Intrigue, betrayal, archaeological mystery, and romance result when a female diplomat is kidnapped in the Copper Canyon of the northern Sierra Madres, an area with four canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon and the home of the Tarahumara Indians, the greatest long distance runners in the world. The diplomat is held hostage in the remote Lost Canyons by a priest and Indian shaman who hope to prevent the construction of a giant hydroelectric dam. In this story of human frailties, greed and lost treasure, an archaeologist and federale pursue the shaman, known as the Fierce Jaguar, into the impassable northern sierras in search of the diplomat. But the pursuers become prey when a sadistic Arab follows them in search of jade. The Lost Canyons hold a surprise for everyone, and each character must overcome incredible adversity and peril to survive.