The Stepping Maze: A Dan Kotler Archaeological Thriller

I've read other books in the thriller genre and have found them to be rather "gory" in their details. But I took a chance on this one because I was intrigued by the code breaking aspect of the description and background provided by Kevin in a pre-release email. I'm glad I did. The story involves people being kidnapped with clues for their rescue pointing to Dan and family history. His partner, Denzel, helps piece things together. Liz was a refreshing addition to the clue solving process. While there was violence, it was kept to a minimum and was a plausible part of the story. The action and history of code breaking were woven together quite nicely. This is obviously part of an ongoing series due to hints of past events. However I didn't feel as if I have to read them to understand this one. It did encourage me to read others to fill in some personal history of the characters. Now on to choose my next book by the author which I feel will be just as good.

Non stop action, plenty of unanswered question that come up after each one is answered. Great characters, witty daring imaginative. Could not put the book down and I did not want it to end.

Archaeologist Dan Kotler is again joined by his FBI friend, Roland Denzel, in this fast-paced book. Two physics professors have been locked in an impregnable vault with a limited amount of air. The room is impervious to all tools and explosives. The only way in is through a very thick door which can only be opened if Kotler can decode a clue.

Author Kevin Tumlinson describes his characters in a way which makes them "pop up" on the page as if they were real, thus getting the reader attached to and involved with the characters.

There are new characters involved with the plot, some good, some very bad.

This book has kidnapping, murder, theft, and even some unexpected romance.

I highly recommend this book, as well as all of Kevin's previous Dan Kotler thrillers.

I was going to finish the series before writing a review but couldn't wait. So far all the books have been great but this is by far my favorite. The story line is imaginative and so creative. The characters develop more deeply. I can't really write anymore without spoiling the adventure. You'll have to read it yourself.

Dan Kotler is an amazing character who under immense pressure can solve puzzles no one else can solve. He's hooked up with an FBI agent & forensic scientist and as a team they foil the bad guys who continue to try to eliminate Kotler.

I’m not usually a fan of thrillers. But this series has gripped me totally. I can barely put it down. I’m glad I came in after you’ve wrote more than one of them. That way I can move on to the next one without to much waiting

I like the author's characters, especially Dan Kotler. I enjoy the clever puzzles he has to solve and learning about the science and history involved. I enjoy the places his settings take me to. I love the action and suspense.

Every book has been an adventure.

This very different and clever misadventure has many of the always included elements and characters. Yet the whole of the rest gives new and puzzling threats to many. I was drawn in and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I enjoyed reading this book because of the elements of crime, intrigue, forensics, and enjoyable characters are all tumbled together. It will be a fun reader to others. To the author, I read your post comments (even though I usually avoid because the authors tend to be so pompass and talk down to their readers. You try not to do so. Thus I am going to beg to differ with you in your analogies and comparisons to other ficticious characters or books. Most you compare your writing to...those authors dive deeper into all the elements above as well as character breadth and depth. IMHO instead of this happening with the recurring characters in the book you spend your time in post comments developing the character....which should have been done along the way for the readers. We'd know a lot less if it were not in post comments. Again, IMHO I'd rather see the development in the book and story line. This issue may be because you say you write by the seat of your pants rather than developed storylines and in depth characters. The books are almost a gloss over. I believe there is a lot in your mind that does not make it to print...so you assume we get by osmosis or you have to explain in the post comments. I would love it in the books.

While I can see a bit of the Dan Brown series style, I think Kotler is very different from Langdon. The stories are not so highly developed in a religious historical vane, more technological and with the current selection, no religious content at all.

The two leading characters are easily connected to from previous books and I find myself quickly comfortable with their actions \reactions. I enjoy both of the series of Langdon and Kotler and realize some similarities... But I think to much is given to the comparison. To me, Langdon has a different "feel" and is always deeply steeped in religious mysteries and conspiracy theories, whereas Kotler is more of a reluctant investigator... Until he jumps in with typically two left feet, and requires "saving" at the end.... Which brings me to the end in this book, it seems to quick not enough detail how it all came about.... Though the author typically does not describe overly gory details, this really felt dropped off a cliff there at the climax.... How did she get the drop on him, how did Kotler end up shot in the chest, not all the gore is necessary, but the actual actions and technical aspects would have made it a bit more interesting..... All the same, great book and series. Fantastic characters and character development. Thank you!