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The Black Madonna
Luci de Foix was nine when her parents were killed in a car accident. But was it an accident? Unbeknownst to Luci, a group known as The Order has been watching her family for many years, waiting for the day that a diary written in the fourteenth century would be delivered to her family—a book that contains a key to a lost codex—and they would do anything to get it. Early one morning, when Luci is twenty-nine, a bloodied young man delivers a book, claiming it’s from her late grandparents. Plagued by panic attacks that have left her crippled, Luci struggles to overcome her fears, avenge the death of her family, and search for the lost codex. But who can she trust? Everyone seems intent on betraying her, even the gorgeous, enigmatic Max, a man with secrets of his own.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2014
15 people want to read
About the author
Linda Lee Kane
15 books143 followersThe sky is bigger, the ground harder, the freshly grown produce amazing, and the people diversified where I live in sunny Fresno, California.
We moved here with little to no expectations except to move back to Orange County within five years. Thirty-five years later we have grown to love our home in the valley, the people, and the opportunities that were afforded to us. I was able to receive a degree, my husband work at a job he loves, my sons graduate with their masters and marry two beautiful, intelligent women.
Whether I am writing for adults or children, the war between my days and nights is reflected in my books. Although the tendency to acknowledge the light and dark sides of life is often disguised in my work, it's always there, lurking just out of sight.
Besides the power of love, land, and sky, my husband, and two sons, were the other major influences on my work and on me. They have served as my blunt and humbling story consultants over the years to a struggling writer.
Today I live near the ocean in California where I write and edit, paint, ride my magnificent Saddlebred horses, drive my hackney pony's, and play with my three dogs, and enjoy life to the fullest.
We moved here with little to no expectations except to move back to Orange County within five years. Thirty-five years later we have grown to love our home in the valley, the people, and the opportunities that were afforded to us. I was able to receive a degree, my husband work at a job he loves, my sons graduate with their masters and marry two beautiful, intelligent women.
Whether I am writing for adults or children, the war between my days and nights is reflected in my books. Although the tendency to acknowledge the light and dark sides of life is often disguised in my work, it's always there, lurking just out of sight.
Besides the power of love, land, and sky, my husband, and two sons, were the other major influences on my work and on me. They have served as my blunt and humbling story consultants over the years to a struggling writer.
Today I live near the ocean in California where I write and edit, paint, ride my magnificent Saddlebred horses, drive my hackney pony's, and play with my three dogs, and enjoy life to the fullest.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 6, 2015
THE BLACK MADONNA by author Linda Lee Kane is October 2014 release.
This story kept me engaged as a reader right from the first page. The mystery, the intrigue and the fast-paced action is thrilling to read. Readers would be hooked to the book till the last page. If you are into ancient artifacts and into mysteries, then this story is for you.
Highly recommended for all readers.
This story kept me engaged as a reader right from the first page. The mystery, the intrigue and the fast-paced action is thrilling to read. Readers would be hooked to the book till the last page. If you are into ancient artifacts and into mysteries, then this story is for you.
Highly recommended for all readers.
March 12, 2015
"The Black Madonna" by Line Lee Kane is kind of a dark mystery tied to religion and ancient idols. You'll find suspense and intrigue as you read this story and keeps the reader enthralled from start to finish. If you enjoy reading books about mystery and suspense this is the perfect book for you.
April 23, 2019
I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue throughout The Black Madonna; it was a nice mix of fantasy and thriller with just enough facts and history to play tricks on the mind. Readers who enjoy historical fiction, fantasy, thrillers, or sci-fi will delight in this dark tale and it's young (yet most times mature) heroine. My favorite part was the relationships throughout the book - there were so many times when I found myself wondering "can she really trust so and so?" and I was impressed with Luci's tenacity. She never wavered in her quest to avenge her family's death and she overcame her fears time and time again.
May 22, 2019
Black Madonna is a tale of intrigue and suspense with the backdrop of the Catholic church and associated secret societies much in the fashion of novels such as The Da Vinci Code. It is the kind of book that might appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, fantasy and thrillers. There are so many twists and turns that made me a little dizzy at times.
For a detailed review, please visit my blog at https://sreevarshasreejith.blogspot.c...
For a detailed review, please visit my blog at https://sreevarshasreejith.blogspot.c...
July 10, 2016
The Black Madonna by Linda Lee Kane is a fast paced page turner that involves a conspiracy within the Catholic Church. Luci de Foix loses her parents in a suspicious car accident and ends up in an orphanage. She is later adopted by her maternal grandparents, who also both perish in a fire. Switching between the 1100's and the present time, the novel also tells the story of Esclamonde through a diary, which hides a codex written by Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus, which is given to Luci by a mysterious young man. When a monk leaps to his death as he tries to get the manuscript from Luci, she decides to decode the secret of Esclamonde’s diary herself. And as she discovers her true identity, a conspiracy also unravels that touches the heart of the Vatican.
The Black Madonna is a fast paced thriller that provides an informative and entertaining escape as the reader goes through a mix of religious and historical elements dating back to the height of the conflict between the Catholic Church and the Cathars in the 1100's. That the main plot itself happens in contemporary time adds a unique twist to the story. Young and vulnerable, there is something about Luci that is easy to like as she unwittingly puts her life in danger to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding Esclamonde’s diary. As the plot thickens, Luci finds herself in the center of a conspiracy where she cannot trust anyone, not even the only living person on earth that is closest to her. The Black Madonna is certainly a book that will keep your night lamps burning.
The Black Madonna is a fast paced thriller that provides an informative and entertaining escape as the reader goes through a mix of religious and historical elements dating back to the height of the conflict between the Catholic Church and the Cathars in the 1100's. That the main plot itself happens in contemporary time adds a unique twist to the story. Young and vulnerable, there is something about Luci that is easy to like as she unwittingly puts her life in danger to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding Esclamonde’s diary. As the plot thickens, Luci finds herself in the center of a conspiracy where she cannot trust anyone, not even the only living person on earth that is closest to her. The Black Madonna is certainly a book that will keep your night lamps burning.
April 10, 2025
(Please note: I received an advance copy to read and review.)
My Review
Linda Lee Kane has crafted an historic thriller based on the history of the Cathars, a religious sect in the 12th and 13th centuries France and also of the early tarot cards. Both fact and fiction have been blended to create a fascinating dual timeline story: present day Luci de Foix and 12 the century Esclamonde, thru her diary.
The religion and history of the Cathars is highlighted and makes for an interesting backdrop for Luci, as she tries to discover truths and the codex of Jesus.
There are many factions wanting what she is seeking, but who is she to trust? Where is the codex and the treasures? As Luci follows the clues from the tarot cards she finds, we are drawn onto the mystery and intrigue.
At times very violent (but the history of the early church was violent), it nonetheless is an interesting read.
My Review
Linda Lee Kane has crafted an historic thriller based on the history of the Cathars, a religious sect in the 12th and 13th centuries France and also of the early tarot cards. Both fact and fiction have been blended to create a fascinating dual timeline story: present day Luci de Foix and 12 the century Esclamonde, thru her diary.
The religion and history of the Cathars is highlighted and makes for an interesting backdrop for Luci, as she tries to discover truths and the codex of Jesus.
There are many factions wanting what she is seeking, but who is she to trust? Where is the codex and the treasures? As Luci follows the clues from the tarot cards she finds, we are drawn onto the mystery and intrigue.
At times very violent (but the history of the early church was violent), it nonetheless is an interesting read.
Read
December 31, 2015My most memorable class in college was Western Civilization, Ancient and Medieval history. I knew religious people could be good, but this was the first time I really “got” how violent and evil some could be in the name of their religion. I loved that the author gave me a breather from the complicated middle ages with all the warring factions, and set her book in present times, flashing back to the ancient history. This is real fiction, historic fiction, a romance, a family story, and a thriller. The book has a lot of surprises. I thought it was great that after the ending (and you will understand the ending), the author adds an “Author’s Note” section. She briefly summarizes what was true history, probable history, and fictionalized history. This really helped me.
December 15, 2014
This book had me on the edge of my seat as I turned each page not knowing what to expect. A book that was hard to put down! Linda Kane has done an excellent job with combining history with romance - with some mystery. At the end of this book she opens up a discussion - one that will have you thinking and evaluating your own life's events. Ever wanted to travel? Well this book will give you a taste of France, US and Europe as the story switches back and forth between these countries. If you love mystery, romance and history - this is the book for you! I cannot wait to read her next book...
April 14, 2016
Stupid
I started this book in high hopes of a good read, only to be confused at the outset by a story in 2 halves neither of which w ere believable. Both of our 'heroines' are supposed to be intelligent women, but for all their lives are threatened time and again neither has the sense to use their brain. Complete waste of my time and yours. Do yourself a favour and go dust the mud in the garden!!!
I started this book in high hopes of a good read, only to be confused at the outset by a story in 2 halves neither of which w ere believable. Both of our 'heroines' are supposed to be intelligent women, but for all their lives are threatened time and again neither has the sense to use their brain. Complete waste of my time and yours. Do yourself a favour and go dust the mud in the garden!!!
March 15, 2015
Intrigue along with ancient artifacts, which is incorporated with a dark religious mystery is a wonderful book by Linda Lee Kane. Readers of the genre will not want to miss this book it has you captivated and on the edge of your seat from page one.
April 21, 2015
It is a 4.5
The mystery of it kept me glued to the story. I was curious about what would happen next. A guessing game going on in my mind with every word read.
A wonderful way to spend my time
The mystery of it kept me glued to the story. I was curious about what would happen next. A guessing game going on in my mind with every word read.
A wonderful way to spend my time
March 16, 2015
THE BLACK MADONNA by Linda Lee Kane is: - Intriguing. Engaging. Suspenseful. Edge of your seat thrilling!
Highly Recommended
5/5 Stars
Highly Recommended
5/5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews