Were I you, rather than hunt down fiction books, go hunting through the archeology section of your library or bookstore and find something that catches your fancy. Specifically things on discovery and excavation of ruins. Depending on what your setting is like, I'd go with either ancient Roman and Middle Ages excavations (if more urban or pastoral) or Central American and Indian subcontinent if you want something more jungle-y.

As for movies to refer to... Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade might be a good pick, but You'd be better off doing some actual research into digs and the hazards of ruins.