by Lewis Shiner
First published 1988
A mysterious photograph arrives, showing Lindsey evidence that her ex-husband Eddie still lives somewhere in the Mexican rainforest. Years earlier, Eddie disappeared into the Yucatan jungle as a burned-out seeker chasing visions and universal meaning. Now Lindsey must venture into that same wilderness to find him. Her search puts her alongside Thomas, Eddie's brother, whose feelings for her remain strong despite the years. Their journey takes them to NaChan, where ancient Mayan temples hide in the dense jungle growth. These ruins hold dangerous secrets. Psychedelic mushrooms flourish there, capable of transporting users backward through time or ending their lives entirely. The Landon Indians consider NaChan sacred ground, protected by their mysterious shaman Chan Ma'ax. But political violence has reached even this remote sanctuary. Carla leads a rebel force through the region while a covert American military unit called the Fighting 666th prepares for confrontation. Lindsey, Thomas, and Eddie become trapped between these opposing armies as Mexico tears itself apart and the world edges toward its final conflict.
Genres: adventure, mystery, fantasy, contemporary
Vibes: atmospheric, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Mexico, NaChan, Yucatan
Period: Present Day
304 pages · Paperback · Doubleday
Content warnings: drug-use, violence