Seven cities of greed

the long version

"A hand carved leather journal promises an adventure in New Mexico for Jacqueline Tracy and her friends. Instead, they find themselves followed by a modern day conquistador who will stop at nothing to have the book and the secrets it holds. The journal describes an expedition that began in February of 1539 led by Franciscan friar Marcos de Niza on a search for the mythical Seven Cities of Cibola, the cities of gold. As the group follows ancient clues and maps to the land of enchantment, Samuel Barnes uses his wealth and influence to track them. Are the adventure-seeking Chicagoans ready for a show down with the man who believes himself the Emperor of Cibola?"--Publisher's description.