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Vatican Knights #1
The Vatican Knights
While on a visit to the United States, Pope Pius XIII is kidnapped by a terrorist cell calling itself the Soldiers of Islam. If the United States and its allies do not meet their demands, they will execute the pope. So when FBI Specialist Shari Cohen is called to duty to track down the terrorist cell responsible, she learns that she is not alone. Deep behind the Vatican walls a secret order dispatches a clandestine op group of elite commandos known as the Vatican Knights. Their mission: bring the pope back alive. As Cohen and the Knights work in tandem they uncover a White House conspiracy involving high-ranking members on Capitol Hill. When she begins to get too close to the truth about the pope’s kidnapping, she becomes the target of indigenous forces trying to keep the conspiracy safe. However, in order to get to her they must go through the Vatican Knights.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2012
214 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
About the author
Rick Jones
94 books194 followersRick Jones was born and raised in the Boston area and moved to Las Vegas in the early eighties where he graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a degree in English. Currently, he is employed with the state of Nevada in law enforcement, and enjoys traveling, especially to Rome and Vatican City where many of the settings for his novels take place.
Rick Jones is also an avid writer and the creator of the Vatican Knight series (VATICAN KNIGHTS, SHEPHERD ONE and The ISCARIOT AGENDA), and the psychological thriller, THE MAN WHO CAST TWO SHADOWS.
He lives in Las Vegas with his two mini schnauzers, Wrangler and Hobo.
Rick Jones is also an avid writer and the creator of the Vatican Knight series (VATICAN KNIGHTS, SHEPHERD ONE and The ISCARIOT AGENDA), and the psychological thriller, THE MAN WHO CAST TWO SHADOWS.
He lives in Las Vegas with his two mini schnauzers, Wrangler and Hobo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
December 25, 2015
পোপ গেছেন আমেরিকাতে সেখানকার কঠিন সুরক্ষা ব্যবস্থা ভেদ করে রাতেরবেলা তাকে দলবলসহ হাপিশ (কিডন্যাপ) করেছে একটি ইসলামী গোষ্ঠী । সোলজার অব ইসলামের দাবি-দাওয়া পূরণ করার চেষ্টা দূরে থাক চিন্তাও করা যায় না। পোপকে হত্যা করে আন্তর্জাতিক ফায়দা নেয়ার চেষ্টা করে একটি সংগঠন। এদিকে তাকে উদ্ধার করতে এগিয়ে আসে "ভ্যাটিক্যান নাইটস" নামের একটি অত্যন্ত গোপন সংঘ। বহু বহুদিন আগে হারিয়ে যাওয়া একজন আবার আলোয় ফিরে আসে, যাকে বলা হয় দুনিয়ার তাবদ কিলারদের "প্রফেসর"। ঘরের শত্রু বিভিষণ তো আছেই আরেকদিকে সোলজার অব ইসলামের মধ্যে আসলে ইসলামের 'ই'-ও নাই, এর পেছনে আছে অন্য কাহিনী........মজা পেয়েছি পড়ে।
October 17, 2015
"Vatican Knights" is a very exciting thriller which will grip the reader almost immediately. Rick Jones presents an all to real scenario that would draw the world into a winner-take-all religious war. In it, he introduces the elite special forces team of the world's smallest country - the Vatican.
The Pope, on a visit to the United States, is kidnapped from the mansion of the Governor of Maryland in Annapolis. The entire protection detail is killed, and two bodies from a terrorist group, The Soldiers of Islam, are discovered. The world is in an uproar and the seeds are sowed for a brutal religious war. Sheri Cohen, a Jew and granddaughter of an Auschwitz survivor, is thought to be the best negotiator in the service of the FBI and is placed in charge by the President. Failure is not an option, but with few clues to work with, agent Cohen has little room to maneuver. She wonders why the commandos did so much to hide their identity, yet left two bodies behind when they had the time to remove them. Sheri is working against the clock as demands have been issued by the terrorists and hostages would soon begin to be executed.
Meanwhile, Kimball Hayden is the leader of the special forces unit known as the Vatican Knights. Their existence is top secret, and the mission he is given is straight-forward: bring back the Pope, alive, at all costs. Again, failure is not an option. Kimball must insert himself into the investigation and get Shari to trust him enough to gain the opportunity to complete his mission. But all is not as it appears. There are powerful people who want the rescue to fail, and they will stop at nothing to accomplish their mission.
The main antagonist is someone known as Team Leader. We get a little back-story on him: he was only nine when his family was killed in a suicide bombing in Ramallah, so we glean some of the motivation for his actions. He is ruthless and cruel, and I liked him less with every turn of the page. His obsessions rule his life and his actions, and there is little change as the story continues. He, too, is more than he seems and his true identity is somewhat surprising.
The protagonists are Shari Cohen and Kindall Hayden, and the story is well under way before we are introduced to them. Kimball is not mentioned until chapter 11, and he is an imperfect hero. Having worked as the very best assassin a secret US government organization ever employed, Kimball disappeared on his last mission and was thought to be dead. However, he simply had an attack of conscience and migrated to the Vatican to atone for his sins. He thought his unique skills may be put to good use for the Pope in an effort to even the balance sheet for his soul.
Shari, although mentioned in the prologue, is not brought into the main story until chapter thirteen. She as well is a flawed character, having marital problems that she is unwilling to address. But, like Kimball, she is honest and committed, and these qualities make it easy to like them both. The feelings they develop for each other threaten to undermine their endeavors, and brings out the human side in them. I could not help myself from rooting for their success despite their shortcomings.
I thought the pacing of the book was excellent, starting with a major event and then slowing down as the sides evaluated their options. It slowly builds to an exciting climax, mixing in betrayals and plot twists that help keep the pages turning. The only negative I could find is that Kimball Hayden may have been TOO good. It seems that most of the action protagonists I read about are "the best" at what they do. Kimball is no different in this respect and I will admit to liking the vulnerable side of him shown by Rick Jones.
Another thing I liked was that the descriptions of the killings were fairly mild - not over the top blood and gore. There are bound to be killings in this type of novel, but they were handled very delicately so people averse to graphic details will not be offended. Also, the language was pretty mild for books of this genre. If you are looking for an exciting story with an all to real possibility, then I think you will enjoy "Vatican Knights."
The Pope, on a visit to the United States, is kidnapped from the mansion of the Governor of Maryland in Annapolis. The entire protection detail is killed, and two bodies from a terrorist group, The Soldiers of Islam, are discovered. The world is in an uproar and the seeds are sowed for a brutal religious war. Sheri Cohen, a Jew and granddaughter of an Auschwitz survivor, is thought to be the best negotiator in the service of the FBI and is placed in charge by the President. Failure is not an option, but with few clues to work with, agent Cohen has little room to maneuver. She wonders why the commandos did so much to hide their identity, yet left two bodies behind when they had the time to remove them. Sheri is working against the clock as demands have been issued by the terrorists and hostages would soon begin to be executed.
Meanwhile, Kimball Hayden is the leader of the special forces unit known as the Vatican Knights. Their existence is top secret, and the mission he is given is straight-forward: bring back the Pope, alive, at all costs. Again, failure is not an option. Kimball must insert himself into the investigation and get Shari to trust him enough to gain the opportunity to complete his mission. But all is not as it appears. There are powerful people who want the rescue to fail, and they will stop at nothing to accomplish their mission.
The main antagonist is someone known as Team Leader. We get a little back-story on him: he was only nine when his family was killed in a suicide bombing in Ramallah, so we glean some of the motivation for his actions. He is ruthless and cruel, and I liked him less with every turn of the page. His obsessions rule his life and his actions, and there is little change as the story continues. He, too, is more than he seems and his true identity is somewhat surprising.
The protagonists are Shari Cohen and Kindall Hayden, and the story is well under way before we are introduced to them. Kimball is not mentioned until chapter 11, and he is an imperfect hero. Having worked as the very best assassin a secret US government organization ever employed, Kimball disappeared on his last mission and was thought to be dead. However, he simply had an attack of conscience and migrated to the Vatican to atone for his sins. He thought his unique skills may be put to good use for the Pope in an effort to even the balance sheet for his soul.
Shari, although mentioned in the prologue, is not brought into the main story until chapter thirteen. She as well is a flawed character, having marital problems that she is unwilling to address. But, like Kimball, she is honest and committed, and these qualities make it easy to like them both. The feelings they develop for each other threaten to undermine their endeavors, and brings out the human side in them. I could not help myself from rooting for their success despite their shortcomings.
I thought the pacing of the book was excellent, starting with a major event and then slowing down as the sides evaluated their options. It slowly builds to an exciting climax, mixing in betrayals and plot twists that help keep the pages turning. The only negative I could find is that Kimball Hayden may have been TOO good. It seems that most of the action protagonists I read about are "the best" at what they do. Kimball is no different in this respect and I will admit to liking the vulnerable side of him shown by Rick Jones.
Another thing I liked was that the descriptions of the killings were fairly mild - not over the top blood and gore. There are bound to be killings in this type of novel, but they were handled very delicately so people averse to graphic details will not be offended. Also, the language was pretty mild for books of this genre. If you are looking for an exciting story with an all to real possibility, then I think you will enjoy "Vatican Knights."
February 22, 2018
4.25 Stars
October 16, 2013
The plot and characters are good but what really holds this novel back is the stilted and blocky style the story is told in. The reader is never grabbed and pulled into the story. I had hoped to be mesmerized and instead just got kind of blahed.
January 28, 2017
Excellent Read!!
Fast paced action with plenty of surprise twists and turns, this turns in to a a page turner if you like suspense involving top members of our administration! This book is well written and well worth the money for a good read, and carries the reader on a great story that makes him or her look for the next book in the series as soon as the last chapter is read. Great job.
Fast paced action with plenty of surprise twists and turns, this turns in to a a page turner if you like suspense involving top members of our administration! This book is well written and well worth the money for a good read, and carries the reader on a great story that makes him or her look for the next book in the series as soon as the last chapter is read. Great job.
August 28, 2021
Recommended. Strong debut thriller with great action scenes - kept me guessing to the end. Can't wait to read more!
April 7, 2025
Got this book, from my dad as a joke, saying when he gave it to me, “here is your Lent reading, heard it’s a catholic Jack Reacher.” I laughed and said, “well, I will let you know when I read it.”
Certainly, I read it, and its indeed a Catholic Jacker Reacher story, but this time the burdened soul is called, Commander Kimball Hayden. The novel revolves around Pope Pius XIII, who is kidnapped, while visiting the U.S.A, by a terrorist group, known as the Soldiers of Islam. Hence, the Vatican Knights, an elite group of operatives, are dispatched to rescue him. To do this, they have to work besides, FBI Specialist Shari Cohen, uncovering a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the U.S. government.
Thus, there is a lot of drama and tension, even gun shoot outs, along the way. It’s just light entertainment, and I enjoyed reading it, as it’s a book, where you don’t need to think, just go along with the expedition, that the Vatican Knights go along. As, basically it’s a good vs bad theme, but one about a Man struggling with his past actions, wanting redemption, hoping to find it, working for the Catholic Church, and the Vatican Knights. As, the Pope tells Cohenis’s. “Kimball is a good Man, and knows the Dark Side of Man better than most, which is why he knows how to combat it.”
This just happens to be the theme of Lent, Man battling is dark side, and through out faith, it becomes easier.
So, this book is for anyone, who wants a light read, about good vs bad, but with lots of darma and tension, along with many gun fights, about brave Men, who go to places, others aren’t brave enough. And, of course, saving the world along the way!
Certainly, I read it, and its indeed a Catholic Jacker Reacher story, but this time the burdened soul is called, Commander Kimball Hayden. The novel revolves around Pope Pius XIII, who is kidnapped, while visiting the U.S.A, by a terrorist group, known as the Soldiers of Islam. Hence, the Vatican Knights, an elite group of operatives, are dispatched to rescue him. To do this, they have to work besides, FBI Specialist Shari Cohen, uncovering a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the U.S. government.
Thus, there is a lot of drama and tension, even gun shoot outs, along the way. It’s just light entertainment, and I enjoyed reading it, as it’s a book, where you don’t need to think, just go along with the expedition, that the Vatican Knights go along. As, basically it’s a good vs bad theme, but one about a Man struggling with his past actions, wanting redemption, hoping to find it, working for the Catholic Church, and the Vatican Knights. As, the Pope tells Cohenis’s. “Kimball is a good Man, and knows the Dark Side of Man better than most, which is why he knows how to combat it.”
This just happens to be the theme of Lent, Man battling is dark side, and through out faith, it becomes easier.
So, this book is for anyone, who wants a light read, about good vs bad, but with lots of darma and tension, along with many gun fights, about brave Men, who go to places, others aren’t brave enough. And, of course, saving the world along the way!
October 20, 2017
I had just finished an excellent book by Jo Nesbo and was ready to move on to a new novel. I have over 500 unread books on my kindle, so I could afford to be choosy. Looking through different titles, I read a chapter of one here, a couple of chapters of another there, but after six tries I was beginning to wonder if I was becoming jaded or if there were no good books left. Then I saw The Vatican Knights by Rick Jones. The title looked interesting so I read the first chapter …and the second … and the third…and by then I was hooked.
A United States governor, several bishops and the pope have been captured by a group of unknown terrorists masquerading as The Soldiers of Islam. Shari Cohen, Jewish hostage negotiator is called inn to deal with the case. With the eyes of the world watching her and members of her own government balking her at every turn, Cohen has her hands full. Add in a secret task force from the Vatican who are skilled beyond telling in the arts of war, and the stage is set for an exciting political thriller.
Jones is an excellent writer who creates very real characters and conceives a clever and intelligent plot. The tension mounts to a nerve-jangling climax with some startling revelations at the end. I found the book unputdownable, and I believe that anyone who enjoys fast-paced, well-informed thrillers, will love this book as much as I did.
A United States governor, several bishops and the pope have been captured by a group of unknown terrorists masquerading as The Soldiers of Islam. Shari Cohen, Jewish hostage negotiator is called inn to deal with the case. With the eyes of the world watching her and members of her own government balking her at every turn, Cohen has her hands full. Add in a secret task force from the Vatican who are skilled beyond telling in the arts of war, and the stage is set for an exciting political thriller.
Jones is an excellent writer who creates very real characters and conceives a clever and intelligent plot. The tension mounts to a nerve-jangling climax with some startling revelations at the end. I found the book unputdownable, and I believe that anyone who enjoys fast-paced, well-informed thrillers, will love this book as much as I did.
September 1, 2025
A race against time to stop the Soldiers of Islam from achieving their goal. The Holy Father and his entourage have landed in the USA, but they are kidnapped by the Soldiers of Islam, who will kill them, one by one, so they can bring the civilised world to its knees. They also want to set up a huge oil conglomerate, including Russia, Venezuela and Israel, to drill for oil in the Middle East. However, the Soldiers of Islam, a group of men who have infiltrated the US Government and the security agencies, have seriously underestimated the Vatican Knights. The Vatican Knights is a non-existent group of mercenaries under the auspices of the Vatican. They are called on when there's trouble afoot.
Pope Pius xxiii is in America with some of his bishops. The Soldiers of Islam are responsible for the kidnap of the Holy Father and his bishops, so they can be used as bargaining chips to ensure that the terrorists get their way. The plans look good on paper, then the terrorists put them into action, where they fail (spectacularly) to stand against the Vatican Knights. There is a lot of collateral damage, but eventually the Vatican Knights complete their mission.
However, in Venezuela, new plans are in their infancy.
Pope Pius xxiii is in America with some of his bishops. The Soldiers of Islam are responsible for the kidnap of the Holy Father and his bishops, so they can be used as bargaining chips to ensure that the terrorists get their way. The plans look good on paper, then the terrorists put them into action, where they fail (spectacularly) to stand against the Vatican Knights. There is a lot of collateral damage, but eventually the Vatican Knights complete their mission.
However, in Venezuela, new plans are in their infancy.
November 10, 2019
Being a massive Lee Child fan, I wanted something to read inbetween waiting for his new book to be published. I was recommended these by a friend. If you like Lee Child, Rick Jones will not disappoint! An absolute page turner. I loved it. I just finished reading the first in the series of "The Vatican Knights" and have already downloaded the 2nd. Absolutely cannot wait to fill my reading list with the rest. It had just the right amount of political explanations so as not to confuse you but enough to understand the logistics of the situation and a hero who, in his description sounds so lost in his own personal turmoil, you just want to hug him and tell him everything is ok but who is so loyal, would willing die for the cause.... not before giving it a really good fight!! Highly recommended.
August 3, 2020
Love Kimbell Heyden
Would be nice to have a Kimbell in my life. Love the understanding of unspoken feelings because of the underlying circumstances and situation they live with. The story line was and is so today. Can't wait to read the book although reading it out of sequence. My understanding each book is a standalone with Kimbell and Shari as the arch from book to book. I hope he finds someone who will care and love him unconditionally inspite of his work with the Vatican.
Would be nice to have a Kimbell in my life. Love the understanding of unspoken feelings because of the underlying circumstances and situation they live with. The story line was and is so today. Can't wait to read the book although reading it out of sequence. My understanding each book is a standalone with Kimbell and Shari as the arch from book to book. I hope he finds someone who will care and love him unconditionally inspite of his work with the Vatican.
February 7, 2019
A well written story that captured me totally.
If you like a good adventure with spies, black ops and government intrigue, then this is a book for you. An easy read where good and evil do battle not only physically but spiritually and emotionally too. It can be read as a good novel but I dare you to read deeper to take the writers hidden story and use it as a mirror to take a look at oneself.
If you like a good adventure with spies, black ops and government intrigue, then this is a book for you. An easy read where good and evil do battle not only physically but spiritually and emotionally too. It can be read as a good novel but I dare you to read deeper to take the writers hidden story and use it as a mirror to take a look at oneself.
July 31, 2023
How far will people go for money, oil, homeland?
Excellent storyline , perfect for what's going on in the world today.
Conspiracies on top of conspiracies involving those you suspect the least. Something our previous so called president Trump would have loved to be a part of.
I've never heard of Vatican Knights and wonder if there is such a group. They were introduced in this story quite well.
Excellent storyline , perfect for what's going on in the world today.
Conspiracies on top of conspiracies involving those you suspect the least. Something our previous so called president Trump would have loved to be a part of.
I've never heard of Vatican Knights and wonder if there is such a group. They were introduced in this story quite well.
January 8, 2019
The Pope has been kidnapped, and a special forces team of secretive "Vatican Knights" team up with an FBI agent to get him back before World War 3 comes to pass.
I enjoyed the story, though I felt the character development was a little weak and as a whole, the book could have used more editing. Nonetheless, it's a fun book filled with likable characters and government conspiracy.
I enjoyed the story, though I felt the character development was a little weak and as a whole, the book could have used more editing. Nonetheless, it's a fun book filled with likable characters and government conspiracy.
December 17, 2021
Ein extrem gutes Buch in meinen Augen. Geheimbünde im Vatikan kennen wir alle aber hier wird das Ganze noch einmal auf die Spitze getrieben. Die Handlung schön komplex, die Spannungskurve sehr gut umgesetzt und auch die Charakterentwicklung ist extrem gut.
Freue mich schon darauf die restliche Buchreihe!
Freue mich schon darauf die restliche Buchreihe!
January 12, 2022
Book 1
Book 1 was interesting to read. The characters and plot where okay overall. The plot was not as exciting as I expected and gave all the information away with the characters. The characters where developed well, but seemed to be conflicted over a lot of non-essential information. The book also dragged a lot and was slow.
Book 1 was interesting to read. The characters and plot where okay overall. The plot was not as exciting as I expected and gave all the information away with the characters. The characters where developed well, but seemed to be conflicted over a lot of non-essential information. The book also dragged a lot and was slow.
May 10, 2023
I liked, but not very much, it was a fast paced book, but with so many characters to follow I gelt kinda lost sometimes, it's well written but with little dialog, it was more like a lecture book than fiction. A lot of "buts" here, I will continue with the series, but might take a while before I return.
February 9, 2024
Tries way too hard and ends a bit "meh".
Over-pumped goodies vs over-pumped baddies; Mossad, the FBI, the Pope, the Holocaust, Muslim terrorists, special forces and the Oval Office read like the plot from a straight-to-video 80s action movie. There's even mention of a kitchen sink at one point.
I won't be buying any more in the series.
Over-pumped goodies vs over-pumped baddies; Mossad, the FBI, the Pope, the Holocaust, Muslim terrorists, special forces and the Oval Office read like the plot from a straight-to-video 80s action movie. There's even mention of a kitchen sink at one point.
I won't be buying any more in the series.
May 11, 2017
New author to me
A really great riveting read first time of reading from this author but not the last will put him up there with. Clive cussler Jeffery Denver even Wilbur Smith could not put it down finished in one sitting cannot wait to go onto next one
A really great riveting read first time of reading from this author but not the last will put him up there with. Clive cussler Jeffery Denver even Wilbur Smith could not put it down finished in one sitting cannot wait to go onto next one
May 11, 2019
Clear you schedule before reading this book
I could not put this book down, it grabs you by the stones and holds on until the last page,even the epilogue made me want at least one more page.
I could not put this book down, it grabs you by the stones and holds on until the last page,even the epilogue made me want at least one more page.
August 15, 2022
Great start for the series
The first book in the Vatican knights series is very much like a TV pilot. Sets up all our protagonists and leaves some threads for future books. All in all if you want a solid action read this delivers. Can't wait to read more in this series!
The first book in the Vatican knights series is very much like a TV pilot. Sets up all our protagonists and leaves some threads for future books. All in all if you want a solid action read this delivers. Can't wait to read more in this series!
September 30, 2022
Loyalty above all else, except honour
Took me a couple of chapters to get used to the authors style of writing. After that I was engrossed in a world of espionage intrigue at the highest level of government. Looking forward to reading more about the Vatican Knights .
Took me a couple of chapters to get used to the authors style of writing. After that I was engrossed in a world of espionage intrigue at the highest level of government. Looking forward to reading more about the Vatican Knights .
August 28, 2024
Gibt es die Gruppe tatsächlich? Bei meinem letzten Rom-Besuch sind mir nur die dekorativen Schweizer Garden aufgefallen.
Doch ist vorstellbar, dass sich Profis unter dem drückenden Gewissen durch solcherweise geartete Taten ihre Absolution versprechen.
Doch ist vorstellbar, dass sich Profis unter dem drückenden Gewissen durch solcherweise geartete Taten ihre Absolution versprechen.
November 22, 2016
Great book with many twists and a great plot
The characters seem real and also the plot is quite believable
I liked this book
Shall be trying to get to the next in the series soon
The characters seem real and also the plot is quite believable
I liked this book
Shall be trying to get to the next in the series soon
November 1, 2017
Bought this book by mistake and glad I did.great book
February 9, 2018
Excellent Read
Enthralled throughout this book . Vivid and descriptive. Couldn't out it down. I look forward to reading another book by Rick
Jones
Enthralled throughout this book . Vivid and descriptive. Couldn't out it down. I look forward to reading another book by Rick
Jones
April 27, 2018
Exciting book
Quite enjoyed this read.it was an exciting ride of suspense and action set in a political arena of today. Excellent book!
Quite enjoyed this read.it was an exciting ride of suspense and action set in a political arena of today. Excellent book!
July 4, 2018
Great story line
Really enjoyed this book I will get the second in the series five stars very good characters and great ending
Really enjoyed this book I will get the second in the series five stars very good characters and great ending
July 23, 2018
Great story
Well written. No vulgar language. We get glimpses of character depth. Very complex story, very contemporary & timeless. Looking forward to next installment.
Well written. No vulgar language. We get glimpses of character depth. Very complex story, very contemporary & timeless. Looking forward to next installment.
August 11, 2018
A great beginning
Truly a thriller book. one that kept you guessing at every turn. it was well written and thought through. I look forward to reading more of them.
Truly a thriller book. one that kept you guessing at every turn. it was well written and thought through. I look forward to reading more of them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews