Montezuma Intrigue

The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

Fiction - Adventure
272 Pages
Reviewed on 06/02/2012
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite

"Montezuma’s Treasure" is a well-known legend, and many people think it is just that: an interesting legend of how Montezuma’s followers hid the king’s treasure away, to prevent it falling into the hands of the Spanish conquistadors. The legend also says that ancient guardians protect the treasure and move the cache when danger arises. However, when the twins, 19-year-old Faith and Sharlene Evans, go scratching around in the family attic, they find some interesting stuff in great-grandfather Evans's old chest, including an old map on maguey parchment. Could it be the map to Montezuma’s treasure? The twins are keen to head off on an adventure as soon as possible, and their elder sister April agrees. What could be better than a summer vacation spent looking for treasure? For some reason, their father seems reluctant to embark on what could be the most exciting adventure of their lives. Julia, their mother, is an investigative journalist and so the idea intrigues her. Soon, the family has persuaded John and they set off for a remarkable experience. Tagging along for the ride are grandpa Evans, and Matthew, a family friend who is secretly crazy about April. Although the family tries to keep the map a secret, the news gets out and reaches the ears of Devollyn, an unscrupulous antiques dealer and relic hunter. He and Julia have crossed paths in the past. Devollyn’s henchman Nick Machiavelli is instructed to spy on the family. He strikes up a friendship with Faith, and finds himself falling for her. However, Nick is not quite what he seems to be… Can the Evans family find Montezuma’s treasure and overcome the dangers that arise? How do members of the family deal with past secrets suddenly revealed, and new emotions?

This is a light, engaging book with plenty to entertain readers interested in family sagas and adventure. Linda Weaver Clarke has created a likeable and believable cast, with each character bearing his or her own unique personality traits. The book highlights family relationships, and the importance of heritage and legacies. These can be either tangible, historical items, or simply memories and stories to be handed down and cherished. Love and romance also play their part as grandpa Evans relates the poignant tale of his courtship and marriage; John and Julia affirm their long-standing marriage; and Matthew and April make decisions about their feelings for each other. This book is an unusual mix of romance, suspense, adventure, and intrigue, and given the appeal of the characters, this wonderful blend produces a book well worth reading. I really enjoyed it.