Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
London : Penguin, 2010.
Description
Hidden among the crates in a recently discovered World War II bunker are documents stamped with an elaborate black swan, the insignia of the murdered King Ludwig II. According to legend, Ludwig stockpiled a massive treasure in the years before his death, a cache of gold and jewels that would finance the construction of the largest castle of all time. But in the years since his death, no one has found any evidence that Ludwig had hidden anything. Until now. Jonathon Payne and David Jones are pulled into the mystery by a colleague of theirs, a former supply sergeant in the U.S. military who asks them to investigate. They agree to help and quickly find themselves in a life-or-death struggle to uncover the truth about Ludwig's murder and his mythical treasure.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Merlin2756
If you love the humour between Payne and Jones, love the non-stop action and enjoy a good mystery - you'll love this book.
LibraryThing member nursewidener
Enjoyable adventure with decent plot twists. A little slow getting set up or this would have been a 4 out of 5 star review. Most people who like action adventure books will enjoy this book and I hope this is not the last book from this author. I would pick up another book from him for a read by the
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fire during a calm winter day. Show Less
LibraryThing member FinsRandL
This review is of the uncorrected galley proof and, as such, may not reflect the final published version. This was my first Kazneski novel and, I must say, definitely made me want to pick up the others he has written. I was originally drawn to the book based on its setting. I've traveled
On the "not-as-good" side, Kuzneski's dialog between the main characters is a bit trite and cliche. Even considering I came into this series midway, the character development was stilted and uneven. Side comments made by the main characters left the reader wondering as to deeper meaning and, on occasion, begged further explanation. Additionally, from a "flow" point-of-view, there were several instances in the novel where lengthy, superfluous, descriptions and narratives distracted from the chain of events and plot pacing. Lastly, I found the ending a bit abrupt and unfulfilling. While I acknowledge this is one in a series and the story will resume (one assumes) in the next installment, "The Secret Crown" did leave the reading hanging as to a couple of plot elements particular to this storyline.
All-in-all, a very decent read for fun, relaxing entertainment. I'll definitely be adding Kuzneski's other works to my wish list.
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extensively in Bavaria, and am quite familiar with mad King Ludwig, so I was interested in a novel wrapped around his story. The book did not disappoint with regard to its depictions of the area, the back-story of Ludwig's reign, and the action of the plot. Overall pacing of the story was decent and the action scenes were very enjoyable. Kuzneski moves the story along and interweaves several plot elements into a seamless narrative.On the "not-as-good" side, Kuzneski's dialog between the main characters is a bit trite and cliche. Even considering I came into this series midway, the character development was stilted and uneven. Side comments made by the main characters left the reader wondering as to deeper meaning and, on occasion, begged further explanation. Additionally, from a "flow" point-of-view, there were several instances in the novel where lengthy, superfluous, descriptions and narratives distracted from the chain of events and plot pacing. Lastly, I found the ending a bit abrupt and unfulfilling. While I acknowledge this is one in a series and the story will resume (one assumes) in the next installment, "The Secret Crown" did leave the reading hanging as to a couple of plot elements particular to this storyline.
All-in-all, a very decent read for fun, relaxing entertainment. I'll definitely be adding Kuzneski's other works to my wish list.
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LibraryThing member PhilipTroy
A very well written book. I'm going to be keeping an eye out for more of Mr. Kuzneski's work. Ex-military characters aren't easy to write, but he pulls it off with style and panache.
LibraryThing member texicanwife
In a fast-paced, super action-packed story, Kuzneski gives us two men who are unstoppable. Think Dan Brown's Robert Langdon, Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt, Indiana Jones and Rambo all rolled into the two, and the possibilities for action, intrigue, mayhem and secret treasures are unfathomable!
I
I have one thing to say... Mr. Kuzneski, when does production for a movie begin? This book reads like a fantastic movie from start to finish!
Kuzneski has a way of drawing the reader into the action, until you can smell the gunpowder, the blood, touch the treasure and feel the adrenaline rush!
I give this book Five Stars and my Thumbs Up!
***DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by G.P. Putnam & Sons through the Library Thing in exchange for an independent and non-biased review, and was a copy of the Uncorrected Proof, which may not reflect the final print copy.
I
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literally read this book in one sitting! I simply could not put it down.I have one thing to say... Mr. Kuzneski, when does production for a movie begin? This book reads like a fantastic movie from start to finish!
Kuzneski has a way of drawing the reader into the action, until you can smell the gunpowder, the blood, touch the treasure and feel the adrenaline rush!
I give this book Five Stars and my Thumbs Up!
***DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by G.P. Putnam & Sons through the Library Thing in exchange for an independent and non-biased review, and was a copy of the Uncorrected Proof, which may not reflect the final print copy.
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LibraryThing member ltcl
The Secret Crown gives us that combination we love so much- a historical mystery, good guys trying to retrieve the treasure who are a great team and kid each other as if their lives aren't on the line and finally, those bad guys who are also trying to get at the treasure. King Ludwig was an
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eccentric ruler who slept all day and partied all night, talked to himself and may or may not have secreted away a treasure. Payne and Jones are friends from their time served in an uber-secret branch of the military and agree to help find the treasure. Fast paced and mixed in with a healthy dose of real Germany castles, this is a great thriller. If you like Steve Berry, David Baldacci and Clive Cussler then you will really enjoy Chris Kuzneski Show Less
LibraryThing member Jarratt
Prior to reading the last few chapters, I was prepared to give Chris Kuzneski’s “The Secret Crown” three stars. But given how it ended and the book’s title…I mean, c’mon. Let’s just say it’s analogous to "The Empire Strikes Back" being titled "Vader is Luke’s Dad" or "The Sixth
The novel tells of retired special ops buddies Jon Payne and David Jones, a wise-cracking duo who have a knack for treasure hunting. Care to guess what treasure they’re hunting for in “The Secret Crown?” But that’s the problem. It's one thing if we or the characters already known what they were looking for, and it was just a matter of unraveling various puzzles and traps. But all we know is there’s a treasure. Once we find out what it is…well…duh. It’s also extremely anti-climactic.
I liked the humor between the two main protagonists, although they were rather one-dimensional. The action was relatively well done, but there were long periods of explanation of King Ludwig II’s eccentricities that really slowed down the book. So pacing was a significant problem here.
Payne and Jones are called to the aid of a quasi criminal/friend, Kaiser, who needs their skills to hunt for this unknown treasure. But Kaiser, a former US supply sergeant (who now supplies other stuff to the highest bidders) has a severe problem with a competitor. However, we really find nothing out about this competitor other than he sends “goons” after our heroes. Kuzneski’s constant use of “goon” for the bad guys was extremely annoying. Goon? Really? This isn’t a 1930s Chicago gangster story. Can’t you think of another term?
I might have better enjoyed the book had I read the previous stories of Payne and Jones (as their adventures are referred to often). But unless a novel clearly states it’s part of a series, it’s not the reader’s responsibility to go back and read earlier works…especially if he won the book as a part of LT’s Early Reviewer program.
When it comes down to it, “The Secret Crown” is a history lesson about Ludwig II with a little action, wise-cracking, and puzzle-solving thrown in.
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Sense" being called "The Doctor’s Dead."The novel tells of retired special ops buddies Jon Payne and David Jones, a wise-cracking duo who have a knack for treasure hunting. Care to guess what treasure they’re hunting for in “The Secret Crown?” But that’s the problem. It's one thing if we or the characters already known what they were looking for, and it was just a matter of unraveling various puzzles and traps. But all we know is there’s a treasure. Once we find out what it is…well…duh. It’s also extremely anti-climactic.
I liked the humor between the two main protagonists, although they were rather one-dimensional. The action was relatively well done, but there were long periods of explanation of King Ludwig II’s eccentricities that really slowed down the book. So pacing was a significant problem here.
Payne and Jones are called to the aid of a quasi criminal/friend, Kaiser, who needs their skills to hunt for this unknown treasure. But Kaiser, a former US supply sergeant (who now supplies other stuff to the highest bidders) has a severe problem with a competitor. However, we really find nothing out about this competitor other than he sends “goons” after our heroes. Kuzneski’s constant use of “goon” for the bad guys was extremely annoying. Goon? Really? This isn’t a 1930s Chicago gangster story. Can’t you think of another term?
I might have better enjoyed the book had I read the previous stories of Payne and Jones (as their adventures are referred to often). But unless a novel clearly states it’s part of a series, it’s not the reader’s responsibility to go back and read earlier works…especially if he won the book as a part of LT’s Early Reviewer program.
When it comes down to it, “The Secret Crown” is a history lesson about Ludwig II with a little action, wise-cracking, and puzzle-solving thrown in.
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LibraryThing member grumpydan
This is another Jones and Payne (former Special Forces members) adventure that takes them to Bavaria and the lost treasure of King Ludwig II. I found the camaraderie and banter between the two sometimes hysterical; sometimes irritating as they search for a secret from the past. Of course, they’d
Although, sometimes a little far-fetched, this is an enjoyable escapist novel that is filled with historical references, that it made me want to visit Bavaria and the castles built by Ludwig.
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rather be at Oktoberfest then battling the bad guys.Although, sometimes a little far-fetched, this is an enjoyable escapist novel that is filled with historical references, that it made me want to visit Bavaria and the castles built by Ludwig.
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LibraryThing member frogprof
The plot isn't bad, but Kuzneski was apparently told that his novel was too short, because the "banter" among the characters is so forced and false that there can be no other reason for it. The idea that Payne and Jones can run amok through Bavaria -- especially during Oktoberfest -- killing ten or
If I were at all interested in Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria, this novel would make me lose that interest in a hurry. Don't waste your time.
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more bad guys with no repercussions [OK, they do have a buddy at Interpol who seems to be their "cleaner"] is incredible, and they manage to get out of other scrapes with equal aplomb. Neither of them has any qualms about shooting first and not having to ask questions later.If I were at all interested in Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria, this novel would make me lose that interest in a hurry. Don't waste your time.
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LibraryThing member bobcatnshn
This is what I believe to be the sixth in a series of our two protagonists from Pittsburgh. Mr. K has again given us an action packed, quick read. There were some interesting historical facts presented about King Ludwig. However, in this installment, the "witty repartee" between our two heroes is
Bob in Chicago
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so contrived, and voluminous, that it is distracting and completely unbelievable. Again, a quick, fun read, but not his best effort. Thanks LibraryThing.Bob in Chicago
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LibraryThing member rufusraider
I enjoyed this book about two ex-military buddies who assist a friend in solving historical mysteries. This book is similar to the novels by Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and the Clive Cussler/Grant Blackwood Fargo series. This was the first book I read in this series. It would be better to read the
The humor between the two main characters is interesting though somewhat stereotyped. The action portions of the story are plausible. The history portion maybe based on legend, I was not familiar with this legend to know. Several of the steps in solving the mystery and finding the treasure seemed to be little too large based on the information presented leading up to it.
This is a good book to sit down and read and just enjoy. It is perfect for a vacation for some light reading.
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books in the order they are written. There are several characters who pop up in the book that were in previous books that it takes a while to understand their relationship to the main characters.The humor between the two main characters is interesting though somewhat stereotyped. The action portions of the story are plausible. The history portion maybe based on legend, I was not familiar with this legend to know. Several of the steps in solving the mystery and finding the treasure seemed to be little too large based on the information presented leading up to it.
This is a good book to sit down and read and just enjoy. It is perfect for a vacation for some light reading.
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LibraryThing member SuseGordon
Get comfortable in a chair and tighten your "seat belt" for another Payne, Jones and Ulster thriller!
Kaiser, the retired American military man that runs a smuggling business in German, calls Jon & DJ away to help solve a mysterious "find" in Germany/Bavaria. One thing leads to another and Petr
Kaiser, the retired American military man that runs a smuggling business in German, calls Jon & DJ away to help solve a mysterious "find" in Germany/Bavaria. One thing leads to another and Petr
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Ulster becomes involved in a historical treasure hunt that revolves around the mysteries of the Swan King, King Ludwig II of Bavaria. In typical Payne & Jones fashion, the bad guys are defeated and the mystery is solved and we the reader have a very enjoyable time being entertained by it all. Show Less
LibraryThing member lyncos
I loved this book! Payne and Jones are highly trained, hard-charging ex-military who make a skilled team. This mystery, thriller, adventure , treasure hunt is filled with action and well worth the read. It is a book to dive into and not come up for air until you are finished.
LibraryThing member VirginiaGill
This book was a great read, engaging enough that I read til my eyes refused to stay open. Got four hours sleep and was reading like a mad woman to finish before time to leave for church. Just had to know how it ended! This book has me ready to backtrack and read all the author's previous books. I
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love his characters and stories. Show Less
LibraryThing member readafew
OK, I have some mixed feelings on this one. The story was fun and there really weren't any real surprises. However, I seriously was unimpressed the the writing and story telling. The main characters were really Mary Sue's. Between the two they can do anything and do it much better than anyone else.
Now that I've got that out of the way, if you like Dan Brown or Steve Berry and are looking for some fun fairly clean treasure hunting that is action packed, this might be just what the doctor ordered. Not a lot of thought is needed since the author explains it all in detail. I did mostly enjoy reading it as long as I wasn't thinking too much about "Why did he feel the need to put that in there?"
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There is always an excuse for why they can do it. It's like watching an episode of the A-Team really campy and you can't take it very seriously. The author seems to have the need to explain all the hints to make sure his readers catch his meaning and understand the importance. I have to say it makes Dan Brown look like a virtuoso of the pen. I got the feeling that often the author was trying to show how smart he was but pointing out his little puzzles and what not.Now that I've got that out of the way, if you like Dan Brown or Steve Berry and are looking for some fun fairly clean treasure hunting that is action packed, this might be just what the doctor ordered. Not a lot of thought is needed since the author explains it all in detail. I did mostly enjoy reading it as long as I wasn't thinking too much about "Why did he feel the need to put that in there?"
