The Jaguar Stones: Middleworld by J & P Voelkel

This book too was recommended by a student. It has some good action, but the setting is very unfamiliar to me. It is set in the jungles in Central America. It has some archeology with historical fiction.  It looks at Mayan lore and legend and a little of the interaction and thievery of the Spanish conquerors when they arrive.
However, the story is not primarily historical fiction because it is set in modern times with occasional flashbacks to previous times.
I had a hard time identifying with the main character as a slightly spoiled boy who loves video games and is feeling ignored by his parents.
My one hope was to get to know more about the mysterious housekeeper and the odd rituals she is performing.  Perhaps she reappears in one of the sequels with a fuller character.
Bottom line satisfying read about Mayan culture with adventure and some fantasy put in for good measure.