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ARKANE #7

One Day in New York

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Any wish can be granted: money, power… even death itself can be beaten back. All it takes is the blood of an angel.

When a woman is tortured, hung from a cross, and burned alive in the center of New York City, Jake Timber is already on his way.

Tasked with locating an extremist group interested in a recently discovered relic, the Cloisters Cross, Jake expected trouble. After all, as one of the top agents of ARKANE, the secret organization entrusted with protecting the world from supernatural threats, he’s been in the game a long time, and has saved the world more than once.

But that’s the problem. Battered and broken again and again, the constant physical and mental struggles of his ARKANE missions have left Jake scarred.

Now, his investigation will lead Jake to the Blood of the Angel: a relic that can grant any wish to whoever drinks its contents. A race against time, and against the infinite resources of Gilles Noiret, a dying, ruthless billionaire willing to sacrifice anyone else to save his own life.

But this time, the race is different. Because this time Jake isn’t sure if he’s trying to stop Gilles and save the world… or if he’s looking for the Blood of the Angel so he can use it himself. What price would he pay to ease his own pain? Would he sacrifice one person? Two?

Or maybe even a whole city?

One Day in New York (readable as part of the bestselling ARKANE series or as a standalone title) is a supernatural adventure thriller from the mind of New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J.F. Penn. Click “Buy Now” and get your copy today!

116 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2015

21 people are currently reading
718 people want to read

About the author

J.F. Penn

55 books2,239 followers
I'm the award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, crime, dark fantasy, horror, short stories, and travel memoir.

Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...

The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."

The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.

The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...

A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.

You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/

I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page

I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Toni Osborne.
1,609 reviews53 followers
January 2, 2023
Book # 7 in the Arkane series

This story is a novella and stands well on its own. We have a religious aspect to this story but put that aside this is one great storyline. Ms. Penn knows how to bring her readers into the heart of her stories and gives us a thrilling ride with a supernatural edge. Her stories are fast-paced and weave together some ancient secrets, mystical possibilities and globetrotting protagonists beautifully.

We are in New York with Jake Timber back from his convalescence and eager to jump into action. In the Big Apple and assisted with Naomi Locasto they are sent to look into a case of a woman burned to a cross in downtown Manhattan. What follows is an adventure through the Big Apple’s underbelly where the duo face varied situations all more gripping than the previous one. The action is ceaseless and the thrills spellbinding. Ms. Penn excels in combining religious history into a compelling thriller.

This brilliant story is reasonably simple and provides us with a number of different layers giving it depth. At the heart of this story is the need to possess a magic vial, cure-all, a miracle potion sought after by a sick man trying to cure his ailment through the misuse of artifact and by the Arkane agents that want to stop him. Great characterisation as always and a warm narration only Ms. Penn can write.

Installment 7 is another wonderful thriller showing how Ms. Penn’s is a master in religious history and one accomplished storyteller.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,735 reviews40 followers
November 15, 2015
One Day in New York by J. F. Penn Note: Even though this is Book 7 in the series, it worked just fine as a stand alone story.
ARKANE agents Jake Timber and Naomi Locasto work together to thwart the efforts of a radical group called the Confessors. A burnt corpse on a cross marks the start of their efforts to tract down an ancient relic. Plenty of action and mystery makes up this tale.
Jake was a pretty interesting character. He’s South African by birth. Normally he works in London or Europe, but his last mission left him a bit dinged up. So he was sent to New York to work an easy case. However, this mission didn’t turn out to be as easy as he expected. Luckily, he had a local, Naomi, to show him around.
Naomi was also an interesting character. She’s worldly, clever, and a linguist. She’s also the one with the intel on what little is known about the Confessors. Together they seek answers by checking out the Cloisters Cross. Things do not go as planned. The action really picks up at this point and the ARKANE agents must move swiftly to successfully stop the Confessors.
Behind the scenes is a very determined man who will stop at almost nothing to obtain a cure to a long-term poisoning he is suffering from. While this character was pretty one dimensional, he added extra depth to the plot. Not only does ARKANE have to deal with the Confessors, but they also got this guy pulling strings.
I really enjoyed the mix of action, quiet contemplation of larger things (like angels), and the very light romantic interest between the two main characters. If you haven’t checked out other books in this series, then I feel this is a good one to give a try. It has definitely intrigued me.
I received a copy of this audiobook at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Narration: Jeffrey Kafer did a very nice job with this book. He had a nice, light South African accent for Jake. His female voices were believable and distinct. His French accent was also excellent.
Profile Image for Neil.
543 reviews57 followers
March 3, 2016
Another novella in the ARKANE series, and this one is book 7. Despite it being part of a series it is easy enough to read as a stand alone book. Unusually this book follows the steps of ARKANE agent Jake Timber. Those familiar with the series will know that he has just recovered from a nearly fatal snakebite. He has been sent to New York to investigate a medieval religious artefact, known as the Cloisters Cross. He soon runs afoul of a group known as The Confessors.
Once again meticulous research has gone into this book, as the story sweeps across New York and Manhattan Island. Some intriguing sites are visited, as the race is underway to reclaim the cross, and to solve a mystery. Beneath the city there is a dark secret, could this artefact hold the answers? Jake is teamed up with an American researcher, Naomi Locasto, from the ARKANE's New York office.
The reader also gains more of an insight into Jake's background.
Profile Image for Cathy Hunter.
364 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2022
What a great short story this was - in fact what a great series this is. I love the ARKANE novels, they are always full of action and contain just the right amount of the supernatural to have you occasionally holding your breath but not so much it become too over the top.

In a break from the norm Morgan Sierra is not featured in this book as the story concentrates on her recently injured partner Jake. This one day in New York is far from a normal day and not at all what Jake was expecting - but that's what working for ARKANE is all about.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
June 29, 2015
I have never read or listened to anything by this author she sure pulled me in and had me believing in the Supernatural. I was hooked almost from page one. The author has a wonderful writing style that pulls you in and keeps you turning the page. This was a short story which she has all her facts never leaving you guessing as to what has happen or is happening. This is a book about the past, what is yet to come and choices that needs to be made. Each choice we make has a reaction maybe good or it could be bad as the characters in this book are about to find out. The author gives you an action packed read that will leave you thinking Oh My. I enjoyed this so much I decided to get the first audio in this series for an outstanding price. I am looking forward to listening to Stone of Fire (ARKANE Book 1) to see how this series started.

Jake is in New York to investigate the eleventh century Cloisters Cross. One man wants it for what he thinks it will bring him. This man seeks the powerful relic of a dark angel he will stop at nothing to get it as he crucified a woman is on a burning cross in downtown Manhattan. Jake and Naomi they become entangled in the mystery as things unfold which could mean life or death for them. What power does this relic have, why is one man willing to kill for it? Jake will have to make choices as he finds out the mystery and what lies behind it.

Jeffrey Kafer does a great job on the narration at first I was undecided but he didn’t take long to pull me in to the world of supernatural as he gives a compelling tell of the mystery and what it pertains. I really hated to see the story end I was so hooked into this tale.

J.F. Penn has an easy style of writing that hooks you why she makes you a believer. She puts her stamp on her books with style as she spins a tale of mystery while giving you the thrills of a fast pace read. The characters are wonderful you feel what they are going through as they try to deal with the facts. Jake was a wonderful character as he does his best to save what the relic holds and keep it out of unknown hands. The ending is outstanding which gave me faith in mankind. If you enjoy a great thriller this is the book for you, give this author a try you might find you have a new favorite author. I have to say it was a nice change from my normal romance I really enjoyed this listen.
Profile Image for Cyd Madsen.
80 reviews12 followers
March 14, 2015
There are few release notices I have set to disturb me when I'm out and about, and anything by JF Penn is one of them. I literally abandoned my shopping cart in the store and ran to the car to dig into this new release. I was not disappointed. Jake is on his own in New York City, on the mend and gaining strength with a new character I hope will return again and again to this series. As always, Penn brings the reader into the heart of the story and holds them there with a thrilling ride through ancient secrets and mystical possibilities lurking in the modern world. The book was a breathless read that left me hearing only the sounds Penn captured of New York's heartbeat in competition with my own thudding heartbeat as the action intensified. The research was flawless and matched only by the author's imagination--a beautiful combination.. The world Penn creates is so beautifully constructed the reader can't help but hold their breath as they wonder if these supernatural events could be happening--are happening--at this very moment. Yes, the action is unrelenting and the thrills spellbinding, but perhaps my favorite part of this series is the blending of compassion and hard-won selflessness of the characters in their determination to win the day over the evil ever pounding at our gates. In this installment of the ARKANE series, Jake comes up against a temptation in the climax few could resist, and that's all I'll say about that. I recommend that readers treat themselves to an exciting adventure with this book, and to fasten their seatbelts for one heck of a ride.
Profile Image for Melinda VanLone.
Author 19 books71 followers
March 13, 2015
I was excited to see that New York City was going to be the location for this latest novella in the Arkane series. Since I've actually been there, I could picture the setting so easily and now I have to say I'll never look at the buildings the same way again. Who knows what's lurking under the street! Well, read this and you'll find out about one possibility right under the library...and it'll make perfect sense! Always knew there had to be supernatural type creatures underneath New York.

This is a fast paced, exciting side trip for Jake. He's full of self doubt and needing a way to regroup. But instead of resting like most people, he's involved in figuring out why a woman was crucified on the Highline. I've walked the Highline...it's so peaceful! I can't even imagine...no wait, I totally did. I could SEE a cross there...and it brought shivers. SHIVERS.

As always, this has a bit of religious history, artifacts from ages past, and a touch of the other-worldliness that fills the whole series. I missed Morgan, but it was cool to see Jake out on his own, finding his center, and doing what he does best...taking care of business. This is a fun, quick read. If you're a fan of Dan Brown you'll love this series. It's all the historical info, with a lot less of the info-dumping Brown gets mired in. And every now and then a little bit of British accent leaks out from the pages.
701 reviews51 followers
December 12, 2016
One Day in New York is a test for Jake Timber to re-evaluate himself if he can be a partner to Dr. Morgan Sierra. In the past series of the ARKANE series, Jake has been injured twice and now he questions himself if he can still be an ARKANE agent.

In One Day in New York, Jake has to locate an artifact with the help of an ARKANE linguist, Naomi Locasto. What began as a murder investigation turns out to be a race to find a relic of angel that is can grant a wish and in return can destroy City of New York.

I love the the way the story begins. It starts with a carpenter who is putting a cross together and no one questions him. In the time of 9/11, people are still oblivious. It is an attention grabber and enter Jake Timber. It is a great action pack story as Jake and Naomi (a field newbie) tried to place the pieces together to prevent another supernatural disaster all within a day. It is also a self-discovery of what Jake and Naomi can do as ARKANE agents.

The narrator, Jeffrey Kafer does a pretty good job in narrating Jake Timber's adventure. He gives a very good dimension to Jake's character in this book.

I was given this audiobook by the author to write a voluntary review. I was not compensated or influenced in any way for writing this review.

91 reviews
September 8, 2015
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. One Day in New York is book 7 in the ARKANE series. This is a shorter book, but still filled with all the action and excitement weaved throughout the history and religion that go into making the story. Jake is on his own for this very short mission in New York and he works with Naomi Lasostro. At the exhibition of the Cloisters Cross everyone is drugged so the cross could by stolen for a man named Gilles. The cross is suppose to contain a small vial of the blood from an angel and he thinks will cure him. Jake and Naomi take off to find the thieves. This leads to an adventure that takes them from the Convent of the Guardian Angel to the underground areas in New York that leads to the lower levels of the New York Library to an island that housed an Insane Asylum and is now a cemetery for the unclaimed dead. Do they find the vial of blood? Does Gilles drink it or can they keep it safe. Even though this is a shorter book, it is still packed with all the excitement and action you have come to expect and want from JF Penn.
Profile Image for Christine Myers.
19 reviews8 followers
March 17, 2015
I am growing to like the novella style as used in J.F. Penn’s ARKANE series. Instead of seeing these pieces as too short, I now see them as extra content that enrich the ARKANE world. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a whole story that didn’t feature Morgan Sierra except as referenced in the protagonist’s thoughts, but enjoy it I did.

Morgan’s partner Jake Timber spends his day in New York doing some sight-seeing that most would consider horrific. He teams up with New York Agent Naomi Locasto to track a murderous group bent on stealing a holy relic for a terminally ill man determined to save himself at all costs. There are underground tunnels, hidden libraries, mortal danger and a supernatural being. Somehow in all of this action there is time to learn more about Jake, his tragic past and current feelings for Morgan Sierra.

I encourage you to add this treat to your To Be Read pile, and sooner rather than later.
Profile Image for Nigel.
561 reviews7 followers
February 26, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive this as an advance copy, thank you Joanna.
This is the first of Joanna's books where Jake Timber is the lead character as Morgan is away. The start is a little gruesome with the crucifixion scene but thats what we have grown to expect and enjoy about Joanna's books, the research and detail she goes into is excellent. Jake who is still trying to find his old self is joined by a non field agent from the New York office and they must hunt down the secrets behind the murder and interest in the relic of a dark angel that could destroy the city will they succeed?. A great story moving along at good pace very enjoyable characters and would like to see more of Jake's solo missions but of course also reunited with Morgan.
Profile Image for Leanne Hunt.
Author 9 books45 followers
July 24, 2015
This is a quick read with lots of intrigue and action. I loved the plot with its partly-historical references to cloisters and underground archives in the centre of New York. Also the settings, from the art museum to the mass grave to the New York Stock Exchange. Joanna Penn has such a talent for finding stories in the cracks between mundane things and places, and for delving into the mystical beliefs and experiences of her characters.
Personally, though, I would have liked the story to be more fleshed out, in the style of her first ARCANE thriller. With such fascinating objects to investigate and such complex characters to explore, it would be nice if the novel lasted longer and took the reader deeper into the hearts and minds of Jake and his temporary agent assistant.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews100 followers
July 13, 2015
I have never read this author before, but I will now! Novellas are not usually my thing, but this one is rather like a hook to get one addicted to others in the series. The protagonists feel real, and the visualization is clear and relatable. Good evidence of sound historical research and vivid imagination. See publisher's summary for lead in without spoilers. Be assured, this read is worth the time and money!
Sorry, but personally, I don't think that Kafer was a good fit here. His style is a little too detached for my taste. Good on a technical level, but just not engaged.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."
Profile Image for Annie.
938 reviews32 followers
August 18, 2015
** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

This was creepy from the start...a person being burnt on a cross is never a good sign! The story is quick and intense, and one you will not want to put down! Jake is an arkane agent and comes to NY to help investigate an ancient cross that may have fallen into the wrong hands...and gets more than what he bargains for....danger ensues and he finds himself having to make a decision that could possibly destroy the city but may help him get the revenge he has wanted for his family for a long time....Pretty good listen..and made me want to listen to the whole series! Great narration and I recommend!!

Thank You Audiobookblast(dot)com
7 reviews
March 15, 2015
J.F. Penn never disappoints so it was no surprise that her newest ARKANE thriller is packed with action and thrills. Jake is on his own without Morgan Sierra in this novella. He is working hard to get himself back on track and ready to take on whatever exciting and dangerous adventures ARKANE may need him for. He proves to himself and to us that he is ready to team up once again with Morgan. If you are already a fan of the ARKANE series, you will enjoy this excellent bridge novella. If you are a first-time reader, I recommend you start at the beginning and be ready for a thrill ride through one adventure after the other.
Profile Image for Shen Hart.
Author 4 books15 followers
March 13, 2015
This is a tightly-written, fast-paced, read with plenty of action and excellent character development given the length of the book. The plot manages to slip in a few twists which elegantly weave in the thorough research, and tops if off with beautiful imagery. I'm really pleased to see that the author has found her voice and definitely shines with this novella. This is a fantastic book for those who love good thrillers with plenty of deeper layers combined with good action and fabulous characters.

I highly recommend this novella.
Profile Image for Uma.
143 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2016
Jake is back! Finally!! I missed having a (somewhat) neutral tone to the plot that Jake provided and as a reader I hope to get more insight into his character as the series progresses. More importantly, I'm waiting for the next book to release so Jake and Morgan will be on another adventure!!
P. S. I also loved the setting of New York and the sewers and the island. Brings the (somewhat) parts of the city to life in a very good way.
P. P. S. Naomi!
Profile Image for Gabrielle.
419 reviews10 followers
July 1, 2015
Latest novella from Penn

I have read all of J F Penn's books and looked forward to this one. My only complaint: too short! The was room for lots more detail and exploration of characters, but under the constraints of a novella there was no room. Will be anxiously awaiting the next installment.
322 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2015
Pure fun!

Penn's writing is like mind-candy. Not to diminish or in any way take away from the intricate plots, detailed characters, fabulous geography and culture, or historical and religious research done! This story is best read in one sitting if possible, to get the full blast of pictures that the author intends. Can't wait to see how Jake is affected following this story!
Profile Image for Michael Mardel.
Author 16 books10 followers
April 22, 2015
One day in New York by Penn is another masterpiece of a novella. The back story of Jake (and Morgan) is woven into the story throughout as he and his new side-kick, Naomi, race the baddies to find an artifact or two. There is plenty of tension and some supernatural happenings which one expects from an ARKANE book. Where will Penn pop up next?
582 reviews
November 30, 2016
Great read. A fast paced tale that ended too quickly. Jake's first solo adventure was very entertaining. I read it in one sitting. ARKANE adventures are exciting and educational. I can't wait for the next adventure, I only hope it is longer.
Profile Image for Graham Downs.
Author 11 books65 followers
November 20, 2019
In a similar way to One Day In Budapest, this one again separates the ARKANE agents. In this case, it's the turn of Jake Timber to go on a short mission without his regular partner.

I think it works because it really does remind me of a TV series, where one of the main characters is away for an episode because the actor needed a day off (which obviously isn't the case in a book), and it gives us the opportunity to learn a bit more about the other.

In Jake's case, we get to go a bit deeper into his South African heritage. We learn how he was raised Afrikaans (kudos to J.F. Penn for adding that reference) on a farm in Walkerville, and his parents were killed in a farm murder. It was also nice to hear about his time in Rwanda during the aftermath of the genocide. I was impressed that the author didn't mess up any of the references -- although admittedly, she didn't try to WRITE anything in Afrikaans!

The actual mission was pretty cool. A corpus is missing from an old cross, and it contains an ancient and powerful relic to do with Guardian Angels and the granting of wishes.

No complaints... except my usual: alright is not a word. But I guess I'm going to have to get over that at some point, hey?

Click here to find out where you can get the ebook: https://books2read.com/u/mBOKXk

Note: That link goes to a landing page with links to other stores. Some of THOSE links are affiliate links, which means if you end up buying the book, I stand to earn a commission.
364 reviews8 followers
March 25, 2021
ARKANE Agents Jake Timber and Naomi Locasto, a linguist, are in NYC to investigate a centuries-old Cloistered Cross exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, supposedly connected to a relic, rumored to be the blood of a dark angel. As a result of extremist chatter on the dark net, they are drawn into a mystery surrounding the search for the relic by a group called the Confessors, who are willing to destroy the city to find it. The group is acting on the demand by a rich old man that they recover the relic, so he can ingest the blood, to cleanse his body of the poison that is slowly killing him. The quest takes the characters through many twists, turns and surprises that kept me glued to the story, losing sleep along the way. Ms. Penn’s writing shows that she does a lot of research into the subject matter and the location, so the reader can easily see the story unfold as if you’re present. She combines the facts with her vivid imagination to create a very readable story that makes sense. I have read and enjoyed her Mapwalker series and now this ARKANE series. I recommend that you read them in series order, because she adds more depth to the regular characters in each book. I have purchased all of the remaining books in this series and am looking forward to reading them all.
679 reviews5 followers
August 16, 2024
There is a lot to be said for proper research even for authors of fiction and author JF Penny is renowned for her research in this Arcane series.
But Enochian? I have never heard of such before until I read it in One Day in New York and googled it.
Neither did Jake Timber till it became part of his search in the killing of a nun ( a mother superior actually) and the disappearance of across called the Cloisters Cross.
And suddenly the mystery deepened and life in New York took on new mysterious tones and brooding searches in the darkest depths of the most surprising places.
This novella is not that long but it certainly manages to keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the large paragraph.
Enjoy
Profile Image for Roger.
5,685 reviews28 followers
May 28, 2020
One Day in New York: An ARKANE Thriller (ARKANE #7), my ninth read from author J.F. Penn. A shorter (2-hour 25-minute) read. This time Jake is on his own in the Big Apple with a different partner, also from the Big Apple. Captivating, with well-developed characters coupled with an outstanding suspense story-line with its intricately woven twists and turns. Penn, as always, does a good job with her character development; you can like and/or hate these characters. A different narrator for Jake's adventure. Jeffrey Kafer does a fine job of becoming the voice of Jake for this book. I'll be reading more by this author as I get more of her books. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Debbie.
850 reviews9 followers
March 30, 2025
This gripping story takes place in New York City, where a nun is crucified and burned alive in a shocking public display. ARKANE agent Jake Timber is tasked with investigating the incident, which leads him to uncover a dangerous extremist group seeking a powerful relic known as the Cloisters Cross. The relic is said to hold the "Blood of the Angel," capable of granting any wish to those who possess it. The book is a fast-paced adventure filled with mystery, historical intrigue, and supernatural elements. It's a race against time as Jake and his team work to stop the extremists before they unleash chaos on the city.
Profile Image for Eldon Farrell.
Author 17 books106 followers
September 5, 2019
This was my first book by J.F. Penn and I'm left with a single word to describe it - formulaic. Was a time, such a description would've been an insult to a writer, though today I'm not so sure. It seems writing a story similar to every other story in your genre is a sought after trait. It certainly hasn't hurt J.F. Penn's career any.

Overall, there was just nothing memorable here. I'm left feeling like I've read this story so many times before. Granted though, the other times, it ended better.

3 stars.
Profile Image for Chris Buensuceso.
43 reviews
April 26, 2021
This is nice... a change of view... its not long but its not bad... the settings were always greatly described... i can always picture the moments in mind while reading just like the previous books in the series... this writing is starting suck me in its world... this is amazing... i hope next is as good....
Profile Image for Ronel Janse van Vuuren.
Author 68 books55 followers
July 28, 2021
Jake deals with the torments of his past and present, and finally heals.

Fanatics run about, killing people for a relic that they can never possess – Jake is just too smart for them.

Some interesting history, a fun jaunt through secret places in New York, and a bit of social commentary along with the hints of the occult.

A thrilling read.
Profile Image for Dean Kutzler.
Author 19 books45 followers
May 9, 2017
AD Day in a Thriller!

Originally being from New York, I absolutely loved this short book! Joanna never disappoints with her high stakes, fast-paced adventures, stitched in reality. On to the next!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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