From BooklistKuzneskis latest Payne and Jones novel is the best yet in the ongoing series. Archaeologist Maria Pelati receives an invitation from anthropologist Terrance Hamilton to come to Mexico and help him solve a mystery. Before he can tell her what he needs, he vanishes. Is his disappearance related to her arrival? She realizes she needs help and calls on Payne and Jones to assist. Hopefully, her past with Jones wont jeopardize the mission or their lives. The mystery involves an artifact called the Death Relic, an object rumored to be responsible for the disappearances of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. The first part of the novel establishes the characters and the premise, but the second half is a nonstop action fest. Readers unfamiliar with Payne and Jones will find this the perfect place to start, and the constant banter between the two characters adds a bit of humor and fun to the mix. Fans of the adventure novels of James Rollins and Clive Cussler will dig this one. --Jeff Ayers Kuzneskis writing has the same raw power as the early Stephen King.James PattersonKuzneski is a remarkable writer, who completely understands what makes for a good story.Nelson DeMilleChris Kuzneski has mastered the art of the quest novel, bringing to life lost treasures, exotic locales, and fresh conspiracies.Lisa Gardner, New York Times bestselling authorChris Kuzneski writes as forcefully as his tough characters act.Clive CusslerAbout the AuthorChris Kuzneski is the international bestselling author of The Secret Crown, The Prophecy, The Lost Throne, Sword of God, Sign of the Cross, and The Plantation. His thrillers have been published in more than twenty languages and are sold in more than forty countries. Kuzneski grew up in Pennsylvania and now lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida. what are the top 5 books you must read The Death Relic (Payne Jones)
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Action, danger, a real thrill ride, with jokes.By Guilti as hellThere was always the back and forth banter Jon and Jonesy. In this the author turns a corner an successfully ands situational comedy I went back reread the plantation to see if maybe I just missed the humor, nope and what a difference in rereading the original Payne and Jones work. If they were movies the plantation would a silent black white, while, the Death Relic is like a movie seen at an amusement park in 4D or whatever, they all it. The is not only color and sound, movement, sensation of feel be it mist or a dry breeze which carries a sent be it the smell of the ocean air or the fruity smell of a tropical drink. Neat when you find a piece of work from an author and grow with him with each new installment.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Build up to an absent endingBy Mark RegierThis has all the high energy and plot twists of Kuzneski"s other Payne and Jones thrillers. However, the absence of a real villain leaves the plot about listless and turns the novel into a series of bizarre misunderstandings. It also robs the book of a climactic finish--it just ends right as you feel your building for a big finish. The premise is a good one which just needed more development of the important stuff , and fewer pages of distracting frat-boy hucksterisms between the protagonists. We get it! Payne and Jones are a wealthy, devil-may-care duo who act like an old married couple but can kill you with a butter knife. Now more plot, less banter and we can have a REALLY good read. I still can't wait for the next installment.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Another great adventureBy Judy J. BurkhardtI have love Chris Kuzneski's writing since my first nove. After reading the first novel I found all of them, bought them and read them as quickly as I could. The relationship between Payne and Jones is really unique and fun. They certainly have each others back. The locations are really neat, but the stories really keep you going. You read the whole book, think back about the locations and dangers and realize the short amount of time the story covers.Really enjoyed them all, and highly recommend to anyone who enjoys fast moving, action packed adventures.