A truly frightening brilliant read - 5 star

It certainly has been a long time since reading "A simple plan" but the wait has certainly been worth it. Two couples Jen, Jeff, Eric and Stacy are in Mexico craving adventure before their return home to adult pursuits and career progression. They meet Mathias, a young German, worried about his younger brother Henrich who it appears has travelled to an archaeological dig near the small town of Cancun. Captivated by the lush green tropical environment they slowly make their way to the Mayan ruins, eager to explore this ancient culture and hopefully ascertain the whereabouts of Henrich. The Mayan villagers are  somewhat reticent and reserved indicating that the travellers should leave immediately, and worryingly an armed Mayan horseman appears to enforce the Mayan concerns. Amy, a keen photographer decides to record the happenings as they unfold and inadvertently steps back, stumbling into some flowering vine. A tense situation, quickly escalates into one of immediate danger when more Mayan villagers appear armed with rifles and bows, forcing the young people to retreat to a remote hillside incorporating an abandoned mine shaft and a mound covered in red flowers. In addition travelling with them is a young Greek affectionately called Pablo and when he stumbles at the entrance to an exposed excavation the outcome for this group of adventurers begins to appear uncertain........To tell you more would spoil the developing nightmare, as the reality and horror of their circumstances becomes oh so real and shocking. A brilliant second novel from Scott Smith and highly recommended.