Fast-paced adventure to discover a secret hidden by monks of the Orthodox church. Several plotlines merge into one as the characters delve deeper into the mystery. ( )

Once more Kuzneski creates a treasure hunt for ex-Marine types Payne and Jones. Back too, is Nick Dial from Interpol, and both parties weave their own strands through this lengthy journey. The actual content of Lost Throne could easily be condensed, and the sheer volume of redundant narrative creates a bloated action adventure through Europe. The research is evident, and expected, although at times a little shoe-horned in. The main villains of the piece are well thought out and interesting. However Lost Throne is not as good as the sum of its parts, it's to long and the characters are rather shallow and unlikeable. Overall, its an entertaining enough read, it just won't be one to remember. ( )

The Lost Throne was my first encounter with Chris Kuzneski and his characters. Began the book with high hopes as several authors I really enjoy had praised it and was quickly disappointed. When it comes to action/adventure/thrillers I want something that keeps me riveted to the book holding my breath and ready to bit the head off anyone who interupts me. Sadly this one was easy to put aside for periods long enough to read entire other books, in fact I read THREE other books between when I started this one and when I finished it.

This one goes in my "never again" pile and will wind up on the shelf at the cancer centers library instead of my own. ( )

The Lost Throne brings us the third adventure of D.J. Jones and Jonathan Payne. This time they receive a call from a distressed woman in St. Petersburg, Russia. Her employer was just gunned down in front of her and she needs help. They set out immediately to rescue her. Once in Russia, they investigate the death of her employer only to find themselves on a treasure hunt.

The trail leads them to Mt. Athos, Greece. They run into an old acquaintance, Nick Dial, who has been investigating the murders of a group of monks for Interpol. Their quests are intertwined and they are forced to work together. Can Jones and Payne discover one of the original seven wonders of the world?

This book is a very fast thriller. The story is told via the action and words of the characters. Don't expect detailed descriptions or unnecessary prose. This story moves fast, but I had no problem visualizing everything that was going on. Chris Kuzneski is able to tell a vivid story without getting bogged down.

I really enjoyed the story. Critics may be put off by the lack of explanation or detailed research included with the story. But, this isn't that kind of book. This book is about action and adventure in foreign lands. If you like fast paced thrillers, you will love this book. ( )

Jonathan Payne and D.J. Jones are former members of a top secret American military unit. A request for help sends them to Russia to save Allison Taylor whose employer has been murdered. Payne, Jones, and Taylor then pick up her murdered boss’ pursuit of an ancient treasure. Meanwhile, Nick Dial, Chief of the Interpol Homicide Division, is investigating the brutal murders of seven monks in Greece. No routine murders these, it is soon revealed they were committed by men dressed and armed as ancient Spartans. Payne, Jones, and Taylor follow the clues that eventually lead them to Greece, where Dial and his assistant Marcus Andropoulos follow their own clues in an attempt to solve the murders of the monks.

I have been trying to find a book like The Da Vinci Code, except one that’s good. I like the idea of searching for lost treasures but I haven’t had much luck so far. I had high hopes for The Lost Throne even though I dislike the use of “top secret” military units and the idea of anyone form Interpol actually heading a murder investigation makes me laugh. I was also willing to overlook 21st Century Greeks, who had maintained ancient Spartan customs and traditions, so perhaps my high hopes were misplaced. Mystery writer James O. Born provided a blurb for the back cover which reads, in part, “Part Tom Clancy, part Dan Brown”, considering my opinion of The Teeth of the Tiger and The Da Vinci Code maybe I should have known better.

In spite of these concerns I enjoyed the book right up until Chapter 70, at which point I lost all hope and considered throwing the book across the room. I don’t wish to give away what happened since some readers may enjoy the book and I don’t wish to spoil it. It’s enough to say that there was a most unbelievable coincidence.

If you enjoyed The Teeth of the Tiger and The Da Vinci Code this is probably a book for you. If you didn’t like them, look elsewhere and if you find a good thriller with a hunt for ancient treasure thrown in, let me know.

I received a review copy of this book from G.P. Putnam's Sons. ( )