Not content covering society stories in Philadelphia and with an editor who refuses  her request to cover international stories, (“it’s no job for a lady”) Nellie uses her savings to buy a train ticket to Mexico.  At first Nellie is accompanied by her mother since a lady does not travel alone, but when mom becomes ill and returns home Nellie finds new companions in Gertrude Bell, Lilly Langtry and the Sundance Kid. But, Mexico in 1886 is still a dangerous place with bloodthirsty Aztec history lurking just beneath the surface. In the ghost city of Teotihuacán, Nellie finds herself playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse as ruthless criminals seeking Montezuma’s treasure stalk her among the pyramids. Toss in a handsome, mysterious man and an ancient cult as our intrepid Nellie finds murder, mystery, adventure and a little romance.

A great installment in a wonderful series that mixes fictional events with real people. An interesting epilogue gives us the real historical background of Nellie’s trip to Mexico as well as mini bios of Lilly Langtry, the Sundance Kind and Gertrude Bell, whose life as an archeologist, spy and adventure traveler make her a candidate for a similar series of books.  Highly recommended. ~~ Stephanie L Bannon

For reviews of the entire series click here