What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cursed Thief
Embark on a riveting journey into the treacherous world of mercenaries, family secrets, and pirate treasure in The Cursed Thief, an action-packed adventure from the international bestselling author of the Jack Reilly archaeological thriller series.
Ye be warned. Turn back or die.
In the sun-soaked Bahamas, a long-lost diary belonging to the notorious pirate Anne Bonny surfaces, revealing the existence of a clandestine buccaneer sanctuary turned tomb—all centered around a single jewel, the Diamond of Despair. Can it be found? And more importantly, should it be found? The Flynn family is about to confront these perilous questions head-on.
For seventeen-year-old Charlotte "Charlee" Flynn, life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers the true identity of her parents, Sean and Sydney. Raised to believe they traveled the world as rare antiquities experts, Charlee learns the shocking truth: Her mom and dad are “Black Market acquisitions specialists.”
To put it plainly, they’re THIEVES.
As an enemy from Sydney's past reemerges, the Flynns are forced to flee their beautiful Costa Rican home. To protect Charlee from the incoming threat, her parents must unleash their skills, reluctantly turning their daughter into their apprentice.
But Charlee isn’t your average teenager.
Since she could remember, Charlee has been obsessed with ancient ruins, fabled relics, buried treasure, and lost civilizations. You could say she was born for this life…
THE CURSED THIEF is the first book in international bestselling author Matt James’ spirited, action-adventure Charlee Flynn series. Fans of James Rollins, Steve Berry, and Ernest Dempsey will love this fast-paced thrill ride!
Ye be warned. Turn back or die.
In the sun-soaked Bahamas, a long-lost diary belonging to the notorious pirate Anne Bonny surfaces, revealing the existence of a clandestine buccaneer sanctuary turned tomb—all centered around a single jewel, the Diamond of Despair. Can it be found? And more importantly, should it be found? The Flynn family is about to confront these perilous questions head-on.
For seventeen-year-old Charlotte "Charlee" Flynn, life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers the true identity of her parents, Sean and Sydney. Raised to believe they traveled the world as rare antiquities experts, Charlee learns the shocking truth: Her mom and dad are “Black Market acquisitions specialists.”
To put it plainly, they’re THIEVES.
As an enemy from Sydney's past reemerges, the Flynns are forced to flee their beautiful Costa Rican home. To protect Charlee from the incoming threat, her parents must unleash their skills, reluctantly turning their daughter into their apprentice.
But Charlee isn’t your average teenager.
Since she could remember, Charlee has been obsessed with ancient ruins, fabled relics, buried treasure, and lost civilizations. You could say she was born for this life…
THE CURSED THIEF is the first book in international bestselling author Matt James’ spirited, action-adventure Charlee Flynn series. Fans of James Rollins, Steve Berry, and Ernest Dempsey will love this fast-paced thrill ride!
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2023
About the author
Matthew James
44 books138 followersMATT JAMES is the international bestselling author of over thirty-five action-packed titles, including the fan-favorite Jack Reilly series, The Cursed Thief, and The Blood King. He specializes in globetrotting thrillers that fans of James Rollins, Steve Berry, and Ernest Dempsey will devour!
He lives twenty minutes from the beach in sunny South Florida with his amazing wife, three beautiful children, a lovable pitty, and an overly dramatic black cat.
Go to MattJamesAuthor.com and subscribe to his newsletter for early and exclusive news and updates! You will NOT be mercilessly spammed with junk mail. And don't forget to click the FOLLOW button on his Amazon page to receive new release alerts!
He lives twenty minutes from the beach in sunny South Florida with his amazing wife, three beautiful children, a lovable pitty, and an overly dramatic black cat.
Go to MattJamesAuthor.com and subscribe to his newsletter for early and exclusive news and updates! You will NOT be mercilessly spammed with junk mail. And don't forget to click the FOLLOW button on his Amazon page to receive new release alerts!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 27, 2026
This was an absolute banger of a book! I really wanted to read something that was a little bit outside what I normally I read and I am so glad I did. I'm an official fan of Matthew James now! The chapters were short and quick to get through. The storyline itself was very intriguing especially in the second half of the book. The book had me at pirates and treasure. I have always loved Indiana Jones type movies and I am happy I found a book version. I fully intend to finish this series. Overall the characters and the the plot twist later in the book are awesome 🤍 highly recommend!
July 1, 2026
Scooby Doo x National Treasure x Tomb Raider In Island Hopping Caribbean Adventure. With Pirates. This is a really fun tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat thinking that one event is going to happen, particularly at one point in the tale, and... well... you'll have to read the book to see if it actually does or not. ;)
The action is tight and intense, whether it be as spectacular as a Laura Croft/ Tom Cruise free climbing scene (always intense to me, and at the front of the tale here) or as "produced by Michael Bay" as some of the chase scenes herein can feel at times. This is supposed to be a fun adventure, not something that takes itself too seriously or that expects you as the reader to take it too seriously, and it does a solid job of adhering to general genre expectations there. Including in the back third or so, when (as so many of these types of tales so often do) it takes a bit of a scifi jaunt.
But really the heart of this tale is the titular Charlee Flynn and her parents, and this is the strongest part of the tale, showing depth, growth, heart, and humor. This serving as the "you think you know what is going on?" introductory tale, it really works well in its introductions of each of the three characters and their interactions throughout the tale.
Overall a fun tale that fans of the genre will enjoy and even fans of more family-oriented tales that perhaps haven't really tried out the adventure genre may well find quite a bit to enjoy here as well... while still being a solidly action/ adventure tale first and foremost, simply with a strong relationship component to anchor it.
Very much recommended.
The action is tight and intense, whether it be as spectacular as a Laura Croft/ Tom Cruise free climbing scene (always intense to me, and at the front of the tale here) or as "produced by Michael Bay" as some of the chase scenes herein can feel at times. This is supposed to be a fun adventure, not something that takes itself too seriously or that expects you as the reader to take it too seriously, and it does a solid job of adhering to general genre expectations there. Including in the back third or so, when (as so many of these types of tales so often do) it takes a bit of a scifi jaunt.
But really the heart of this tale is the titular Charlee Flynn and her parents, and this is the strongest part of the tale, showing depth, growth, heart, and humor. This serving as the "you think you know what is going on?" introductory tale, it really works well in its introductions of each of the three characters and their interactions throughout the tale.
Overall a fun tale that fans of the genre will enjoy and even fans of more family-oriented tales that perhaps haven't really tried out the adventure genre may well find quite a bit to enjoy here as well... while still being a solidly action/ adventure tale first and foremost, simply with a strong relationship component to anchor it.
Very much recommended.
August 26, 2026
Truly a rare occasion where I liked the first half more than the second.
Look, I love Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Lara Croft, etc. just as much as the next person. And yet, even I wasn't thrilled with the constant mentions. I could've lived with Charlee being a bit cringey with all the references, but
And, in my opinion, the felt like a cheap addition to a story that didn't need them. It was so solid without them, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually bummed they're in here. The search for the treasure was really intriguing, and it felt like the supernatural elements came out of nowhere.
I'm actually not sure if I'll continue with the series. I guess this is where Sean would look at Charlee and say: "WWBGD?" Maybe the answer lies with Charlotte or something.
Look, I love Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Lara Croft, etc. just as much as the next person. And yet, even I wasn't thrilled with the constant mentions. I could've lived with Charlee being a bit cringey with all the references, but
And, in my opinion, the felt like a cheap addition to a story that didn't need them. It was so solid without them, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually bummed they're in here. The search for the treasure was really intriguing, and it felt like the supernatural elements came out of nowhere.
I'm actually not sure if I'll continue with the series. I guess this is where Sean would look at Charlee and say: "WWBGD?" Maybe the answer lies with Charlotte or something.
February 9, 2026
Had to quit within the first five chapters. I kept getting stuck on the grammatical errors, was this rushed to production? It doesn’t seem anyone proofread this.
It’s very very campy. We get it, she likes Pirates of the Caribbean, we don’t need so many reminders in such a short span.
But the nail for me was the creepiness of describing a 17 year old girl. Time is spent describing her lean muscles and physical build that match her mother, and did we really need to spend two paragraphs talking about her being undressed in the shower and moaning as the hot water hit her? There was no other way to introduce the necklace of Anne Bonny?
I couldn’t get past the ick. Not finishing this one.
It’s very very campy. We get it, she likes Pirates of the Caribbean, we don’t need so many reminders in such a short span.
But the nail for me was the creepiness of describing a 17 year old girl. Time is spent describing her lean muscles and physical build that match her mother, and did we really need to spend two paragraphs talking about her being undressed in the shower and moaning as the hot water hit her? There was no other way to introduce the necklace of Anne Bonny?
I couldn’t get past the ick. Not finishing this one.
December 1, 2023
Charlee is a normal 17-year-old girl growing up in paradise with her parents. One night her world comes crumbling down thanks to one of her mother's acquaintances. Due to the danger surrounding them now they go on the run and run headlong into a treasure hunt. Will they accomplish their goal? Will they find the treasure? Or will they find out that some curses are real and can have devastating consequences? This is another excellent read by Matt James! Pick it up. You won't be disappointed.
December 1, 2023
Here's my 5 * review of The Cursed Thief:
Charlee is one heck of a young girl.
Smart and with a hint of danger she is a complete badass.
When she realised that her parents were in trouble she thought nothing about taking on the bad guys and savings their butt's!
This new series by Matt James had me hook line and sinker.
There's action throughout and the epilogue is to die for.
I'm eagerly waiting for book 2 in the series The Golden Tiger.
Charlee is one heck of a young girl.
Smart and with a hint of danger she is a complete badass.
When she realised that her parents were in trouble she thought nothing about taking on the bad guys and savings their butt's!
This new series by Matt James had me hook line and sinker.
There's action throughout and the epilogue is to die for.
I'm eagerly waiting for book 2 in the series The Golden Tiger.
February 28, 2024
Rip Roaring Non Stop Adventure
Great story about a couple of professional thrives who have hidden their work from their 17 year old daughter. But their past comes back to haunt them when nefarious forces come after them for clues to the pirate Anne Bonny’s fabled treasure. The action and adventure is non stop and quite hilarious. It would make for an awesome movie! Matt knows how to entertain and this one is no exception.
Great story about a couple of professional thrives who have hidden their work from their 17 year old daughter. But their past comes back to haunt them when nefarious forces come after them for clues to the pirate Anne Bonny’s fabled treasure. The action and adventure is non stop and quite hilarious. It would make for an awesome movie! Matt knows how to entertain and this one is no exception.
September 11, 2024
This book is actually very entertaining through and through, the Flynn’s as characters are pretty compelling even tho the author makes the same mistake as many where sometimes the entirety of the teenager’s personality is based on references, sometimes, that was annoying, but besides that it was good
June 16, 2025
Pages of Thrilling Adventures...
Awesome thrill ride from page one to page 364! Love the Flynns from Sydney's very aggressive but sexy demeanor, Sean's intellect and to their equally intelligent and aggressive daughter - Charlee Flynn! Highly recommend this "starter" book of Charlee Flynn's amazing, fun-filled of a thrilling ride discoveries.
Awesome thrill ride from page one to page 364! Love the Flynns from Sydney's very aggressive but sexy demeanor, Sean's intellect and to their equally intelligent and aggressive daughter - Charlee Flynn! Highly recommend this "starter" book of Charlee Flynn's amazing, fun-filled of a thrilling ride discoveries.
December 20, 2023
High adventure, surprises and a bit of occult.
Rollicking good fun. Adventureous treasure hunting parents; teen daughter who learns their secrets; 300 year old pirates, danger, drama and wit. What more could one want.
Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
Rollicking good fun. Adventureous treasure hunting parents; teen daughter who learns their secrets; 300 year old pirates, danger, drama and wit. What more could one want.
Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
March 19, 2024
The Cursed Thief
I enjoyed all the non stop action. Charlee Flynn and her parents go hunting for pirate treasure while being chased by a billionaire who wants the key that Charlee has that will get him the treasure for himself!!
I enjoyed all the non stop action. Charlee Flynn and her parents go hunting for pirate treasure while being chased by a billionaire who wants the key that Charlee has that will get him the treasure for himself!!
September 27, 2024
exciting adventure
A search for Anne Bonny’s treasure and outrunning those who were after Sean, Sydney and Charlee Flynn makes for a fast paced exciting adventure to fine the treasure of Anne Bounty in Tortuga.
A search for Anne Bonny’s treasure and outrunning those who were after Sean, Sydney and Charlee Flynn makes for a fast paced exciting adventure to fine the treasure of Anne Bounty in Tortuga.
October 7, 2024
Loved It
I absolutely loved this book. Charlee was a hoot. Sean and Sydney too. I could visualize it all. Then the dialog between Charlee and Ann Bobby was so funny. Can't wait to read the next one.
I absolutely loved this book. Charlee was a hoot. Sean and Sydney too. I could visualize it all. Then the dialog between Charlee and Ann Bobby was so funny. Can't wait to read the next one.
January 29, 2025
Great story
Just when you think you have heard every kind of adventure story, along comes this one that has an unbelievable twist. I enjoyed reading this book very much. Thank you Matt for entertaining me.
Just when you think you have heard every kind of adventure story, along comes this one that has an unbelievable twist. I enjoyed reading this book very much. Thank you Matt for entertaining me.
March 11, 2025
Back from the dead
Although I enjoyed this book I think the way in which the central character was introduced was over complicated and detracted from the story. We had to suspend belief in the natural order of events. Nevertheless I am looking forward to the next episode.
Although I enjoyed this book I think the way in which the central character was introduced was over complicated and detracted from the story. We had to suspend belief in the natural order of events. Nevertheless I am looking forward to the next episode.
July 23, 2025
Very good until
The book was a page turner until charlee ran into the undead, believable up until then but at least the author chose a location where the impossible was possible, Haiti!
The book was a page turner until charlee ran into the undead, believable up until then but at least the author chose a location where the impossible was possible, Haiti!
January 25, 2026
A rollicking journey!
This is a great book for anyone who likes clean fun and endless adventure! Matt James builds solid, relatable characters and engaging story lines that keep you riveted to the tale.
This is a great book for anyone who likes clean fun and endless adventure! Matt James builds solid, relatable characters and engaging story lines that keep you riveted to the tale.
January 7, 2024
Not really sure what to think.
February 2, 2024
A rip-roaring good read!
May 9, 2024
I thought this book was a waste of time. Sorry Matt, not up to your usual standards.
May 16, 2024
DNF
Seventeen year old girl learns her parents are antiquities thieves and can’t wait to join in the fun.
Seventeen year old girl learns her parents are antiquities thieves and can’t wait to join in the fun.
March 2, 2026
First 75% was a great adventure story. Than it got super weird and I found it real hard to make it through.
March 29, 2025
The undead was too much. Otherwise, liked the Flynn family.
July 12, 2025
great adventure
Another great read by Matt James, keep up the great work. Looking forward to the next chapter in the series
Another great read by Matt James, keep up the great work. Looking forward to the next chapter in the series
May 9, 2026
Charlee finds out her parents have been leading an alternative life. Instead of boring parents, she finds they have had a lifetime of adventure. This then catches up with them when the past comes calling and they bring in their daughter on a hunt for a lost treasure. Great fun.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews