An American family in Mexico hosts a group of archaeologists—butis there an assassin among them? &“Satisfactorily sinister . . . class-A sleuthing&” (Saturday Review). &“Unconquered&” is the family motto of the Faudrees, whose ancestor, a Confederate officer, fled to Mexico decades ago. Now his two granddaughters, Lucy and Monica, live there in a beautiful old house near some black lava fields. The fields have recently attracted a team of archaeologists from an American university, and they&’ll be the sisters&’ guests during their expedition to Pedregal. But Lucy and Monica soon discover the visiting academics may be unearthing trouble: A professor has died. Strange and threatening letters have been sent. And oddly, owls seem to be invading. To dig up the truth about what&’s going on, the Faudree sisters will need some help from US Customs agent and amateur sleuth Hugh Rennert, in this tale featuring &“good background, atmosphere and characters&” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). &“You won&’t go wrong in giving Todd Downing a try.&” —Michael Dirda, The Washington Post