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Tom Kirk #2
The Black Sun
It is a secret that has been hidden for more than a half century…The clues have been scattered across the globe. Now someone has begun to piece them together—and the future of the world depends on his being stopped in time.
In Maryland, a vicious gang breaks into the National Cryptologic Museum and steals a Nazi Enigma machine. In a London hospital, an Auschwitz survivor is murdered in his bed, his killers making off with a macabre trophy—his severed left arm. In Prague, a seemingly worthless painting is stolen from a synagogue. Three cities. Three puzzling thefts. Could there possibly be a connection?
When former art thief Tom Kirk is first asked to investigate, the Prague theft certainly seems unremarkable enough—until the stolen painting turns up alongside the amputated human arm. As Tom digs deeper into the past, both items appear to be elements in an elaborate trail of clues laid down in the dying days of the Third Reich by a secret order of SS knights—clues that stretch from the remote mountains of Idaho to the snowy streets of St. Petersburg and ultimately lead to a fabled treasure lost in the ashes of war.
Spurred on by the sinister light of the Black Sun emblem, ghosts from his past, and the poisonous manipulations of a deadly enemy, Tom finds himself trapped in a situation where the greatest prize of all is life itself—and not just his own…
In Maryland, a vicious gang breaks into the National Cryptologic Museum and steals a Nazi Enigma machine. In a London hospital, an Auschwitz survivor is murdered in his bed, his killers making off with a macabre trophy—his severed left arm. In Prague, a seemingly worthless painting is stolen from a synagogue. Three cities. Three puzzling thefts. Could there possibly be a connection?
When former art thief Tom Kirk is first asked to investigate, the Prague theft certainly seems unremarkable enough—until the stolen painting turns up alongside the amputated human arm. As Tom digs deeper into the past, both items appear to be elements in an elaborate trail of clues laid down in the dying days of the Third Reich by a secret order of SS knights—clues that stretch from the remote mountains of Idaho to the snowy streets of St. Petersburg and ultimately lead to a fabled treasure lost in the ashes of war.
Spurred on by the sinister light of the Black Sun emblem, ghosts from his past, and the poisonous manipulations of a deadly enemy, Tom finds himself trapped in a situation where the greatest prize of all is life itself—and not just his own…
432 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
88 people are currently reading
1687 people want to read
About the author
James Twining
17 books148 followersJames Twining was born in London but spent much of his childhood in Paris. After graduating from Christ Church, Oxford with a first-class degree in French Literature, he joined the investment bank UBS, working in their corporate finance division. In 1999 he left to set up his own company and in 2001 was named as one of the eight 'Best of Young British' entrepreneurs in The New Statesman. James lives in London with his wife, Victoria, and is now a full-time writer.
Series:
* Tom Kirk
Series:
* Tom Kirk
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
May 4, 2024
Book found in Madeira apartments library. Wanted a quick, light read and found it. As usual second book in a series but I am used to that. Story of two retired art thieves freelancing. A search for the ‘Amber Room.’ Nazi Knights protecting the secrets of the ‘Gold train’ that disappeared in the dying days of WW2. Enjoyed the characters of Tom Kirk and Archie. Lots of twists and action. Including snow which for me makes a story richer 😉. Hot day here so I need to hunt out more books.
July 13, 2022
Ne tas sliktākais trilleris ar visiem žanram raksturīgajiem elementiem - nemitīga darbība, lokācijas maiņas utt.
October 29, 2016
Non-stop περιπετεια,γνησια διασκεδαση!!!!!
May 6, 2020
Ξέφρενος ρυθμός, ατελείωτη δράση, και γράψιμο, δυνατή ιστορία.... Συστήνεται
June 23, 2024
I read this long ago, but I still remember it as annoying to the point of wanting to burn the book. Alas, it was borrowed from a work colleague so I had to restrain myself. The story is interesting, as many are in these kinds of novels, however, the execution is horrible. A lot of cuts, and short chapters (if they can be called like that). I guess he was trying to make it tense as in gripping the edge of your seat when watching a movie. It's a clone of Clive Cussler, and not a very good one which says a lot.
May 8, 2010
Now this is how you do an action-adventure thriller! "The Black Sun" is a furiously addictive read that plows forward towards an exciting conclusion full of double crosses, plot twists, and page after page of escapes and narrow misses. So much fun.
The main thrust of the story is the search for the Amber Room which supposedly vanished at the end of World War II as the Nazis were trying to hide a train filled with stolen items from Jewish concentration camp prisoners. The book by James Twining involves a race across Europe and Russia involving Neo-Nazis; shadowy, mysterious organizations which the reader is never sure which side each group is on or what their motives are; and puzzles and clues scattered throughout churches, paintings, and hidden vaults. The characters, former art thieves, gangsters, and government officals, are complex and, at times, you aren't sure where their allegiances lie.
What I really liked about the book are the many twists and surprises throughout the story. And these surprises aren't just there and come out of nowhere - they are organic and make sense. Plus, they are fun when they happen and they make the story even more enjoyable to read. To constantly be guessing as the story unfolds is what made the story so addictive to read. The book is also well-written, descriptive, and well researched.
I liked this book a great deal and am really glad I discovered this author.
The main thrust of the story is the search for the Amber Room which supposedly vanished at the end of World War II as the Nazis were trying to hide a train filled with stolen items from Jewish concentration camp prisoners. The book by James Twining involves a race across Europe and Russia involving Neo-Nazis; shadowy, mysterious organizations which the reader is never sure which side each group is on or what their motives are; and puzzles and clues scattered throughout churches, paintings, and hidden vaults. The characters, former art thieves, gangsters, and government officals, are complex and, at times, you aren't sure where their allegiances lie.
What I really liked about the book are the many twists and surprises throughout the story. And these surprises aren't just there and come out of nowhere - they are organic and make sense. Plus, they are fun when they happen and they make the story even more enjoyable to read. To constantly be guessing as the story unfolds is what made the story so addictive to read. The book is also well-written, descriptive, and well researched.
I liked this book a great deal and am really glad I discovered this author.
October 14, 2023
eponymous sentence:
p123: "...They called it the Schwarze Sonne--the Black Sun."
spaces:
p86: Apassing storm had left the sky bruised and the pavements slick and shiny.
p364: Asudden chill ran through the pit of Tom's stomach and he knew it wasn't the cold.
le mot juste:
p319: They were alarmed but, thankfully, not screwed shut.
ocr:
p395: OJ. Robertppenheimer after witnessing the first nuclear explosion, 16 July 1945
There is something wrong with my copy that renders it unreadable on my android-based app.
p123: "...They called it the Schwarze Sonne--the Black Sun."
spaces:
p86: Apassing storm had left the sky bruised and the pavements slick and shiny.
p364: Asudden chill ran through the pit of Tom's stomach and he knew it wasn't the cold.
le mot juste:
p319: They were alarmed but, thankfully, not screwed shut.
ocr:
p395: OJ. Robertppenheimer after witnessing the first nuclear explosion, 16 July 1945
There is something wrong with my copy that renders it unreadable on my android-based app.
February 28, 2008
This, for me, was not as readble as some of the other books I've read in this genre. The plot itself was interesting, and there are some good twists, but I felt that this book lacks something. There are some slow parts, and I found myself unable to connect with the main character - I just couldn't really like him. An ok read, but I wouldn't recommend it above others in this genre.
June 12, 2012
...like James Twining's first book "Double Eagles,"
this novel's plot had a lot of promise going for
it. Definitely good plot, good beginning but not
so great ending. Down-turn for this novel began
(for me) just about midway into it, and completely
ran out of steam 2/3 into the book. ...finished
the novel just for the sake of finishing it.
But I wouldn't recommend it to any of my friends.
this novel's plot had a lot of promise going for
it. Definitely good plot, good beginning but not
so great ending. Down-turn for this novel began
(for me) just about midway into it, and completely
ran out of steam 2/3 into the book. ...finished
the novel just for the sake of finishing it.
But I wouldn't recommend it to any of my friends.
February 8, 2023
Not a bad book. I expected a little more from it, but all in all it was an enjoyable read that I would recommend .
December 4, 2019
Ok...Trenutno mi ne leze nista osim trilera Ali knjiga je generalno dobra.
February 21, 2020
Another Hidden Nazi Gold mystery. Maybe I'm a little tired of these thrillers that are uncovering Nazi secrets. 3 stars.
September 10, 2024
National Treasure meets Ken Follett. I kept coming back for more and loved the short quick chapters.
July 15, 2008
The Black Sun provides everything readers crave in a historical mystery: entertainment, suspense, a vicarious trip to previously unexplored venues and, finally, the enjoyment of experiencing a writers' magnificent "spin" on historical events.
Even if you are not a fan of thrillers that relate to events and occurrences circa WWII, this book will make you one. While other authors may have already explored some of the subjects put forth in this endeavor (The Hungarian Gold Train, the strange goings-on by the SS at Wewelsburg Castle, the disappearance of The Amber Room), Twining manages to take all of these events and weave them together into a finely wrought modern day tale filled with tension and intrigue.
More anti-hero than hero, Tom Kirk is an ex- CIA agent and ex-art thief is a slightly ambiguous character whose previous life has left him with a rather jaded perception of his fellow man. Kirk first made an appearance in Twinings' previous novel The Double Eagle. He is a flawed but likeable character who seems to have a talent for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Currently living in London, he is "recruited" by MI6 to aid them in finding the culprit responsible for three vicious murders, the theft of an Enigma machine and some seemingly worthless canvases painted in the 1940's by a relatively unknown Jewish artist.
Tom and his cohorts are swept up in this adventure which in addition to providing us with a stimulating read also leads us to explore the fascinating mindset of the Nazis who believed that art was a valuable and powerful weapon in reshaping Europe's cultural heritage to conform to their Aryan ideals.
This reviewer loved The Double Eagle and is equally enamored with The Black Sun.
Even if you are not a fan of thrillers that relate to events and occurrences circa WWII, this book will make you one. While other authors may have already explored some of the subjects put forth in this endeavor (The Hungarian Gold Train, the strange goings-on by the SS at Wewelsburg Castle, the disappearance of The Amber Room), Twining manages to take all of these events and weave them together into a finely wrought modern day tale filled with tension and intrigue.
More anti-hero than hero, Tom Kirk is an ex- CIA agent and ex-art thief is a slightly ambiguous character whose previous life has left him with a rather jaded perception of his fellow man. Kirk first made an appearance in Twinings' previous novel The Double Eagle. He is a flawed but likeable character who seems to have a talent for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Currently living in London, he is "recruited" by MI6 to aid them in finding the culprit responsible for three vicious murders, the theft of an Enigma machine and some seemingly worthless canvases painted in the 1940's by a relatively unknown Jewish artist.
Tom and his cohorts are swept up in this adventure which in addition to providing us with a stimulating read also leads us to explore the fascinating mindset of the Nazis who believed that art was a valuable and powerful weapon in reshaping Europe's cultural heritage to conform to their Aryan ideals.
This reviewer loved The Double Eagle and is equally enamored with The Black Sun.
August 21, 2017
I am tired of these typical 'treasure hunt' novels linking some historical event (here WW 2, Holocaust), extremely clever protogonists, dumb antagonists and meaningless ideologies and conspiracy theories. Really amazed that the anti-heroes are quite clever to manage to get all the historical significant information, but they need help of the heroes to complete the puzzle. Incredulously, the heroes are able to decipher the code within minutes!
This statement holds good not only for this novel, but all the others I have read in this genre. Ofcourse, 'The DaVinci Code' was a class apart, and no other author has been able to come close to this. No more 'Da Vinci' clones for me!
This statement holds good not only for this novel, but all the others I have read in this genre. Ofcourse, 'The DaVinci Code' was a class apart, and no other author has been able to come close to this. No more 'Da Vinci' clones for me!
December 9, 2008
This is the loosely related second book to The Double Eagle. The book is about a former art thief is who led on a hunt for Nazi paraphenalia, which eventually leads to murder and the discovery of a secret group of Nazi SS knights from WWII. The story takes place in present-day. I love the history displayed in this novel with the WWII theme. A very fast-paced story and a quick, interesting read!
April 13, 2008
Fantastic... Tom Kirk is back...
Loved this... but not quite as much as Double Eagle.
Still a great read in its' own right though.
Loved this... but not quite as much as Double Eagle.
Still a great read in its' own right though.
April 21, 2008
Just finished this one 4/19/08- both of the books I've read by this author were great! I had to stay up until I'd finished them- I really hope he's writing some more.
November 6, 2009
Another great book in the Tom Kirk series. The Amber Room is fascinating and good to see the consistency in characters bringing back what i'm a fan of.
August 11, 2012
Grade: D+
Exciting but implausibility ruined it.
Exciting but implausibility ruined it.
August 8, 2016
Интересна поредица.
December 4, 2019
Приключенски роман, който ни отвежда на различни места по света в търсене на неразкрита загадка. Множество интриги, убийства и митични съкровища- предпоставки за добър екшън, който на мен на моменти ту ми идваше много, ту забавяше до мудност и губеше интереса ми. Отделно обаче научих много неща за периода на Хитлер, за които никога не бях чувала. Обичам, когато научавам нови неща от книгите!
Ромaнът ce оcновaвa нa нeвepоятнaтa иcтоpия нa унгapcкия Злaтeн влaк и нa отчaяното му пътувaнe в опуcтошeнaтa Евpопa пpeз поcлeднитe дни нa Втоpaтa cвeтовнa войнa и cлучaйното му откpивaнe от aмepикaнcки войници
Вcички опиcaния и иcтоpичecкa инфоpмaция зa пpоизвeдeниятa нa изкуcтвото, xудожници, кpaжби, apxитeктуpa, нaциcтки унифоpми, pитуaли и пpeдмeти ca доcтовepни. Oпиcaниятa нa мexaнизмa и нaчинa нa дeйcтвиe нa мaшинaтa "Енигмa" ca опpоcтeни.
Ромaнът ce оcновaвa нa нeвepоятнaтa иcтоpия нa унгapcкия Злaтeн влaк и нa отчaяното му пътувaнe в опуcтошeнaтa Евpопa пpeз поcлeднитe дни нa Втоpaтa cвeтовнa войнa и cлучaйното му откpивaнe от aмepикaнcки войници
Вcички опиcaния и иcтоpичecкa инфоpмaция зa пpоизвeдeниятa нa изкуcтвото, xудожници, кpaжби, apxитeктуpa, нaциcтки унифоpми, pитуaли и пpeдмeти ca доcтовepни. Oпиcaниятa нa мexaнизмa и нaчинa нa дeйcтвиe нa мaшинaтa "Енигмa" ca опpоcтeни.
October 4, 2017
Hmmmm... This book was unexpectedly hard to go through. I found the subject very interesting and the start was quite good, but the outcome was not so good as I wanted it to be. It was constantly missing a little bit more of characterisation and sense of something personal. The characters seemed pretty distant from the stories, and most of the time I had the impression it was just plain action and nothing else. Goes up to the three stars as far as I am concerned. This could have been a lot better, I have to admit.
May 24, 2018
Tom Kirk is back, this time getting wrapped up in a mystery concerning the Nazi's Hungarian Gold Train and the Amber Room.
After a series of seemingly related thefts, Tom Kirk is globetrotting again, trying to keep ahead of his once-friend, Harry Renwick. He teams up with some new allies to help him along the way, trying to keep The Amber Room out of the wrong hands, but are things as they seem to appear? Or is there more to the story.
I enjoyed this one almost as much as the first Tom Kirk adventure and I look forward to continuing the series, lot's of action and mystery to be had!
After a series of seemingly related thefts, Tom Kirk is globetrotting again, trying to keep ahead of his once-friend, Harry Renwick. He teams up with some new allies to help him along the way, trying to keep The Amber Room out of the wrong hands, but are things as they seem to appear? Or is there more to the story.
I enjoyed this one almost as much as the first Tom Kirk adventure and I look forward to continuing the series, lot's of action and mystery to be had!
February 23, 2022
This books started out very promising for me and I enjoyed the real history but the second act didn't deliver the way I was hoping it would. It was still pretty good and I never got the urge to just stop reading, but the ending was just okay and felt like a bit of a let down from the superior opening.
July 5, 2022
Excelente novela, llena de suspenso...muchos personajes y muchísimos lugares que pueden confundir al lector, pero conforme uno avanza en la trama todo el rompecabezas se arma perfectamente. Muy recomendable. Manita arriba.
March 24, 2024
Huge thanks to the design team for the selection of large fonts that were pleasing to the eye. Overall a thrilling affair full of adrenaline, something along the lines of the works of Dan Brown.
"Next time, I will choose the venue and you can leave the fancy dress at home."
"Next time, I will choose the venue and you can leave the fancy dress at home."
October 25, 2025
Not really a bad book, but I wasn't really enjoying it as much as I thought I would. I felt I was making excuses to read Gary McAvoy's 'The Apostle Conspiracy', which, as I'm enjoying it, is no hardship to read at all.
June 16, 2017
Nazis, secret history, occultism, art history, and the fabled Hungarian Gold Train. What's not to like?
April 3, 2019
Corny and not particularly engaging. I just didn't care about any of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews