Quicksand: A Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery

In Pandian%E2%80%99s lively and humorous third Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery (after 2014%E2%80%99s Private Vishnu), a letter and plane ticket purportedly from former art thief Lane Peters sends San Francisco history professor Jaya to Paris. There, one of Lane%E2%80%99s former associates forces him into a plot to rob the Louvre; Jaya must reluctantly insist on participating. When Jaya realizes the significance of the artifact to be stolen%E2%80%94a page from an illuminated manuscript%E2%80%94she and Lane determine to thwart the others involved in the theft. A coded message from Sanjay, Jaya%E2%80%99s magician friend back in San Francisco, helps her locate S%C3%A9bastien: a remarkably energetic 90-year-old with a brilliant mind, a houseful of amazing automatons, and a set of invaluable skills to help them in their quest. Charming characters, a hint of romantic conflict, and just the right amount of danger will garner more fans for this cozy series. Agent: Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. (Mar.)