survive the search for a hidden history? Renowned archaeologist Darwin Lacroix remains obsessed, proving his theory that Roman’s used lava tubes. But he’s interrupted by the Pope, who personally requests Darwin’s help to retrieve a codex stolen from the Pontiff’s private vault... moreA Paris icon in flames. A conspiracy in the Church. Can this determined explorer survive the search for a hidden history? Renowned archaeologist Darwin Lacroix remains obsessed, proving his theory that Roman’s used lava tubes. But he’s interrupted by the Pope, who personally requests Darwin’s help to retrieve a codex stolen from the Pontiff’s private vault. Discovering that the cryptic text points to the long-sought Knights Templar treasure, he realizes a mysterious cave may also solve his own puzzle. As he digs up a trail of ancient connections, he’s shocked to learn the true prize isn’t gold but a priceless relic directly connected to Christ. And someone deep inside the Vatican will stop at nothing to recover it…. Can Darwin outsmart shadowy figures willing to kill to claim power? Templar’s Bank is the page-turning third novel in the Darwin Lacroix Adventure archaeological thriller series. If you like international pursuits, religious intrigue, and mind-boggling historical puzzles, then you’ll love Dave Bartell’s breathtaking hunt for the truth. less

A mysterious forger. A plot to empty the world’s museums. Can this champion of culture stop it before all our history is fake? A forensic audit at the Vatican Museum reveals looting on a grand scale. A corrupt antiquities dealer has been plundering Europe's institutions—replacing priceless originals with copies. Darwin Lacroix, the Pope’s new Director of Special Archaeological Investigations, is repulsed by self-serving curators, profit-hungry auction houses, and secretive government Freeports... moreA mysterious forger. A plot to empty the world’s museums. Can this champion of culture stop it before all our history is fake? A forensic audit at the Vatican Museum reveals looting on a grand scale. A corrupt antiquities dealer has been plundering Europe's institutions—replacing priceless originals with copies. Darwin Lacroix, the Pope’s new Director of Special Archaeological Investigations, is repulsed by self-serving curators, profit-hungry auction houses, and secretive government Freeports. But he cannot stem the loss of artistic heritage. Until a sale goes wrong. When a Marseilles art gang calls in a loan, the dealer snares Darwin into stealing a cherished Etruscan vase to cover it. His reputation in tatters, Darwin sets his own trap, but a mole in his team discovers the ruse and triggers a kidnapping. As threats escalate, he chases clues across Europe, the American Southwest, and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Ultimately, he must choose between stopping the pillaging or saving his friend. Tuscan Hoax is the action-packed fourth novel in the Darwin Lacroix Adventure archaeological thriller series. less