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Murder in Mexico #2
The Fifth Codex
THE FIFTH CODEX
It's a routine job for painter Paul Zacher, now getting a reputation for his abilities as a detective. Simply facilitate the authentication and transfer of what could be a genuine Mayan book (codex) from the 1500s, of which only four others are known.But when the book's inflammatory message proves to be at the core of a three way struggle among the Mexican government, the rebels of Chiapas, and a private collector with deep pockets, the conflict escalates. Kidnapping follows murder as the three forces compete for possession, until Zacher commits what looks to everyone like an act of cold blooded execution. The survival of the Zacher Agency and Paul himself are gravely in doubt in this, the second of the Murder in Mexico mystery series.The first is titled Twenty Centavos.
It's a routine job for painter Paul Zacher, now getting a reputation for his abilities as a detective. Simply facilitate the authentication and transfer of what could be a genuine Mayan book (codex) from the 1500s, of which only four others are known.But when the book's inflammatory message proves to be at the core of a three way struggle among the Mexican government, the rebels of Chiapas, and a private collector with deep pockets, the conflict escalates. Kidnapping follows murder as the three forces compete for possession, until Zacher commits what looks to everyone like an act of cold blooded execution. The survival of the Zacher Agency and Paul himself are gravely in doubt in this, the second of the Murder in Mexico mystery series.The first is titled Twenty Centavos.
- GenresMystery
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2010
28 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
John Scherber
61 books33 followersJohn Scherber, a Minnesota native, settled in México in 2007. He is the author of 15 Paul Zacher mysteries, (The Murder in México series), set in the old colonial hill town of San Miguel de Allende, as well as his three award-winning nonfiction accounts of the expatriate experience, San Miguel de Allende: A Place in the Heart, Into the Heart of Mexico: Expatriates Find Themselves Off the Beaten Path, and Living in San Miguel: The Heart of the Matter. In addition, two volumes of the Townshend Vampire Trilogy have appeared, and a paranormal thriller titled The Devil’s Workshop.
His work is known for its fast pace, irreverent humor, and light-hearted excursions into the worlds of art and antiques––always with an edge of suspense. Neither highbrow nor lowbrow, his books are written as entertainments and dedicated to the enjoyment of reading. While he has acknowledged being no single one of his characters, he also admits to being all of them.
His work is known for its fast pace, irreverent humor, and light-hearted excursions into the worlds of art and antiques––always with an edge of suspense. Neither highbrow nor lowbrow, his books are written as entertainments and dedicated to the enjoyment of reading. While he has acknowledged being no single one of his characters, he also admits to being all of them.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 18, 2018
Excellent
Sporting my first smiles at these wonderful characters, this book has captured my imagination as I purchase the rest of John's books. One at a time, I'm entertained, overjoyed and satisfied with excellent writing, well formed plots and characters and complete books to enjoy.
Write on, John Scherber. Thank you for giving me such substance and delivering a quality product.
Sporting my first smiles at these wonderful characters, this book has captured my imagination as I purchase the rest of John's books. One at a time, I'm entertained, overjoyed and satisfied with excellent writing, well formed plots and characters and complete books to enjoy.
Write on, John Scherber. Thank you for giving me such substance and delivering a quality product.
January 8, 2020
This second book did not live up to the first book. While the first book was a great murder mystery this book has someone killed it seemed like every other page. The codex moved from old lady, thief, buyer, antique dealer, collector#1, killer #1, farmer, priest, professor, painter and finally collector #2. The killings were two federal police, collector #1, killer #1, the professor, rebel and police informant. So too much running around in this book.
February 16, 2018
It was a very different story for me. I had a hard time following it at first but then it's drama captured me. Learned a lot!
September 12, 2025
Review
This is a good series. I really like the characters and the locations. This story was better than first one. Can't wait to continue it.
This is a good series. I really like the characters and the locations. This story was better than first one. Can't wait to continue it.
January 25, 2018
Interesting
When I was in school, my greatest accomplishment in history was staying awake. Fortunately a good friend of mine who is a SERIOUS history buff was able to show me a bit of the light. This has opened another door got me and I will be wandering around a whole new area.
Thanks for catching my attention.
When I was in school, my greatest accomplishment in history was staying awake. Fortunately a good friend of mine who is a SERIOUS history buff was able to show me a bit of the light. This has opened another door got me and I will be wandering around a whole new area.
Thanks for catching my attention.
May 16, 2020
Continuing on with the same people from the first book. In this there are given a book which could having damaging effect on the Mayan separatists. Paul, Maya and Cody, work together in another story rich in Mexican culture and setting
April 30, 2017
This second in a series of seventeen Murder in Mexico books (more are on the way) is a very enjoyable read. Good character development, interesting plot, lots of twists and turns, and the good guys (and gals) survive and look forward to more adventure. A bonus is that readers will learn a lot about the historic village of San Miguel de Allende in the Mexico colonial highlands. The book series reminds me of the TV series “Murder, She Wrote” set in New England, with a detective and close friends who work with local police to solve murder mysteries. In fact, the first book has been optioned for a TV series – they’re that good.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews