The Mayan Mask of Death

The Pre-Columbian Treasure Series

by Loretta Jackson, Vickie Britton

When Arla Vaughn accepts the role of temporary Dean of Archaeology, the museum’s purchase of an elaborate Mayan mask seems an evil portent. The dual face, one side a handsome Mayan nobleman, the other side a skull-like visage with a glimmering obsidian eye represents the good and evil of mankind. Three years ago Jordan Lund’s wife was strangled on campus and he has devoted his life to finding her killer. When a second woman from Arla’s department is murdered in the same way, the police believe this is the work of a mysterious serial killer known as The Scarlet Strangler. But Arla soon links the brutal murders to the dig in Copan. Her investigation takes her to where the mystery has its roots, the Copan ruins in the jungles of Honduras. There, to uncover the truth, Arla must match wits with a killer as duplicitous as the Mayan Mask of Death.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2011

About the author

Loretta Jackson and Vickie Britton are a sister co-authoring team who have written 36 published novels and 77 short stories. Among their novels are the archaeologist Ardis Cole series and a new series featuring contemporary Wyoming sheriff Jeff McQuede. The two sisters often travel to exotic locations such as Russia, India, China and Peru to research settings for their novels. They are also drawn to the western United States and their love for the unique flavor of the Old West provides a background for many of their novels. Both writers now live in Kansas: Loretta in Junction City, Vickie in Hutchinson.

Reviews

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This intriguing mystery is set in the worlds of academia and archaeology, which I enjoyed. The characters are curious (some inquisitive, some odd, and some fitting both definitions). The plot twists and turns, and red herrings abound. As is usually the case with amateur sleuths, the archaeology professor turned crime solver takes chances that she shouldn't, but, of course, she survives and prevails.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always know where to look for a good mystery. Loretta Jackson and Vickie Britton have so many wonderful books and this is another to add to that growing list. Arla Vaughan is temporarily in charge as Dean of archaeology. The Mayan Mask of death is on exhibit and the historic mask has a bit of a strange past, Almost a good versus evil item, with its' double sides. When a death happens, Arla thinks it may be linked to the mask and finds herself heading into murder,mystery and a twisted journey. Exactly the kind of book mystery lovers will enjoy. I highly recommend all the books by this writing duo.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mayan mask that Zachery, chair of Mayan studies, insists is a forgery. His wife is hosting a banquet for the Mayan exhibit. Aria was appointed as temporary head of the department, and as soon as this was over, she would. check it out. Guest speaker they hadn’t expected or wanted was going to speak. First thing he said, there is a monster loose on the campus.
Three years ago his wife was attacked, same happened last night. Saying The Scarlet Strangler was back on campus.Aira thinks it’s connected to Honduras, and foes, finding herself in danger. Good captivating mystery with archaeology history , which was another good mystery by these authors.

[Janice Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tightly plotted mystery/thriller, loaded with clues, ambiguous characters, and misdirection to keep you wondering who did what and who, if anyone, can be trusted. I thought the main character seemed a little too naive and trusting, but her errors of judgment added to the tension and helped to keep me guessing.

[Kathy Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

While everyone else is accusing one of the professors of being the "Scarlet Strangler, Arla the temporary Dean of Archaeology, is the only one that believes in his innocence. She even travels to the Copan ruins in Honduras to find evidence that would help clear the professor of the three murders.

[Diane E]

Good story

Murders on the campus of the University of Chicago appear related . An ancient Mayan death mask may be the key. Treachery and betrayal are an unfortunate part of the mystery .
Typos

[Marisa]

Amazon - 15/09/2017