Finders: The Light That Lingers by Robert J. Collins is a captivating blend of mystery, archaeology, and the supernatural. The story follows Ozzie, a student archaeologist, and his companions as they uncover a mysterious black stone buried beneath a Celtic knotwork carving. What begins as a routine dig quickly spirals into a thrilling exploration of ancient legends, hidden powers, and the darker side of human ambition. The characters are well developed, each bringing their perspectives and quirks to the unfolding mystery. Ozzie's witty banter and skepticism contrast beautifully with Mercie's spiritual insights and Petroc's deep connection to the land and its history.

The narrative excels in vivid descriptions, particularly of the archaeological site and the glowing, enigmatic stone. Robert J. Collins captures the awe and wonder of discovery while exploring the ethical dilemmas and personal conflicts that arise. The pacing is brisk, with moments of quiet reflection balanced by bursts of action, including a tense confrontation with lightning strikes and a helicopter pursuit. Finders: The Light That Lingers is a compelling read that combines the thrill of discovery with the allure of ancient mysteries. It’s perfect for fans of archaeological adventures and supernatural tales. The story ends on a cliffhanger, introducing a mysterious figure in an abbey of light without providing immediate answers. Although some readers might feel frustrated by the lack of resolution in this book, the open ending sets the stage for the sequel and invites readers to continue the journey in the next installment.

When a group of university students excavates the ruins of a Roman-British Celtic temple in Cornwall, England, they discover something completely unexpected. Among their many findings, including pottery and carvings of an antlered god, they find an ancient stone that radiates wonder and awe. Robert J. Collins' Finders: The Light that Lingers follows these students as they try to uncover the mystery of the stone. Ozzie Arden and his friends are excited about their latest discoveries when four muggers attack them and rob them of their belongings. They follow the clues and discover that the Bishop of Calsey, Adam Munrow, now possesses the powerful stone and seeks to use it for his nefarious plans. Can Ozzie and his friends get the stone back? And what do they plan to do with it?

Finders: The Light that Lingers is an engrossing adventure tinged with mystery, suspense, and intrigue. Author Robert J. Collins moves the plot at a deliberate pace, peeling back the layers of the mystery one at a time. I liked the slow-burn plot and the characters. Ozzie and his friends talk and act like university students, and it makes the story more immersive for the reader. The narrative unfolds like a puzzle to be solved, and you will find yourself rooting for Ozzie and his friends to get to the bottom of the truth. The dialogue is engaging, bringing humor and charm to the narrative. If you're a fan of mystery and adventure laced with a dash of fantasy, this is the perfect book for you. Overall, I enjoyed the story and definitely recommend it.

Finders by Robert J. Collins is the first volume in The Light That Lingers series. Ozzie, an archaeology student, joins a group on a summer dig in Cornwall. They discover a strange black stone and a locked casket in a chamber. While this discovery excites the group, Ozzie believes it is linked to something bigger. He suspects Petroc, a boy who joins the group, and other powerful figures like Damian Hubert and Bishop Adam Munrow, who seem to know more about the stone. Ozzie sees odd visions when he looks at the stone and feels a connection to it. His suspicions become clearer when he is robbed in a mugging in Poltaran, leading to a chase for the stolen stone. The characters' hidden abilities are revealed, with hints showing a deep, magical link to the artifact and the ancient site.

One of the things I loved is the way the characters talk, act, fight, tease each other, and have fun. It makes them feel more natural and real. My favorite character is Petroc. He is more interesting because he seems to be unique and different from everyone else, with a quiet strength. The writing style was impressive, very detailed, and maintained a good flow. The pacing is slow, but in a way that makes it relaxing and a good reading choice for leisure, holidays, or camping. It also gave me time to enjoy the characters and the strange things they found. I love how Robert J. Collins mixes archaeology with elements of mystery and magic. Munrow’s spiritual activities and Hubert’s influence left me wondering why ancient artifacts fascinate people so much, whether for power, belief, or something else. I recommend Finders: The Light That Lingers by Robert J. Collins to readers who love books about ancient sites, hidden secrets, and a bit of mystery and magic.

Finders: The Light that Lingers by Robert J Collins follows Ozzie and his team as they uncover a rare, mystical black stone and related artifacts during an archaeological dig in Cornwall. After discovery, the black stone, hidden in a carved casket with ancient symbols, is stolen during a violent mugging linked to Damian Hubert’s political and spiritual Renewal movement. Ozzie, with help from Petroc and Carl, tries to recover the stone, suspecting Hubert’s involvement due to his obsession with its mystical power. They plan a risky search at Hubert’s guarded estate while maneuvering through threats, political intrigue, and supernatural elements tied to Celtic history, but Ozzie is committed to protecting the artifact and unraveling the connection between the stone, local lore, and the Renewal movement’s ambitions.

Finders by Robert J Collins features impressively immersive writing in a story that brings the detailed fantasy world to life. The prose is a great mix of descriptive passages and dialogue, and from this, we get clear insight into the characters’ discoveries and the meaning of each one. Mystical elements like the carved stone, with its symbolic animals, and the mysterious black sphere inside the casket, are particularly well-rendered and provide a textured, tangible link to the intrigue. As a woman of Asian descent, I especially liked the whole conversation between Ozzie and Petroc about political philosophies and healing techniques involving qi. The story moves forward with steady pacing, archaeological fascination, suspense, and a few unexpected twists, while the depictions of cultural lore and scientific curiosity make the book as a whole engaging from start to finish as the mysteries unfold. Recommended.