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Simon Riske #2
Crown Jewel
International spy Simon Riske returns in New York Times bestselling author Christopher Reich's new high-stakes thriller.
Monte Carlo's most lavish casinos have become the targets of an efficient, brutal, and highly successful group of criminal gamblers; a casino dealer has been beaten to death; a German heiress's son has been kidnapped. Who better to connect the crimes, and foil the brilliant plot, than Simon Riske, freelance industrial spy? Riske - part Bond, and part Reacher - knows the area well: it's where as a young man he himself was a thrill-seeking thief, robbing armored trucks through daring car chases, until he was double-crossed, served his time, and graduated as an investment genius from the Sorbonne.
Now Riske is a man who solves problems, the bigger and the "riskier" the better. From the baccarat tables of the finest casinos to the yachts in the marina, to the private jet company that somehow ties these criminal enterprises together, Simon Riske will do what he does best: get in over his head, throw himself into danger, and find some way to out-think and out-maneuver villains of every stripe.
One of the most enjoyable, clever, and entertaining new series to come along in years, this sequel to The Take gives readers what they desire most: a hero we can root for, locales we wish were in, and a plot that never lets up.
Monte Carlo's most lavish casinos have become the targets of an efficient, brutal, and highly successful group of criminal gamblers; a casino dealer has been beaten to death; a German heiress's son has been kidnapped. Who better to connect the crimes, and foil the brilliant plot, than Simon Riske, freelance industrial spy? Riske - part Bond, and part Reacher - knows the area well: it's where as a young man he himself was a thrill-seeking thief, robbing armored trucks through daring car chases, until he was double-crossed, served his time, and graduated as an investment genius from the Sorbonne.
Now Riske is a man who solves problems, the bigger and the "riskier" the better. From the baccarat tables of the finest casinos to the yachts in the marina, to the private jet company that somehow ties these criminal enterprises together, Simon Riske will do what he does best: get in over his head, throw himself into danger, and find some way to out-think and out-maneuver villains of every stripe.
One of the most enjoyable, clever, and entertaining new series to come along in years, this sequel to The Take gives readers what they desire most: a hero we can root for, locales we wish were in, and a plot that never lets up.
370 pages, Hardcover
First published March 26, 2019
525 people are currently reading
1614 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Reich
28 books738 followersChristopher Reich was born in Tokyo. In 1965 his family moved to Los Angeles. He attended Georgetown University and the University of Texas and worked in Switzerland before returning to the United States to become an author. His novel The Patriots Club won the International Thriller Writers award for Best Novel in 2006. He lives in Encinitas, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
April 10, 2019
Christopher Reich returns with a new Simon Riske novel, sure to dazzle the reader with this high-speed thriller set in Europe’s poshest domains. When Simon is approached to help foil a major cheating ring at a high-end casino, he jumps at the opportunity, not least because the mission has him going to Monaco. Wanting to mix a little business and pleasure, Riske decides to enter himself in a car race, rubbing elbows with some of the richest men who have a need for speed. While casing out the baccarat tables in Monaco, Riske thinks that he has uncovered a high-tech scheme that is draining the casino of millions, though must collect enough information to substantiate his claim. During some of his down time, Riske encounters Victoria ‘Vika’ Brandt, a blue-blood who is trying to come to terms with the death of her mother. While Vika is certain it was no accident, the police refuse to hear of it, claiming suicide. Riske cannot help but put himself into the middle of things and is soon trying to make the needed connections. When Vika is attacked, Riske will stop at nothing to bring the perpetrators to justice, a band of Eastern Europeans who are as cutthroat as they are ruthless. Working to track them down, Riske makes some interesting discoveries in the casino investigation, which could open up more danger for everyone involved. There’s another piece to the puzzle, one that Riske has not factored in, but could bring the entire investigation crashing down before him. Reich has outdone himself with this one, sure to please those who are fans of his work.
I have long been a fan of Christopher Reich and his work, which pushes the reader well outside the box they may be used to when reading thrillers. The novel and its characters provide much entertainment, while also educating the reader about the lifestyles of the rich. Simon Riske is a wonderful protagonist, still new to the scene and therefore leaving much for Reich to develop. Once a criminal himself, Riske has been able to turn towards the good and serves as an investigator with the intuition needed from a past life in a gang. His attention to detail and ability to make himself blend in prove highly effective, but he is also one who is susceptible to the wiles of beauty and speed, though not always at the same time. His grit and rough edges help to develop a man that many on both sides of the law would not want to cross, though some will test this theory. Vika Brandt offers a refreshing counterbalance to Riske in this piece, at times playing the hapless heroine, but also a woman who does not see herself as royalty, even though she has a title. Together, they are able to open new pathways in the investigation, though there is certainly some chemistry between them that cannot be discounted. Others who find themselves peppered across the pages of the book help to develop a stellar thriller, with their various backstories and desired outcomes, usually clashing with the protagonists. The story is strong, taking the reader in a few directions without appearing fractured or out of sorts. The action is fast-paced and continues to grow as the narrative builds, keeping the reader wondering what is awaiting them in the next chapter. Reich has a handle on this genre and continues to impress. I can only hope there is more to come in short order!
Kudos, Mr. Reich, for another winner. You know how to write thrillers that take the reader to far-off locales without losing them in the process.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I have long been a fan of Christopher Reich and his work, which pushes the reader well outside the box they may be used to when reading thrillers. The novel and its characters provide much entertainment, while also educating the reader about the lifestyles of the rich. Simon Riske is a wonderful protagonist, still new to the scene and therefore leaving much for Reich to develop. Once a criminal himself, Riske has been able to turn towards the good and serves as an investigator with the intuition needed from a past life in a gang. His attention to detail and ability to make himself blend in prove highly effective, but he is also one who is susceptible to the wiles of beauty and speed, though not always at the same time. His grit and rough edges help to develop a man that many on both sides of the law would not want to cross, though some will test this theory. Vika Brandt offers a refreshing counterbalance to Riske in this piece, at times playing the hapless heroine, but also a woman who does not see herself as royalty, even though she has a title. Together, they are able to open new pathways in the investigation, though there is certainly some chemistry between them that cannot be discounted. Others who find themselves peppered across the pages of the book help to develop a stellar thriller, with their various backstories and desired outcomes, usually clashing with the protagonists. The story is strong, taking the reader in a few directions without appearing fractured or out of sorts. The action is fast-paced and continues to grow as the narrative builds, keeping the reader wondering what is awaiting them in the next chapter. Reich has a handle on this genre and continues to impress. I can only hope there is more to come in short order!
Kudos, Mr. Reich, for another winner. You know how to write thrillers that take the reader to far-off locales without losing them in the process.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
May 8, 2019
First word that comes to mind is brutal. This disappointing effort is for you should you enjoy tortuous slashed victims. Simon Riske is impervious to wounds that would quell mere mortals. 3 of 10 stars
April 17, 2020
Monte Carlo and the Riviera
By day, Simon Riske works on fancy priceless racing machines. On the side, he solves problems, large and small. Although now a British executive, his shady past with the Corsican mob in Marseille included a stint of robbing armored cars, pick pocketing, and other sleight of hand. In this second novel, the stakes might not be the end of the world as we know it. But, the stakes are high enough to make it an exciting thriller. Set in The glitz and glitter and romance of Monte Carlo, this story involves Riske staking out the casino to catch a band of cheats who threaten to bankrupt the place. He also meets a princess and rescues her although from who or what it isn't clear for awhile. While the plot, like with most thrillers, is a little far fetched, Reich is a great storyteller and certainly captures the reader's attention.
By day, Simon Riske works on fancy priceless racing machines. On the side, he solves problems, large and small. Although now a British executive, his shady past with the Corsican mob in Marseille included a stint of robbing armored cars, pick pocketing, and other sleight of hand. In this second novel, the stakes might not be the end of the world as we know it. But, the stakes are high enough to make it an exciting thriller. Set in The glitz and glitter and romance of Monte Carlo, this story involves Riske staking out the casino to catch a band of cheats who threaten to bankrupt the place. He also meets a princess and rescues her although from who or what it isn't clear for awhile. While the plot, like with most thrillers, is a little far fetched, Reich is a great storyteller and certainly captures the reader's attention.
April 29, 2020
4 Stars for Crown Jewel (audiobook) by Christopher Reich read by Paul Michael. Another fun fast-paced adventure. Paul Michael does a great job with the narration.
March 31, 2019
Thank you to the author and publisher for the "Crown Jewel" giveaway I won.
Simon Riske will definitely make you think Bond - Reich describing the character as part Bond part Reacher on the back cover of the book. Christopher Reich writes really well, the chapters were quick and nothing felt slow.
While I did really like the idea of the book and the first third of it was witty and cool, a few moments in the middle took me a bit out of the overall story and felt "wrong" (like when Simon is upset in the washroom the morning after, or the whole story of Ratka taking the president's wife *we already got the hint he was filth*), the ended also wasn't exactly "thrilling" (I saw Big Baddie the moment he was introduced). I would consider Crown Jewel more of an action genre than thriller (It's labelled as a thriller on the back).
Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the novel and would like to read the first Simon Riske novel.
Also, this may be a side note but I loved the book's style/size. Felt great to hold, easy to read, good breakup of chapters - I wish more book were like this one.
Simon Riske will definitely make you think Bond - Reich describing the character as part Bond part Reacher on the back cover of the book. Christopher Reich writes really well, the chapters were quick and nothing felt slow.
While I did really like the idea of the book and the first third of it was witty and cool, a few moments in the middle took me a bit out of the overall story and felt "wrong" (like when Simon is upset in the washroom the morning after, or the whole story of Ratka taking the president's wife *we already got the hint he was filth*), the ended also wasn't exactly "thrilling" (I saw Big Baddie the moment he was introduced). I would consider Crown Jewel more of an action genre than thriller (It's labelled as a thriller on the back).
Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the novel and would like to read the first Simon Riske novel.
Also, this may be a side note but I loved the book's style/size. Felt great to hold, easy to read, good breakup of chapters - I wish more book were like this one.
February 24, 2019
A really exciting read. Multiple plots, interesting development, and creative writing. This reader could not contain the excitement generated by the story, characters and constant activity throughout the book. MUST READ MYSTERY.
August 29, 2024
3.5 stars
April 18, 2019
#2 in the Simon Riske series. This 2019 series entry by author Christopher Reich is a pleasantly over the top adventure. Our hero is engaged to investigate organized cheating at the Monte Carlo casino, a quest that has already proven deadly to prior investigators. His cover will be driving a vintage Maserati in road race time trials. On the way he encounters two separate groups of Balkan criminals, a crooked race car driver formerly of Israeli intelligence, a German princess and several visits to the hospital after physical altercations. I look forward to the next volume in the series to see how the author continues Riske's relationship with the princess.
Simon Riske is an international problem-solver with a checkered past who operates on both sides of the law. So the London-based American is just the person Lord Toby Stonewood, the mega-wealthy Duke of Suffolk, retains to uncover the cheating that is costing his famous Monaco casino millions. At his Monaco hotel, Riske encounters a striking German woman, who introduces herself simply as Vika Brandt, shortly before he saves her life from a car careening toward her on an isolated mountain road. When she reveals that she's actually a princess and heir to the von Tiefen und Tassis fortune, she asks his help in looking into the death of her mother, which police say was accidental but Vika doubts. At every turn in both investigations, Riske sees the number of people he can trust narrowing, as the two trails inevitably become one.
Simon Riske is an international problem-solver with a checkered past who operates on both sides of the law. So the London-based American is just the person Lord Toby Stonewood, the mega-wealthy Duke of Suffolk, retains to uncover the cheating that is costing his famous Monaco casino millions. At his Monaco hotel, Riske encounters a striking German woman, who introduces herself simply as Vika Brandt, shortly before he saves her life from a car careening toward her on an isolated mountain road. When she reveals that she's actually a princess and heir to the von Tiefen und Tassis fortune, she asks his help in looking into the death of her mother, which police say was accidental but Vika doubts. At every turn in both investigations, Riske sees the number of people he can trust narrowing, as the two trails inevitably become one.
July 21, 2019
Our hero, Simon Riske, is a master of all trades. He's American and Egyptian or something by heritage, but was raised in France and lives in England. So he can fit in anywhere and speak English and French fluently. A former criminal, he's got gangster cunning and old friends to help him when he needs. And then he was a Swiss banker, and he can get other Swiss bankers to help him when he needs. Then he became a vintage car restoration guy, and his mechanics are always there for him. And he's a freelance consultant to MI-5 or MI-6 or something, with easy charm to high level public officials and aristocrats. So, you know, regular Joe.
And they just so happen to need him to drive a luxury car to Monaco and bust up a ring of cheaters at the casino. And save a beautiful, mysterious heiress during his free time there. Basically the whole thing is a fantasy for guys who like Europe, nice cars, luxuries, and beautiful women, while still being a macho bad boy.
It's all harmless enough fun if you don't read too much into it. Like Bond without the geopolitical stakes.
And they just so happen to need him to drive a luxury car to Monaco and bust up a ring of cheaters at the casino. And save a beautiful, mysterious heiress during his free time there. Basically the whole thing is a fantasy for guys who like Europe, nice cars, luxuries, and beautiful women, while still being a macho bad boy.
It's all harmless enough fun if you don't read too much into it. Like Bond without the geopolitical stakes.
March 2, 2019
Suspenseful~ Well-crafted ~ Enjoyable
tl;dr: All that glitters on the Riviera can be trouble
Reich has written numerous mystery/ suspence novels, but he was new to me. I chose this book because, somewhere in me, I yearn the riches of the French Mediterranean with its jewels and casinos. Blame Grace Kelly. This book does not disappoint, in terms of riches. Reich's main character is a restorer of bespoke automobiles. He comes from a hard-scramble background, but he is irrestistable. Enter hot heiress. Cue misadventure. This is the sort of book I call an airport thriller. It is easy to read, enjoyable, and fast. The writing is solid and the plotting compelling. Not groundbreaking, but definitely an enjoyable read. Honestly, while I had a sense of the ending, it didn't matter. I enjoyed getting there.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
tl;dr: All that glitters on the Riviera can be trouble
Reich has written numerous mystery/ suspence novels, but he was new to me. I chose this book because, somewhere in me, I yearn the riches of the French Mediterranean with its jewels and casinos. Blame Grace Kelly. This book does not disappoint, in terms of riches. Reich's main character is a restorer of bespoke automobiles. He comes from a hard-scramble background, but he is irrestistable. Enter hot heiress. Cue misadventure. This is the sort of book I call an airport thriller. It is easy to read, enjoyable, and fast. The writing is solid and the plotting compelling. Not groundbreaking, but definitely an enjoyable read. Honestly, while I had a sense of the ending, it didn't matter. I enjoyed getting there.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2019
Like inhaling Oceans 11, Bond, and Bourne in book form.
November 2, 2019
This was fast paced, and the characters were interesting, but some parts were unrealistic.
April 26, 2021
I found this a bit harder to get into than the first in the series, The Take, but once I settled in, I enjoyed it a great deal.
April 17, 2019
4.5. Great James Bond type storyline! But in this case, our hero is a little more clumsy!
April 12, 2019
Simon Riske is a former hood who now works restoring expensive cars and does investigations for the government and others. His latest assignment has him looking into people who are stealing a lot of money from a Casino in Monaco. He takes an expensive car and goes to Monaco to drive in the rally and try to figure out who is robbing the casino and how. While there he meets a German princess who has problems of her own and he becomes attracted and wants to help her out. He is nearly killed several times and has lots of injuries to prove it. He eventually figures out the problem the princess is having is related to the casino stealing. Some very bad Serbians are involved along with some shadowy figures who are the bosses that Simon needs to figure out.
Lots of action in the story, along with a lot of details about gambling and what it is like in a high end casino, discussions of expensive cars and a well developed intricate plot.
A very entertaining and engrossing book.
Lots of action in the story, along with a lot of details about gambling and what it is like in a high end casino, discussions of expensive cars and a well developed intricate plot.
A very entertaining and engrossing book.
April 9, 2020
Ok. I gave it 3 stars, but as I’m reviewing it now, that’s too generous. I’m giving it 2, because the plot sans the violence could have been a great story.
The violence midway 2 the end is overwhelmingly gratuitous.
The incredibly otherworldly physical stamina of Mr Riske is downright unacceptable even in a fiction novel, which does not claim 2 be science fiction.
This book is so not recommended . So why continue reading?
Good question.
After investing my time up about halfway, I realized this was a sick book, and felt it couldn’t get worse. So I continued only 2 realize the depth of a sick mind.
