The Mayan Mask of Death [Kindle Edition]

Maybe not the best move, but archaeologist Arla Vaughn accepts the role of temporary dean of her museum's archaeology department. She feels that the recent purchase of an elaborate Mayan mask seems an evil portent: the dual face, one side a handsome Mayan nobleman, the other a skull-like visage with a glimmering obsidian eye represents the good and evil of mankind.

Maybe her intuition is right, for evil has already stalked the museum grounds. Some years back, Jordan Lund's wife was strangled on campus. Since, he has devoted his life to finding her killer. Now, when a second woman from Arla's department is murdered in the same way, jealousies and recriminations fly thick and fast as the finger of blame for corruption and murder points to other department members.

But Arla suspects that these brutal murders are linked to the dig in Copan. Her investigation takes her to entangled roots of the mystery, the Copan ruins in the jungles of Honduras. There, to uncover the truth, Arla must match wits with a killer as duplicitous as the mask portends.

This is a colourful, fast-paced adventure, ideal for armchair travellers. Arla comes across as a determined, plucky no-nonsense lady who doesn't suffer fools gladly. What's more, we're assured that a second book in the Arla Vaughn: Pre-Columbian Treasure Series - the Inca - is soon to be published, The Lost City of the Condor. Can't wait - sharpening my archaeological trowel already!

In the "Mayan Mask of death", the acquisition of a mysterious mask brings murder and mystery to the Chicago University's archeology department. Dr. Arla Vaughn is drawn into an investigation and must first determine if the mask is even real and then must try to determine who is killing her colleagues. She finds herself putting her own life at risk as she attempts to unravel the mystery. Her investigation makes her question her relationships with her own team members. Dr. Vaughn finds she must travel to South America to find the answers she is seeking. She looks at her coworkers with suspicion and yet has a difficult time associating any of them with the murders.

The authors did a good job of keeping the reader guessing as to who the murderer might be. As we get to know each of the suspects, we too are kept wondering who could commit such heinous crimes. I felt that Dr. Vaughn is a strong and independent main character and the reader is kept guessing along with Dr. Vaughn. I enjoyed following Dr. Vaughn on her adventures into South America and was curious about the history of the mask itself. I also enjoyed learning about the history of the Mayan culture. I found myself rooting for Dr. Vaughn and admiring her bravery as she tried to find the truth to protect her colleagues and her archeology department. I found myself trusting her beliefs about her views of who may or may not be the killer. The authors really kept me guessing and wondering if the mask was authentic and if the killer was a friend or foe.