The Atlantis Riddle (Dan Kotler)

Dan Kotler #2

by Kevin Tumlinson

1914— Thomas Edison stands and watches his West Orange laboratory burn to the ground, taking his life’s work with it. And he smiles. In his pocket is a stone that is the key to untold mysteries, and with it he will start fresh, and create wonders beyond any of his previous work.

1974— Two US Army Special Forces officers uncover a lockbox filled with invaluable enemy intelligence that can turn the tide of the Vietnam conflict. Among the papers and maps is another stone, nearly identical to Edison’s. With this, the two officers will build a financial empire, corrupt to its core but powerful enough to elude even the FBI. TWO STONES, FOUND SIXTY YEARS APART, AND BOTH HOLDING CLUES TO WHAT MAY BE THE LOST CITY OF ATLANTIS Today— Dan Kotler, independent researcher and archeologist, is winding down from the events surrounding the theft and recovery of the Coelho Medallion, and discovering that the fallout of this history-altering adventure reaches further than he’d imagined. As academic colleagues shun him and the press hounds him, Kotler finds himself looking for a new purpose. When Gail McCarthy, granddaughter of one of Manhattan’s wealthiest real estate moguls, brings an ancient stone to Kotler’s attention, he finds himself embroiled once again in intrigue, jeopardy, and mystery. This time he may uncover one of history’s oldest secrets—if he survives long enough.Working with his friend from the FBI, Agent Roland Denzel, Kotler strikes out on a quest to uncover and solve the Atlantis Riddle, and once again rewrite history as we know it. ***** “Kevin has crashed onto the action-thriller scene as only an action-thriller author with provocative plot lines, unforgettable characters, and enough adrenaline to keep you awake all night.”—Nick Thacker, author of The Enigma Strain

***** “[Kevin Tumlinson] is what every writer should be—entertaining and thought-provoking.” — Shana Tehan, Press Secretary, U.S. House of Representatives

***** “There was something so fascinating about [Citadel] and the cast of characters [Kevin Tumlinson] put together.” — Leah Petersen, Author of Fighting Gravity

***** "I discovered Kevin Tumlinson from The Creative Penn podcast and immediately got his novel, Evergreen. I read it in like 3 seconds. It's the most fast-paced story I've encountered." —R.D. Holland, Independent Reviewer

***** "[Sawyer Jackson and the Long Land] was a great read! I love these style of books—magic, science fiction, alternate reality. I couldn't put it down." —S., Independent Reviewer

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Adventure, Amazon, Action, Thriller Suspense

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Kevin Tumlinson is a thriller and speculative fiction author traveling the U.S. with his wife, an RV, a chihuahua named Mini, and a fully-loaded laptop. He writes multi-million-dollar blockbusters that can be read for only a few bucks.

Kevin grew up in Wild Peach Texas—an actual village wedged between the Brazos and San Bernard Rivers, with a population of less than 2,500 people and seemingly not a peach tree within a hundred miles of the place. He has had an eclectic career that includes engineering, teaching, broadcasting and media, and marketing. He has also been the recipient of numerous awards for writing, public speaking, and his work in advertising and marketing.

At the moment, Kevin—along with his wife and his dog—are traveling full-time in an RV, exploring the US as Kevin writes and promotes his books. The inside joke is that they are going on the worlds most far-ranging house hunt. They're only half joking.

Learn more about Kevin and his work on his website, and get one of his best books for FREE when you join his mailing list at kevintumlinson.com

Reviews

[Zain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Saw It Coming!

Dan Kotler is back at work, helping a “pretty young thing,” find a missing map, which once belonged to Thomas Edison.

The map and “Edison Stones” are necessary to find the City of Atlantis, and all of the treasures hidden inside.

With FBI agent, Roland Denzel, at his side, hoping to stop illegal smuggling of historical treasures, they are waylaid by criminals, from the left to the right.

Despite his multiple PhDs, and “exorbitant IQ, Dan is constantly confused and mystified by the villains, who are always conveniently two steps ahead of him.

Archeological adventures is a great sub-genre for thrillers, and I love them, but sometimes, I’m more happy when the story is over.

Three stars. ✨

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Atlantis Riddle
(Dan Kotler #2)
by Kevin Tumlinson
This was an enjoyable thriller adventure but not as good as book one. This had plenty of action and mystery but mostly predictable. Enjoyed it but missed the thrill of book one!
This had Edison's map, magnetic stones, and maybe the clue to Atlantis!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real thriller!

This story was so exciting that I didn't want to put it down! I love archaeological thrillers,and this Author is one of my favorites!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Atlantis Riddle - a review by Rosemary Kenny

The eponymous riddle centres around an ancient-looking map and the links between it and the two halves of a stone tablet, which supposedly lead to treasures on the lost island city of Atlantis, in Book 2 of Kevin Tumlinson's excellent adventure series, starring action-man hero Dan Kotler and his sidekick FBI agent Roland Denzel.

The antagonist is underworld mastermind Gail McCarthy, who has a soft spot that she hides determinedly from her employees, in a world-wide crime network she inherited from her grandfather and 'Uncle', who ran it until she seized control from the latter after the death of the former. She and the 'good guys' have crossed swords before and she would have no hesitation in getting permanently rid of anyone, who stands between her and the fortune she intends to acquire no matter what.
Get your copy as soon as possible and settle down for a rip-roaring adventure mixed with historical information and accurate location descriptions, that will take you to the heart of the action and make you keen to read all Kevin Tumlinson's Dan Kotler books, which can be read in sequence or as standalone novels. Don't wait!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

A woman named Gail McCarthy approaches Dan Kotler in an underground garage with an intriguing story and an artifact. Dan is immediately interested and takes on another quest. He pulls his friend FBI Special Agent Roland Denzel into the hunt for, of all things, Atlantis.

Soon Dan is approached by a shadowy figure who calls himself Aslan. He has kidnapped Gail and demands that Dan and Roland assist him in finding the second half of the artifact and a map that is supposed to lead to the location of Atlantis.

This leads the men on another adventure and into danger. This is another action-filled quest that has surprises in store for the reader.

The book is well written and plotted. It is an easy and enjoyable read. One event follows another in a logical manner so that even though the central idea of Atlantis might be incredible, the reader is buying into the story all the way.

Next book, please, Mr. Tumlinson...

[Meenaz Lodhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I read the Coelho Medallion I've been captivated with this series! It's easy to read, the author explains everything in a plain idiom, easy to understand, many historical facts that I've been taking a look while reading, the geographic zones are perfectly described and the characters' performance is excellent. The story drags you within the plots, with many twists and unexpected situations. It's very realistic and makes me feel as if I'm actually there with Dan and his FBI friend, trying to solve the secrets, the mysteries,crawling through tunnels and caves...avoiding getting killed...with lots of humour, witty, friendship, kinship and sensitive. An astounding action/adventure thriller!

[Darel Krieger]

This book had the potential to be a real page turner but ended up being just okay.

[Gerrye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancestry

Enjoyed, maybe more so because I love ancestry! Great subject matter.
I'm terrible at writing reviews, but it kept me up late finishing it!

[Yibbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am so disappointed. I was really enjoying this story. Thit's a fabulous adventure. Mysterious artifacts, ancient scripts, maps, cutting edge technology, and remote locations. Naturally there were more kidnappings, extortions, and wild coincidences than plausible, but it was fun. It was even relatively clean. I would have compared it to a later Agatha Christie mystery for language and crudity.
Then - then the author felt the need to incert a two sentence blurb that destroyed this book (and the previous book in the series ) completely for me. I could not finish. He chose to create a side character who expresses a same-sex attraction for the hero. As far as I could tell those two sentences were as far as it went, I didn't want to read more to find out.
I was so disappointed. I've been looking for a good clean adventure for a long time. I guess the search goes on.

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow-on to the Coelho Medallion is an even better story as Kotler becomes embroiled in a new mystery with roots in the days of Thomas Edison. The writing is direct and effortless to read. Both old and new characters are presented in depth and become like people you know. It takes some time to identify the villain, and that in itself is part of the fun. The plot builds suspense as page after page of action and excitement leads Kotler and his FBI chum to strange destinations, mystery clues and the possibility of a rich fortune in antiquities. Tumlinson is a true professional in both the imaginative stories he develops and his ability to write them Beautifully.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another search for "Atlantis" tale involving Dan Kolter an archeologist/detective, his FBI friend and the search for ancient artifacts and a map that may lead to Atlantis. They have to contend with several characters from the dark side who are also in the hunt willing to shoot their way to getting their way.
The book defiantly ends with the need for a follow on to resolve the issue.

[Carlos Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Atlantis Riddle (Dan Kotler #2) by Kevin Tumlinson

This is the second installment of the Dan Kotler/Roland Denzel duo thrillers. Amazingly, the book is a stand-alone, so I was able to enjoy it without having read the first installment - The Coelho Medallion - a book I'm interested in reading because of what I just read.

The book opens in 1914, with Thomas Alva Edison at his West Orange, NJ compound as it is going out in flames. Apparently, Edison set the fire himself so he could build a new building to his specifications.

Next, we go to Laos 1974, in the middle of the Vietnam conflict, where captain Edward McCarthy and one of his officers, Richard Van Burren, find a rare stone alongside a map that has Edison's notes all over.

Then, we get into the present: September 16, 2016, and we meet Dan Kotler - an archaeologist and a man with multiple Ph.D.'s and lots of skills - who has just returned from finding Viking artifacts in an underground river in the US - thus the Coelho Medallion. Tired of his recent fame, and undermined by most of the present-day scholars - because Kotler doesn't follow the rules, he's approached by Abigail (Gail) McCarthy, Edward's granddaughter with a rare stone, claiming it could lead to the lost city of Atlantis.

The rest of the book is a very fast-paced, well researched, and an intellectual story full of adventure and danger. This is an action-filled quest that has surprises in store for the reader.

The story is narrated from the third-person point of view from the two main characters. Sometimes the writer switches from one to the other without giving the reader notice - the only reason I didn't give it five stars - but otherwise, it was an amazing tale. It dragged me in from the start and it was hard to put down. He keeps the mushy stuff to a minimum but allows his characters to be human and have feelings as well as intellect and just all-out great skills of many types. They are three dimensional and come out of the page - in part because Kotler is constantly profiling the people as he meets them.

Highly recommended!

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited

1914—Thomas Edison stands and watches his West Orange laboratory burn to the ground, taking his life’s work with it. And he smiles. In his pocket is a stone that is the key to untold mysteries, and with it he will start fresh, and create wonders beyond any of his previous work.

1974—Two US Army Special Forces officers uncover a lockbox filled with invaluable enemy intelligence that can turn the tide of the Vietnam conflict. Among the papers and maps is another stone, nearly identical to Edison’s. With this, the two officers will build a financial empire, corrupt to its core but powerful enough to elude even the FBI. TWO STONES, FOUND SIXTY YEARS APART, AND BOTH HOLDING CLUES TO WHAT MAY BE THE LOST CITY OF ATLANTIS

Today—Dan Kotler, independent researcher and archeologist, is winding down from the events surrounding the theft and recovery of the Coelho Medallion, and discovering that the fallout of this history-altering adventure reaches further than he’d imagined. As academic colleagues shun him and the press hounds him, Kotler finds himself looking for a new purpose.

When Gail McCarthy, granddaughter of one of Manhattan’s wealthiest real estate moguls, brings an ancient stone to Kotler’s attention, he finds himself embroiled once again in intrigue, jeopardy, and mystery. This time he may uncover one of history’s oldest secrets—if he survives long enough. Working with his friend from the FBI, Agent Roland Denzel, Kotler strikes out on a quest to uncover and solve the Atlantis Riddle, and once again rewrite history as we know it.



Secret of the Diamond Sword (Alex Kotler Mysteries Book 1)
The Brass Hall: A Dan Kotler Story {0.5}
The Coelho Medallion: A Dan Kotler Thriller {1}
The Atlantis Riddle (Dan Kotler) {2}
The Devil's Interval: A Dan Kotler Thriller {3}

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set after two major events, the first in 1914 with the burning of Thomas Edison’s Laboratory and his pocketing of a mysterious stone that will herald the wonders of his future work as well as the 1974 discovery of an ancient map by two US Special Forces officers on a mission in Vietnam, “The Atlantis Riddle” opens as Dan Kotler becomes entrenched in a mystery when Gail McCarthy, daughter of a wealthy real estate mogul brings an artifact of interest to him. Working with FBI agent and friend Roland Denzel they set out on an adventure filled with danger and intrigue to uncover the riddle of a map and stones that could lead them to the fabled city of Atlantis and a treasure in gold.

Fast-paced and action packed Dan Kotler searching for a new purpose in his life after is involvement in the theft and recovery of the Coelho Medallion is swept up in a deadly game armed with an ancient map, age-old writings and two mysterious stones to find a treasure lost for centuries. Well-written the plot twists and turns as he works with his friend Agent Denzel who’s immersed already in the criminal investigation of one of the owners of the stones. Plagued with kidnappings, threats and betrayal, intensity and suspense continually escalating, this exciting page-turner all too quickly rolls to a gripping conclusion.

Among the compelling characters breathing life into the story are Dan Kotler an independent researcher and archeologist who’s curious, smart and adventurous; the honest, ambitious and shrewd Agent Roland Denzel; the beautiful and devious Gail McCarthy; and the wealthy, arrogant, and egotistical Dr. Rodham. These characters and others fuel the plot with tension, energy and drama.

I thoroughly enjoyed the second novel in Dan Kotler's thrilling adventures, “The Atlantis Riddle”.

[Marty Langenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start with Thomas Edison in 1914. Jump forward to 1974 to see two U.S. Army in Vietnam open a box containing many pieces of valuable intelligence that may well help them win a war. More importantly, the box also contains a map and one half of a mysterious stone. There you have the start of a riddle.

Atlantis, Plato's fictional island, has been the inspiration for numerous novels before this one. And, why not. If it really exists, the rest of the story must also be true and there really will be huge mountains of gold to be found there. Plato refers to its location as being 'beyond the pillars of Hercules', so it might be a little difficult to find. Kevin Tumlinson finds it to be an uncharted island in the Indian Ocean, about 500 miles off the coast of Sri Lanka. Our hero, Dan Kotler, readily accepts that all of today's satellites could well have missed it. He estimates it's just ten miles long as he looks from the airfield to the coast.

There's lots of forest but no city that he can see. Not surprisingly, somewhere in the forest there's an entry and a long passage that leads Dan and the bad guys to the portal that can only be opened by ... (you'll have to read the book).

There's lots of intrigue and misdirection. There's a friend who isn't. There's a bad guy who is himself being manipulated by other bad guys. So, is it really Atlantis they've found? What's it got to do with Edison anyway? (At least some of his early efforts with the incandescent lamp have been preserved in the secret vault!)

This is a well-told tale that even Clive Cussler would be happy to put his name to.

[Jodi Pomerleau · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It was an okay read....It has a lot of elements that could make it exciting...archaeology, a mystery, bad guys, smart guys, but overall I thought it a little too trite. Seriously, if someone wanted to enlist the services of a smart archaeologist, it wouldn't have to be the way it was done in this book. Tricked into taking on the quest, then followed and coerced to solve the riddle in "thirty minutes or he dies". All these random time limits to solve a mystery that other people have been working on for 40 years to be solved in 30 minutes? Too many coincidences that are not explained. How can anyone travel the world and open the door to the person who is ahead of them in the quest, at the exact same place and time? There was no need for the fire at the beginning of the story....Edison could simply have built another garage. If you can suspend common sense for a couple hours, it's not a bad read...but it is pretty predictable. I also did not like the whole story laid out of the previous book....there's no need to read it now....not that I'd be rushing out to get it anyway.

[Adam Collings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up after the events of book 1, The Atlantis Riddle sends Dan Kotler into a whole new adventure, this time, in search of the greatest mystery in human memory - Atlantis. Kevin Tumlinson has an interesting way of taking elements of epic mythology and interpreting them in a way that makes sense in the real world. I really like how he did this with Atlantis, while still maintaining all the sense of wonder and mystery.
This was a fast-paced fun thriller with lots of meaningful character interactions. Despite being standalone, and completely satisfying in isolation, there is some great connecting tissue to the previous book, providing consequence and closure. At the same time, the book sets up strands that can continue to be explored in the future. These kinds of connections, in my opinion, only server to vastly improve a series.
Fun trivia - I read this book in 2 days, faster than I've ever read any novel in my life. (Part of that may be because I'm sick with Covid, but it's also a testament to the intense readability of this gem.)

[Sheila Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth or dare danger is their second name

Dan and Roland Denzel are pulled into yet another adventure. Gail McCarthy contacted Dan with some unusual stones which spiked his interests "Atlantis". There was a story behind them of her father and another of the special forces band of brothers who found the stones and a map, that was the beginning, Van Burren and her father became partners in smuggling and other illicit acts they became very rich, her father now dead but she doesn't want to continue the partnership with Van, Dan said he would be able to keep the stone safe which involves FBI Denzel. Not wanting to spoil the story nothing is as it seems nothing is straight forward not even people are who they seem. Twists and turns the plot takes you on a not too safe a journey life threatening through out red herring clues oh boy makes for a very exciting read. I recommend this book

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but it was really short. And this is such a man's book . The writing is so obviously male and everything about it screams that is was written by a man, about a man, for men. But I still enjoyed it.
Kotler is an academic who seems to be an expert in everything (seriously) and is currently into archeological finds. Oh, and he's Independently weathly, so he is able to fund all of his own projects. When a woman approaches him with a piece of a puzzle to finding Atlantis, he finds himself sucked into a world of mystery and danger, as several people are trying to figure out the puzzle and are more than willing to kill to get what they want. The books is very action-packed and read like a movie; very cinematic.

[Mary Enck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way the author, Kevin Tumlinson, has threaded bits of history here and there throughout this novel. It is fascinating to learn something while enjoying a great read. The character DanKotler and his FBI sidekick, get themselves into some pretty dire situations. There are discoveries and surprises, in this story, who does not like a surprise? Joining the characters as they make discoveries that lead them on to the next is what keeps the action moving. I believe the settings are so well sketched that is it easy to feel as if you are there having the same reactions to this exceptional adventure. I look forward to the next in the series of Dan Kotler books.

[Aloysius Kling Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first Dan Kotler book a couple years ago. I’m not a regular fan of thrillers, but I liked it enough that I planned to read the next book eventually. After almost two years, I finally got around to it, and I’m really glad I did. The Atlantis Riddle proved that sometimes a sequel can be better than the first in the series. Tumlinson’s plot may seem fantastical, but it’s just realistic enough that I found myself looking up Atlantis and Thomas Alva Edison on Wikipedia half-way through. The last thing I’ll say is that I liked The Atlantis Riddle enough that I added the next book, The Devil’s Interval, to my to-read list before I finished the last page.

