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Solomon's Men
Greg Valdez operates just the other side of the line, as a thief for private collectors. He's known as the best in the business. You name it, he's stolen it-from jewels to fine art. Now his mission takes him to an ancient monastery in Portugal, to steal a priceless artifact-the true Shroud of Turin-from beneath the altar. Centuries-old oaths and traditions come into play as modern day Templar Knights launch an international search for the thief and the Shroud. Glenn Starkey has written a book that will put you on the edge of your seat and keep you there. A real thriller in the tradition of the genre, Solomon's Men will take you on a roller coaster ride you'll wish would never end. You'll be asking yourself when Glenn Starkey's next book will hit the stands.
308 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2003
2 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Starkey
21 books49 followersGlenn Starkey is a Vietnam veteran, former Marine Corps Sergeant, Texas law enforcement officer, retired as a security manager of a major global corporation, was a security consultant, lectures on a variety of subjects, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Security Management. His travels and experiences, in addition to a love of history, are the foundations of his twelve books.
Glenn volunteered for eleven years at his local school district mentoring elementary grade students with their reading skills.
Starkey lives with his family near Houston, Texas. He welcomes and encourages readers to write to him with their reviews or writing discussions.
Glenn volunteered for eleven years at his local school district mentoring elementary grade students with their reading skills.
Starkey lives with his family near Houston, Texas. He welcomes and encourages readers to write to him with their reviews or writing discussions.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 18, 2012
Grabs you straight out of the gate and takes you into a world of intrigue, mystery, romance, and the adventure of a lifetime! Valdez is a character straight from the heart with the values that set him apart from the ordinary man. Mr. Starkey has put you in the story from start to finish with every step Valdez takes.
Move to the edge of your seat because this is where you’ll stay until the end of the story. This book is extremely well written with characters that will be remembered in years to come. Well researched, this is a book filled with historical content combined to keep you hanging onto every word as the characters move through a modern world. Solomon’s Men is a whole new prospective on the Knights Templar.
Five stars is a starter kit for this book. Mr. Starkey, I thank you for the opportunity to read this, and for those who have not had the pleasure, I highly recommend it.
June 25, 2012
I have to add another name to my list of favorite authors: Glenn Starkey. I just finished reading Solomon's Men and can't quite put into words what I'm feeling about this book which grips me in the inner recesses of my soul.
This book is based upon Greg Valdez, a professional thief, being hired to steal the Holy Burial Shroud of Jesus from a monastery in Portugal. However, the story which unfolds is outstanding in the telling, descriptive to the point of enabling me to take part in everything that was going on and deep enough to get me personally involved in the emotions surging through its various characters.
Job well done, Glenn Starkey! I'll be keeping my eye on you.
This book is based upon Greg Valdez, a professional thief, being hired to steal the Holy Burial Shroud of Jesus from a monastery in Portugal. However, the story which unfolds is outstanding in the telling, descriptive to the point of enabling me to take part in everything that was going on and deep enough to get me personally involved in the emotions surging through its various characters.
Job well done, Glenn Starkey! I'll be keeping my eye on you.
March 5, 2013
Having been in several social media circles with Mr. Starkey, I was really looking forward to reading his books. I'm so glad that I did, it gave me a whole new perspective on things.
This book is a great mixture of Action/Adventure, Religious History, and Romance.
Greg Valdez encounters a client whose motives are less than honorable. This leads him on an adventure that changes his whole world.
I loved the book and highly recommend it to anyone who isn't afraid to hear that sometimes Christians have to be soldiers and vice-versa.
This book is a great mixture of Action/Adventure, Religious History, and Romance.
Greg Valdez encounters a client whose motives are less than honorable. This leads him on an adventure that changes his whole world.
I loved the book and highly recommend it to anyone who isn't afraid to hear that sometimes Christians have to be soldiers and vice-versa.
August 4, 2017
Glenn Starkey never ceases to amaze! The author of six brilliant books, each of them impossible to put down, Starkey’s latest, Solomen’s Men, will have you turning pages faster than you can count. And if you dare to pick up Solomen’s Men before retiring at night, be prepared to be reliving the rapidly unfolding plot and encountering the characters, both sinister and good, throughout your dreams.
The protagonist, Greg Valdez, is a very wealthy thief, with a military past. His mentally unstable wife committed suicide when she could no longer cope with her life and their autistic son, Daniel, whom Greg loves and whom he will go to the ends of the earth to protect.
When Greg takes on what is to be his last big job, that of stealing an ancient crusader’s pouch buried inside an altar in a Portugese monastery, he is relentlessly pursued by Solomen’s Men, a select group of twenty-one monks as skilled in military combat as he is, prepared to kill the thief to retrieve the sacred pouch. But they aren’t the only ones on Valdez’ tail. When he decides the pouch should be returned to its rightful owners, thereby double-crossing those who hired him, hired killers come at him from every corner. When this group kidnaps Daniel and his nurse, Greg’s only goal is to save his son. As the race to find him speeds up, the plot action intensifies to a climax bloodied by the bodies of both good and bad, and the true power of what is hidden in the pouch is nothing short of a miracle that could turn non-believers into believers.
Apart from Starkey’s incredible skill in developing an intricate plot and his expert familiarity with military tactics that give his novels complete credibility, it’s Starkey’s wondrous ability to create truly human characters that stays with readers as much as the engrossing, action-filled plot. Greg Valdez is so real, so believable. So are, surprisingly, Solomen’s Men, religious to the core, but capable of killing to fulfill their commitment to their faith. Every person in Solomen’s Men lives, thinks, breathes just like the rest of us and we accept them, even those we’d hope never to meet in our own lives. And as every good novelist should, Starkey balances good with evil and lets readers come away completely satisfied. This is superb writing.
On a personal note, I first met Glenn Starkey when I read and reviewed his beautiful book, Black Sun, which reduced me to tears. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of reading Mr. Charon, one of his most popular books and plan to read all of his books as time permits. Which will eventually be my favorite remains to be seen, but right now, Solomen’s Men, along with Black Sun, is right at the top of my list. Thanks for another brilliant read, Glenn Starkey.
©Viga Boland
Don't Write Your MEmoir without ME!
No Tears for My Father: A true story of incest
The protagonist, Greg Valdez, is a very wealthy thief, with a military past. His mentally unstable wife committed suicide when she could no longer cope with her life and their autistic son, Daniel, whom Greg loves and whom he will go to the ends of the earth to protect.
When Greg takes on what is to be his last big job, that of stealing an ancient crusader’s pouch buried inside an altar in a Portugese monastery, he is relentlessly pursued by Solomen’s Men, a select group of twenty-one monks as skilled in military combat as he is, prepared to kill the thief to retrieve the sacred pouch. But they aren’t the only ones on Valdez’ tail. When he decides the pouch should be returned to its rightful owners, thereby double-crossing those who hired him, hired killers come at him from every corner. When this group kidnaps Daniel and his nurse, Greg’s only goal is to save his son. As the race to find him speeds up, the plot action intensifies to a climax bloodied by the bodies of both good and bad, and the true power of what is hidden in the pouch is nothing short of a miracle that could turn non-believers into believers.
Apart from Starkey’s incredible skill in developing an intricate plot and his expert familiarity with military tactics that give his novels complete credibility, it’s Starkey’s wondrous ability to create truly human characters that stays with readers as much as the engrossing, action-filled plot. Greg Valdez is so real, so believable. So are, surprisingly, Solomen’s Men, religious to the core, but capable of killing to fulfill their commitment to their faith. Every person in Solomen’s Men lives, thinks, breathes just like the rest of us and we accept them, even those we’d hope never to meet in our own lives. And as every good novelist should, Starkey balances good with evil and lets readers come away completely satisfied. This is superb writing.
On a personal note, I first met Glenn Starkey when I read and reviewed his beautiful book, Black Sun, which reduced me to tears. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of reading Mr. Charon, one of his most popular books and plan to read all of his books as time permits. Which will eventually be my favorite remains to be seen, but right now, Solomen’s Men, along with Black Sun, is right at the top of my list. Thanks for another brilliant read, Glenn Starkey.
©Viga Boland
Don't Write Your MEmoir without ME!
No Tears for My Father: A true story of incest
December 31, 2011
I'll start by saying that after reading The Cobra and Scarab: A Novel of Ancient Egypt which I received from this author, I was more than interested to find out IF I would enjoy this book as much as I loved the above mentioned title. Well, as I never mentioned to the author that I had bought this one, I can now categorically state that it was brilliant. I don't know what it is about Glenn Starkey, but again, the story telling, the vivid descriptions of everything and anything are just amazing including the extraordinary ride you are taken on. Suspense? Plenty. Intrigue? Bucket loads. Thrilling? For sure! Does the story touch you, do the characters grab you? You bet your sweet patootie! This author has fast become one of my favourites - no doubt about it.
The story begins in the year 1306, France, where on the steps of the Templar Cathedral, Knights of the Order stand silent keeping vigil. A huge burden lays upon the shoulders of the Knights of the Temple of Solomon. King Phillip the Fair seeks to eradicate them. The Grand Master DeMolay announces that they will be victorious and proven innocent of all charges and vows that the King of France will never touch their true treasure. The true burial Shroud of Jesus must be protected at all costs. He forges a plan and produces a replica. Solomon of Avorone's courage and wisdom has been worthy and for the sake of the Order, he is asked if he will accept his highest responsibility. He's asked by DeMolay to select twenty Knights, including himself. DeMolay further reveals that on this very night, they will form a new Order, secret and separate from theirs, to serve only God and also to protect the Burial Shroud. Nobody besides them is to ever know where they will be. Upon the slicing of a cross patee upon their chests they are sworn to serve Him and forever protect the Holy Shroud that they hold.
Greg Valdez, an arts thief is commissioned to steal an artifact from a Portuguese Monastery. The pay is good and Greg is very good at what he does. He's had a somewhat shady past but also quite a bit of training. He doesn't steal for the simple fact of stealing and making money, in some cases lots of money, he primarily works for some major insurance companies and 'steals' or acquires previously stolen art which is returned to their rightful owner. Except in this case of course. As soon as Greg 'acquires' the artifact, he starts to realise that something is not quite right and more is at play here. He has his son Daniel to think about who unfortunately suffers from Autism and presently resides in an institution; and so with the pouch in his possession Greg makes his escape.
Now we are in Tomar, Portugal 1997 and the story picks up it's pace even more when it comes to the Monastery's alert that the Burial Shroud has been stolen. The Order's team is sent after the culprit and we come to know them as the Hunters. We are now positioned between Greg with the artifact in his possession, the Hunters hunting for the culprit, Daniel sitting at Lakeland Estate in Dallas, Texas whom Greg is anxious to take away so that they can start a new life and of course a man by the name of Cain who only sees money as power and was the one to commission the artifact. I really don't want to say anymore regarding the story - too much will be a spoiler. I will tell you though that I felt as if I was right there wanting to help in what needed to be done.
Mr. Starkey has used his knowledge of Vietnam (being a Vietnam Veteran), former Marine Corps Sergeant and Texas Law enforcement officer in relation to weapons and descriptions to tactical and recon strategies including the training that all these men have had. The author also manages to mold his characters into people I would love to meet in person like Tobias Whitworth (a true friend), Ben Blackhorse and Fred Blackhorse. I love the Indian culture, beliefs and mysticism that encompass who Ben and Fred are including their humour. Simply loved them - they seem so wise. So much is woven into this story without one thinking, okay, I've read that before. Well, I certainly haven't. It's all perfectly correlated, it's fabulous and it makes you think about a lot of things. Don't you just love a story that has everything in it except the kitchen sink, yet it's not the least bit cluttered, but wonderfully enlightening and clear? Well, here's another one for you. I tip my hat off to you once again Mr. Starkey, you catapulted me in a completely different direction, yet one that still sent me on a chilling, suspenseful and heart warming journey full of twists and turns and may I add, a miracle or two. Add the fact that I learnt a few more things regarding history I can only but highly recommend this book. It deserves a 5 star rating.
One of my favourite quotes
"Dying is easy, Joseph. Living, especially living with our past, is the true challenge."
The story begins in the year 1306, France, where on the steps of the Templar Cathedral, Knights of the Order stand silent keeping vigil. A huge burden lays upon the shoulders of the Knights of the Temple of Solomon. King Phillip the Fair seeks to eradicate them. The Grand Master DeMolay announces that they will be victorious and proven innocent of all charges and vows that the King of France will never touch their true treasure. The true burial Shroud of Jesus must be protected at all costs. He forges a plan and produces a replica. Solomon of Avorone's courage and wisdom has been worthy and for the sake of the Order, he is asked if he will accept his highest responsibility. He's asked by DeMolay to select twenty Knights, including himself. DeMolay further reveals that on this very night, they will form a new Order, secret and separate from theirs, to serve only God and also to protect the Burial Shroud. Nobody besides them is to ever know where they will be. Upon the slicing of a cross patee upon their chests they are sworn to serve Him and forever protect the Holy Shroud that they hold.
Greg Valdez, an arts thief is commissioned to steal an artifact from a Portuguese Monastery. The pay is good and Greg is very good at what he does. He's had a somewhat shady past but also quite a bit of training. He doesn't steal for the simple fact of stealing and making money, in some cases lots of money, he primarily works for some major insurance companies and 'steals' or acquires previously stolen art which is returned to their rightful owner. Except in this case of course. As soon as Greg 'acquires' the artifact, he starts to realise that something is not quite right and more is at play here. He has his son Daniel to think about who unfortunately suffers from Autism and presently resides in an institution; and so with the pouch in his possession Greg makes his escape.
Now we are in Tomar, Portugal 1997 and the story picks up it's pace even more when it comes to the Monastery's alert that the Burial Shroud has been stolen. The Order's team is sent after the culprit and we come to know them as the Hunters. We are now positioned between Greg with the artifact in his possession, the Hunters hunting for the culprit, Daniel sitting at Lakeland Estate in Dallas, Texas whom Greg is anxious to take away so that they can start a new life and of course a man by the name of Cain who only sees money as power and was the one to commission the artifact. I really don't want to say anymore regarding the story - too much will be a spoiler. I will tell you though that I felt as if I was right there wanting to help in what needed to be done.
Mr. Starkey has used his knowledge of Vietnam (being a Vietnam Veteran), former Marine Corps Sergeant and Texas Law enforcement officer in relation to weapons and descriptions to tactical and recon strategies including the training that all these men have had. The author also manages to mold his characters into people I would love to meet in person like Tobias Whitworth (a true friend), Ben Blackhorse and Fred Blackhorse. I love the Indian culture, beliefs and mysticism that encompass who Ben and Fred are including their humour. Simply loved them - they seem so wise. So much is woven into this story without one thinking, okay, I've read that before. Well, I certainly haven't. It's all perfectly correlated, it's fabulous and it makes you think about a lot of things. Don't you just love a story that has everything in it except the kitchen sink, yet it's not the least bit cluttered, but wonderfully enlightening and clear? Well, here's another one for you. I tip my hat off to you once again Mr. Starkey, you catapulted me in a completely different direction, yet one that still sent me on a chilling, suspenseful and heart warming journey full of twists and turns and may I add, a miracle or two. Add the fact that I learnt a few more things regarding history I can only but highly recommend this book. It deserves a 5 star rating.
One of my favourite quotes
"Dying is easy, Joseph. Living, especially living with our past, is the true challenge."
October 10, 2012
Action Packed!
This is a fast paced thriller to say the least. An art thief, Mr. Valdez has accepted his last assignment in a long and illustrious career. His specialty is locating stolen works of art and returning them to their original owners. The pay is good, but not enough for his final dream of being able to permanently have his autistic son Daniel and his nurse by his side. To achieve the goal he takes on a mission with trepidation. He must break into the Monastery in Tomar, Portugal and steal an artifact of biblical proportions:Jesus' Shroud. If he succeeds, the fee will set him up for life.
Mr. Valdez is successful in obtaining the artifact. From that point on he is sought out by both good and evil forces. Each wants the shroud either in a display case of returned to its rightful owners. What Valdez is unaware of is the power or the Shroud and its healing capabilities. It's worth the read just to find out the hidden secrets he now holds in his possession. Well done.
The cons. I don't know what it was but I couldn't completely immerse myself in the read. Punctuation, grammar and all of that was good. The plot line is believable and the characters are well developed, but something was missing. Perhaps an overly active time-line? Maybe too many references about Solomon's men being referred to as the Hunters? I really can't place my finger on the missing ingredient.
Who will like this? Devote readers of espionage and action with touch of well researched biblical history.
This is a fast paced thriller to say the least. An art thief, Mr. Valdez has accepted his last assignment in a long and illustrious career. His specialty is locating stolen works of art and returning them to their original owners. The pay is good, but not enough for his final dream of being able to permanently have his autistic son Daniel and his nurse by his side. To achieve the goal he takes on a mission with trepidation. He must break into the Monastery in Tomar, Portugal and steal an artifact of biblical proportions:Jesus' Shroud. If he succeeds, the fee will set him up for life.
Mr. Valdez is successful in obtaining the artifact. From that point on he is sought out by both good and evil forces. Each wants the shroud either in a display case of returned to its rightful owners. What Valdez is unaware of is the power or the Shroud and its healing capabilities. It's worth the read just to find out the hidden secrets he now holds in his possession. Well done.
The cons. I don't know what it was but I couldn't completely immerse myself in the read. Punctuation, grammar and all of that was good. The plot line is believable and the characters are well developed, but something was missing. Perhaps an overly active time-line? Maybe too many references about Solomon's men being referred to as the Hunters? I really can't place my finger on the missing ingredient.
Who will like this? Devote readers of espionage and action with touch of well researched biblical history.
March 23, 2012
The biggest mystery about Glenn Starkey's "Solomon's Men" is why there hasn't been an international buzz about it, why it hasn't long ago been optioned for a movie, why it hasn't become the 'gold standard' of action/adventure novels. It is, without a doubt, one of the most gripping action yarns I've read in a long while. The protagonist, Greg Valdez, is Jack Reacher with a larger heart but every bit as skilled and imposing as Lee Child's hulking hero. Valdez is a professional antiquities thief with a conscience, somewhat reluctantly plying his trade when, on what he plans to be his last mission, he latches onto a near-mythical relic that vaults him into a world of intrigue and double-crosses. Valdez has to wade through a labyrinth of evildoers, pursued by the relic's centuries-old protectors throughout, before "Solomon's Men" reaches an incredible and spiritual climax that can only be read to be revealed. Starkey's novel is immensely satisfying and should be a must-read for any fan of the action genre.
July 19, 2012
SOLOMON’S MEN by Glenn Starkey is on my list of top books!
This is a tale of modern day Templar Knights and their total commitment to protect a Christian artifact, at any cost and the man, Gregory Valdez, whoo is contracted to steal a pouch, without knowing its contents. He is to return the pouch to its rightful ower—or so he thinks.
SOLOMON’S MEN is a strong character based tale in which I am sure took many hours of research. It is a tale will make you believe in the truth of it.
A Thriller where two sides pursue Valdez as he discovers the truth about what he has in his possession. Action, suspense, drama carry the reader along and won’t release you until the end. This is a book you will want to read!
This is a tale of modern day Templar Knights and their total commitment to protect a Christian artifact, at any cost and the man, Gregory Valdez, whoo is contracted to steal a pouch, without knowing its contents. He is to return the pouch to its rightful ower—or so he thinks.
SOLOMON’S MEN is a strong character based tale in which I am sure took many hours of research. It is a tale will make you believe in the truth of it.
A Thriller where two sides pursue Valdez as he discovers the truth about what he has in his possession. Action, suspense, drama carry the reader along and won’t release you until the end. This is a book you will want to read!
March 3, 2008
In full disclosure this is my father's debut novel.
However, I can tell you that I read it with one thought in mind, "What's gonna happen if I don't like it?"
Thankfully I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a fun action adventure novel written in detail without becoming more about the details then the characters.
Yes, I am a little biased, but you know what? Still liked the book.
However, I can tell you that I read it with one thought in mind, "What's gonna happen if I don't like it?"
Thankfully I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a fun action adventure novel written in detail without becoming more about the details then the characters.
Yes, I am a little biased, but you know what? Still liked the book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews