The Mayan Secrets

A Fargo Adventure, Book 5

By: Clive Cussler, Thomas Perry

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

The outstanding new novel from the #1 New York Times - bestselling grand master of adventure.

Husband-and-wife team Sam and Remi Fargo are in Mexico, when they come upon a remarkable discovery - the skeleton of a man clutching an ancient sealed pot, and within the pot, a Mayan book, larger than anyone has ever seen. The book contains astonishing information about the Mayans, about their cities, and about mankind itself. The secrets are so powerful that some people would do anything to possess them - as the Fargos are about to find out.

Before their adventure is done, many men and women will die for that book - and Sam and Remi may just be among them.

©2013 Clive Cussler (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Engaging...[a] thrilling climax." (Publishers Weekly)

"Fast-paced." (Booklist)

The Fargo’s are fun!

The Fargo’s have fun in this book. For once, the moral high ground has teeth to bare!

Wow - What a ride

From space, our planet is small. When in the forests, our planet is huge. Books and stories like this make me wonder just what secrets our small planet might still hold.

The Mayan Secrets

Any additional comments?

This review is specific to the first seven books of the Fargo series by Clive Cussler in audiobook format narrated by Scott Brick. All are published by Penguin Audio and are in the area of eleven to twelve hours of listening. Some of The Fargo Adventures have been co-authored with Grant Blackwood, Thomas Perry, Russell Blake or Robin Burcell. Early writings by Clive Cussler did not involve co-authors, however Cussler is in his mid-80s at this writing. All of these books cover a specific era of ancient history and are rich with detail. There is a great deal of historical research, ergo co-authors. The Fargo Adventures series is in the tradition of all Cussler works, i.e., mysteries wrapped around history, a formula that defines his basic plot structure. The difference, in my opinion, is the married couple lead characters in this series, Sam and Remi Fargo, as opposed to the type A macho men, Dirk Pitt and Isaac Bell.

The entire series revolves around ancient treasure, excavation, archeological digs, etc. Think DaVinci Code on steroids with a brilliant engineer and his historian wife as the lead characters, Sam and Remi. Or possibly Nick and Nora or Jonathan and Jennifer Hart with satellite cell phones and iPads. The leads chase clues galore across the world involving everything from deep sea diving to mountain climbing to hot air balloon escapes to spelunking. Exotic cities, exclusive hotels, and sumptuous dining experiences of the locales are explicitly described in each story. Remi and Sam are experts at and can do anything and are very philanthropic. All of their finds are turned over to the local governments or historical societies. The two are not ‘in it for the money’, but rather the adventure. At their California home/office is Selma and her staff. Selma is a researcher who finds answers to the most obscure elements of ancient history, makes travel and equipment arrangements for Sam and Remi, and knows what they need before they need it. The pair independently wealthy enough to have enviable lives traveling the world and getting themselves in and out of trouble, turning the tables on bad guys along the way. Although Sam and Remi are married and deeply in love, the entire series is squeaky clean, i.e., chaste kisses on cheeks. No gratuitous sex, no language issues as is true of all Cussler writing. Don’t hesitate to present as gifts to anyone.

Regarding Scott Brick’s audiobook performances … well … it’s Scott Brick, ergo not much to say. He does a particularly great job with obscure accents and pronunciations. Male and female voices unique, no trouble discerning who-says-what-to-who, nice timing and tempo, solid productions.

Spartan Gold, 2009 = Napoleonic history that begins with Sam and Remi finding a Nazi-era German mini-sub while scuba diving. Ancient bottles of wine found in the sub have them hunting for Napoleon’s lost cellar and more treasure.

Lost Empire, 2010 = Aztec history. Very convoluted, complex story. Clues galore poof away during the story and are wrapped up in neat package in the Epilog. Not my favorite, but finding a mystery (no spoiler) in the Krakatoa volcanic ash is a very cool element of the plot.

The Kingdom, 2011 = Nepal history. Sam and Remi are sucked into a mystery taking them from an egomaniacal Texas baron to Shangri-La!

The Tombs, 2012 = A narcissistic maniac believes he is a descendent of Attila the Hun. Other greedy creeps simply want the riches found in a cadre of tombs, which results in a search for Attila’s final resting place - another tomb.

The Mayan Secrets, 2013, opens in the 16th century with the sheltering of a book containing Mayan history. Sam and Remi battle to preserve a book found in an ancient clay pot. The resulting mayhem begins a wild adventure.

In The Eye of Heaven, 2014, Cussler should have been tougher in the supervision of co-authoring, as the character of Remi has changed to be more of a liability for Sam - she acts like a spoiled child, often wanting to go home. The book might be better if he sent her. The two argue about strategy rather than scheme together as in previous novels - way too much ’sneering'. That, and after all they’ve been through, Remi is jealous? Really? That said, the story: How do ancient artifacts from the interior of Mexico wind up in the hull of a Viking ship found west of Greenland buried in glacial ice? Thus is the mystery of The Eye of Heaven.

The Solomon Curse, 2015. Beneath the waters off the coast of Guatemala lay the structures of a village or town. A wealthy tycoon in Australia is up to no good. There are ancient tales of gold and jewels and yep: Giants! Sam and Remi spelunk their way through adventures and march through jungles to find treasure, dead bodies, and ancient dead bodies. Not quite as ‘thrilling’ as some of the books, but an enjoyable read.

Since the books stand alone, jump in anywhere. Recommended for adventure lovers interested in ‘clean’ reads. Not great literature, just fun reading.

Best Clive Cussler book so far.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Mayan Secrets to be better than the print version?

No! I really like audio books.

What did you like best about this story?

Have always enjoyed reading about Mayan History. This fits in to my interest.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Outstanding as usual

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Keeping history special

Any additional comments?

Great book!!!!!

okay Scott Brick.

this is how it is. I'd never heard Scott Brick, before listening to this book series. the sing song lilt is here to stay. I must admit he's "growing" on me.
honestly, I can't imagine anyone else's voice telling me about the Fargo's this was my favorite installment, so far. it was James Bond level shenanigans.
I WANT TO BE REMY FARGO!!

Another Cussler masterpiece

Also Scott Brick does yet another excellent job. Can't imagine hearing another voice bringing Cussler's works to life.

Excellent Stroy

For those of you that enjoy the thrill of exploration and adventure, you will enjoy this book.

My guilty pleasure

I enjoy this series , from San to Remi To Selma , always love seeing a new one m

Terrific!!!!

Captivating audiobook that paints a great picture and helps the imagination run wild. One of his best yet

You will not want to miss out on this one ....

Me and my husband listened to this book together. It is a wonderful read. Full of action and fun. We are loving the Fargo adventures please keep them coming.