Land developer Ken Stafford decides to build a highway access road through the ancient peat bog in Northumberland, much to the dismay of its owner, environmentalists, and several protestors. When a centuries-old body is discovered remarkably intact, many feel that more research and exploration of the area is warranted. Protagonist Arnold Landon, an archeologist, and his assistant Portia are summoned to evaluate the area when a more recent body (that of one of Stafford's most vocal opponents) surfaces shortly thereafter. Now Landon and Portia must also hunt a killer, in addition to hunting for the bog's archeological significance.

There are plenty of twists and mayhem in this story, including some personal conflicts which may raise a few eyebrows, but the story seems to lack a "pulse". It is interesting, believable and very well written, but not very exciting. Although this book did not quite tickle my fancy, I would definitely read another Roy Lewis novel without hesitation. His writing is flawless, and he places fascinating characters in unique plots.

If you like mysteries, this an exceptional book to read. Dead Secret is a great mystery/archeological novel involving very realistic accounts of archeological facts. The best part about this book is the mix of law with the archeology. The use of justice in the novel sets you up for some great surprises as Landon (head of the Museum of Antiquities) finds himself knee deep in a sea of greed and misleading suspects. As Landon hunts the area of Wolfcleugh Woods trying to find more evidence of archeological findings; he gets swept up in the grasp of the greed monsters, Shangri-La enterprises, who need the land to make a back road for a new resort. With time running out, Landon is desperate to find evidence of ancient life, otherwise, he will help the money mad builders win the battle over the land. Of the many mystery books I've read, this book is definately the most attention drawing of them all, a wonderful book from beginning to end. Roy Lewis is definately the master of law and archeological works of fiction.

Pitting profit and greed against research and ecology is a familiar backdrop to a well-written murder mystery. There's a lot of the "good guys" versus the "bad guys" stuff going on, but the author has provided plenty of motives and opportunities, and the convoluted relationships of the numerous suspects provide an entertaining evening of reading.

Set in northern England, Wolfcleugh Woods and the adjacent bog are a mysterious and colorful locale for the latest in the series that features archaeologist Arnold Landon. He and colleague Portia Tyrrell are assigned to evaluate the archeological significance of an area described in the prologue as shrouded in fear and superstition. The land is the center of a local controversy created by a group of greedy and callous developers eager to build a road to their latest luxury resort, tastelessly named Shangri-La. The landowner is playing reluctant host to a group of enthusiastic and ingenuous environmentalists who are determined to prevent the ruination of the forest. Equally adamant is the archeological team who have recently uncovered a well-preserved centuries-old "bog body" and want to continue undisturbed with their digging and research. The machinations of the developers, the politicians, and the Department of Museums and Antiquities who employ Landon are described in venomous detail, and all of the peripheral players live up to maximal stereotypes. Local policeman also live up to expectations, which includes the soon-to-be-retired but experienced DCI Culpeper pitted against the overly-educated wiseacre young colleagues and an intrusive and condescending superior officer. Violence predictably erupts as the land-related disagreements between the antagonists escalate. When other human remains are turned up and Landon himself stumbles upon a body of quite recent origin, both he and Culpeper must change their perspectives and concentrate on discovering the murderer.

Lewis has once again created a nicely suspenseful mystery with multi-dimensional lead characters in a colorful setting - an overall good read.