Helpful Score: 8
I read exactly half of this book before giving up. The subject content was fairly interesting, however I didn't feel as if Lara was a personable character! The narration was so dry, as was Lara, and I was so disappointed that such an interesting basis for a series would be tarnished by the characters. I considered sticking with it for the historical plot, but I knew that once I reached the end, I still wouldn't have gotten any pleasure from the book.
Daneal C. (gypsydani) reviewed The Xibalba Murders (Archaelogical Mystery, Bk 1) on + 74 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
The first in a series this book introduces us to Lara McClintoch who owns a Toronto antiquities store. She travels to the Yucatan after receiving a call from an expert in Mayan history but when she gets there he has disappeared. He turns up dead in his office and Lara begins to retrace his steps to find out what he wanted to tell her and who killed him. There are many interesting bits of information on the Maya and the story reads quickly. I did it in two sittings and am eagerly getting ready to move on the next book in the series when I can get my hands on it. Recommended if you like a different kind of mystery.
Doreen O. (dolver) -
Helpful Score: 3
I've enjoyed this one. I'm not really a cozy reader (and I'd put this in a cozy category,) but I enjoyed all the extra info in this book. While solving a murder, I was also learning about the Mayan culture! Bonus!
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
Helpful Score: 3
BORING! BORING! BORING! Need I say more? Well I will anyway.
This is dry as dirt and it gets so bogged down in explaining the intricasies of the Mayan calendar that you actually lose sight of the storyline. Too much information that really isn't necessary to solving the murder mystery. I had to force myself to continue to read and to finish this book. I should have followed my instincts and put it down after the first 50 pages of tedious writing.
This is dry as dirt and it gets so bogged down in explaining the intricasies of the Mayan calendar that you actually lose sight of the storyline. Too much information that really isn't necessary to solving the murder mystery. I had to force myself to continue to read and to finish this book. I should have followed my instincts and put it down after the first 50 pages of tedious writing.
Charlene (ATraveler) -
Helpful Score: 2
First in a series; enjoyable mystery; liked the lead female character Lara and the first person view; plan to read more of the series as well as 'hook' my sister and parents on this one.
Barbara L. (thecomet) reviewed The Xibalba Murders (Archaelogical Mystery, Bk 1) on + 125 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
What a great book. Story was interesting and so many great characters. Really enjoyed the history of the Mayan people and their customs. Looking forwarad to more in this series. If you like historical books this is a great one for you. Barbara
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting. Will read more by this author.
Christi T. (Christi) reviewed The Xibalba Murders (Archaelogical Mystery, Bk 1) on + 109 more book reviews
One of my favorite books.
Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed The Xibalba Murders (Archaelogical Mystery, Bk 1) on + 1175 more book reviews
This is the first in the archaeological mysteries by Hamilton. I thought this was a pretty good story taking place in the Yucatan peninsula in and around the city of Merida. The protagonist is Lara McClintoch, a Canadian who grew up in Mexico and is called by Dr. Hernan Castillo to assist him in finding an ancient Mayan artifact. However, before she can get to him, he is murdered and Lara is pulled into the mystery of who could have killed him and why. She eventually learns that he was looking for a Mayan codex or book that would be extremely valuable. Other Mayan artifacts are being stolen in the area and it appears that a group is also after the codex. Lara eventually finds out who is behind the murders and thefts and the book comes to a satisfactory conclusion. I especially enjoyed some of the Mayan history and culture that is described in the book including a visit to Chichen Itza, the prime example of Mayan civilization. I visited this site over 20 years ago when my wife and I were on our honeymoon in Cancun - a very interesting and memorable site. I have a few others in this series that I look forward to reading.
Caroline C. (SnowBears) reviewed The Xibalba Murders (Archaelogical Mystery, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
More of my favorite archaeological mystery series.
Anne M. (RobbieM) reviewed The Xibalba Murders (Archaelogical Mystery, Bk 1) on + 71 more book reviews
Toronto antiques dealer Lara McClintoch travels to Merida, Mexico, in response to a mysterious summons from her mentor, Dr. Hernan Castillo, but the expert in Mayan history turns up dead. Lara must travel deep into the surrounding jungle to find out what happened.
Patricia L. (LadyMicha) reviewed The Xibalba Murders (Archaelogical Mystery, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
I enjoyed the historical context of the Maya civilization and the story was entertaining.
Good quick read. Interesting history
