Vengeance of the Vanished Ones, Book One, by Lee Orlich Bertram begins with Dr. Marcos Andersson, an archaeologist working covertly for the DEA, who is sent to Guatemala to locate a jungle airstrip used for smuggling arms and drugs. After being captured by guerrillas, Marcos, with the help of a young guard named Jorge, attempts to escape and signal for rescue. Flash back a few weeks, and Marcos is stung by the death of his friend, Dr. Dave Pearce, which he believes was no suicide. Traveling through Baja California, Marcos investigates Dave's death, uncovering ties to a mining geologist named Robert Powell, who may be involved in illegal operations and possibly Dave’s murder. As Marcos uncovers more about Powell's plans to destroy rock art sites for profit, he is put through a wringer of dynamite, a potential mercy killing, and fast-rising threats. Alongside Susan, a psychic, fellow investigator, and potential paramour, Marcos fights to uncover the truth behind Dave’s death.

Lee Orlich Bertram does well in mixing archaeology, mystery, and spiritual machinations in Vengeance of the Vanished, which is the first book in the series. I enjoyed the adventure through Baja California's rock art sites, which frequently turn into mini history lessons. The pacing is deliberate, allowing readers the opportunity to connect emotionally and intellectually, especially through Marcos's devastating loss and the evolving bond between him and Susan. The writing is meticulously descriptive, immersing readers in places like the stark desert landscapes and the haunting, ancient artworks that are believed to hold supernatural power. The spiritual energy of the land comes to life and the juxtaposition of past and present is prevalent throughout. Overall, this is a solid choice for lovers of history, mystery, and adventure. Recommended.

Marcos is an archeologist from a family of intellectuals. In Vengeance of the Vanished Ones, Book One by Lee Orlich Bertram, he is on a journey to explore a newly discovered site. What his guide doesn’t know is that Marcos is also working with the government to expose some rebels who are carrying out illegal activities deep in the jungle. They are captured before getting to their destination. Before this encounter, Marcos had been involved in something else. His friend Dave had died under mysterious circumstances, and he was willing to go to great lengths to find out what happened to his friend, a fellow rock art enthusiast. Before the expedition, he gets a call from a psychic who claims that he can be of great importance to the expedition. He declines the help. Later when he meets with Susan, how will things work out?

Once you start reading Vengeance of the Vanished Ones, Book One by Lee Orlich Bertram, there is no putting it down. The twists and turns in the plotline kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved how Lee utilized suspense effectively, which made one look forward to the events of subsequent chapters. The characters were well-developed, and the amazing narration added to the overall beauty of the work. The reader will also appreciate the diversity of the themes covered and the thought-provoking nature of some of the issues, such as the impacts of missionary activities in Central America. This was an excellent story, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series to find out more about Marcos and Susan and their endeavors.