Martin McMillan and the Lost Inca City

by Elaine Russell

Martin is dragged to Peru on an archaeological dig. With skateboard in hand he unexpectedly falls into an adventure with his new friend Isabel. They gain insights into the modern adult world, the Incan world, and their own world, while becoming immersed in a culture where meetings and clashes between richly diverse civilizations lead to a web of secret activity. JUV000000

124 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2012

About the author

I am the author of three historical novels and six children's book, which have won numerous awards. Writing is a journey that takes me down many unexpected paths. When I begin a new novel, it feels like some of my characters and their unexpected personalities soon take over. Equally enjoyable as the writing, is the research I do for my books (I have a BA in history). I'm always finding fascinating events or facts that help shape the story. My love of travel and history have contributed significantly to my writing, as I enjoy weaving in the culture and past of other countries into my stories.
My latest historical novel, "When the Tamarind Tree Blooms," (April 2024) is about a young métisse, half-Lao/half-French, in 1931 French colonial Laos, trying to determine where she belongs in the deeply divided French and Lao societies, where neither group readily accepts her mixed heritage. I am also the author of the historical novels "In the Company of Like-Minded Women" (2018) and "Across the Mekong River" (2012) -- now available in a French, "De l'autre côté du Mékong."
My children’s works include two picture books, "All About Thailand" (2016) and "Thai Celebrations for Children," (2022) with Tuttle Publishing. I am also the author of the middle grade Martin McMillan mystery/adventure series, which features skateboarding heroes Martin and Isabel: "The Lost Inca City," "The Secret of the Ruby Elephant," and "The Sacred Stones". And finally, my young adult novel, “Montana in A Minor,” stems from my passion for music, an interest in the complexities of modern family life, and a belief that everyone appreciates a good love story!
I was born in San Francisco and raised on the peninsula. I attended the University of California at Davis where I earned a bachelor’s degree in history, then California State University Sacramento for a master’s degree in economics. I always wanted to write, but came to it somewhat late in life. I live with my husband in Sacramento, California.