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gail McCarthy is the granddaughter of a wealthy real estate mogul in Manhattan hires Dan Kotler an independent researcher and archaeologist to search for an ancient artifact. In 1914 Thomas Edison’s laboratory burns down with a stone which holds untold mysteries. In 1974 two US Army Special Forces find a lockbox filled with papers and a stone like the one Edison found. Kotler uncovers one of history’s oldest secrets working with his friend FBI Agent Roland Denzel. Kotler and Roland go on a quest to uncover and solve the Atlantis Riddle and the mystery of the stones which may lead to the lost city of Atlantis. I really enjoyed this phenomenal historical thriller novel.

[ReneE · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I've read in this series. While I really liked it, there were some editing issues, e.g., where the wrong word was used. For example, they "mounted" stairs but were actually going DOWN the stairs, not up; another example of wrong word used: they were " 'inserted' in the stones" (correct word: 'interested'). The story and characters kept my interest and I will probably pick up another in the series. I do suggest, however, that the author get more people reading/editing before publishing; it needs a little more polish.

[Corine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Kotler rises to a huge challenge again, with the considerable help of his partner investigator, Roland Denzel. They discover that Atlantis was real, and reachable, and loaded with incomprehensibly valuable treasures. They also find an elaborate, intensive international crime ring tied to it. The story has a few twists and some “I should have seen that coming” but the pair succeed in making a dent in the crime organization. There will be more to this story—trust me! I do believe Kevin Tumlinson has hit his stride in this genre.

[Alanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Atlantis Riddle was my first Dan Kotler novel but it will not be my last. Archialist Kotler has a way of finding ancient treasures and trouble. I really enjoyed this story, there were lots of twists and turns with lots of action. This was a completely fun read. I am a great fan of Kevin Tumlinson and will continue to read the Dan Kotler series. The great thing about these stories is the fact that even though its a series the books stand alone very well. There is not a lot of tedious sometimes annoy catch-up information.

[Sue Olexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Atlantis Riddle by Kevin Tumlinson was one of the best reads this year!! Not enough stars given to do justice to this book by an obviously SERIOUSLY talented Kevin Tumlinson!! Thank you Mr. Tumlinson for an exciting and well written read! I can now hardly wait for the next book from this Author. Action packed and exciting, with many unique twists and turns. I could not put it down.
The Atlantis Riddle is a dynamic book now in my book library and the reward is all MINE for having gotten a wonderful book by Kevin Tumlinson who excels at writing. HIGHLY recommend this book. ENJOY

[Julian Rasbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit! I am really enjoying this series. I haven't read this genre of fiction in a long time and this series is renewing my interest. I particularly like the interplay between Kotler and Denzel; reminds me of a somewhat similar relationship in the Lethal Weapon series-fun. The plot and subplots are woven together well and the twists are surprises, but logical and realistic. Overall a great adventure, on equal footing with Coelho Medallion. Now on to Devil's Interval and more adventure!

[Peter Earle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this, #2 in the Dan Kotler Series. I found it more credible than the first, which I did indeed enjoy, where Viking ships were discovered to have sailed down an underground river in the central USA. This one involves Thomas Edison and the sacking of an island which is a remnant of the fabled city of Atlantis.
Kevin Tumlinson is a writer to watch for.

See the full review at www.bookpostmortem.wordpress.com

[Ky Schlundt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is going places!

Amazing jump forward in this second book of the Dan Kotler series. It was gripping and kept moving fron start to finish. The character development of the main characters and the big new antagonists are fully developed. This type of big is my favorite, an archaeological mystery with a great bromance and complicated relationships. Nice work, Mr. Tumlinson!

[Sara Colburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, Adventure,Archaeology!! Kevin Tumlinson Take Me AWAY !!!!

Fast paced, exciting scenarios and characters that will grab your sense of adventure and drag you along for the ride. Kevin Tumlinson is the author for you. His characters are amazing and their stories keep you engaged from page one. So if you need to escape for awhile, join Dan and Roland for the time of your life.