A race against time to decipher an ancient threat before it destroys them all…

An archaeological mystery from #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author Elle Marie.

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book." – Braxton DeGarmo, author of the MedAir series

Archaeologist Angela Hunter unearths an ancient codex from a Native American burial mound. But how could an illiterate society have produced such complex writing?

Seven hundred years ago, a thriving civilization suddenly vanished. As Angela deciphers the mysterious codex symbols, she unravels one of archaeology's greatest mysteries.

Despite forces trying to stop her from learning the chronicle's secrets, Angela discovers the horrifying truth. Can she prevent the tragedies of the past from happening again today?

If you enjoy action packed-mysteries and thrillers about ancient civilizations, you'll like this adventure that takes you on a journey in two timelines: the era of the Aztecs & Cahokia Mound Builders and the present with archaeologist Angela Hunter.

Previously published as Chronicle of the Mound Builders.

Interview with the Author

Living near the mysterious Cahokia Mounds, I always wondered what happened to the Mound Builders who lived there long ago. When I read an article about a newly discovered Mound Builders village right in my hometown, I couldn't wait to explore it. That sparked my idea to write a novel about how the civilization vanished, and center the story around the Aztec codex, a fictitious relic.

I love both fiction and nonfiction books about archaeology. It's fascinating how archaeologists solve mysteries through the clues they find and interpret from digs. The Native American cultures in particular interest me. I love learning what their lives were really like.

The basic mystery is what happened to the Cahokia Mound Builders. Their civilization vanished overnight and no one knows why or how. Aztec Curse follows the people living in that time period as they move toward their destiny, while Angela tries to solve the mystery in modern times by uncovering clues from an ancient codex.

I hope readers enjoy the action and adventure while learning about the ancient Aztecs and their culture, such as Aztec sacrifice and the Mexican pyramids, as well as the culture of Cahokia, City of the Sun.

Dr. Meredith Hawkins of Archaeological Research Center of St. Louis graciously showed me around the Dampier Dig site and provided basic instruction on archaeology.

Definitely Angela Hunter. She's smart, funny, and courageous, but not perfect. I like strong female characters – I'd love to be more like her!

I enjoy archaeology mysteries and thrillers, of course. I also read historical fiction, chick lit, psychological thrillers, and science fiction. Very eclectic!

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.