Jurassic fan? Not this girl. A reptile fan? Not this girl. And a marine reptile in fossil form? YES! If it is a plesiosaur discovered by a border collie named Dino, and brings kudos and trouble too for Jurassic Jemma Thorne.

Jemma is the head of geology and paleontology at Swanbourne University and a trustee of Lulcombe Museum on the Dorset coast. But even her nephews know she prefers to be outside with her rucksack filled with tools for digging fossils.

A reader friend’s favorite expression to describe a good book was to share, “It draws you in.” From the first page, I was drawn into the story. I loved Jemma as soon as she promised Dino a bone from the butcher to replace his discovery. I became so engaged in the mystery I wished I had started reading earlier in the evening.

I highly recommend this well-written mystery. The characters captivate, the setting is appealing, the investigation intrigues, the former lover returns, and a secret of the past could unfurl and change everything.

Imagine reading outside your comfort zone and wondering if the author has started on Book 2. ( )