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LibraryThing member DBower
Put this one on your 2012 reading list and pick it up as soon as it comes out in January, I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to read it as part of LibraryThing Early Reviewers. This is the first book in the series that I have read and I am looking forward to going back and reading them
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all. I love the two main characters (Payne and Jones) - they are very Indiana Jones like. The author does a wonderful job incorporating history into a modern day adventure novel. The story is very fast paced and I found it very difficult to put down. Definitely worth the read! Show Less
LibraryThing member tottman
The Secret Crown by Chris Kazneski is a fast-paced adventure that reminded me a lot of a Clive Cussler novel.
Payne and Jones are ex-members of the MANIACS, a secret, highly trained group of soldiers. A call from a somewhat shady but trusted friend sends them on their way to Bavaria where they
This book was a lot of fun and didn’t take itself too seriously. The banter between Payne and Jones reminded me of Cussler’s Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino and was one of my favorite parts of the story. The historical tie to the real King Ludwig, II was a very interesting foundation to the story, and the description of the real life places in and around Bavaria was fascinating. It added a lot to the story. (Once you are finished with the book, go to the author’s website and check out photos of the real-life locales described. But don’t go before, because it contains spoilers.)
The action sequences were well-done and kept the pace of the book moving along quickly, which is what I look for in a good thriller. The riddles and solutions were clever and the real-life antics and achievements of King Ludwig added a lot of flavor to the story.
My only complaint, and it’s a mild one, is the way in which some of the background information, including the history of King Ludwig, was revealed. It was almost entirely related through characters lecturing about it rather than shown in flashbacks to the time in question. The jeopardy of the heroes themselves never seemed too serious, although the battles were realistic and the outcome never entirely assured.
All in all, this book is a fun, light-hearted adventure with exciting action sequences and a very interesting back story. It made me look forward to reading other books in the series.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book through LibraryThing.
Payne and Jones are ex-members of the MANIACS, a secret, highly trained group of soldiers. A call from a somewhat shady but trusted friend sends them on their way to Bavaria where they
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discover a clue to a long-rumored treasure hidden by King Ludwig, II, the Swan King. They, of course, are not the only ones on the trail and have to solve the riddles left behind by the long-dead King while also doing battle with the armed forces set out to stop them.This book was a lot of fun and didn’t take itself too seriously. The banter between Payne and Jones reminded me of Cussler’s Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino and was one of my favorite parts of the story. The historical tie to the real King Ludwig, II was a very interesting foundation to the story, and the description of the real life places in and around Bavaria was fascinating. It added a lot to the story. (Once you are finished with the book, go to the author’s website and check out photos of the real-life locales described. But don’t go before, because it contains spoilers.)
The action sequences were well-done and kept the pace of the book moving along quickly, which is what I look for in a good thriller. The riddles and solutions were clever and the real-life antics and achievements of King Ludwig added a lot of flavor to the story.
My only complaint, and it’s a mild one, is the way in which some of the background information, including the history of King Ludwig, was revealed. It was almost entirely related through characters lecturing about it rather than shown in flashbacks to the time in question. The jeopardy of the heroes themselves never seemed too serious, although the battles were realistic and the outcome never entirely assured.
All in all, this book is a fun, light-hearted adventure with exciting action sequences and a very interesting back story. It made me look forward to reading other books in the series.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book through LibraryThing.
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LibraryThing member bitsy08
Found, when starting to read this book, that it just wasn't my cup of tea. Donated it to the library.
LibraryThing member KarenDuff
While this was a quick and undemanding read I didn't enjoy it as much as his previous books.
I didn't like the way that one bad guy was introduced and then nothing much was done with him, I am assuming that he is going to play a major role in the next book otherwise there is no point to this
I also didn't like the way everybody dismissed as irrelevant something that DJ discovered and that he thought would be important in solving the mystery, but what annoyed me more about this is that when DJ is proved right nobody apologises.
I didn't like the way that one bad guy was introduced and then nothing much was done with him, I am assuming that he is going to play a major role in the next book otherwise there is no point to this
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character.I also didn't like the way everybody dismissed as irrelevant something that DJ discovered and that he thought would be important in solving the mystery, but what annoyed me more about this is that when DJ is proved right nobody apologises.
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Subjects
Language
Physical description
418 p.; 24 inches
ISBN
0141399775 / 9780141399775