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Cotton Malone #12
The Lost Order
The Lost Order continues renowned New York Times top 5 bestseller Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone series with another riveting, history-based thriller.The Knights of the Golden Circle, founded on July 4, 1854, was the largest, most dangerous clandestine organization in American history. It formulated grand plans—to expand the United States, change the constitutional landscape, and forge a Southern empire, enslaving a ‘golden circle’ spanning two continents. To finance its goals, the Order amassed an amazing trove of stolen gold and silver, which they buried in hidden caches across the United States. Treasure hunters have searched for decades, but have never found any of the Order’s major hoards.
Now, 160 years later, the knights still exist. Two factions within the Order want the treasure—one to spend it, the other to preserve it. Thrust into that civil war is former Justice Department agent Cotton Malone.
Starting with a hunt for clues inside the Smithsonian Institution, Malone discovers that an ancestor within his own family may hold the key to everything: a Confederate spy named Owen “Cotton” Payne. Complicating matters further are the political ambitions of a ruthless Speaker of the House and the widow of a United States Senator, who have plans of their own—plans that conflict in every way with the Order.
From the quiet back rooms of the Smithsonian, to the dangers of rural Arkansas, and finally into the rugged mountains of northern New Mexico, The Lost Order is a perilous adventure into our country’s dark past, and a potentially darker future.
493 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2017
2247 people are currently reading
6084 people want to read
About the author
Steve Berry
107 books7,382 followersSteve Berry is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of twenty-two novels, which include: The Last Kingdom , The Omega Factor , The Kaiser's Web, The Warsaw Protocol, The Malta Exchange, The Bishop’s Pawn, The Lost Order, The 14th Colony, The Patriot Threat, The Lincoln Myth, The King's Deception, The Columbus Affair, The Jefferson Key, The Emperor's Tomb, The Paris Vendetta, The Charlemagne Pursuit, The Venetian Betrayal, The Alexandria Link, The Templar Legacy, The Third Secret, The Romanov Prophecy, and The Amber Room. Steve has also co-written a novel with Grant Blackwood, The 9th Man (a Luke Daniels Adventure), and four novellas with M. J. Rose: The End of Forever, The House of Long Ago, The Lake of Learning, and The Museum of Mysteries, all Cassiopeia Vitt tales. His books have been translated into 41 languages with over 25,000,000 copies in 52 countries. They consistently appear in the top echelon of The New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestseller lists. Somewhere in the world, every thirty seconds, one of his novels is sold.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 916 reviews
April 25, 2017
I practically spent my entire Sunday trying to get through Steve Berry's latest Cotton Malone historical thriller. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm usually Berry's biggest fan. I always look forward to reading the adventures of the least retired, retired Magellan Billet recruit than the next person. The Malone series is always packed full of thrills, close calls, double crosses, and pure excitement.
The Lost Order on the other hand, I sadly must admit, was not my favorite Berry read. Where do I start? Cotton Malone is roped into a mystery that dates back to the Civil War and could lead to millions in buried treasure. Of course, his efforts are thwarted and he ends up coming between a secret group that's sole purpose is to protect the treasure and mercenaries who only want the gold.
We're introduced to all the players, good and bad, early in the The Lost Order which isn't entirely unexpected. Berry's novels can get a little crowded if you're not familiar with his writing style. He has multiple plots going that all seem thinly connected. Where he excels is in how the individual stories come together. This formula works for him. I'm not ragging on that.
What makes this my least favorite in the Malone series is the fact that there wasn't much to the main plot to keep me invested. Yes, Danny Daniels efforts to investigate his good friends' death and evil widow just weren't that interesting. I felt that everyone was running in circles for so long. And each story was halted by some sort of inescapable moment that ended up being brief and not worth the two chapters in between that held that plot line in suspense.
The problem is mostly me. I expect more from one of my favorite author Steve Berry. Instead, I got a lackluster plot line, with even more lackluster subplots as fluff. I believe that fans of the Cotton Malone series will still read this one and may even enjoy it a lot more than I did. Cheers to those who don't want to search far and wide for a buried treasure of a better read than The Lost Order
Copy provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley
The Lost Order on the other hand, I sadly must admit, was not my favorite Berry read. Where do I start? Cotton Malone is roped into a mystery that dates back to the Civil War and could lead to millions in buried treasure. Of course, his efforts are thwarted and he ends up coming between a secret group that's sole purpose is to protect the treasure and mercenaries who only want the gold.
We're introduced to all the players, good and bad, early in the The Lost Order which isn't entirely unexpected. Berry's novels can get a little crowded if you're not familiar with his writing style. He has multiple plots going that all seem thinly connected. Where he excels is in how the individual stories come together. This formula works for him. I'm not ragging on that.
What makes this my least favorite in the Malone series is the fact that there wasn't much to the main plot to keep me invested. Yes, Danny Daniels efforts to investigate his good friends' death and evil widow just weren't that interesting. I felt that everyone was running in circles for so long. And each story was halted by some sort of inescapable moment that ended up being brief and not worth the two chapters in between that held that plot line in suspense.
The problem is mostly me. I expect more from one of my favorite author Steve Berry. Instead, I got a lackluster plot line, with even more lackluster subplots as fluff. I believe that fans of the Cotton Malone series will still read this one and may even enjoy it a lot more than I did. Cheers to those who don't want to search far and wide for a buried treasure of a better read than The Lost Order
Copy provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley
May 31, 2019
Returning with another Cotton Malone thriller, Steve Berry never ceases to impress, embedding fact and fiction throughout a fast-paced narrative. Malone finds himself out in rural Arkansas on a mission, tracking down a small collection of gold. Hired and sent by someone other than the president, Malone's still loosely working for the Magellan Billet, a covert part of the Justice Department. While cracking a code engraved on one of the majestic trees, he is attacked and questioned by a gentleman who calls himself the Sentinel, part of the long thought defunct Knights of the Golden Circle. Malone soon learns that the Knights trace their roots to the Confederacy and are charged with protecting small caches of gold and stones, which lead to a larger treasure, scattered across the South. Back in Washington, the Billet's overseer, Stephanie Nelle, is meeting with a senior official with the Smithsonian Institution, only to be shot and left for dead. There appears to be a connection to the Knights and the Smithsonian, though it is not entire clear at the time. Former US President Danny Daniels is attending the funeral of a lifelong friend and senator, where he discovers that the widow and the Speaker of the House of Representatives might have been involved in some nefarious dealings, yet another branch of the Knights' larger plans. Daniels accepts a position that will permit him some inside information at the congressional level, though he must not tip his hand too soon. While Malone seeks to better understand the workings of the Knights of the Golden Circle, he learns that a recent schism may have led to the recent attacks on Nelle and the kidnapping of Billet member (and Malone's love interest) Cassiopeia Vitt. It would appear that someone wants the treasure to push forward a constitutional convention, one that could change the face of the United States while others within the group are fine keeping the riches hidden until the time is more propitious . While Cotton is seeking to quell the rogue branch of the Knights, Danny Daniels must rest the power held by the Speaker before major (though entirely legal) power changes to vest all formal congressional powers on the lower house, thereby nullifying the Senate's role in the legislative branch of the government. A killer is loose, lives hang in the balance, and Cotton Malone may be the only person who can intercept those bent on causing chaos, all while learning that one of his ancestors may have played a central role in the Knights. Berry weaves a wonderful story together and will not let up until the reader is fully engrossed. Perfect for fans of the Cotton Malone series as well as those who love a good mystery seeped in historical significance.
As with many Berry novels, there is nothing off limits in the narrative. Shifting through time and working with little-known facts, Berry creates a story that keeps the reader wondering. The Magellan Billet has seen its usefulness wax and wane throughout the series, though Cotton Malone has never become tiresome. Working through the Civil War era and the spy rings that accompanied it, Berry resurrects some ideas tied to the Confederate cause as well as diving headlong into a better understanding of the Smithsonian, which is a vast array of museums and facilities that seek to educate and impress. Berry sifts throughout the historical record to teach the reader while proving to be adept at entertainment. Longtime series readers will have grown fond of certain characters and it is noteworthy that Berry has found a way to keep them present and relevant, as well as finally (!!) revealing the 'long story' behind Malone's nickname. While there is little time to rest throughout the tale, Berry takes the time to point out facts and fallacies, especially to those readers who choose the writer's cut of the audiobook. Certainly an advantage over the always anticipated Writer's Notes that Berry includes in his novels. A wonderful addition that enriches little known pieces of US History and political developments that could be useful today.
Kudos, Mr. Berry for another wonderful book. I love how you are able to mix history, politics, and thrilling chases all into one, while keeping a realistic balance. I look forward to all you have in the works, as I praise your published books to all those who will listen.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
As with many Berry novels, there is nothing off limits in the narrative. Shifting through time and working with little-known facts, Berry creates a story that keeps the reader wondering. The Magellan Billet has seen its usefulness wax and wane throughout the series, though Cotton Malone has never become tiresome. Working through the Civil War era and the spy rings that accompanied it, Berry resurrects some ideas tied to the Confederate cause as well as diving headlong into a better understanding of the Smithsonian, which is a vast array of museums and facilities that seek to educate and impress. Berry sifts throughout the historical record to teach the reader while proving to be adept at entertainment. Longtime series readers will have grown fond of certain characters and it is noteworthy that Berry has found a way to keep them present and relevant, as well as finally (!!) revealing the 'long story' behind Malone's nickname. While there is little time to rest throughout the tale, Berry takes the time to point out facts and fallacies, especially to those readers who choose the writer's cut of the audiobook. Certainly an advantage over the always anticipated Writer's Notes that Berry includes in his novels. A wonderful addition that enriches little known pieces of US History and political developments that could be useful today.
Kudos, Mr. Berry for another wonderful book. I love how you are able to mix history, politics, and thrilling chases all into one, while keeping a realistic balance. I look forward to all you have in the works, as I praise your published books to all those who will listen.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 21, 2017
I really love Cotton Malone. This entry into the series was no exception! Even though I predicted quite a few of the big twists and reveals, it was still a rollicking fun ride.
November 11, 2017
Great read by Berry! I loved the history that gets added to the story line and the fast paced nature of Berry's books. Can't wait to read the next Malone adventure!
March 23, 2017
I have read a few books in this series. After reading this most recent book, I realize that I really do need to go back and read all of the missing books. I breezed through this book with great speed as I was very engaged with what I was reading. The mystery regarding the Knights of the Golden Circle and the mystery surround billions in lost gold was intriguing. This story may have been fiction but it is not that far unbelievable to imagine that this could be a story ripped right from the history books.
Cotton is on top of his game. He stood toe to toe with everyone he met and if he did get knocked down he was not down for long. There was plenty of drama and a few surprises to keep the story interesting as well as moving along at a good pace. This book had the mix of the National Treasure and the Mummy movie. The Lost Order is worth its currency in gold.
Cotton is on top of his game. He stood toe to toe with everyone he met and if he did get knocked down he was not down for long. There was plenty of drama and a few surprises to keep the story interesting as well as moving along at a good pace. This book had the mix of the National Treasure and the Mummy movie. The Lost Order is worth its currency in gold.
April 28, 2017
I've read all of the Cotton Malone books and enjoyed all of them...except this one.
I think the major reason I disliked it so much was all the US government talk. Frankly it bored this non-American.
It was also more complex than previous novels and I just didn't want to bother to figure it all out.
There was also some inexplicable writing...like Cassiopeia wondering if she should marry Cotton while being shot at by a sniper. Really?
The bottom line is this. For most earlier Cotton Malone novels, I'd get sad when I was nearing the end. This one ... I couldn't wait for it to end quarter of the way through.
