Archeologist Arla Vaughn didn’t know what to expect when she was summoned to the hospital by a man she didn’t know, a man on his deathbed, the victim of a hit and run accident. There she learns of a missing journal that acts as a map to find an ancient city. She also learns that her more than friend Lance Hayden is missing on his search for the Lost City of the Condor and the Golden Condor of the Inca's. She quickly realizes she must go and complete the journey and find him, no matter what. When she arrives in Peru she is approached by a mysterious peddler who shows her a small authentic looking artifact, a statue identical to those found only in rare Inca tombs located high in the Andes. Arla suspects this is a genuine artifact, perhaps stolen from the same Capacocha burial site her co-worker, Lance Hayden, is seeking. But, things get out of hand very quickly as she is kidnapped, shot at, lied to and not really sure who she can trust. And to complicate matters, she must find out if her missing friend is dead or alive. In a race against time to find and protect the relics, Arla must travel to a snowy mountain peak and a clash with the looters for the most priceless treasure of all – the golden condor!
"The Lost City of the Condor" is a very well-written and exciting story, filled with danger, intrigue, and murder. I found it refreshing that the authors put together a superb plot with a generous blend of history and the geography of the area without using a tour guide approach. The action starts with the opening chapter and never ceases. The characterization is good. All in all, a well-thought-out story.