From the start I liked the novel, it is just different enough to be refreshing. And now that I’ve finished it, I totally agree with your enthusiasm. What a smart thriller! Why is it that we learn history without asking the important questions, such as, how did Hernan Cortez conquer the Americas when he was outnumbered 15,000 to 1, never mind all the normal pitfalls? This brilliant plot, which could only be set in Mexico, (and what a trip to Mexico this is for all us armchair tourists) answers this question; and wrapped up in the answer is a question that I’ve been asking myself for 8 years: Why was the Bush/Cheney administration so hell bent on making sure everyone in the world hated Americans? So Claudia, thank you for bringing this book to our attention… I look forward to more of your recommendations.