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Jack Elliot #1
Brownstone
The key to the world’s fate discovers a devastating secret, divinely hidden since the days of Genesis, as he seeks out his family's murderer, only to find that a clandestine organization plans to reshape humanity on the heels of destruction.
When Jack Elliot returns to New York City to pay respect to his dying uncle it’s a race against time. He gets more than he bargained for when he finds himself entrenched in not one, but two murder cases where he’s the prime suspect.
What Jack doesn’t know is that amidst all the murder, an organization created from the beginning of time has been patiently waiting for him. If they find him, the world will be immeasurably changed and most certainly not for the better.
What does an organization as old as creation want with Jack Elliot? Does Jack prove his innocence? Read the first book in the exciting new series, Brownstone, and discover the true facts that will shock the world!
When Jack Elliot returns to New York City to pay respect to his dying uncle it’s a race against time. He gets more than he bargained for when he finds himself entrenched in not one, but two murder cases where he’s the prime suspect.
What Jack doesn’t know is that amidst all the murder, an organization created from the beginning of time has been patiently waiting for him. If they find him, the world will be immeasurably changed and most certainly not for the better.
What does an organization as old as creation want with Jack Elliot? Does Jack prove his innocence? Read the first book in the exciting new series, Brownstone, and discover the true facts that will shock the world!
268 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 6, 2016
82 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Dean Kutzler
19 books45 followersBefore becoming a writer, Dean used to swim through a sea of accounting journals and calculator tape. After a decade of traipsing through one ledger to the next, he decided it was time to sit down to write more exciting things than account analysis and financial statements, and he's freaking happy that peeps seem to like them. Since the days are a little (or a lot) happier with more adventure in them, he writes thriller fiction, space operas, and now urban fantasy and paranormal romance!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 23, 2016
I found this book to be amazing... The detail that is put into descriptions gives you the ability to visualize it yourself. I can not wait for the rest of the books in the series to come out. I could not put Brownstone down. It kept me intrigued through out. This author did a wonderful job of keeping you interested and keeping you guessing.
August 2, 2016
This was an awesome book! Look out, Dan Brown. You've finally met your match! It lags a little in the beginning, but when it picks up, it doesn't let off the thrills. There are a bunch of twists and some REAL facts that will blow your mind if you're religious. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
August 1, 2017
Surprises right up to the end!
I had a bit of trouble getting into the story, but I'm very glad I stuck it out through the end. I think a big part of the problem was that I wasn't reading from an actual book. I know that e-books tend to have some problems with typos and that throws me off badly. But, if you like thrillers, you'll love this book! I can't wait to start the second book in the series and I look forward to all of the books in this series (including any short stories related to Jack Elliot)!
I had a bit of trouble getting into the story, but I'm very glad I stuck it out through the end. I think a big part of the problem was that I wasn't reading from an actual book. I know that e-books tend to have some problems with typos and that throws me off badly. But, if you like thrillers, you'll love this book! I can't wait to start the second book in the series and I look forward to all of the books in this series (including any short stories related to Jack Elliot)!
December 3, 2017
Review of the audible version of the book*
This book was phenomenal. I'm usually into fantasy or sci-fi so modern books are outside my comfort zone but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only thing that could be improved on would be sometimes the narrator feels slightly choppy. I do listen at 1.5 times speed so that could be part of it. This generally wasn't even an issue throughout most of the book. I loved the story and the characters. I'm excited to start book 2 next!
This review was in exchange for a free copy of the book
This book was phenomenal. I'm usually into fantasy or sci-fi so modern books are outside my comfort zone but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only thing that could be improved on would be sometimes the narrator feels slightly choppy. I do listen at 1.5 times speed so that could be part of it. This generally wasn't even an issue throughout most of the book. I loved the story and the characters. I'm excited to start book 2 next!
This review was in exchange for a free copy of the book
June 23, 2016
Brownstone is a excellent read. Could not put the book down. Can't wait for the next book..
June 26, 2016
I enjoyed this book very much, and I also awaits the next one.
October 23, 2016
I won this book through goodreads.com. I loved this book! Dan Brown has some competition. I highly recommend this book . I can't wait to read the sequel!
April 19, 2017
This is not the genre of book I am typically drawn to. I often read on my kindle when I put my toddler down for his nap. I found myself reading this book long after my son had fallen asleep. I had a list of other things I could be doing, but I just kept reading in the dark.
The book has good tension throughout that will make you want to keep reading. The main character is likable.
I also enjoyed the seamless tie-in of research. This is often boring or jarring in books, but I was hooked on learning right along with Jack.
Entertaining, historically intriguing, and will leave you craving more.
The book has good tension throughout that will make you want to keep reading. The main character is likable.
I also enjoyed the seamless tie-in of research. This is often boring or jarring in books, but I was hooked on learning right along with Jack.
Entertaining, historically intriguing, and will leave you craving more.
September 5, 2018
An enthralling mystery with the pace of a thriller. Non-stop action and the revelation of hidden history. A must for Dan Brown fans. Impossible to put down. A terrific read. Definitely 5 stars.
I highly recommend it.
I highly recommend it.
March 18, 2017
I was given the opportunity to listen to an audiobook version of this book & chose to review it.
I enjoy books like "The Da Vinci Code" and those written by authors like Andy McDermott & John Rollins which delve into historical possibilities involving archeological artifacts. I thought that this book would be in the similar style.
First of all, the Audible version was SO SLOW that I had to speed up my Kindle in order to keep from falling asleep! At 1.25 speed, I was able to tolerate listening to it. Second of all, I found the character of Jack Elliott more than a little annoying & naïve. Other reviews have said that the author mentioned Jack's sexual orientation too frequently without any reason. The thing that I found annoying was his goatee! The man was constantly grabbing it, dipping it into water, nearly getting it burned off his face.....just shave the thing off!
Also, the author talked about "the Fuehrer" & his mysterious organization. There were several gratuitous descriptions of experimentation being done on unworthy members of the organization that really didn't add anything at all to the story. I get tired of the Nazis being the only villains that people seem to think of! I think that the author has watched Raiders one too many times! This group was never really explained (so I'm sure that there is a sequel planned).
If I had been reading a physical book, I probably would have skipped much of it, but as an audiobook, I had to listen to it all in order to see what happened. I might try reading another book by this author, but then again, I might not. The premise of the story was too outlandish for my tastes, also. Lots of hinting at what was supposedly going on with little scientific or historical evidence to back it up.
I enjoy books like "The Da Vinci Code" and those written by authors like Andy McDermott & John Rollins which delve into historical possibilities involving archeological artifacts. I thought that this book would be in the similar style.
First of all, the Audible version was SO SLOW that I had to speed up my Kindle in order to keep from falling asleep! At 1.25 speed, I was able to tolerate listening to it. Second of all, I found the character of Jack Elliott more than a little annoying & naïve. Other reviews have said that the author mentioned Jack's sexual orientation too frequently without any reason. The thing that I found annoying was his goatee! The man was constantly grabbing it, dipping it into water, nearly getting it burned off his face.....just shave the thing off!
Also, the author talked about "the Fuehrer" & his mysterious organization. There were several gratuitous descriptions of experimentation being done on unworthy members of the organization that really didn't add anything at all to the story. I get tired of the Nazis being the only villains that people seem to think of! I think that the author has watched Raiders one too many times! This group was never really explained (so I'm sure that there is a sequel planned).
If I had been reading a physical book, I probably would have skipped much of it, but as an audiobook, I had to listen to it all in order to see what happened. I might try reading another book by this author, but then again, I might not. The premise of the story was too outlandish for my tastes, also. Lots of hinting at what was supposedly going on with little scientific or historical evidence to back it up.
June 11, 2018
Thought provoking, well researched, fantastic new series, Jack Elliot! The Jack Elliot books promise to be the deepest, truly funniest, mystery/thrillers series to come out in years. By pushing ones comfort zone, without offense, throughout his novel Dean Kutzler gives chance to ones own ideas to be set free, or simply enjoy the ride as one prefers.
Jack Elliot is a journalist living in Montreal. He is on a time out from his long term partner, Calvin, a bit of a mid-life crisis a bit young. When he learns of his beloved Uncle Terry's stroke, the closest relative to his heart, Jack rushes to NYC to see him one last time.
That is where the action begins, and Jack is soon caught in the middle of a murder investigation! You will meet a cast of unforgettable characters. One can only hope to see more of some of them in the future. Each persona is so realistic you might know someone just like them, or wish you did. You will race with Jack to the end of this mystery and most likely be as surprised as he is at the conclusion! This is one of the most enjoyable books I have read in months (10-15 books/week.)
Jack Elliot is a journalist living in Montreal. He is on a time out from his long term partner, Calvin, a bit of a mid-life crisis a bit young. When he learns of his beloved Uncle Terry's stroke, the closest relative to his heart, Jack rushes to NYC to see him one last time.
That is where the action begins, and Jack is soon caught in the middle of a murder investigation! You will meet a cast of unforgettable characters. One can only hope to see more of some of them in the future. Each persona is so realistic you might know someone just like them, or wish you did. You will race with Jack to the end of this mystery and most likely be as surprised as he is at the conclusion! This is one of the most enjoyable books I have read in months (10-15 books/week.)
April 22, 2017
This wants to be a new Da Vinci Code, with biblically inspired mystery, complete with furtive priests and secret chambers. It's okay and, for the most part, kept my interest, but I think it would have been better about 25% shorter without so much hither and thither-ing.
It falls short on both the new revelations (the story of Lilith as Adam's first wife should hardly be new to most people) and mystery (much of what unfolds is easily guessed at well in advance), and the rest feels a little far fetched. I found Jack's internal monologue voice to be supremely irritating, and he made poor decision after poor decision without ever seeming to suffer the consequences. It also felt like it wrapped up far too quickly after such a lengthy, drawn out search phase of the story. Perhaps there will be more to follow, since it's labeled as #1 in a series, but I might not be interested enough to follow up and find out.
I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
It falls short on both the new revelations (the story of Lilith as Adam's first wife should hardly be new to most people) and mystery (much of what unfolds is easily guessed at well in advance), and the rest feels a little far fetched. I found Jack's internal monologue voice to be supremely irritating, and he made poor decision after poor decision without ever seeming to suffer the consequences. It also felt like it wrapped up far too quickly after such a lengthy, drawn out search phase of the story. Perhaps there will be more to follow, since it's labeled as #1 in a series, but I might not be interested enough to follow up and find out.
I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
July 6, 2018
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
I love any book that deals with "ancient secrets", if it done well. And this book passes that mark. The plot is very very intriguing and grabs my attention very soon after take off. The story moves at a fast pace, never getting dull. There's twists and perils at every corner. The tension keeps building up till the end. The climax is very satisfying. Can't wait for the next one.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Narration by Tom Lennon was a good match for the content. His performance added to the urgency of the situation and threw the listeners at the thick of it. It made for a very entertaining listen.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
I love any book that deals with "ancient secrets", if it done well. And this book passes that mark. The plot is very very intriguing and grabs my attention very soon after take off. The story moves at a fast pace, never getting dull. There's twists and perils at every corner. The tension keeps building up till the end. The climax is very satisfying. Can't wait for the next one.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Narration by Tom Lennon was a good match for the content. His performance added to the urgency of the situation and threw the listeners at the thick of it. It made for a very entertaining listen.
June 14, 2018
Brownstone - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Jack Elliott inherits a house, a fortune and a secret from his late Uncle Terry, who eventually turns out to be Jack's real father. His Mom died from drug addiction as her husband, didn't like how close she was to his brother Terry and made her life a misery. In a plot worthy of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, Jack becomes embroiled in a dangerous hunt, chased by desperate men who want the treasure that's supposedly worth a king's ransom.
The real secret/treasure will stun you and make you keen to get your copy and devour it in one sitting.
A real 5-star story from Dean Kutzler that's not to be missed!