Now I’ll purge.
Fiction should in some way draw upon reality in a believable way, so the reader can at some point identify oneself within the story, becoming entangled with the plot & the outcome.
Sorry. I hope 2 never ever have 2 read such blatant vicious inane writing again.
The violence midway 2 the end is overwhelmingly gratuitous.
The incredibly otherworldly physical stamina of Mr Riske is downright unacceptable even in a fiction novel, which does not claim 2 be science fiction.
This book is so not recommended . So why continue reading?
Good question.
After investing my time up about halfway, I realized this was a sick book, and felt it couldn’t get worse. So I continued only 2 realize the depth of a sick mind.
Now I’ll purge.
Fiction should in some way draw upon reality in a believable way, so the reader can at some point identify oneself within the story, becoming entangled with the plot & the outcome.
Sorry. I hope 2 never ever have 2 read such blatant vicious inane writing again.
November 9, 2020
I missed the 2nd Simon Riske novel novel, so I read "Crown Jewel" out of order...Simon, now a respected "fixer" priceless luxury autos and problems, large and small, that his shady past robbing armored cars, pick pocketing and associations with Euro mobsters, make particularly suited to the off-the-books solutions needed by the upper crust...In "Crown Jewel" Riske is hired to catch an organized band of cheats threatening to bankrupt a glitzy Monte Carlo casino...Plenty of twists and turns as Simon succeeds and finds romance in the circle of the rich and famous...Good Stuff!!!
October 25, 2021
As others have mentioned, there's a lot of gratuitous violence here, usually carried out by one dimensional super villains, and not really essential to the plot. Knowing the lurid details of Simon's past life matters to fleshing him out as a character. The horrific, sadistic histories of villains who will clearly get theirs by story's end may fill up pages, but that's about all they do.
I also suspect that Riske is Reich's Mary Sue. And while we're at it, there was a real "Princess TNT."
I also suspect that Riske is Reich's Mary Sue. And while we're at it, there was a real "Princess TNT."
February 3, 2025
Second book in the Simon Riske series. Simon is sent to southern France to investigate cheating in a casino. There he gets involved with an European princess, murder, kidnapping and of course casino cheating. Fast paced mystery.
July 13, 2019
I’ve read a number of Christopher Reich’s book and I’d say this is his best. The plot moves, the characters are not deep, but they are interesting for this genre. An entertaining read
August 4, 2020
The 2nd Simon Riske book, loved the plots, cause there were more then on, but all tied together. Lots of killings, fights, scheming and love. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 10, 2019
An adventure thriller on the order of the James Bond books, Simon Riske is hired to stop a sophisticated crew from stealing millions from a Monaco casino. He also gets involved with a princess and aids in solving the mystery of her mother’s murder. Well-done, it kept me interested. All in all, a good read.
February 9, 2020
#2 Simon Riske novel. Always interesting.
May 12, 2019
Fantastic! From first page to the last, everything a great thriller should be.
April 4, 2019
Simon Riske is one of a kind
Volume 2 two in the Simon Riske series was fast paced and interesting. As a fan of Christopher Reich’s financial thrillers, I am pleased to see such an interesting protagonist.
Volume 2 two in the Simon Riske series was fast paced and interesting. As a fan of Christopher Reich’s financial thrillers, I am pleased to see such an interesting protagonist.
May 9, 2019
Entertaining and fun read with lots of action.
May 6, 2019
Excellent
I plan to read this author again; I was very impressed. The story is about a diabolical scheme to successfully steal millions from a few casinos in Monaco and elsewhere. Full of intense moments and action.
I plan to read this author again; I was very impressed. The story is about a diabolical scheme to successfully steal millions from a few casinos in Monaco and elsewhere. Full of intense moments and action.
September 13, 2020
I enjoyed this book but not as much as previous ones by Reich. Parts of it dragged somewhat and the play between good and evil seemed overly extended. Still, the backdrop of Monaco and its moneyed residents along with protaganist Riske's dynamism made it worth reading.
May 9, 2019
It's a fun one. Though I'm disappointed with some of the male perspectives.
April 7, 2019
If you want complex plots that are plausible with good character development then you can't go wrong with Chris Reich. You don't really have to read the first Simon Riske, but it wouldn't hurt.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews