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The Templar Map
The FBI is searching for it.
Vatican soldiers are killing people to find it.
The criminal organization that got cheated out of it, is looking for blood.
Into the office of Private Detective Jason Dalton, walks a beautiful widow who knows the location of a priceless Templar map.
When the case began, Dalton had an office in one of those old buildings downtown. You know the type, built in the twenties with a marble staircase, a huge lobby that smelled old and stale, a broken elevator with brass fixtures. Dalton and young Nick, his assistant, were working nickel and dime stuff: missing persons, insurance fraud, and rounding up a fugitive here and there.
Then she arrived. Dalton heard heels clicking on the tile landing, and looked up from his desk. Into his office walked a redhead with an envelope full of cash. As she crossed the room in that tight skirt, his mouth dropped open.
Mrs. Sophie Devonshire had been attacked. Her home had been burglarized. It all started, she said, when she found a photo of an old metal disc among her late husband’s things. Could Mr. Dalton determine what it was? And could he help her find it?
As Mrs. Devonshire was telling her story, Dalton saw movement through the glass door of his office.
The second he looked up, two military goons burst into the office with assault rifles.
Sophie Devonshire jumped up and screamed.
Dalton grabbed her and pushed her into the corner, as though he could protect her. Of course, he was crazy. He couldn’t protect her. The soldiers had weapons aimed at him. Thinking he could protect her was rational thinking, used for chitchat around a lunch table. Attacks like this were dealt with differently. Another part of the brain was needed. Dalton’s heartbeat pounded like a drum solo in his ears, driving out rational thinking.
Out of desperation, Dalton picked up the only weapon he could reach, a steel block paperweight on the desk, and waved it at the intruders.
One of the soldiers fired his weapon.
Vatican soldiers are killing people to find it.
The criminal organization that got cheated out of it, is looking for blood.
Into the office of Private Detective Jason Dalton, walks a beautiful widow who knows the location of a priceless Templar map.
When the case began, Dalton had an office in one of those old buildings downtown. You know the type, built in the twenties with a marble staircase, a huge lobby that smelled old and stale, a broken elevator with brass fixtures. Dalton and young Nick, his assistant, were working nickel and dime stuff: missing persons, insurance fraud, and rounding up a fugitive here and there.
Then she arrived. Dalton heard heels clicking on the tile landing, and looked up from his desk. Into his office walked a redhead with an envelope full of cash. As she crossed the room in that tight skirt, his mouth dropped open.
Mrs. Sophie Devonshire had been attacked. Her home had been burglarized. It all started, she said, when she found a photo of an old metal disc among her late husband’s things. Could Mr. Dalton determine what it was? And could he help her find it?
As Mrs. Devonshire was telling her story, Dalton saw movement through the glass door of his office.
The second he looked up, two military goons burst into the office with assault rifles.
Sophie Devonshire jumped up and screamed.
Dalton grabbed her and pushed her into the corner, as though he could protect her. Of course, he was crazy. He couldn’t protect her. The soldiers had weapons aimed at him. Thinking he could protect her was rational thinking, used for chitchat around a lunch table. Attacks like this were dealt with differently. Another part of the brain was needed. Dalton’s heartbeat pounded like a drum solo in his ears, driving out rational thinking.
Out of desperation, Dalton picked up the only weapon he could reach, a steel block paperweight on the desk, and waved it at the intruders.
One of the soldiers fired his weapon.
200 pages, ebook
First published December 25, 2017
159 people are currently reading
1480 people want to read
About the author
K. R. Hill
21 books103 followersK.R. Hill is a mystery/thriller author. He left the states at a young age to satisfy a need for adventure. During a decade of travel he harvested apples in Switzerland, taught English in Germany, lived on a kibbutz in Israel, traveled atop supply trucks across Sudan, and lived in an abandoned house beside the Caribbean, where he daily spear-fished for food. While abroad, he wrote several novels and sold travel articles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 21, 2022
25% Okay that's enough. DNF!
I recently read a book where the main characters job description was:
'Assassinating drug lords with terrorist ties was something he did part-time when he wasn't busy with his regular gig, as a bouncer at a strip club in Queens.'
A good four star read. So I'm up for some fun light reading without elegant prose. Elegant what?
If you are going to put your book out there for the public to read get a strong editor or get ready for brutal reviews.
How old is the author? 12? He writes like one. So poorly written. Slow down. Give the scene time to develop.
Utter garbage. Shame on the five star shills.
I recently read a book where the main characters job description was:
'Assassinating drug lords with terrorist ties was something he did part-time when he wasn't busy with his regular gig, as a bouncer at a strip club in Queens.'
A good four star read. So I'm up for some fun light reading without elegant prose. Elegant what?
If you are going to put your book out there for the public to read get a strong editor or get ready for brutal reviews.
How old is the author? 12? He writes like one. So poorly written. Slow down. Give the scene time to develop.
Utter garbage. Shame on the five star shills.
June 20, 2022
Interesting tale with a lot of action. I enjoyed it for the most part but it seemed to be a bit simplistic in that there were not many details about people, places, situations for the readers to grasp on to. Almost felt like the author was summarizing a movie or something. Still, it was a pleasant way to pass a little time.
April 30, 2018
The storyline was a fast paced page turner
April 11, 2018
A fast-paced entertaining read.
The characters barely had time for coffee with so many different teams of bad guys chasing them. Their situation was further complicated because not all of the bad guys were who they seemed they were and some switch sides a couple of times during the story.
The characters barely had time for coffee with so many different teams of bad guys chasing them. Their situation was further complicated because not all of the bad guys were who they seemed they were and some switch sides a couple of times during the story.
May 4, 2018
Good, light reading
I liked the plot and the action. The characters could have been developed a little more and I would have liked to have been more involved in how the clues were obtained. The information just seemed to appeared.
I liked the plot and the action. The characters could have been developed a little more and I would have liked to have been more involved in how the clues were obtained. The information just seemed to appeared.
June 16, 2018
Great read. Well developed story with excellent characters
Great read. Well developed story with exciting characters
I recommend this book to all who like a good action packed
Adventure.**** stars
Great read. Well developed story with exciting characters
I recommend this book to all who like a good action packed
Adventure.**** stars
July 16, 2022
Could use some work
I tried really hard to make it through this book. Although I did finish it, I didn’t really enjoy it. I liked the premise and the idea of the story but it fell short. Hard to miss the clichés, choppy sentences, and misspellings (“the being bag hit the commander…”). Needs character development and better flow (childish conversations/banter).
I tried really hard to make it through this book. Although I did finish it, I didn’t really enjoy it. I liked the premise and the idea of the story but it fell short. Hard to miss the clichés, choppy sentences, and misspellings (“the being bag hit the commander…”). Needs character development and better flow (childish conversations/banter).
May 1, 2018
Loved this book
Thus book has it all, action, intrigue, love and twists to keep you guessing. Can't wait to read any others in the series.
Thus book has it all, action, intrigue, love and twists to keep you guessing. Can't wait to read any others in the series.
May 23, 2018
Great adventure!
A fast moving read, full of well developed and sometimes quirky characters. This book will take you around and back again. Waiting for more!
A fast moving read, full of well developed and sometimes quirky characters. This book will take you around and back again. Waiting for more!
May 27, 2018
Good Read
First book by this author. Quite enjoyed this book although found it a bit muddled at times. Plenty of action and colourful characters.
First book by this author. Quite enjoyed this book although found it a bit muddled at times. Plenty of action and colourful characters.
April 22, 2018
Not bad
Pretty good story line with plenty of action and intrigue. The author leaves you wondering just exactly where he is taking you on this thrill ride.
Pretty good story line with plenty of action and intrigue. The author leaves you wondering just exactly where he is taking you on this thrill ride.
May 31, 2018
Robuster.
The book has a good hook. The dialogue between the characters is bad . Very juvenile. The book reads badly because of this.
There are points in the story that is well written. That shows promise. Unfortunately for the story and us readers they are few and far between. I think this story could have used a more detailed history of the artifacts and their history.
I would recommend this book for all of its faults. The price point is excellent and if you can over look the childish dialogue it’s a good tale.
The book has a good hook. The dialogue between the characters is bad . Very juvenile. The book reads badly because of this.
There are points in the story that is well written. That shows promise. Unfortunately for the story and us readers they are few and far between. I think this story could have used a more detailed history of the artifacts and their history.
I would recommend this book for all of its faults. The price point is excellent and if you can over look the childish dialogue it’s a good tale.
April 23, 2018
I won a kindle version #GoodreadsGiveaway
May 23, 2018
review
The idea behind the book was interesting. But the execution was not good. The book had a lot of stereotypes. For example Dr. Singh just came across as a
Stereotypical middle-aged man. I just found it distracting. Also there were scene breaks. One sentence you were in Daltons office. Next the police station. Overall it was an okay book.
The idea behind the book was interesting. But the execution was not good. The book had a lot of stereotypes. For example Dr. Singh just came across as a
Stereotypical middle-aged man. I just found it distracting. Also there were scene breaks. One sentence you were in Daltons office. Next the police station. Overall it was an okay book.
March 13, 2018
A very good read
I chose this book because it has to do with archeology. I was not dispointed . Thank you for a wonderful read.
I chose this book because it has to do with archeology. I was not dispointed . Thank you for a wonderful read.
December 7, 2018
Fantastic story Dan Brown would be proud.
May 31, 2018
Fast-paced entertainment. Not exactly brain food, but a wonder filled distraction.
February 10, 2018
Private Detective Jason Dalton has no idea what he is in for when beautiful Mrs. Sophie Devonshire walks in his office,but he is about to find out real quick! Seems she has information on something that the FBI is searching for, the criminal orgainzation got cheated out of and ready to make someone pay in blood for it and Vatican soldiers are killing people to find it. This is a fast paced story with in my opinion kind of Indiana Jones feel to it. There are some rather 'odd' characters along the way that you will enjoy knowing. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. The review is my own opinon.
February 17, 2018
Good story!
This wasn't the story I expected, but it was a good thrill ride. Good story line, good character development, had me until the very end! Might want to reassess your blurb.
This wasn't the story I expected, but it was a good thrill ride. Good story line, good character development, had me until the very end! Might want to reassess your blurb.
July 6, 2018
Action packed
Story was good but characters needed more background from the onset. Couldn't tell if hero was tough guy or just lucky. Story needs windproof reading. Example- Lowenstein or lowenthal
Story was good but characters needed more background from the onset. Couldn't tell if hero was tough guy or just lucky. Story needs windproof reading. Example- Lowenstein or lowenthal
February 25, 2025
I want to thank Kevin R. Hill, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for my eBook Kindle copy of The Templar Map that I won in the Giveaway.
Positives:
Great action from beginning to end.
Great characters with lots of quirky variety.
Plot full of unexpected twists and full of surprises.
Many parts had unexpected humor mixed with serious situaltions.
I can't wait to read another book by Kevin R. Hill
Negatives:
NONE!
Positives:
Great action from beginning to end.
Great characters with lots of quirky variety.
Plot full of unexpected twists and full of surprises.
Many parts had unexpected humor mixed with serious situaltions.
I can't wait to read another book by Kevin R. Hill
Negatives:
NONE!
May 7, 2022
Mixed review, story perhaps aligned to those with any interest in archeology. A well-dressed woman walks into the office of Private Investigator Dalton & his staff speaking of an artifact her late husband may have come into possession of during one of his trips to Europe. Story wanders back and forth between Dalton's guys trying to locate the artifact for the widow and some henchmen from Israel plus Vatican officials entering the scene with threats, each claiming when Dalton finds it that it belongs to them. The artifact is called Solomon's Key, from a few thousand years ago, and has a map on it supposedly leading to a treasure, which is why everyone wants it.
Jax is Dalton's former lover, who he was forced to leave behind when he entered the witness protection program. She searched far and wide for two years trying to locate him. He learns she is now working at a nearby courthouse. They reconnect when Dalton is brought in for interrogation due to the body of a federal agent being found in a trunk in a house he's searching for the artifact.
The story had a few twists, which kept me interested. But one of the biggest problems I had with the book was the slipshod editing. Would have rated it a 5 star otherwise.
Jax is Dalton's former lover, who he was forced to leave behind when he entered the witness protection program. She searched far and wide for two years trying to locate him. He learns she is now working at a nearby courthouse. They reconnect when Dalton is brought in for interrogation due to the body of a federal agent being found in a trunk in a house he's searching for the artifact.
The story had a few twists, which kept me interested. But one of the biggest problems I had with the book was the slipshod editing. Would have rated it a 5 star otherwise.
March 25, 2022
How far would you go to keep the love of your life safe? Jason Dalton paid the ultimate price – he let her go. “The Templar Map” is an exciting adventure filled with quirky characters, lots of twist and turns and more than enough excitement to keep you turning pages will into the night.
Dalton is a P. I. hired to investigate the murder of a high profile archaeologist by said archaeologist widow. The investigation brings to light some alarming and conflicting information. The archaeologist was more than just chasing artifacts. He found somethings that could change world worth more than any treasure ever found. But where is it? Dalton is not the only one looking for it. There are others who will stop at nothing to obtain the Templar Map.
Join Dalton and his sidekicks on their adventure to finding the treasure map and much, much more. I recommend this book to everyone.
Dalton is a P. I. hired to investigate the murder of a high profile archaeologist by said archaeologist widow. The investigation brings to light some alarming and conflicting information. The archaeologist was more than just chasing artifacts. He found somethings that could change world worth more than any treasure ever found. But where is it? Dalton is not the only one looking for it. There are others who will stop at nothing to obtain the Templar Map.
Join Dalton and his sidekicks on their adventure to finding the treasure map and much, much more. I recommend this book to everyone.
April 5, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A broken down detective is hired by a rich woman to find out what happened to her husband. It turns out there are competing conspiracies after an artifact, and the PI has to fight, shoot, and maybe even think his way out.
There's not a whole lot of literary quality here, but all the shooting and fighting will keep you entertained.
A broken down detective is hired by a rich woman to find out what happened to her husband. It turns out there are competing conspiracies after an artifact, and the PI has to fight, shoot, and maybe even think his way out.
There's not a whole lot of literary quality here, but all the shooting and fighting will keep you entertained.
April 23, 2022
Shoot em up
There's alot of gunfire in this book, along with the key to a treasure, Vatican heavies, double crosses, classic cars. We have a vaguely Humphrey Bogart style detective. Alot of cliches and a fairly predictable plot. Not my wheelhouse.
There's alot of gunfire in this book, along with the key to a treasure, Vatican heavies, double crosses, classic cars. We have a vaguely Humphrey Bogart style detective. Alot of cliches and a fairly predictable plot. Not my wheelhouse.
July 10, 2022
Hold On Tight
Good action scenes. But the story jumps around missing segues to help the reader keep up. At times it’s a little dry and hard to follow but the action scenes make up for a lot of that.
Good action scenes. But the story jumps around missing segues to help the reader keep up. At times it’s a little dry and hard to follow but the action scenes make up for a lot of that.
May 1, 2023
Fast Paced and Exciting
This was a quick read. The story was action-packed and kept my interest very well. If you like a quick, action-packed read, this one is a good one. This was a GoodReads giveaway book.
This was a quick read. The story was action-packed and kept my interest very well. If you like a quick, action-packed read, this one is a good one. This was a GoodReads giveaway book.
December 27, 2017
Fast-paced, a good, fun read. I thought the car chase scenes were terrific. I especially enjoyed the funny Indian character, Singh. I cracked up about him. Those scenes were priceless!
March 18, 2019
Lots of action
Quick fun read. Fast moving action. Not thought provoking but I don't think it was meant to be. Characters enjoyable.
Quick fun read. Fast moving action. Not thought provoking but I don't think it was meant to be. Characters enjoyable.
March 17, 2021
A Fast Paced Novel.
There is always something happening in this novel. There is an interesting mix of characters. Some rather odd alliances. But all are active.
There is always something happening in this novel. There is an interesting mix of characters. Some rather odd alliances. But all are active.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews