The Alb: A Novel

An Inca tomb with gold artifacts and an incredibly rare finely woven white tunic was found deep in the South American Andes by a geological expedition searching the area. The Peruvian authorities send a team to examine the find and assure that it is kept intact. The event raises the curiosity of Mr. John Engelhard, CEO and chief shareholder of the New York based Horizon Mining, conducting the mineral exploration in the Andes. A self-made man and billionaire, Engelhard decides to travel to the exploration site, in the Colca area in Peru, to see firsthand the archeological treasure. On the night after his arrival, the campsite is raided and all its members murdered. The treasure disappears. The Museo de la Nacion, in Lima, grieves the disappearance of the priceless objects, especially the loss of the unique white tunic found in the tomb. The museum archeologists refer to this piece of ancient garment as the “Alb,” an allusion to the fabled tunic worn by “Viracocha” the most important deity in the Inca pantheon of gods. According to legend, the alb has the power to protect whoever wears it from “Supay,” the god of death and of the inner world. A New York detective, Mr. Alan Leary is hired by Mr. Anton Deville, Horizon’s chief attorney, to investigate the crime. The idea of Engelhard, owner of a great fortune, committing the murders to rob the Inca treasure is preposterous. Deville wishes Alan to discover what took place. What could have happened to Engelhard? Was he kidnaped or is he dead and buried somewhere else? Thus begins an adventure extending over three continents, from civilized Manhattan to the high Andes in South America, and through the rivers and forests of the Amazon to its surprising conclusion in Italy.

Dr. Luis Rousset graduated from Stanford University, in 1971, with a Ph.D. degree in mineral engineering. During his career he did field work all over South America and other countries, in exploration and adviser to mining operations. He served in the board of several prestigious companies, including BP Mining Brazil. Currently, he is member of the Advisory Board of a Copper Mining, in Brazil. Dr. Rousset and his wife share their time between a home in Rio de Janeiro and their apartment in Manhattan. Used to technical and scientific documents, he started writing fiction in the last few years exposing to readers some of the rugged environments he has experienced to during his profession. The Alb is his second novel and has as background the high Andes mountains in Peru.