Review: "Tractrix" by R.J. Archer

Tractrix is a superb sci-fi novel complete with mystery, suspense, and adventure. Aerospace engineer Frank Morton wins $86 million dollars in the lottery. He decides to retire and creates the Northwest Institute of Discovery and Innovation (NWIDI) to pursue his passion of investigating unsolved archeological mysteries. When he learns a former military buddy has come in possession of a mysterious black sphere inscribed with hieroglyphics, Frank decides to assemble a team to determine its origins. They trace this sphere back to the Maya of the Yucatan and discover the U.S. government has been collecting similar orbs for some time at Area 51, a military base located within Nevada’s Test and Training Range. Why is the government interested in these mysterious objects? They emit an unknown form of energy that the government believes is dangerous. Officials have been trying to understand this phenomenon since the discovery of the first sphere fifty years ago. Frank's research reveals the markings on these black metal orbs are not all Mayan hieroglyphics--some are from a civilization predating Mesopotamia.

Along with his detailed descriptions of settings including Nevada and Mexico, R. J. creates a cast of very likeable and believable characters. Frank Morton is a detail-oriented engineer and adventurer whose passion for the “mysteries of history” inspires him to found the NWIDI. Linda McBride, a newspaper researcher by profession, provides her sleuthing skills to help the team gain knowledge about the people involved in the Top Secret governmental investigation. Tony Nicoletti, Frank's buddy from the Army and fellow adventure enthusiast, is responsible for presenting the first black sphere to Frank. Jim Barnes, a professor of anthropology, is the brains of the team who ultimately translates the information written on the spheres.
I look forward to reading the next two novels in this Seeds of Civilization trilogy. Tractrix is a fast-paced, engaging read that does not disappoint. Just about every chapter ends with a cliffhanger, making it difficult to put down. A delightful cross between Indiana Jones and the X-Files, this book definitely gets my recommendation.