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Puzzle #3
The Manhattan Puzzle
An international cover-up that could change the course of history…
Sean has been tracking a symbol from another age. It provides a clue to a barbaric conspiracy. A puzzle with an answer feared for millenia.
When Isabel wakes to find Sean hasn't come home she doesn't worry. At first. But when the police turn up on her doorstep wanting to interview him, she has to make a decision.
Does she keep faith in him or does she believe the evidence?
The symbol Sean and Isabel have been chasing will finally be revealed in Manhattan as one of the greatest banks in the world totters. Can Isobel uncover the truth before time runs out…or will she too be murdered?
A thrilling, high-octane race to save civilisation that will engross fans of Dan Brown, David Baldacci and James Patterson.
Sean has been tracking a symbol from another age. It provides a clue to a barbaric conspiracy. A puzzle with an answer feared for millenia.
When Isabel wakes to find Sean hasn't come home she doesn't worry. At first. But when the police turn up on her doorstep wanting to interview him, she has to make a decision.
Does she keep faith in him or does she believe the evidence?
The symbol Sean and Isabel have been chasing will finally be revealed in Manhattan as one of the greatest banks in the world totters. Can Isobel uncover the truth before time runs out…or will she too be murdered?
A thrilling, high-octane race to save civilisation that will engross fans of Dan Brown, David Baldacci and James Patterson.
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2013
52 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
Laurence O'Bryan
18 books700 followersThere are five novels in my Puzzle thriller series, three in my series about the life of Constantine the Great and three in my Conspiracy thriller series.
My roots go back to a small estate deep in the Mountains of Mourne, near the Silent Valley, in County Down, Northern Ireland.
I went to school in Dublin, drank way too much, studied English and history, then business, then IT at Oxford University. While a student, I worked as a kitchen porter in a club near the Bank of England.
After that I spent ten years working in the City of London, the creaking hub of world finance.
Now I have three kids and a day job helping writers & publishing companies with their social media and digital marketing.
In 2007 I won the Outstanding Novel Submitted award at the Southern California writer’s conference. That helped.
I founded the Dublin Writers Conference in 2015. My research has taken me all over the world, from San Francisco to deep in the Arab world. I like looking at the stars and listening to the stories of strangers.
My roots go back to a small estate deep in the Mountains of Mourne, near the Silent Valley, in County Down, Northern Ireland.
I went to school in Dublin, drank way too much, studied English and history, then business, then IT at Oxford University. While a student, I worked as a kitchen porter in a club near the Bank of England.
After that I spent ten years working in the City of London, the creaking hub of world finance.
Now I have three kids and a day job helping writers & publishing companies with their social media and digital marketing.
In 2007 I won the Outstanding Novel Submitted award at the Southern California writer’s conference. That helped.
I founded the Dublin Writers Conference in 2015. My research has taken me all over the world, from San Francisco to deep in the Arab world. I like looking at the stars and listening to the stories of strangers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 30, 2014
In their third outing, Sean and Isabel venture across the pond only to find themselves immersed in danger, mystery and intrigue with a cast of nefarious characters. They’ve married, settled into domestic routines in London and produced Alek, now four years old. Isabel retired from the Foreign Office and is a stay-at-home Mum. Sean has been working in the world of banking, hired on to develop a secretive, promising project of facial recognition. Such domesticity is shattered when Sean disappears and Isabel goes on the hunt for him.
In O’Bryan style, the reader is treated to a tale with twists and turns at nearly every chapter. Characters of unclear import appear and disappear, only to return again. Multi-cultural meanderings spin bits and pieces of plots and sub-plots with powerful and power-hungry devils battling on many levels: financial; religious; historic; insane. Meanwhile, Isabel leaves Alek with a friend to chase after Sean who is now in Manhattan…or is he? She takes the spotlight in this book and Sean only emerges from the shadows in the final pages. Warning: do not read those pages if you expect to sleep soon after; you may not be able to.
Every imaginable law enforcement agency on both sides of the Atlantic has a piece of the action. The bank is failing, threatened with being overtaken and the run on it has begun. Chaos threatens. What does the mysterious symbol, the square and red arrow, have to do with Sean’s absence and the murders that happen left and right? Why has he confessed to murder? Where is Alek? How does Isabel hope to find her missing hubby?
Once again Isabel and Sean plumb the depths of an underworld and underground of near unimaginable proportions. Terror and vicious insanity run rampant in a masterfully told story. O’Bryan does not disappoint. The Puzzle series, despite other reviewers’ doomsday report, has to continue for there is that mysterious figure who escaped with a certain object. Tune in for the writer’s next terrifying tale.
In O’Bryan style, the reader is treated to a tale with twists and turns at nearly every chapter. Characters of unclear import appear and disappear, only to return again. Multi-cultural meanderings spin bits and pieces of plots and sub-plots with powerful and power-hungry devils battling on many levels: financial; religious; historic; insane. Meanwhile, Isabel leaves Alek with a friend to chase after Sean who is now in Manhattan…or is he? She takes the spotlight in this book and Sean only emerges from the shadows in the final pages. Warning: do not read those pages if you expect to sleep soon after; you may not be able to.
Every imaginable law enforcement agency on both sides of the Atlantic has a piece of the action. The bank is failing, threatened with being overtaken and the run on it has begun. Chaos threatens. What does the mysterious symbol, the square and red arrow, have to do with Sean’s absence and the murders that happen left and right? Why has he confessed to murder? Where is Alek? How does Isabel hope to find her missing hubby?
Once again Isabel and Sean plumb the depths of an underworld and underground of near unimaginable proportions. Terror and vicious insanity run rampant in a masterfully told story. O’Bryan does not disappoint. The Puzzle series, despite other reviewers’ doomsday report, has to continue for there is that mysterious figure who escaped with a certain object. Tune in for the writer’s next terrifying tale.
August 27, 2015
I was given a copy of this book to read by the author. I started to read it last year but for one reason or another I didn't have time to complete it until now.
I have read neither The Istanbul Puzzle nor The Jerusalem Puzzle and, although I felt The Manhattan Puzzle could be read as a stand-alone novel, my view is that it would be preferable to read parts 1 & 2 of the series first. This is because there are a number of characters and complicated plot threads from those books that follow through to this final book – an observation rather than a criticism. It was clear by the end of this book that the author was tying up loose ends from those first two books. My recommendation therefore, would be to read them first.
Having said that, if you’re writing a series then it’s always a balance giving enough background information to enable the reader to fathom out what’s going on against holding back details which would reveal too much about the plots of the previous books and spoil the reading experience.
The plot is quite convoluted but then it is a conspiracy thriller so twists and turns are to be expected. It took me a few chapters to get into the book as the author darts about a great deal between plot lines and some of the chapters are extremely short so there are occasions when I found myself starting to follow the thread and then the author cut it so it felt rather disjointed at times. But as I progressed further into the book and into the story that became less of an issue and I found myself wanting to read on. The pace really picks up once Isabel hits Manhattan and is actually relentless making it a fast read from thereon.
The book is visceral in part, and some of the scenes are graphic, so not for the faint-hearted.
I do like the author’s writing style and effective use of dialogue and will definitely read the first two parts of this series.
I have read neither The Istanbul Puzzle nor The Jerusalem Puzzle and, although I felt The Manhattan Puzzle could be read as a stand-alone novel, my view is that it would be preferable to read parts 1 & 2 of the series first. This is because there are a number of characters and complicated plot threads from those books that follow through to this final book – an observation rather than a criticism. It was clear by the end of this book that the author was tying up loose ends from those first two books. My recommendation therefore, would be to read them first.
Having said that, if you’re writing a series then it’s always a balance giving enough background information to enable the reader to fathom out what’s going on against holding back details which would reveal too much about the plots of the previous books and spoil the reading experience.
The plot is quite convoluted but then it is a conspiracy thriller so twists and turns are to be expected. It took me a few chapters to get into the book as the author darts about a great deal between plot lines and some of the chapters are extremely short so there are occasions when I found myself starting to follow the thread and then the author cut it so it felt rather disjointed at times. But as I progressed further into the book and into the story that became less of an issue and I found myself wanting to read on. The pace really picks up once Isabel hits Manhattan and is actually relentless making it a fast read from thereon.
The book is visceral in part, and some of the scenes are graphic, so not for the faint-hearted.
I do like the author’s writing style and effective use of dialogue and will definitely read the first two parts of this series.
October 14, 2013
I really enjoyed this book having read the first one, but not the second. It's a fast paced, exciting thriller and towards the end I was turning the pages almost faster than I could read them! This book focused mainly on Isabel which worked for me. I enjoyed the dash across to America and the tense atmosphere - I could see the images in my head which is always a good sign. I'd recommend this and I intend to read book 2 to complete the story
January 18, 2025
I had higher hopes for this book as it is said to be on par to Dan Brown (which I enjoy) and James Patterson (hit or miss for me). Having not read the first two books, this book could be read as a standalone and I didn't have a problem with the story referring back to the previous books. However, I could not and did not finish the book. I got up to chapter 23 before I lost interest. I originally read some of the book then put it down for a few weeks before attempting to pick it back up but it still didn't intrigue me enough to read on.
This book promised thriller, drama, and conspiracy. I'd have to say that I'd consider it more of a drama and somewhat of a conspiracy but I don't consider it a thriller. The writing did not catch me enough and it felt flat for me. There are multiple points of views and it felt choppy and a little confusing. I also didn't really care for anyone in the book, not even Isabel who I wanted to like.
It is well written but it dragged on for me. Perhaps I'm too impatient of a reader but this book may not have been for me. This book might be more for those readers who like a slow build up and mystery. Maybe I'd give it another chance but for now I rather have a book catch my attention right away.
2 out of 5 rating for me!
(A copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)
This book promised thriller, drama, and conspiracy. I'd have to say that I'd consider it more of a drama and somewhat of a conspiracy but I don't consider it a thriller. The writing did not catch me enough and it felt flat for me. There are multiple points of views and it felt choppy and a little confusing. I also didn't really care for anyone in the book, not even Isabel who I wanted to like.
It is well written but it dragged on for me. Perhaps I'm too impatient of a reader but this book may not have been for me. This book might be more for those readers who like a slow build up and mystery. Maybe I'd give it another chance but for now I rather have a book catch my attention right away.
2 out of 5 rating for me!
(A copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)
November 20, 2021
Изабел Раян и Шон Раян са едно необикновено семейство. Те имат син на 4 години на име Алек. Биха дали всичко за него. Като всеки родител, разбира се. Само че в тяхната история да рискуваш живота си за семейството е термин, който е напълно реалистичен. Всичко започва когато Шон не се прибира една вечер. Изабел си помисля, че просто са го задържали в работата заради проекта, по който работи ВХН. Тя мразеше работата му напоследък, защото започнаха да изискван от Шон да остава до късно и това я притесняваше. Но истината е, че идваха много по - страшни неща, за които тя щеше да научи късно. Щеше ли да успее да спаси семейството си? И можеше ли въобще да има доверие на мъжа си? Той я беше излъгал, беше крил неща от нея. Големи неща. Но това беше така, защото работата го изискваше. Отново тази работа. Изабел искаше просто ВХН да приключат с този проект и да върнат мъжа й. Тя не осъзнаваше какво се случва във ВХН. Не беше какъв да е проект. Беше проект на живот и смърт. И Шон им трябваше за неговото приключване. Изходът от този "проект" зависеше от него. Щеше ли да се справи, или щеше да предизвика гибелта на цялото си семейство?
December 7, 2017
I picked this up secondhand and didn't read the first two books. Although it is possible to read this by itself, I feel reading the other two novels would have been helpful. My biggest issue with the book was the way it was written. There were too many cuts of the main story in awkward places just for a 2-3pg chapter on a subplot. Although this may be fine for some readers, it made it difficult for me to progress with book and only resulted in my frustration with it, hence my 1 star review.
September 1, 2017
Wow, what else can go wrong with this couple? It seems that they have to fight for every right to be a loving boring family. Very fast paced, this book kept me turning the pages as I just could not put it down. Great writing that I enjoyed very much. I wonder what will happen next to Sean and Isabel...
November 15, 2019
Borrowed books 1-3 from library so far...
Books 1 and 2. I felt like I had actually been to Istanbul and Jerusalem, book 3 I couldn't see myself there, just found out there is more to the series and I intend to read them too.
They are like a combination of bring on vacation and being caught up in a mystery that twists and turns!
Books 1 and 2. I felt like I had actually been to Istanbul and Jerusalem, book 3 I couldn't see myself there, just found out there is more to the series and I intend to read them too.
They are like a combination of bring on vacation and being caught up in a mystery that twists and turns!
August 26, 2018
3.5 from me. The writing style and story telling have definitely improved as the series moves on. There could've been some tighter development on a couple of characters, I think, but overall I enjoyed this one the best so far.
June 10, 2020
These books are getting worse. The first one was pretty good, the second one okay, and this one mostly very boring with bits of gross and an ending that just upset me. I'll read the last one to just find out the big secret, but I don't recommend the series.
July 20, 2017
Couldn't put it down
Fantastic continuation of first two books, love the way the threads tie them together, will dive right into the next one immediately
Fantastic continuation of first two books, love the way the threads tie them together, will dive right into the next one immediately
July 14, 2019
Cracking fast-paced action thriller, with ancient manuscript, blood sacrifices, banking conspiracies and, of course, world domination.
August 9, 2019
And 1/2
August 20, 2023
Sorry.. major plot holes? No cell phone to text her husband? Head of security has a 6 digit password that could be broken in 3 minutes?
February 27, 2024
a fun crime novel riddled with mystery with a nuance of a sexual nature
November 19, 2013
I've championed Irish author, Laurence o'Bryan's thriller series from the start. I have a soft spot for historical thrillers, and I've found O'Bryan's writing to be fast paced and incredibly easy to engage with. I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in the series, The Jerusalem Puzzle, and it left me craving more. I had this last book in the trilogy pre-ordered as soon as it became available, and I zipped through the book much quicker than I expected.
Readers may be aware of the continuous theme of the discovered manuscript/puzzle in this series, which has caused Sean Ryan and his now wife, Isabel Sharp some grueling experiences along the way. From being attacked by eels, to discovering burnt bodies, kidnapped, locked inside caves in the middle of nowhere ... Let's just say, Sean and Isabel haven't had the most easiest of relationships. And The Manhattan Puzzle isn't about to let up on the duo anytime soon!
When Sean doesn't return home from working at a bank, Isabel starts to worry. They have a nice romantic weekend planned in Paris to look forward to. But Isabel has a niggling in the back of her mind that something is amiss. As she starts to search for him, Isabel finds herself being dragged to Manhattan on his trail, but when she discovers that their son, Alek has been kidnapped, things really start to heat up. Plus, Sean has been accused of murder too. Isabel knows that the bank is trying to hide something, something serious. What she isn't aware of, is how that blasted symbol she and Sean unearthed in Istanbul will come back to haunt her, testing her courage as well as her love for her husband.
You know what? Good on Laurence O'Bryan. I bet it took some guts to completely turn the series on its head and write it from Isabel's perspective. I think it works perfectly, and actually I found her character had much more genuine emotion. I connected so much more with Isabel, which is exactly what's needed here. You need to feel her frustration at not being able to find her husband. You urge her on to not give up, to get to the bottom of it all. God only knows what I would have done in her situation. Isabel's chain of thinking, her paranoia and her blind faith are all respectable as well as very readable.
Of course, you are also reintroduced to some of the side characters as well here. Xena, Lord Bidoner as well as Henry the MI5 style man get plenty of focus. I think this is what really makes these thrillers stand out - especially when compared to the likes of Dan Brown and Raymond Khoury, whose books each tell a different story, with different characters. The long running storyline of the puzzle, as well as discovering the true nature of both Xena and Lord Bidoner is very pleasing. I actually really liked Xena's character. She was clever and intriguing, and bound to be hiding so much more in that quiet exterior.
The Manhattan Puzzle isn't void of action either. I mean within the first few pages someone is brutally castrated, and a stripper found murdered. As to be expected with thrillers like this with religious aspects, sacrifice and ritual killing isn't original, but it is exciting and it captures your attention. How could it not? And to be honest, with the murders, as well as the chase scenes, I found everything rather realistic and authentic, which is also a major plus. I'll also reveal the word 'rats' to you too and let you look out for that part yourselves.
To be honest, I actually found The Manhattan Puzzle to be the best book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can hardly fault it - it had be hooked! If I were to find a downside, I would have to say the actual solving of the 'puzzle' was a bit rushed. I only wish that bit was a bit better explained and more explored. I mean this puzzle has baffled the antagonists for ages, and runs through three books, just to be solved in what two paragraphs near the end?
With constant updates and referencing, The Manhattan Puzzle can be read without the need to read the previous two books, but I strongly suggest against that. You need to be familiar with the characters' backgrounds as well as the motives of Lord Bidoner, and I think having read the previous two book in the Puzzle series only heightened my enjoyment of this. It's so easy to get in to, and Isabel is the true star in here. Her anger at Sean for not coming home is least of her concerns when it all kicks off, and believe me when I say that you won't look back.
Readers may be aware of the continuous theme of the discovered manuscript/puzzle in this series, which has caused Sean Ryan and his now wife, Isabel Sharp some grueling experiences along the way. From being attacked by eels, to discovering burnt bodies, kidnapped, locked inside caves in the middle of nowhere ... Let's just say, Sean and Isabel haven't had the most easiest of relationships. And The Manhattan Puzzle isn't about to let up on the duo anytime soon!
When Sean doesn't return home from working at a bank, Isabel starts to worry. They have a nice romantic weekend planned in Paris to look forward to. But Isabel has a niggling in the back of her mind that something is amiss. As she starts to search for him, Isabel finds herself being dragged to Manhattan on his trail, but when she discovers that their son, Alek has been kidnapped, things really start to heat up. Plus, Sean has been accused of murder too. Isabel knows that the bank is trying to hide something, something serious. What she isn't aware of, is how that blasted symbol she and Sean unearthed in Istanbul will come back to haunt her, testing her courage as well as her love for her husband.
You know what? Good on Laurence O'Bryan. I bet it took some guts to completely turn the series on its head and write it from Isabel's perspective. I think it works perfectly, and actually I found her character had much more genuine emotion. I connected so much more with Isabel, which is exactly what's needed here. You need to feel her frustration at not being able to find her husband. You urge her on to not give up, to get to the bottom of it all. God only knows what I would have done in her situation. Isabel's chain of thinking, her paranoia and her blind faith are all respectable as well as very readable.
Of course, you are also reintroduced to some of the side characters as well here. Xena, Lord Bidoner as well as Henry the MI5 style man get plenty of focus. I think this is what really makes these thrillers stand out - especially when compared to the likes of Dan Brown and Raymond Khoury, whose books each tell a different story, with different characters. The long running storyline of the puzzle, as well as discovering the true nature of both Xena and Lord Bidoner is very pleasing. I actually really liked Xena's character. She was clever and intriguing, and bound to be hiding so much more in that quiet exterior.
The Manhattan Puzzle isn't void of action either. I mean within the first few pages someone is brutally castrated, and a stripper found murdered. As to be expected with thrillers like this with religious aspects, sacrifice and ritual killing isn't original, but it is exciting and it captures your attention. How could it not? And to be honest, with the murders, as well as the chase scenes, I found everything rather realistic and authentic, which is also a major plus. I'll also reveal the word 'rats' to you too and let you look out for that part yourselves.
To be honest, I actually found The Manhattan Puzzle to be the best book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can hardly fault it - it had be hooked! If I were to find a downside, I would have to say the actual solving of the 'puzzle' was a bit rushed. I only wish that bit was a bit better explained and more explored. I mean this puzzle has baffled the antagonists for ages, and runs through three books, just to be solved in what two paragraphs near the end?
With constant updates and referencing, The Manhattan Puzzle can be read without the need to read the previous two books, but I strongly suggest against that. You need to be familiar with the characters' backgrounds as well as the motives of Lord Bidoner, and I think having read the previous two book in the Puzzle series only heightened my enjoyment of this. It's so easy to get in to, and Isabel is the true star in here. Her anger at Sean for not coming home is least of her concerns when it all kicks off, and believe me when I say that you won't look back.
November 29, 2013
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
This was quite an interesting book, though I have to say, there wasn't as much problem/puzzle solving as I would have expected from the title.
The characters in the book were interesting and well-written. Although I didn't see Sean until the end, Isabel's feelings for him were real enough that I was caught up in her quest to find him and her absolute faith in his innocence.
A lot of the descriptions of the murders in this book made me cringe. That sounds bad, but what it really means is that I was able to see a lot of the scenes happening in my mind. And when it came to the murder scenes, some of those were particularly gruesome. In the writing itself, I only noticed one or two errors.
I'm still not entirely sure I understood how all of the different storylines fit together. Some of them were more obvious, but there seemed to be a lot of bad guys and I couldn't tell if they were working together or if their goals just happened to combine.
In regards to Xena and Bidoner... the first time I saw Xena's name, all I could think of was Xena: Warrior Princess. That association faded quickly, though. I felt that, although some attempt was made to round out these two main villains, I still couldn't understand them. I knew what they were ultimately trying to do... but their ultimate goal seemed completely at odds with what they were doing.
The whole cloning thing was an interesting angle. It's also an interesting twist on the Second Coming. It's kind of scary what those sorts of artifacts would be in the wrong hands.
I'd probably be interested in checking out other books in this series, but I have to say that, despite the references to the events of past books, I was still able to more or less understand what was going on - and the book was really easy to read.
(This review may contain spoilers).
This was quite an interesting book, though I have to say, there wasn't as much problem/puzzle solving as I would have expected from the title.
The characters in the book were interesting and well-written. Although I didn't see Sean until the end, Isabel's feelings for him were real enough that I was caught up in her quest to find him and her absolute faith in his innocence.
A lot of the descriptions of the murders in this book made me cringe. That sounds bad, but what it really means is that I was able to see a lot of the scenes happening in my mind. And when it came to the murder scenes, some of those were particularly gruesome. In the writing itself, I only noticed one or two errors.
I'm still not entirely sure I understood how all of the different storylines fit together. Some of them were more obvious, but there seemed to be a lot of bad guys and I couldn't tell if they were working together or if their goals just happened to combine.
In regards to Xena and Bidoner... the first time I saw Xena's name, all I could think of was Xena: Warrior Princess. That association faded quickly, though. I felt that, although some attempt was made to round out these two main villains, I still couldn't understand them. I knew what they were ultimately trying to do... but their ultimate goal seemed completely at odds with what they were doing.
The whole cloning thing was an interesting angle. It's also an interesting twist on the Second Coming. It's kind of scary what those sorts of artifacts would be in the wrong hands.
I'd probably be interested in checking out other books in this series, but I have to say that, despite the references to the events of past books, I was still able to more or less understand what was going on - and the book was really easy to read.
November 16, 2013
The opening chapter of “The Manhattan Puzzle” kicked me right in the face. That’s part of what this novel did to me as a whole: it doesn’t beat around the bush. It gets to the point. Yes, you can read “The Manhattan Puzzle” independently from the previous two “puzzle” novels by Lawrence O’Bryan – I know because I started with this one. Don’t ask me why; I guess this title appealed the most to me. The promise of something hidden in the history of Mahattan and the involvement of modern times bankers was inviting to me. I read all sorts of fiction, though this genre is new to me. “The Manhattan Puzzle” has a kind of gothic quality; an unmistakable violence, a web of intrige involving both ancient -and bloody- rituals and 21st century finance. That works out compelling here. Several things work out in favor of O’Bryan: he opens in the middle of serious and tone setting action; his chapters are short, sometimes even ultra; and the action is almost continuous. There’s this weird and attractive mixture of shock-story developments on the one hand and Wall Street calamity economics on the other. Bloody murder, and then all of a sudden there’s a slice of daily, post-Lehman life. The end comes appropriately in apocalyptic form. And although I had been anticipating someting radical – the novel builds up to that – I certainly didn’t see this one coming. I must say the end worked well for me, because it was gross by my personal standards and it sure gave all control to the author. Of course I haven’t read the previous “The Jerusalem Puzzle” and “The Istanbul Puzzle”, so it’s probably not up to me to judge all character developments here. In my opinion, if you’re looking for a thrilling, entertaining novel to read between more serious stuff, a novel that reads like a movie on paper, and is downright creepy at times, “The Manhattan Puzzle” could work for you. See what you think.
January 6, 2014
The Manhattan Puzzle was my introduction to the "puzzle" series of crime thrillers by Laurence O'Bryan. I accepted a free review copy from the author. It is my impression that those who read crime thrillers read a lot of crime thrillers. I don't read that many, and it is not my favourite genre. With statements and disclosures out of the way, let me move on to the review.
A very nicely constructed, well plotted and well written thriller which carried me along at a rapid rate of knots. The writing is tight and punchy, and the story intriguing. It has villains and heroes, mystery, action and even a little bit of horror.I liked the main character Isabelle Ryan and felt her terror and anguish. Some of the supporting cast were entertaining, as was the overall feel of the narrative.I also liked the way O’Bryan linked to the previous novel, The Jerusalem Puzzle, with enough references to support the logic of the TMP narrative, and also to entice readers to find out what happened in Jerusalem.
On the downside, there were too many short sentences which made it uncomfortable to read at times because I felt the context did not require such writing. Although I was interested in the story I was not compelled at any stage to read on. Finally, The Manhattan Puzzle, lacks what many modern genre novels also lack, and that is emotional depth.
I recommend The Manhattan Puzzle for thriller/crime/mystery fans and for those who like fast, well plotted and tightly written literary rides.
A very nicely constructed, well plotted and well written thriller which carried me along at a rapid rate of knots. The writing is tight and punchy, and the story intriguing. It has villains and heroes, mystery, action and even a little bit of horror.I liked the main character Isabelle Ryan and felt her terror and anguish. Some of the supporting cast were entertaining, as was the overall feel of the narrative.I also liked the way O’Bryan linked to the previous novel, The Jerusalem Puzzle, with enough references to support the logic of the TMP narrative, and also to entice readers to find out what happened in Jerusalem.
On the downside, there were too many short sentences which made it uncomfortable to read at times because I felt the context did not require such writing. Although I was interested in the story I was not compelled at any stage to read on. Finally, The Manhattan Puzzle, lacks what many modern genre novels also lack, and that is emotional depth.
I recommend The Manhattan Puzzle for thriller/crime/mystery fans and for those who like fast, well plotted and tightly written literary rides.
August 16, 2014
THE MANHATTAN PUZZLE is the third in a series of what should have been stand-alone novels but which read, to me, as a trilogy. Unfortunately I haven’t read the first two books and so found the constant referencing to the others distracting at best. Add to that the actual nature of the narrative, a sort of two steps forward, one step back, and I was hard pressed to read through the book.
I know I should read an entire book if I am to critique it properly, and I did get through the first 29 chapters, but sometimes life seems too short to have to force oneself into pushing through a novel, especially when there are so many more compelling stories out there.
I feel I am being overly harsh to this book but it never captured me. One hundred plus pages in and it seems all I’ve read is how Sean Ryan is missing and his wife Isabel is looking for him without success. Yes, there are police involved and the company Sean works for appears to stink to high heaven, and there are murders and the second coming and some other weird things, but there didn’t appear to be a driving purpose behind it all, something which might have been apparent if I had read the first two volumes. Or not. There is a jumbled feel to this thing, as if when the author didn’t know what to write next, he decided to talk about Isabel’s frustration with Sean.
Not very promising a motivator for an entire book.
And yes, I do know there is a payoff to the almost 400 pages, but not for me.
I won this book through Goodreads.
I know I should read an entire book if I am to critique it properly, and I did get through the first 29 chapters, but sometimes life seems too short to have to force oneself into pushing through a novel, especially when there are so many more compelling stories out there.
I feel I am being overly harsh to this book but it never captured me. One hundred plus pages in and it seems all I’ve read is how Sean Ryan is missing and his wife Isabel is looking for him without success. Yes, there are police involved and the company Sean works for appears to stink to high heaven, and there are murders and the second coming and some other weird things, but there didn’t appear to be a driving purpose behind it all, something which might have been apparent if I had read the first two volumes. Or not. There is a jumbled feel to this thing, as if when the author didn’t know what to write next, he decided to talk about Isabel’s frustration with Sean.
Not very promising a motivator for an entire book.
And yes, I do know there is a payoff to the almost 400 pages, but not for me.
I won this book through Goodreads.
September 20, 2014
This is a fast pace thriller that keeps you rivet along the way with an engaging heroine.
What appears to be a takeover of a bank turns out to be more than meets the eye. As ancient rituals and stolen artifacts are mixed together as dead bodies grow.
Isabel Ryan was a typical housewife who retired from her job where she used to work with her husband Sean to raise their son. One night her husband did not return home after he called earlier to say that he will be home late but never manage to come home.
She gets more suspicious when one of her husband co worker calls and asks if he is there saying that they had a business meeting. Isabel fears something is not right as she calls her husband work place and gets the round around and even makes an unscheduled appearance at the work force. She knows they are hiding something.
When she goes back home there are police searching their house. There are looking for evidence but they tell her nothing and ask her about the BDX takeover that her husband been working on but she has no idea about the takeover.
She knows her husband in danger and can she find him before he ends up dead? Added to the mix while she is investigating her husband disappearance their son gets kidnap. Can she uncover the mystery before they all end up dead and will their past have something to do with everything?
What appears to be a takeover of a bank turns out to be more than meets the eye. As ancient rituals and stolen artifacts are mixed together as dead bodies grow.
Isabel Ryan was a typical housewife who retired from her job where she used to work with her husband Sean to raise their son. One night her husband did not return home after he called earlier to say that he will be home late but never manage to come home.
She gets more suspicious when one of her husband co worker calls and asks if he is there saying that they had a business meeting. Isabel fears something is not right as she calls her husband work place and gets the round around and even makes an unscheduled appearance at the work force. She knows they are hiding something.
When she goes back home there are police searching their house. There are looking for evidence but they tell her nothing and ask her about the BDX takeover that her husband been working on but she has no idea about the takeover.
She knows her husband in danger and can she find him before he ends up dead? Added to the mix while she is investigating her husband disappearance their son gets kidnap. Can she uncover the mystery before they all end up dead and will their past have something to do with everything?
October 23, 2014
I did not read the previous books in this series but I'm still going to attempt a review.
This book deals with individuals involved in an elaborate banking scheme and a biblical prophecy.
Sean Ryan is an employee at BXH, a bank with suspicious intentions. He and his wife, Isabel, are planning a trip to France but Sean never comes home. He is kidnapped and held by shady characters who want him to break a code. His son is also kidnapped for the purpose of human sacrifice.
Perhaps I would have understood more if I'd read the previous books but either way, I know enough to say that, while the plot was somewhat interesting, the characters were a bit bland.
Isabel seemed a tad dense for my taste. She never seemed to look beyond the surface as to why her husband was kidnapped. What were the dangers of her pursuing his whereabouts. Why not stop looking for the husband and begin looking for her son who ends up missing.
The American reporter and her brother both spoke like they were British despite being from (and in) NYC.
The main villains, Lord Bidoner and his African muse Xena, were a bit over the top and unrealistic.
A plus to this book is you could tell the author spent a great time researching NYC landmarks and surroundings. He gave very detailed descriptions of the city and that was nice. I only wish the characters had more substance.
This book deals with individuals involved in an elaborate banking scheme and a biblical prophecy.
Sean Ryan is an employee at BXH, a bank with suspicious intentions. He and his wife, Isabel, are planning a trip to France but Sean never comes home. He is kidnapped and held by shady characters who want him to break a code. His son is also kidnapped for the purpose of human sacrifice.
Perhaps I would have understood more if I'd read the previous books but either way, I know enough to say that, while the plot was somewhat interesting, the characters were a bit bland.
Isabel seemed a tad dense for my taste. She never seemed to look beyond the surface as to why her husband was kidnapped. What were the dangers of her pursuing his whereabouts. Why not stop looking for the husband and begin looking for her son who ends up missing.
The American reporter and her brother both spoke like they were British despite being from (and in) NYC.
The main villains, Lord Bidoner and his African muse Xena, were a bit over the top and unrealistic.
A plus to this book is you could tell the author spent a great time researching NYC landmarks and surroundings. He gave very detailed descriptions of the city and that was nice. I only wish the characters had more substance.
March 8, 2015
I very nearly didn’t read on from the opening of this book because it is confronting. However, I dislike giving up on a book so quickly and persevered. Glad I did, it’s a good one.
Throughout the story there were back story glimpses which I realised after a while were references to earlier books in the series. Yes, this is a series, so be warned. If you prefer to read your series in order then you’ll need the preceding two before you bury your nose in this one: THE ISTANBUL PUZZLE and THE JERUSALEM PUZZLE. But I have to say I didn’t feel disadvantaged as this one stands on its own.
The story follows Sean and Isabel Ryan, husband and wife, as they become involved in an international religious conspiracy that, if successful, will turn the world on its head.
The story/plot is terrific, as is characterisation. I believed in these people. My heart was in my mouth as to where O’Bryan was taking me in relation to one character later in the book. Was he going to die, and would it be horribly? You’re going to have to read it to find out.
The author’s use of language, description and dialogue kept my adrenalin levels elevated for pretty well the entire 400+ pages. And unlike other series I’ve read where the reader is left hanging at the end as though the next chapter is missing, this book is complete in itself. A definite plus.
Throughout the story there were back story glimpses which I realised after a while were references to earlier books in the series. Yes, this is a series, so be warned. If you prefer to read your series in order then you’ll need the preceding two before you bury your nose in this one: THE ISTANBUL PUZZLE and THE JERUSALEM PUZZLE. But I have to say I didn’t feel disadvantaged as this one stands on its own.
The story follows Sean and Isabel Ryan, husband and wife, as they become involved in an international religious conspiracy that, if successful, will turn the world on its head.
The story/plot is terrific, as is characterisation. I believed in these people. My heart was in my mouth as to where O’Bryan was taking me in relation to one character later in the book. Was he going to die, and would it be horribly? You’re going to have to read it to find out.
The author’s use of language, description and dialogue kept my adrenalin levels elevated for pretty well the entire 400+ pages. And unlike other series I’ve read where the reader is left hanging at the end as though the next chapter is missing, this book is complete in itself. A definite plus.
October 29, 2013
The Manhattan Puzzle by Laurence O´Bryan
This is the third book in the puzzle series, the first being The Istanbul Puzzle and then The Jerusalem Puzzle, although there isn´t too much of a “puzzle” in the books there is certainly mystery and thrills.
There is plenty of background on the previous two books to remind the reader, but I don´t recommend reading this third book without having read the first two.
So far in the third book there are various story lines, Isabel is the main character as Sean goes missing, there are also Xena´s story line and Henry Mowlam, with the majority of the story line from Isabel´s point of view as she searches for Sean, there is also Sean and Isabel´s little boy 4 years old Alek in the story now.
nice quick short chapters which I enjoy as it makes it easy to pick up and put down. If you have already read the other two, then you might want to read this, but don´t expect the same stuff, this is different, but all the same it is good and I really enjoyed it.
4 out of 5 stars.
This is the third book in the puzzle series, the first being The Istanbul Puzzle and then The Jerusalem Puzzle, although there isn´t too much of a “puzzle” in the books there is certainly mystery and thrills.
There is plenty of background on the previous two books to remind the reader, but I don´t recommend reading this third book without having read the first two.
So far in the third book there are various story lines, Isabel is the main character as Sean goes missing, there are also Xena´s story line and Henry Mowlam, with the majority of the story line from Isabel´s point of view as she searches for Sean, there is also Sean and Isabel´s little boy 4 years old Alek in the story now.
nice quick short chapters which I enjoy as it makes it easy to pick up and put down. If you have already read the other two, then you might want to read this, but don´t expect the same stuff, this is different, but all the same it is good and I really enjoyed it.
4 out of 5 stars.
September 22, 2014
The Manhattan Puzzle by Laurence O'Bryan
This is the third book in the puzzle series, the first being The Istanbul Puzzle and then The Jerusalem Puzzle, although there isn't too much of a "puzzle" in the books there is certainly mystery and thrills.
There is plenty of background on the previous two books to remind the reader, but I don't recommend reading this third book without having read the first two.
So far in the third book there are various story lines, Isabel is the main character as Sean goes missing, there are also Xena's story line and Henry Mowlam, with the majority of the story line from Isabel's point of view as she searches for Sean, there is also Sean and Isabel's little boy 4 years old Alek in the story now.
nice quick short chapters which I enjoy as it makes it easy to pick up and put down. If you have already read the other two, then you might want to read this, but don't expect the same stuff, this is different, but all the same it is good and I really enjoyed it.
This is the third book in the puzzle series, the first being The Istanbul Puzzle and then The Jerusalem Puzzle, although there isn't too much of a "puzzle" in the books there is certainly mystery and thrills.
There is plenty of background on the previous two books to remind the reader, but I don't recommend reading this third book without having read the first two.
So far in the third book there are various story lines, Isabel is the main character as Sean goes missing, there are also Xena's story line and Henry Mowlam, with the majority of the story line from Isabel's point of view as she searches for Sean, there is also Sean and Isabel's little boy 4 years old Alek in the story now.
nice quick short chapters which I enjoy as it makes it easy to pick up and put down. If you have already read the other two, then you might want to read this, but don't expect the same stuff, this is different, but all the same it is good and I really enjoyed it.
September 1, 2014
I received a First Reads free copy of this book, not knowing that there were two before this one.
I found the constant interjection of 1 1/2 - 2 page chapters distracting and haphazard. Also, the regular advertising of the previous two novels seemed to cheapen the story as an excuse to avoid character development. On the other hand, a watched pot never boils. I get it... Sean is missing and his wife Isabel wants to find him. 34 chapters in, page128, and still no answers. Anyone who has read The Death of Ivan Ilyich can probably relate.
I can understand that too much character development may be an annoying duplication to those who read the first two books. Maybe there is a middle ground that could have been reached?
As a stand alone book, I would say, pass... However, based on other reviews of the first two novels, I will likely give them a try and then see how I would judge this book differently.
I found the constant interjection of 1 1/2 - 2 page chapters distracting and haphazard. Also, the regular advertising of the previous two novels seemed to cheapen the story as an excuse to avoid character development. On the other hand, a watched pot never boils. I get it... Sean is missing and his wife Isabel wants to find him. 34 chapters in, page128, and still no answers. Anyone who has read The Death of Ivan Ilyich can probably relate.
I can understand that too much character development may be an annoying duplication to those who read the first two books. Maybe there is a middle ground that could have been reached?
As a stand alone book, I would say, pass... However, based on other reviews of the first two novels, I will likely give them a try and then see how I would judge this book differently.
September 6, 2016
I loved this book. It is 382 pages long and has 86 chapters! The action switches from place to place often! However this does not detract from the story but rather adds to it as you do not know what will happen next.The story centres on Isabel Ryan as she tries to clear her husband, Sean, of a murder charge even though he has admitted to committing the foul deed.
The Ebony Dragon hedge fund tries to manipulate the share price of BXH bank downwards so that they can purchase the bank on the cheap so that they can find out what dark secrets are lurking in the bank's vaults.
There are gruesome murders, one of which Ryan admits to but as he is working on a very important project for the bank, was he framed or did he do it as he maintains? Isabel puts all of her family at risk in trying to solve the mystery.
The Ebony Dragon hedge fund tries to manipulate the share price of BXH bank downwards so that they can purchase the bank on the cheap so that they can find out what dark secrets are lurking in the bank's vaults.
There are gruesome murders, one of which Ryan admits to but as he is working on a very important project for the bank, was he framed or did he do it as he maintains? Isabel puts all of her family at risk in trying to solve the mystery.
May 3, 2015
Awesome book! What a thrilling ride! My heart pounded and my heart was in my throat the whole time I was reading. Isabel Ryan's husband Sean is missing. Oh my goodness, I was right there with her worrying what was going on and where he was. She goes through the emotions of mad, scared, annoyed, confused. And no one can seem to help her find him. I had to keep reading to find out what happens. This book is highly recommended...I couldn't put it down. And can't wait to read more by Laurence O'Bryan. Thanks to the author and goodreads for providing a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2014
I received this book as a First Reads Giveaway. I was excited to win it because it sounded like it would be a fun read. I was slightly disappointed. I didn't know, until later, that this was part of a series. I hadn't read any of the others in the series. The references to previous adventures didn't bother me until the climax at the end when the references were more specific. I thought that the book started slowly and took a long time to get to the action which then seemed rushed. I also thought there were extraneous characters thrown in but maybe they tied back to the previous novels. Overall, I would give it 2.5 stars but rounded down because of some of the tactics used by the bad guys.
October 21, 2016
Good read
I have read the first two installment of this series prior to reading this book. This story was less compelling than the first two. In order to fully appreciate this book a person will need to read The Istanbul Puzzle first and then The Jerusalem Puzzle. The story was slower moving and less compelling than the first two. That being said, this is a must read for anyone who is following this series. I am anxious to start the next in the series, The Nuremberg Puzzle. I really am enjoying this series. I would recommend it to anyone who loves action, foreign intrigue and exotic locations.
I have read the first two installment of this series prior to reading this book. This story was less compelling than the first two. In order to fully appreciate this book a person will need to read The Istanbul Puzzle first and then The Jerusalem Puzzle. The story was slower moving and less compelling than the first two. That being said, this is a must read for anyone who is following this series. I am anxious to start the next in the series, The Nuremberg Puzzle. I really am enjoying this series. I would recommend it to anyone who loves action, foreign intrigue and exotic locations.
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