Jack Elliott inherits a house, a fortune and a secret from his late Uncle Terry, who eventually turns out to be Jack's real father. His Mom died from drug addiction as her husband, didn't like how close she was to his brother Terry and made her life a misery. In a plot worthy of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, Jack becomes embroiled in a dangerous hunt, chased by desperate men who want the treasure that's supposedly worth a king's ransom.
The real secret/treasure will stun you and make you keen to get your copy and devour it in one sitting.
A real 5-star story from Dean Kutzler that's not to be missed!
July 9, 2018
If you like Dan Brown/The Da Vinci Code, you'll love this. It's a GREAT book, very well written, great characters, great plot, and great narration. Very suspenseful and very entertaining/thrilling! It had and kept my interest all the way through, great stuff! I'd definitely recommend this book :) Loved Harold! :) Would love to read more in the series!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 5, 2017
Great read!
I really enjoyed this book, it grabbed me from the first page and never let go! I can't wait for Jacks next adventure.
I really enjoyed this book, it grabbed me from the first page and never let go! I can't wait for Jacks next adventure.
June 21, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Wishy washy Charlie Brown."
Oh, dear, this is a hard one to review, or perhaps not. Like my feelings towards the book itself, on this I find myself conflicted.
The opening passages to Brownstone immediately repulsed me so it was a very pleasant surprise when chapter one started with Jack, a small time reporter in Montreal, trying to prepare an article and recollecting on how he had first met his partner of five years, Kalvin, although they were currently seperated (Jack needed space!). The early part of the book is slow paced, building Jack's character and family background but speeds up as it progresses. The story, too, is initially very intriguing, sometimes sinister: there is the expectation of something not just outlandish and terrifying for Jack but for the whole of humanity.
And I suppose, in a way, it is but the splicing together of the various motivations towards the end became so ridiculous that it was actually funny: I was enjoying the book but not, I fear, in the way intended by the author. I could clearly visualise Brownstone as a comedic farce, in the same vein as the Peter Seller's film series, The Pink Panther. Jack himself, constantly making wrong decisions and mentally commenting on his journalistic training, was forever tugging, chewing or otherwise fiddling with his goatee, obviously his comfort blanket, as well as breaking items of technology. And his poor partner, Kalvin, might be the great love of his life but was never telephoned, just a single text sent after a guilt trip and another to tell him, at the conclusion, to join him in New York.
The other characters are straightforward cartoon stereotypes: the distant father, the adoring indulgent uncle (both, of course wealthy and prominent professionals), the Southern belle mother, the arch villain in the mysterious secret society, the gentle nurse, the loner detective with his gentle appearance but tenacious determination (but no mention of a shabby raincoat, sadly), the chatty New York taxi driver, and ineffectual priests. All great additions to the comedy cast. Narrator Tom Lennon did a great job supplying numerous voices, which, for this reader, added to the hilarity, as well as giving a clear, well cadenced reading of the rest of the text.
So my difficulty is what exactly do I review - the thriller which I believe it is supposed to be or my enjoyment of Brownstone as the comedy I saw in my mind? My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me a copy via Audiobook Boom. I look forward to the next book - I'm sure it will also be very entertaining.
"Wishy washy Charlie Brown."
Oh, dear, this is a hard one to review, or perhaps not. Like my feelings towards the book itself, on this I find myself conflicted.
The opening passages to Brownstone immediately repulsed me so it was a very pleasant surprise when chapter one started with Jack, a small time reporter in Montreal, trying to prepare an article and recollecting on how he had first met his partner of five years, Kalvin, although they were currently seperated (Jack needed space!). The early part of the book is slow paced, building Jack's character and family background but speeds up as it progresses. The story, too, is initially very intriguing, sometimes sinister: there is the expectation of something not just outlandish and terrifying for Jack but for the whole of humanity.
And I suppose, in a way, it is but the splicing together of the various motivations towards the end became so ridiculous that it was actually funny: I was enjoying the book but not, I fear, in the way intended by the author. I could clearly visualise Brownstone as a comedic farce, in the same vein as the Peter Seller's film series, The Pink Panther. Jack himself, constantly making wrong decisions and mentally commenting on his journalistic training, was forever tugging, chewing or otherwise fiddling with his goatee, obviously his comfort blanket, as well as breaking items of technology. And his poor partner, Kalvin, might be the great love of his life but was never telephoned, just a single text sent after a guilt trip and another to tell him, at the conclusion, to join him in New York.
The other characters are straightforward cartoon stereotypes: the distant father, the adoring indulgent uncle (both, of course wealthy and prominent professionals), the Southern belle mother, the arch villain in the mysterious secret society, the gentle nurse, the loner detective with his gentle appearance but tenacious determination (but no mention of a shabby raincoat, sadly), the chatty New York taxi driver, and ineffectual priests. All great additions to the comedy cast. Narrator Tom Lennon did a great job supplying numerous voices, which, for this reader, added to the hilarity, as well as giving a clear, well cadenced reading of the rest of the text.
So my difficulty is what exactly do I review - the thriller which I believe it is supposed to be or my enjoyment of Brownstone as the comedy I saw in my mind? My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me a copy via Audiobook Boom. I look forward to the next book - I'm sure it will also be very entertaining.
April 15, 2024
I’m done. I’m not sure what is meant by, “the foul lie of a black man from the mouth of a white husband” means but it certainly doesn’t sound good. The only other person of color I’ve found so far was rude. The book is awful and I was struggling anyway. But I can’t put up with racist observations/comments by a character that is supposed to be sympathetic. (The sexist ones are also a big no-no.)
Here are my notes so far:
This guy desperately needed an editor. The book is easily twice as long as it needs to be. I don’t need to know every step of the MC’s movements or the full text of what the pilot said when he landed at the airport. He also uses a lot of trite imagery such as a door opening like a giant maw. The priests also speak like they’re from The Name of the Rose not twenty first century normal humans.
The main character is always pulling on his goatee. I understand a guy needing a quirk to give a bit of realism but not constantly. The author also uses his own last name for a character in the hospital who is elderly and half nuts. Hospital personnel not only leave confidential information on a hotel telephone but give him unasked for medical information about other patients like that they have kidney stones or spasmodic torticollis.
There were inconsistencies too. He was left a voice mail that said floor four of the hospital but when he asked directions to ICU at the hospital, they specified floor seven. The cubicles had curtains instead of doors and then the door to one clicked shut.
The women are treated like idiots. All the people in positions of power are men.
I thought I could plow through this but no. Not with that racist comment.
Here are my notes so far:
This guy desperately needed an editor. The book is easily twice as long as it needs to be. I don’t need to know every step of the MC’s movements or the full text of what the pilot said when he landed at the airport. He also uses a lot of trite imagery such as a door opening like a giant maw. The priests also speak like they’re from The Name of the Rose not twenty first century normal humans.
The main character is always pulling on his goatee. I understand a guy needing a quirk to give a bit of realism but not constantly. The author also uses his own last name for a character in the hospital who is elderly and half nuts. Hospital personnel not only leave confidential information on a hotel telephone but give him unasked for medical information about other patients like that they have kidney stones or spasmodic torticollis.
There were inconsistencies too. He was left a voice mail that said floor four of the hospital but when he asked directions to ICU at the hospital, they specified floor seven. The cubicles had curtains instead of doors and then the door to one clicked shut.
The women are treated like idiots. All the people in positions of power are men.
I thought I could plow through this but no. Not with that racist comment.
June 26, 2021
The blurb states that this novel is written in the tradition of Dan Brown and I have to agree it does have that kind of vibe. Mr Brown has some competition. The story follows Jack Elliot as he goes from unassuming journalist to adventurer while trying to solve a pair of related murders. Jack's reaction (or almost complete lack of) to the second murder is rather unbelievable. Lots of 'factual' (if you believe the bible stories) info and plenty of intrigue, action and discoveries.
The plot is good and the story flows smoothly from start to finish and is an entertaining read/listen.
The star of the the book is Jack's Goatee, which I feel deserves the capital G as it is mentioned every few minutes/every few pages. He's forever pulling on it, holding it or moving it out of the way.
The audiobook runs for 13 hrs & 27 mins, but could easily be trimmed by an hour or two by reducing some of the overly verbose descriptions of just about everything and everywhere, whether it be relevant or not, some of which seems like padding for no purpose.
Jack makes numerous dumb decisions and keeps trying to rationalise why he makes those choices. I mean for pity's sake, if you smell smoke there's likely fire so don't just ignore it.
Anyway, overall it's still worth a read/listen and I'll likely listen to the next in the series at some point.
The narration was excellent and matched the pace and excitement in all the right places.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and am voluntarily writing an honest and unbiased review.
The plot is good and the story flows smoothly from start to finish and is an entertaining read/listen.
The star of the the book is Jack's Goatee, which I feel deserves the capital G as it is mentioned every few minutes/every few pages. He's forever pulling on it, holding it or moving it out of the way.
The audiobook runs for 13 hrs & 27 mins, but could easily be trimmed by an hour or two by reducing some of the overly verbose descriptions of just about everything and everywhere, whether it be relevant or not, some of which seems like padding for no purpose.
Jack makes numerous dumb decisions and keeps trying to rationalise why he makes those choices. I mean for pity's sake, if you smell smoke there's likely fire so don't just ignore it.
Anyway, overall it's still worth a read/listen and I'll likely listen to the next in the series at some point.
The narration was excellent and matched the pace and excitement in all the right places.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and am voluntarily writing an honest and unbiased review.
September 30, 2018
*My review is for the audiobook format*
For readers who enjoyed "The Da Vinci Code," Brownstone is sure to delight. Jack Elliot is a journalist who unwittingly becomes the target of an ancient covert religious order. Tripping through present-day New York City, he uncovers evidence of a centuries-old coverup that could rock the foundations of Christianity. He also learns of dark family secrets which cause him to question many of his beliefs. And all the while, he's being hunted down like prey.
The beginning moved a little slowly for my taste, but it picked up speed before midway through. The ending left me feeling satisfied, whilst setting the stage for the next installment. Narrator, Tom Lennon, does a marvelous job here. There were a couple of mispronounced words (such as "carotid"), but in no way did they affect the context or my understanding of the story. I increased the narration speed to 1.05%. Overall, very well done!
(I requested this free review copy audiobook and voluntarily posted this unbiased review.)
For readers who enjoyed "The Da Vinci Code," Brownstone is sure to delight. Jack Elliot is a journalist who unwittingly becomes the target of an ancient covert religious order. Tripping through present-day New York City, he uncovers evidence of a centuries-old coverup that could rock the foundations of Christianity. He also learns of dark family secrets which cause him to question many of his beliefs. And all the while, he's being hunted down like prey.
The beginning moved a little slowly for my taste, but it picked up speed before midway through. The ending left me feeling satisfied, whilst setting the stage for the next installment. Narrator, Tom Lennon, does a marvelous job here. There were a couple of mispronounced words (such as "carotid"), but in no way did they affect the context or my understanding of the story. I increased the narration speed to 1.05%. Overall, very well done!
(I requested this free review copy audiobook and voluntarily posted this unbiased review.)
September 5, 2018
I wasn’t sure about Brownstone as I started reading, but soon found myself drawn in by the mystery that Kutzler was building. He did a superb job in that development and frankly I had no idea what would happen next. That said, I did find some of his writing to be too verbose. He described everything, thoughts, rooms, cemeteries, etc in such detail that I found myself skimming through numerous paragraphs and even pages as I read the book.
The premise of Brownstone is great and Kutzler did a great job carrying that premise through to the end of the book. What would you do if you found yourself immersed in a mystery that kept getting stranger by the minute? How would you handle secrets that have been kept for centuries? Would you allow yourself to be drawn into the dark side to find the answers? To find out what Elliot did, you have to read the book.
The premise of Brownstone is great and Kutzler did a great job carrying that premise through to the end of the book. What would you do if you found yourself immersed in a mystery that kept getting stranger by the minute? How would you handle secrets that have been kept for centuries? Would you allow yourself to be drawn into the dark side to find the answers? To find out what Elliot did, you have to read the book.
March 1, 2020
Okay, if you liked 'The DaVinci Code' you'll probably like this one, too. Lots of action, and religious conspiracies and the like.
I enjoyed the researching part, and I liked that Jack sexual orientation wasn't a point on the story, just another fact. I didn't like Jack's goatee and how it was such a prominent 'character', always there. Let's be honest, only Tony Stark can have a goatee and look cool.
The plot... well, it was the usual plot on this kind of story, with a lot of nazis. And I get it, they are the villains to go in every story, but I would have preferred a little more of originality here.
Don't get me wrong, this is an entertaining story, and I probably will read something else by this author, but nothing special.
Tom Lennon did an adequated job with the narration.
I enjoyed the researching part, and I liked that Jack sexual orientation wasn't a point on the story, just another fact. I didn't like Jack's goatee and how it was such a prominent 'character', always there. Let's be honest, only Tony Stark can have a goatee and look cool.
The plot... well, it was the usual plot on this kind of story, with a lot of nazis. And I get it, they are the villains to go in every story, but I would have preferred a little more of originality here.
Don't get me wrong, this is an entertaining story, and I probably will read something else by this author, but nothing special.
Tom Lennon did an adequated job with the narration.
May 26, 2018
This was a "hard" book/story for me to read. It started off, for me, especially slow. The main characters displayed a lack of common sense concerning the circumstances involved and his current occupation. There was plenty of twists and turns which kept the suspense at a moderate level, but as I stated earlier, this was a hard book for me to read.
March 26, 2020
Having loved the DaVinci Code, was intrigued with this. . Jack finds himself a target as a reporter learning of the secrets of a century’s old religious order. Intriguing and good character, the narration was good. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
nf-or-stalled
April 7, 2020DNF 35%
July 3, 2024
I quite enjoyed this read. It has many similarities to Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. The gay character(s) were a welcomed addition. The end of this book will just about give you whiplash.
January 11, 2018
Audible version. I enjoyed the story and the characters in the book. It started a little slow, but once the main story started, it moved at a great pace. The book had a solid ending and didn't feel like an unfair cliffhanger. The narration was a little slow and the volume a little low for my taste. I had to increase the speed to 1.5x to make it sound normal for me. I would recommend this book if you are into Historical thrillers.
April 3, 2017
Audible:I liked this book.The plot was an old one but freshened up.Jack needs to get to his dying uncle and faces every obstacle possible.He inherits his uncles house and all the 'baggage' that came with it.The narration was done by Tom Lennon.It was SO SLOW that I had to adjust the timing to 1.25!It was hard to figure out how to rate this aspect.I was given this book by the author, narrator or publisher.
January 12, 2018
I received a promo code of this book in exchange for a review.
The “Religious Conspiracy” genre isn’t one that I typically read, but I enjoyed “Brownstone.” The plot takes a few notes from conspiracy stories like “The DaVinci Code” but has it’s own tone overall.
The protagonist is quippy and sarcastic and easy for the reader to like.
I recommend this to anyone who likes discovery-thrillers with conspiracy intrigue—similar to the “Assassin’s Creed” And “Uncharted” video games and their general vibes but with substantially less parkour.
I do have to dock points off for the narration. It’s nothing that hinders the story, but it doesn’t really lend itself to prop the narrative up, either. The narrator is rather nasally and airy and it didn’t really suit the themes, tones, or characters. Again, the narration didn’t stop me from listening, it was just a bit out of tune.
The “Religious Conspiracy” genre isn’t one that I typically read, but I enjoyed “Brownstone.” The plot takes a few notes from conspiracy stories like “The DaVinci Code” but has it’s own tone overall.
The protagonist is quippy and sarcastic and easy for the reader to like.
I recommend this to anyone who likes discovery-thrillers with conspiracy intrigue—similar to the “Assassin’s Creed” And “Uncharted” video games and their general vibes but with substantially less parkour.
I do have to dock points off for the narration. It’s nothing that hinders the story, but it doesn’t really lend itself to prop the narrative up, either. The narrator is rather nasally and airy and it didn’t really suit the themes, tones, or characters. Again, the narration didn’t stop me from listening, it was just a bit out of tune.
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