I think the major reason I disliked it so much was all the US government talk. Frankly it bored this non-American.
It was also more complex than previous novels and I just didn't want to bother to figure it all out.
There was also some inexplicable writing...like Cassiopeia wondering if she should marry Cotton while being shot at by a sniper. Really?
The bottom line is this. For most earlier Cotton Malone novels, I'd get sad when I was nearing the end. This one ... I couldn't wait for it to end quarter of the way through.
March 6, 2017
Read this review and more at www.TheRealBookSpy.com
With a new president in office and the future of the Magellan Billet still somewhat in doubt, Cotton Malone accepts what is supposed to be an easy job from the Smithsonian that turns out to be anything but.
Leaving his bookstore in Denmark, Malone, the former operator for the justice department’s top-secret intelligence agency, heads to Arkansas with Cassiopeia Vitt, his lover and fellow Magellan Billet agent. Together they were dispatched to investigate at a location where another Smithsonian employee had been searching for treasure before being scared off by a local man named Terry Morse.
On-site, Cotton does, indeed, find a few gold coins before coming face-to-face with Morse who, along with his granddaughter, Lea, has been protecting the land and its hidden treasure for decades.
Cotton learns that the treasure belonged to the Knights of the Golden Circle, a Confederate spy ring that was assembled before the Civil War. And while the Knights were thought to no longer be in existence, Morse claims the Order is alive and well, though significantly smaller in numbers than in its original heyday.
Morse, who only spills the secrets to stay out of jail, claims to be a sentinel–charged with protecting a portion of the $100 billion in gold and silver the Knights had assembled–just like his father, and his grandfather, and many others before him.
Cotton knows plenty about the Knights of the Golden Circle himself, having heard stories about the Order from his father when he was a child. But as he continues to learn more about parties involved, he’s not entirely sure who he can trust, as everyone seems to have a separate agenda and an unwillingness to tell him the truth.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Nelle, the Magellan Billet’s acting chief, is called in to investigate after the Smithsonian is broken into. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that both she and Cotton are after the same people–who are trying to find the Knights’ long lost gold by following a treasure map that’s broken into five parts, some of which are hidden in plain sight.
While Malone and Nelle each chase their own leads, former president Danny Daniels mourns the loss of his close friend Alex Sherwood, a sitting Tennessee senator who died under suspicious circumstances. Sherwood’s widow, Diane, gives Danny reason to suspect something foul is going on, prompting him to investigate on his own.
Daniels ends up uncovering a huge government conspiracy (one that his friend may have died to help expose) that involves a plan to exploit Article I of the United States Constitution, which would give the Speaker of the House more power than the president. Unfortunately, aside from the notoriety that comes with being a former president, Daniels no longer has any real power to do anything about what he’s learned.
To get back into the game, Danny comes up with a genius way to go from ordinary citizen to someone of importance, then vows to stop Speaker Lucius Vance and Diane Sherwood from pulling off their plan.
For longtime fans concerned that Daniels’ role will be diminished now that he’s no longer the president, you don’t have to worry about that. While Cotton Malone remains the star of the series, Daniels has a large role in this one and he steals every scene he’s in. Plus, the way in which the author makes Danny relevant again is nothing short of brilliant.
On top of showing readers a new side to Danny, who is reenergized by his latest political fight, Steve Berry also finally reveals the origin of Cotton’s nickname, something longtime fans of his series have wondered about for years. (Hint: it’s a two-part answer!)
With multiple high-tension plot threads playing out, one of which turns deeply personal for Cotton, all the characters’ paths eventually cross as they work together to solve century-old clues in order to stop a secret shadow government and a murderous couple hellbent on finding the Knights’ lost treasure.
Steve Berry masterfully weaves historical fiction into a present day high-concept plot that moves at breakneck speeds from beginning to end. While last year’s The 14th Colony was good, The Lost Order, which falls somewhere between Three Days to the Condor and National Treasure, is Berry’s best work yet–and is sure to compete for best novel of the year.
With nonstop action and a story packed full of conspiracies, assassins, power-hungry politicians, murder, and lost treasure, the latest Cotton Malone thriller is impossible to put down!
Book Details
Author: Steve Berry
Series: Cotton Malone #12
Pages: 512 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 1476799253
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Order Now: http://amzn.to/2l1JKC0
With a new president in office and the future of the Magellan Billet still somewhat in doubt, Cotton Malone accepts what is supposed to be an easy job from the Smithsonian that turns out to be anything but.
Leaving his bookstore in Denmark, Malone, the former operator for the justice department’s top-secret intelligence agency, heads to Arkansas with Cassiopeia Vitt, his lover and fellow Magellan Billet agent. Together they were dispatched to investigate at a location where another Smithsonian employee had been searching for treasure before being scared off by a local man named Terry Morse.
On-site, Cotton does, indeed, find a few gold coins before coming face-to-face with Morse who, along with his granddaughter, Lea, has been protecting the land and its hidden treasure for decades.
Cotton learns that the treasure belonged to the Knights of the Golden Circle, a Confederate spy ring that was assembled before the Civil War. And while the Knights were thought to no longer be in existence, Morse claims the Order is alive and well, though significantly smaller in numbers than in its original heyday.
Morse, who only spills the secrets to stay out of jail, claims to be a sentinel–charged with protecting a portion of the $100 billion in gold and silver the Knights had assembled–just like his father, and his grandfather, and many others before him.
Cotton knows plenty about the Knights of the Golden Circle himself, having heard stories about the Order from his father when he was a child. But as he continues to learn more about parties involved, he’s not entirely sure who he can trust, as everyone seems to have a separate agenda and an unwillingness to tell him the truth.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Nelle, the Magellan Billet’s acting chief, is called in to investigate after the Smithsonian is broken into. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that both she and Cotton are after the same people–who are trying to find the Knights’ long lost gold by following a treasure map that’s broken into five parts, some of which are hidden in plain sight.
While Malone and Nelle each chase their own leads, former president Danny Daniels mourns the loss of his close friend Alex Sherwood, a sitting Tennessee senator who died under suspicious circumstances. Sherwood’s widow, Diane, gives Danny reason to suspect something foul is going on, prompting him to investigate on his own.
Daniels ends up uncovering a huge government conspiracy (one that his friend may have died to help expose) that involves a plan to exploit Article I of the United States Constitution, which would give the Speaker of the House more power than the president. Unfortunately, aside from the notoriety that comes with being a former president, Daniels no longer has any real power to do anything about what he’s learned.
To get back into the game, Danny comes up with a genius way to go from ordinary citizen to someone of importance, then vows to stop Speaker Lucius Vance and Diane Sherwood from pulling off their plan.
For longtime fans concerned that Daniels’ role will be diminished now that he’s no longer the president, you don’t have to worry about that. While Cotton Malone remains the star of the series, Daniels has a large role in this one and he steals every scene he’s in. Plus, the way in which the author makes Danny relevant again is nothing short of brilliant.
On top of showing readers a new side to Danny, who is reenergized by his latest political fight, Steve Berry also finally reveals the origin of Cotton’s nickname, something longtime fans of his series have wondered about for years. (Hint: it’s a two-part answer!)
With multiple high-tension plot threads playing out, one of which turns deeply personal for Cotton, all the characters’ paths eventually cross as they work together to solve century-old clues in order to stop a secret shadow government and a murderous couple hellbent on finding the Knights’ lost treasure.
Steve Berry masterfully weaves historical fiction into a present day high-concept plot that moves at breakneck speeds from beginning to end. While last year’s The 14th Colony was good, The Lost Order, which falls somewhere between Three Days to the Condor and National Treasure, is Berry’s best work yet–and is sure to compete for best novel of the year.
With nonstop action and a story packed full of conspiracies, assassins, power-hungry politicians, murder, and lost treasure, the latest Cotton Malone thriller is impossible to put down!
Book Details
Author: Steve Berry
Series: Cotton Malone #12
Pages: 512 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 1476799253
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Order Now: http://amzn.to/2l1JKC0
August 9, 2017
You should know that I am a Berry fan. I follow and collect Steve Berry's books so I might not be the most objective source for an evaluation of his work. All of his books are high on action and adventure which is fun but that wouldn't be enough to keep me interested for very long. What I love about Steve's work is that all of his adventures are premised upon some historic fact, legend, or myth that he then weaves into an action packed adventure for the reader. Since there is a definite history angle to these adventures the reader is in the position of learning something as well as being entertained and this book is no exception.
The adventure in "Lost Order" is based upon an obscure secret Southern Brotherhood started in the 1850's. Berry morphs this organization into a secret society whose purpose was to amass a great deal of wealth starting with part or all of the gold reserves of the Confederate States following the Civil War. This wealth was to be hidden and protected by the Brotherhood in order to fund another rising of the South. Coupled with this was an additional political plot device involving rules of procedure in the U.S. House of Representatives and the process of amending the Constitution by calling a constitutional convention. That might sound rather dry and dull to many but not the way Berry presents them in his adventure. If you are a history buff and need a little change of reading pace but can't seem to break the history habit then Berry is an author you should try. Enjoy, I did.
The adventure in "Lost Order" is based upon an obscure secret Southern Brotherhood started in the 1850's. Berry morphs this organization into a secret society whose purpose was to amass a great deal of wealth starting with part or all of the gold reserves of the Confederate States following the Civil War. This wealth was to be hidden and protected by the Brotherhood in order to fund another rising of the South. Coupled with this was an additional political plot device involving rules of procedure in the U.S. House of Representatives and the process of amending the Constitution by calling a constitutional convention. That might sound rather dry and dull to many but not the way Berry presents them in his adventure. If you are a history buff and need a little change of reading pace but can't seem to break the history habit then Berry is an author you should try. Enjoy, I did.
July 4, 2017
this is one of the better ones in the recent series with a mixture of history and thriller as the story takes in a lost order created just before the civil war and hoarded a vast lost treasure which both sects of that modern order are searching for one to keep in hidden and the other to change the house senate/congress. enter cotton malone who great great grandfather is the key to the whole puzzle, fast paced and doesn't disappoint.
January 21, 2022
eponymous sentence:
p383: "More a lost order."
spelling:
p83: Let their be no strife between mine and thine, for we brethren.
p95: "...Rustlers steal 'em, then rent 'em out themsleves...."
text:
p143: On one side, visible through the rust were the faint letters WELLS FARGO.
redundancy:
p183: The bobbing puddle of the flashlight beam revealed the end of an electrical cord with a three-pronged male plug.
cement:
p204: Cement blocks, lumberm scaffolding, debris.
tense:
p252: But before leaving, she swiped the butt of her pistol hard into Proctor's right temple, which send the bastard's head down to the tabletop.
Most of the political stuff went over my head, but this book is gold because of two things: 1) the origin of Cotton's appellation was finally revealed; 2) Cotton's Christian name was also finally revealed.
p383: "More a lost order."
spelling:
p83: Let their be no strife between mine and thine, for we brethren.
p95: "...Rustlers steal 'em, then rent 'em out themsleves...."
text:
p143: On one side, visible through the rust were the faint letters WELLS FARGO.
redundancy:
p183: The bobbing puddle of the flashlight beam revealed the end of an electrical cord with a three-pronged male plug.
cement:
p204: Cement blocks, lumberm scaffolding, debris.
tense:
p252: But before leaving, she swiped the butt of her pistol hard into Proctor's right temple, which send the bastard's head down to the tabletop.
Most of the political stuff went over my head, but this book is gold because of two things: 1) the origin of Cotton's appellation was finally revealed; 2) Cotton's Christian name was also finally revealed.
