Ben Juarez wants fellow archaeologist, and former lover, Jila Wells to accompany him on a return trip to Peru. Neither has fond memories of the place, since they almost lost their lives during an attack, and Jila is quite happy with the job she has now. After much cajoling, Ben is finally able to persuade Jila, since she's familiar with most of the people who'll be making up Professor Beckham's team at Santiago de Paz pyramids. Beckham has found clues in an ancient diary that indicate the ruins contain a valuable document hidden by a member of a Jewish family who settled there in the 16th century.

Of course, these investigative archaeologists aren't the only ones interested in locating what's been hidden for centuries. And these others aren't above using deadly force to achieve their goals. But everyone is frantically working against the clock as severe weather is on the way in the form of El Niño. Will Ben and Jila find what they're looking for in time? And what will it mean to the rest of the world if they do?

AMERICAN CALIPHATE by William Doonan is an exciting, fast-paced mystery that will delight readers with its pragmatic characters and wide-ranging action/adventure plot. It's a winner!