- Chasing the Jaguar
The Jaguar of Uxmal, a powerful Mayan statue stolen from the Yucatan Temple of the Magician, is calling to fifteen-year-old Los Angeleno Martika Gálvez, in dreams [End Page 498] filled with images of smoky jungles through which a large cat draws her. On the other side of L.A., popular high-school cheerleader Jennifer Colton has been kidnapped as a bargaining chip in a smuggling deal: an ancient jaguar statue in exchange for one teenage daughter. Coincidence puts Martika at the Colton house where she gets a psychic jolt, courtesy of a hidden (from her) family talent, and she knows that she must rescue both statue and girl. In typical fairy-tale style, she is given a learned guide, Tía Tellín, feared by all as the local curandera (medicine woman) and later revealed to be Martika's great-great-aunt. Under Tía Tellín's tutelage, Martika learns enough to foil the kidnapping plot and get the statue returned to its rightful place. Hints at the end and branding on the cover ("A Martika Gálvez Mystery") suggest that this is the first of a series, and the prioritization of action over characterization and the narrative's often sketchy and hurried style certainly suggest formula fiction. These stylistic choices make for a fast pace reluctant readers will appreciate, though, and it's refreshing to see a continuing adventure starring a capable Latina heroine. An author's note describes Greene's research on ancient Mayan religions, and a glossary defines Spanish words and phrases, most also understandable from or described in context. Despite the flaws, this is an easily digestible supernaturally touched mystery, and it will likely be a popular summer read.