April 25, 2018
Cotton Malone is asked by the Smithonian Institution to investigate the Knights of the Golden Circle, a pre-Civil War organization aimed at changing the nature of the US government. They have two divergent aims - change the Constitution through a constitutional convention and locate their Civil War treasure. Ex-president Daniel's friend, dies a mysterious death, and numerous other deaths occur.
November 29, 2021
This book delivered with a HUGE curve ball thrown 3/4 of the way through. I love these kinda books!
October 17, 2019
I've been a fan of author Steve Berry since reading 'The Amber Room' many years ago. I've been an even bigger fan of his Cotton Malone character and read nearly all of his books. 'The Lost Order' does not disappoint.
In this story, Cotton Malone is on a treasure-seeking trail, and learns of an ancestor of his with the same nickname (Cotton), was in fact a spy for the Confederate States of America. His name was Angus 'Cotton' Adams. At the end of the Civil War, Angus Adams is charged with securing the Confederate States' enormous wealth of gold and confederate documents. Turns out he belongs to a group called the Knights of the Golden Circle.
While searching in the backwoods of Arkansas, present-day Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt are assaulted by a man and his grand-daughter, claiming to be Sentinels (guardians of the lost Confederate treasure. Turns out present-day members of the Golden Circle want to locate the 'Vault' where the treasure trove is located and use it to make changes in our present-day Constitution. Apparently, the Confederate Constitution contains laws which might be acceptable by today's citizens, but at a cost!
At what cost?
It could mean the elevation of a member in our current government which would outrank the President of the United States.
Ex-President Danny Daniels comes into play here, learning of what the members of the Golden Circle might be up to, and how they plan on using today's Constitution to make changes that would suit their needs, and all be perfectly legal. This does not sit well with the former president, and he lends his services to Cotton in hopes of putting to rest long-standing rivalries between himself and current members still in government. But when a close friend of his is found dead by suspicious means, Danny Daniels becomes enveloped in a spell-binding mystery that may cost him and his new-found love, Stephanie Nelle, more than they anticipated.
While Cotton races after Knights of the Golden Circle throughout Arkansas and Washington D.C., Cassiopeia is fighting for her life in the backwoods of Arkansas to the mountain ranges of New Mexico. As the trail of stones leading everyone to the Confederate treasure becomes more clear, it soon becomes even clearer to all that this is a winner-take-all race, and some members of the Golden Circle could care less about changing the Constitution, instead working to claim the gold for themselves.
It's a race against time not only to find this lost Confederate treasure, but to save their very own lives.
I've quite the collection of Steve Berry's books, and hope to meet him someday for some autographs. His books are very detailed with page-turning suspense. His research is second-to-none, and his blend of fact with fiction elevates the level of book reading to what it's meant to be, which is to say, having an enjoyable time reading between the pages of a book that whisks us to far away places. Readers will feel like they are right there with Cotton Malone, and left to wonder how things turn out. You don't have to follow the entire series to enjoy this book! It's a keeper.
In this story, Cotton Malone is on a treasure-seeking trail, and learns of an ancestor of his with the same nickname (Cotton), was in fact a spy for the Confederate States of America. His name was Angus 'Cotton' Adams. At the end of the Civil War, Angus Adams is charged with securing the Confederate States' enormous wealth of gold and confederate documents. Turns out he belongs to a group called the Knights of the Golden Circle.
While searching in the backwoods of Arkansas, present-day Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt are assaulted by a man and his grand-daughter, claiming to be Sentinels (guardians of the lost Confederate treasure. Turns out present-day members of the Golden Circle want to locate the 'Vault' where the treasure trove is located and use it to make changes in our present-day Constitution. Apparently, the Confederate Constitution contains laws which might be acceptable by today's citizens, but at a cost!
At what cost?
It could mean the elevation of a member in our current government which would outrank the President of the United States.
Ex-President Danny Daniels comes into play here, learning of what the members of the Golden Circle might be up to, and how they plan on using today's Constitution to make changes that would suit their needs, and all be perfectly legal. This does not sit well with the former president, and he lends his services to Cotton in hopes of putting to rest long-standing rivalries between himself and current members still in government. But when a close friend of his is found dead by suspicious means, Danny Daniels becomes enveloped in a spell-binding mystery that may cost him and his new-found love, Stephanie Nelle, more than they anticipated.
While Cotton races after Knights of the Golden Circle throughout Arkansas and Washington D.C., Cassiopeia is fighting for her life in the backwoods of Arkansas to the mountain ranges of New Mexico. As the trail of stones leading everyone to the Confederate treasure becomes more clear, it soon becomes even clearer to all that this is a winner-take-all race, and some members of the Golden Circle could care less about changing the Constitution, instead working to claim the gold for themselves.
It's a race against time not only to find this lost Confederate treasure, but to save their very own lives.
I've quite the collection of Steve Berry's books, and hope to meet him someday for some autographs. His books are very detailed with page-turning suspense. His research is second-to-none, and his blend of fact with fiction elevates the level of book reading to what it's meant to be, which is to say, having an enjoyable time reading between the pages of a book that whisks us to far away places. Readers will feel like they are right there with Cotton Malone, and left to wonder how things turn out. You don't have to follow the entire series to enjoy this book! It's a keeper.
January 31, 2018
I picked up this one in the airport after I accidentally checked my real book. Apparently it's one in a series about the same characters.
In its favor is historical accuracy about the founding of the Smithsonian and some Civil War intrigue. I found a lot that really interesting. The plot was a bit silly and parboiled but serviceable enough. But the writing was dreadful. "That he did. That she was. That it is. That it would." Ugh. Once in a book maybe but every other chapter? No.
Am I recommending it? That I'm not.
In its favor is historical accuracy about the founding of the Smithsonian and some Civil War intrigue. I found a lot that really interesting. The plot was a bit silly and parboiled but serviceable enough. But the writing was dreadful. "That he did. That she was. That it is. That it would." Ugh. Once in a book maybe but every other chapter? No.
Am I recommending it? That I'm not.
February 14, 2018
"The Lost Order: A Novel (Cotton Malone)" suffers from an overload of information. There are just too many plots to make this book really entertaining.
The overarching plot could be described as:
This is the story of the Knights of the Golden Circle, a dangerous clandestine organization that guards billions in stolen gold and silver, all buried in the Southwest and South of the United States. The money was to be used for a second Civil War. Since that war never happened today everybody who knows about this is after the Gold.
However, author Steve Berry doesn't stop at telling his story about the treasure hunt, he also ventures out in telling that eventually the organization fell apart with some members forming the Ku-Klux clan as well as describing the various types of Knights, who knew what and so on.
The second plot is the story of Justice Department agent Cotton Malone, who has connections to the Clan. There is also a subplot of his developing romance with Cassiopeia Vitt, his partner in his search for the gold.
Then, there are also the plots/stories of Confederate spy Angus “Cotton” Adams, ex-president Danny Daniels and his new love Stephanie Nelle, the ex-prez's best friend's widow who is planning a radical change to the US's democratic system, and her lover's, the new Speaker of the House's political ambitions, and lastly the Smithsonian Institution, who also wants the Gold.
It's an ambitious book project. I listened to the audio edition including the writer's cut, which includes Steve Berry's behind-the-scenes commentary at the ends of some of the chapters. In fact, these commentaries are the reason why I stuck with the book which, at times, seemed to meander.
I am a history buff. The sheer volume on riveting information author Steve Barry collected kept me going. For instance, I did not know that in all of the United States only one Speaker of the House had gone on to become US president. I absolutely loved this type of presentation. While I could have done with fewer side plots I would have appreciated even more of Berry's side notes.
All in all, an interesting book, certainly a treat for history buffs.
3 1/2 stars, Gisela Hausmann
The overarching plot could be described as:
This is the story of the Knights of the Golden Circle, a dangerous clandestine organization that guards billions in stolen gold and silver, all buried in the Southwest and South of the United States. The money was to be used for a second Civil War. Since that war never happened today everybody who knows about this is after the Gold.
However, author Steve Berry doesn't stop at telling his story about the treasure hunt, he also ventures out in telling that eventually the organization fell apart with some members forming the Ku-Klux clan as well as describing the various types of Knights, who knew what and so on.
The second plot is the story of Justice Department agent Cotton Malone, who has connections to the Clan. There is also a subplot of his developing romance with Cassiopeia Vitt, his partner in his search for the gold.
Then, there are also the plots/stories of Confederate spy Angus “Cotton” Adams, ex-president Danny Daniels and his new love Stephanie Nelle, the ex-prez's best friend's widow who is planning a radical change to the US's democratic system, and her lover's, the new Speaker of the House's political ambitions, and lastly the Smithsonian Institution, who also wants the Gold.
It's an ambitious book project. I listened to the audio edition including the writer's cut, which includes Steve Berry's behind-the-scenes commentary at the ends of some of the chapters. In fact, these commentaries are the reason why I stuck with the book which, at times, seemed to meander.
I am a history buff. The sheer volume on riveting information author Steve Barry collected kept me going. For instance, I did not know that in all of the United States only one Speaker of the House had gone on to become US president. I absolutely loved this type of presentation. While I could have done with fewer side plots I would have appreciated even more of Berry's side notes.
All in all, an interesting book, certainly a treat for history buffs.
3 1/2 stars, Gisela Hausmann
April 21, 2017
The Knights of the Golden Circle was the largest and most dangerous clandestine
organization in American history, it amassed billions in stolen gold and silver all
buried in hidden caches across the U.S. Since 1865 hunters have searched but little
has been found. Now one hundred and sixty years later two factions of what remains
of the Knights want that treasure - one to spend it for their own ends , the other to
preserve it. Thrust into this battle is former Justice Department agent Cotton Malone
whose connection to the Knights is far deeper than he ever imagined. The center is the
Smithsonian Institution linked to the Knights treasure and Malone himself through an
ancestor, a Confederate spy named Angus "Cotton" Adams whose story holds the key to
everything. Complicating this are the political ambitions of a reckless Speaker of the
House and the bitter widow of a Senator who together are planning radical changes to the
country. And while Cassiopeia Vett and Malone face the past ex president Danny Daniels
and Stephanie Nelle confront a new and unexpected challenge, a threat that may cost one
of them their life. This is book 12 in the Cotton Malone series and as per all Steve Berry's
books even if you don't care for the story you will get a history lesson. I myself enjoyed
it and gave it a 5.
organization in American history, it amassed billions in stolen gold and silver all
buried in hidden caches across the U.S. Since 1865 hunters have searched but little
has been found. Now one hundred and sixty years later two factions of what remains
of the Knights want that treasure - one to spend it for their own ends , the other to
preserve it. Thrust into this battle is former Justice Department agent Cotton Malone
whose connection to the Knights is far deeper than he ever imagined. The center is the
Smithsonian Institution linked to the Knights treasure and Malone himself through an
ancestor, a Confederate spy named Angus "Cotton" Adams whose story holds the key to
everything. Complicating this are the political ambitions of a reckless Speaker of the
House and the bitter widow of a Senator who together are planning radical changes to the
country. And while Cassiopeia Vett and Malone face the past ex president Danny Daniels
and Stephanie Nelle confront a new and unexpected challenge, a threat that may cost one
of them their life. This is book 12 in the Cotton Malone series and as per all Steve Berry's
books even if you don't care for the story you will get a history lesson. I myself enjoyed
it and gave it a 5.
August 27, 2017
I like Cotton Malone; I always look forward to a new volume in this series, but I didn't find this one as appealing as the others. Danny is no longer president, and author Berry tried to keep him in the story with a new role that was prompted by his love interest Stephanie's injury, but the book lacked the oomph that the others offer. There is still the trademark mixture of historical fact and fiction, but I missed the camaraderie among the characters. Luke was absent; Danny is evolving into a new role; Stephanie was a side note, and even Cotton felt flat.
I enjoyed the scenes in the Smithsonian and the history lessons surrounding this institution, and I liked learning about the origin of Cotton's name (and ancestors). Plenty of action, this follows the formula of Berry's other books in the series, but it's missing something.
I enjoyed the scenes in the Smithsonian and the history lessons surrounding this institution, and I liked learning about the origin of Cotton's name (and ancestors). Plenty of action, this follows the formula of Berry's other books in the series, but it's missing something.
November 30, 2021
Nakon pomalo usporenog pocetka, prica je postajala sve zanimljivija, da bi na kraju, u zadnjih 50ak strana, doslo do toga da ne mozete da spustite knjigu. Nema tu nekih obrta, ali ima akcije i resavanja misterije stare 150 godina u stilu Indijane Dzonsa. Na kraju me je zaprepastio podatak da je ceo roman zasnovan na istinitim dogadjajima! Tako da sam zainteresovana za jos neki roman ovog pisca posto je on veoma temeljan u svojim istrazivanjima, pa verujem da uzbudjenje nece izostati ni u njegovim ostalim knjigama.
March 24, 2019
Do you enjoy historical fiction? Do you enjoy thrillers? Do you enjoy American Legends? If you answered yes to any of the questions, this book is for you!
According to the book, The Knights of the Golden Circle was founded on July 4, 1854, while encyclopedia Britannic list the date as 1859. Both agree that the Knights were one of the largest clandestine organizations to exists in America. They also agree that the group wanted to expand the United States (by annexing Mexico) and change the constitutional scheme of the U.S. Their final point of agreement is that this group amassed a hoard of gold and silver to finance their grand plans. A high percentage of their wealth was obtained by robbery.
There are said to be maps hidden in plain site across the southern U.S., (see: https://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...) maps that most would never construe as a map. They have strange figures, coded writing and booby traps. People are said to have searched for years for this treasure and small hoards have been unearthed; the idea of billions of dollars worth of gold and silver all stored in a secret location continues to this day to spurn treasure hunters to try their luck.
The Knights of the Golden Circle, founded on July 4, 1854, was the largest, most dangerous clandestine organization in American history. It formulated grand plans—to expand the United States, change the constitutional landscape, and forge a Southern empire, enslaving a ‘golden circle’ spanning two continents. To finance its goals, the Order amassed an amazing trove of stolen gold and silver, which they buried in hidden caches across the United States. Treasure hunters have searched for decades, but have never found any of the Order’s major hoards. However, small hoards of buried gold have been found (see: http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/...) (O, see: https://www.legendsofamerica.com/trs-...).
Although 160 years have passed, the Knights have reemerged, broken into factions; one side wants to preserve the cache, the other wants to spend it. The Knights are not the only ones interested in the gold, the Smithsonian Institution also wants it, their records indicate that a Confederate Spy named Owen “Cotton” Malone may be the key to its location; so, who better to call in to work this task that his own descendant, former Justice Department Agent, Cotton Malone!
Thinking twofold concerning this endeavor, Cotton accepts the challenge wondering if he will finally learn more about the ancestor that has the same nickname as he does as well as truly making the discovery of a lifetime. Cotton is about to get more than he bargained for!
At the same time, former president, Danny Daniels long time friend has fallen to his death, no suspicion has been cast; until a strange woman approaches him to request his assistance into looking into the death. Danny’s search for answers will lead him to Cotton Malone and a cross country trip from Washington, DC, to New Mexico.
With so many people involved, some with killer instincts, will this quest prove successful or the worse mistake in all the lives associated with it?
December 31, 2019
Let me begin by saying that I found the first eight books absolutely fascinating...real page turners with good story lines and just enough historical facts to make them interesting. The last two...and this one in particular...had all the makings of continuing in that vein EXCEPT so much of it seemed to be repeating the things that had already taken place and there was page after page of small print initialized history...that really added nothing more to the story. Far be it from me to tell a celebrated author with the talent of Steve Berry how to write a novel but I would like to suggest that he reduce the history to just enough to let the reader work it into the story and get these wonderful characters that he has created back into working to solve the mystery.
June 21, 2017
'The Lost Order' was so much fun to read! Read our entire review here: https://booktrib.com/2017/04/steve-be...
October 7, 2017
I recommend reading Steve Berry to anyone who loves history. and if you want to know How I describe his writing it is a combination of Tom Clancy and Dan Brown (HINT: I like Berry Better than them though) SPOILER: We finally find out how Cotton got his Nickname
November 26, 2023
It only took 12 books, but we have finally reached my first five star Cotton Malone story. The Lost Order knocked it out of the park. This book hit the gas and went full speed ahead and didn't give you any chance to breathe. Steve Berry gave every character, including villians, their time in the spotlight. The central mystery was exhilarating and the stakes were very present every step of the way. This one will sit with me for a very long time.
September 3, 2024
Cotton Malone is so good. Berry keeps the pace up with these v short chapters. He also has 2-3 action scenes going at once. The reader should have a sore neck like at a tennis match with the constant change of perspective.
In this edition, Cotton again has a long dead relative at the core of the mystery. So… while the mystery is eventually solved you also get a deeper look into your protagonist.
Long book but good fun. Tough to read at the same pace in the summer with all the golf!
In this edition, Cotton again has a long dead relative at the core of the mystery. So… while the mystery is eventually solved you also get a deeper look into your protagonist.
Long book but good fun. Tough to read at the same pace in the summer with all the golf!
December 19, 2018
Took me a while to finish, worst paperback I ever read, kept getting paper cuts from the sharp edges, terrible publishing, hard to enjoy the story, and I always love Cotton
May 14, 2017
Cotton's help is requested to seek a huge horde of Confederate gold, when the prior person is scared off by one of the guardians. Meanwhile, ex-President Danny Daniels discovers a parallel plot for the Speaker of the House to become as powerful than the President by changing House Rules, relegating the Senate to the minor role it had following independence from Great Britain. I liked the role played by Cotton's grandfather, Danny finagling himself to become a Senator, and learning about the Smithsonian (and founder James Smithson, who $500,000 gift was made without his ever visiting the U.S.) However, the resolutions of the storylines were both protracted and, in one case, a complete fizzle. Kind of an average book for Steve Berry.
P.S. I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway, but it did not affect my opinion
P.S. I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway, but it did not affect my opinion
July 26, 2019
At the outset let me say I have long been a big fan of Steve Berry. His novels are always chock-full of interesting factual historical tidbits interspersed throughout and this one is no exception. Some of my favorites in this book were learning about the origin of the term lobbying, much about the Smithsonian Institution and its founder, James Smithson, and a lot about the Knights of the Golden Circle. As for the fictional side of this novel, I was a bit disappointed in that it did not hold my interest nearly as much as Steve Berry's previous novels featuring Cotten Malone. Still well worth the read!
November 10, 2017
Not as good as some of his earlier works - found this jumped around a lot, between characters/scenes, but the history was interesting, as always. Ready for my next trip to the Smithsonian - will look at it with different eyes!
dnf
September 16, 2021DNFd at 33% not because it was bad or anything. Just because it was VERY political heavy (as in senators, seats, congress presidential, strategies etc) which is not my jam-I was hoping for more treasure hunting 🤷🏼♀️
March 4, 2024
I always love the Cotton Malone books, and certainly, the action in this one was as good as always. Cotton and Cassiopeia are together, both personally and professionally, and Danny and Stephanie are headed there as well. There's lost treasure (in fact, the opening scene makes me want to buy a metal detector and hit the beach to search for lost gold!) and spy codes, all encoded in the Smithsonian.
And we finally get to hear about Cotton's nickname!
But there were a couple of things that hit me wrong in this one. First, a continuity issue. In the very first book of the series, we meet Cassiopeia and we hear that her dad was Spanish and her mom was Tanzanian. But in this book, she says that her father is Spanish and her mother is European. That isn't accurate and doesn't even make sense; that would be like me saying my dad was from Texas and my mom was from the United States. (Although to be fair, I should have mentioned a couple of books ago another bit of discongruity - in the first book we learn that Vitt is Muslim but in The Lincoln Myth it seems that her family, and she by default, were Mormon). I could have misheard since I listened rather than read, but I don't think so.
More than that, though, I was bothered by the fact that in this book, there was a proto-KKK organization and nobody seemed to be overly bothered by the fact that there were still people who subscribed to its tenets (except for the GOAT, Danny Daniels, who was pretty grossed out by it all). Everyone was more concerned with the treasure. Where was the Confederate gold? Who was going to find it? Who got to keep it? There seemed to be a case of idol worship going on regarding Angus Adams, and he was, unabashedly, a Confederate spy. Did he regret it later in life? Way later. Like on his deathbed later. But everyone thought he was a hero.
So essentially, there's been a resurgence (or they never stopped existing?) of this organization that is all about the lost gold and restructuring the government because "the Confederate constitution had some good ideas." I just feel with all my heart that if the basis of your new country is "you can't tell us that we can't own other human beings," then I don't care what other ideas you have for a country. And, yeah, uh-huh, states' right (...to do what? Own slaves, so let's not have that fight already). It just felt slimy, every time someone was like "well they used to believe in slavery but they don't anymore." Bravo. Good job with the basic human decency.
So I know the author wasn't promoting slavery but I also couldn't tell that he wasn't promoting the Confederacy. History is great. I love it. But I also don't want to read stories where the Nazis are idealized in the "but the Third Reich had some great ideas" sort of way, regardless of whether or not the hidden gold is still out there. That's the level of distaste I felt here.
So this isn't my favorite. I didn't hate it, but it won't ever be a re-read for me.
And we finally get to hear about Cotton's nickname!
But there were a couple of things that hit me wrong in this one. First, a continuity issue. In the very first book of the series, we meet Cassiopeia and we hear that her dad was Spanish and her mom was Tanzanian. But in this book, she says that her father is Spanish and her mother is European. That isn't accurate and doesn't even make sense; that would be like me saying my dad was from Texas and my mom was from the United States. (Although to be fair, I should have mentioned a couple of books ago another bit of discongruity - in the first book we learn that Vitt is Muslim but in The Lincoln Myth it seems that her family, and she by default, were Mormon). I could have misheard since I listened rather than read, but I don't think so.
More than that, though, I was bothered by the fact that in this book, there was a proto-KKK organization and nobody seemed to be overly bothered by the fact that there were still people who subscribed to its tenets (except for the GOAT, Danny Daniels, who was pretty grossed out by it all). Everyone was more concerned with the treasure. Where was the Confederate gold? Who was going to find it? Who got to keep it? There seemed to be a case of idol worship going on regarding Angus Adams, and he was, unabashedly, a Confederate spy. Did he regret it later in life? Way later. Like on his deathbed later. But everyone thought he was a hero.
So essentially, there's been a resurgence (or they never stopped existing?) of this organization that is all about the lost gold and restructuring the government because "the Confederate constitution had some good ideas." I just feel with all my heart that if the basis of your new country is "you can't tell us that we can't own other human beings," then I don't care what other ideas you have for a country. And, yeah, uh-huh, states' right (...to do what? Own slaves, so let's not have that fight already). It just felt slimy, every time someone was like "well they used to believe in slavery but they don't anymore." Bravo. Good job with the basic human decency.
So I know the author wasn't promoting slavery but I also couldn't tell that he wasn't promoting the Confederacy. History is great. I love it. But I also don't want to read stories where the Nazis are idealized in the "but the Third Reich had some great ideas" sort of way, regardless of whether or not the hidden gold is still out there. That's the level of distaste I felt here.
So this isn't my favorite. I didn't hate it, but it won't ever be a re-read for me.
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