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Payne & Jones #9
The Malta Escape
AN ANCIENT TREASURE:
While on vacation in Malta, Jonathon Payne and David Jones bump into an old friend, who has come to the islands to search for a long-lost treasure of the Knights Hospitallers, an organization that dates back to the First Crusade in 1099 AD.
A VENGEFUL CRIMINAL:
When Ivan Volkov—the ruthless leader of a Russian crime syndicate—is betrayed, he is willing to do anything to get retribution. Protected by a team of hackers and henchmen, he travels to the Mediterranean where he leaves a trail of bodies in his wake.
A FINAL SHOWDOWN:
Before returning home, Volkov learns about the ancient hoard, one with possible ties to Paul I and the Russian Empire. With pride and riches on the line, he focuses his wrath on the only people who stand in his way, but Payne and Jones refuse to back down as they try to locate one of the most important treasures of antiquity, while battling one of the world’s most dangerous criminals in a deadly fight to the finish.
While on vacation in Malta, Jonathon Payne and David Jones bump into an old friend, who has come to the islands to search for a long-lost treasure of the Knights Hospitallers, an organization that dates back to the First Crusade in 1099 AD.
A VENGEFUL CRIMINAL:
When Ivan Volkov—the ruthless leader of a Russian crime syndicate—is betrayed, he is willing to do anything to get retribution. Protected by a team of hackers and henchmen, he travels to the Mediterranean where he leaves a trail of bodies in his wake.
A FINAL SHOWDOWN:
Before returning home, Volkov learns about the ancient hoard, one with possible ties to Paul I and the Russian Empire. With pride and riches on the line, he focuses his wrath on the only people who stand in his way, but Payne and Jones refuse to back down as they try to locate one of the most important treasures of antiquity, while battling one of the world’s most dangerous criminals in a deadly fight to the finish.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2018
182 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Chris Kuzneski
25 books1,208 followersChris Kuzneski is the #1 international bestselling & New York Times bestselling author of twelve novels and one novella. His thrillers have been translated into more than twenty languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. One of his books (THE HUNTERS) is currently being made into a major motion picture, and another (THE PRISONER’S GOLD) won an ITW Thriller Award for Book of the Year.
Armed with witty prose, a unique narrative voice, and a penchant for blackmail, Kuzneski has garnered praise from many of the top authors in the world: James Patterson, Nelson DeMille, Lee Child, Vince Flynn, James Rollins, Tess Gerritsen, Douglas Preston, Lisa Gardner, Steve Berry, Scott Mariani, Allison Brennan, W.E.B. Griffin, Graham Brown, Boyd Morrison, John Gilstrap, Raymond Khoury, David Morrell, Andrew Gross, Joseph Finder, Jeremy Robinson, and his writing idol, Clive Cussler.
Simply put, his books are awesome.
A former football player at the University of Pittsburgh, Kuzneski worked as a journalist until he realized it was easier to make stuff up in the comfort of his own home. He has been writing fiction and sleeping in ever since. The only thing that has slowed him down is his obvious need for a pen name, since most people don't know how to spell or pronounce 'Kuzneski'. [Hint: Seven of the letters are silent.]
Armed with witty prose, a unique narrative voice, and a penchant for blackmail, Kuzneski has garnered praise from many of the top authors in the world: James Patterson, Nelson DeMille, Lee Child, Vince Flynn, James Rollins, Tess Gerritsen, Douglas Preston, Lisa Gardner, Steve Berry, Scott Mariani, Allison Brennan, W.E.B. Griffin, Graham Brown, Boyd Morrison, John Gilstrap, Raymond Khoury, David Morrell, Andrew Gross, Joseph Finder, Jeremy Robinson, and his writing idol, Clive Cussler.
Simply put, his books are awesome.
A former football player at the University of Pittsburgh, Kuzneski worked as a journalist until he realized it was easier to make stuff up in the comfort of his own home. He has been writing fiction and sleeping in ever since. The only thing that has slowed him down is his obvious need for a pen name, since most people don't know how to spell or pronounce 'Kuzneski'. [Hint: Seven of the letters are silent.]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 15, 2018
Chris Kuzneski is back with another novel in his popular series, full of action, humour, and history likely unknown to most readers. While Jonathon Payne sits atop his family’s empire of power and riches, he is not happy. He pines for the days that he was a military operative, rather than being shackled to a desk at Payne Industries in Pittsburgh. Taking the drastic step of leaving the company his grandfather founded, Payne is finally free to live life off the grid, in a way. His best friend, David Jones, is just as tired of his regimented life and pulls the plug on his own company. Now, these two men are free and still have access to Payne Industries’ private jet, with the world as their playground. Both soon find themselves in Malta, as island community off the coast of Italy. It is not only full of beautiful sights, but has a rich history, about which they know little. While strolling through the centre of the capital city, Payne and Jones come across an old friend, Jarkko, a Finnish fisherman who happens to be in town on a mission. One of Jarkko’s business associates handed him a stash of documents purporting to lead to a sizeable treasure. Payne and Jones are interested and, after a few phone calls, have a historian at their disposal. However, it would seem that the treasure’s existence is not entirely a secret, as a gang of Russian thugs have arrived and are ready to shed blood to get their hands on it. Working through the vast history of Malta, Payne, Jones, and Jarkko learn of the Knights Hospitaller and their connection to the Russian Crown from centuries ago. What follows is a scramble to detect where the treasure might be found and how Malta has been able to keep it quiet for so long. With bullets flying and bad puns landing at every turn, this is one adventure no one will soon forget. Kuzneski is back on the scene with a captivating addition to this series that will have fans of his Payne and Jones novels devouring this piece. Highly recommended to those who love the series, as well as readers who enjoy learning much about history alongside adventure.
My long-standing love of all that is Chris Kuzneski was strongly supported with this book, another gem in his collection. Kuzneski is able not only to create a great adventure story, but also fills his pages with history that might not be readily known to many readers. This enriches the experience, educating those who want to know a little more, while entertaining readers who are here for the hunt. Jonathon Payne and David Jones are two strong protagonists who are always up for an adventure. Their banter is quite entertaining, though they readily admit that adventure is what fuels them. This is an interesting crossroads for them both, as they have left their ‘stuffy office jobs’ behind and are now living life to the fullest. Should the series continue, this could make for some even more interesting storylines. Many of the secondary characters who return offer their usual flavouring of the narrative, particularly Jarkko, whose salty comments and less than perfect understanding of English keep the reader laughing or rolling their eyes. He adds to the banter, but is also a useful person to have around in the event of a skirmish, as he does not shy away. With constant access to the Ulster Archives and some friends who can penetrate most any technological roadblock, Payne and Jones are ready to face anything. The story is rich with history, as are many of the novels, and Kuzneski weaves much of it throughout the narrative. He does leave many a thread hanging for those who want to know more, but does not skimp on what is offered herein. The story pulls on hidden and undiscovered treasures or valuables, leaving the group to push through whatever barriers exist before reaching the ultimate prize. The reader is taken on quite the trip, through history, gun-toting Russians, and some strong romantic chemistry. Kuzneski has left the doors open to many interesting options, should he return with more of these novels. As always, they are a treat to read and their length should not deter the curious reader.
Kudos, Mr. Kuzneski, for another wonderful adventure. I have been patiently waiting for this publication and was not disappointed in the least.
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/...
My long-standing love of all that is Chris Kuzneski was strongly supported with this book, another gem in his collection. Kuzneski is able not only to create a great adventure story, but also fills his pages with history that might not be readily known to many readers. This enriches the experience, educating those who want to know a little more, while entertaining readers who are here for the hunt. Jonathon Payne and David Jones are two strong protagonists who are always up for an adventure. Their banter is quite entertaining, though they readily admit that adventure is what fuels them. This is an interesting crossroads for them both, as they have left their ‘stuffy office jobs’ behind and are now living life to the fullest. Should the series continue, this could make for some even more interesting storylines. Many of the secondary characters who return offer their usual flavouring of the narrative, particularly Jarkko, whose salty comments and less than perfect understanding of English keep the reader laughing or rolling their eyes. He adds to the banter, but is also a useful person to have around in the event of a skirmish, as he does not shy away. With constant access to the Ulster Archives and some friends who can penetrate most any technological roadblock, Payne and Jones are ready to face anything. The story is rich with history, as are many of the novels, and Kuzneski weaves much of it throughout the narrative. He does leave many a thread hanging for those who want to know more, but does not skimp on what is offered herein. The story pulls on hidden and undiscovered treasures or valuables, leaving the group to push through whatever barriers exist before reaching the ultimate prize. The reader is taken on quite the trip, through history, gun-toting Russians, and some strong romantic chemistry. Kuzneski has left the doors open to many interesting options, should he return with more of these novels. As always, they are a treat to read and their length should not deter the curious reader.
Kudos, Mr. Kuzneski, for another wonderful adventure. I have been patiently waiting for this publication and was not disappointed in the least.
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/...
November 15, 2018
latest in the payne & jones does not disappoint and takes in the island of malta in a fast moving page turner mix in Russians treasure and bits of history in this historical thriller action adventure.
May 11, 2019
the books in this series never fail to bring fast paced action with wonderful facts
Having just escaped from hospital following a heart attack a friend knew how much I wanted to read this and bought it for me.
For the first time in an age I felt my spirits sail as the constant banter between payne and jones brought a smile to my face.
All the characters blend in well.
The downside I have now read all the books and have to really hope that it will not be long before a further books is added to this or the other series the hunters.
Having just escaped from hospital following a heart attack a friend knew how much I wanted to read this and bought it for me.
For the first time in an age I felt my spirits sail as the constant banter between payne and jones brought a smile to my face.
All the characters blend in well.
The downside I have now read all the books and have to really hope that it will not be long before a further books is added to this or the other series the hunters.
October 25, 2022
Kuzneski's Payne and Jones series is one that I have enjoyed, followed, and collected. These books are not great literature but classic escapist fun and I use them for a change of pace from heavier reading. I usually give these books a higher rating though they are probably more deserving of my worth the price of purchase three star rating. I'm giving this book my two star disappointed rating. The story is good and in the hands of a responsible author it would have certainly risen to the levels of previous books in this series. This book was not handled responsibly.
The two heroes of the series, Jonathon Payne and David Jones, are former special forces type military veterans. Both are graduates of different military academies and became friends while serving in special operations while in the military. In previous books the author has these two friends engaging in humorous banter, teasing, and practical jokes which lightens the tone of the stories and adds a little levity and that's fine. However, in this book this banter exceeded all sense of reasonableness which made these two men come across like a couple of 19 year olds on their first drunken backpacking trip to Europe. The excessive amount of banter diluted any humor that might have been there and the nature of the "humor" was frequently sexist and in poor taste. When you consider that these two men are supposed to be former officers in the U.S. military and professionally trained black ops soldiers the banter becomes even less appropriate and misplaced. To make things worse at the end of the book the author has included for the first time a "Gag Reel" that is a collection of snippets of dialogue that must have passed through the author's head as he was writing this book. The material isn't funny in the least and that this material got past an editor and a publisher to make it into print has my head shaking. After reading this sophomoric nonsense I now question the maturity level of Mr. Kuzneski and wonder if this is an author I wish to continue reading.
A further problem I had with the book was the author's treatment of the island of Malta. One of the reasons I enjoy reading thrillers is that they offer an opportunity to learn about new places in the world or to revisit places I have already been. In this book the author uses the first quarter of the book like a commercial travelog. The two heroes visit several sites on the island which are described in detail but that have nothing to do with the story and do not advance the plot in any way. In the Acknowledgements the author offers significant appreciation for the courtesies shown to him on the island but it wasn't until I read the Author's Note at the end that he made his attachment to Malta clearer. Up until that point the cynic in me had me wondering if the Malta Tourism Authority hadn't had a hand in shaping this story. Instead I believe Kuzneski just wanted to use his book to reward the MTA for their hospitality. While he can certainly do that he was so heavy handed in the process that he sacrificed his reputation as an author. Consequently, I have to say that I am greatly disappointed in this book and its author. As I stated in the beginning I think the story is very good but it has been badly handled.
The two heroes of the series, Jonathon Payne and David Jones, are former special forces type military veterans. Both are graduates of different military academies and became friends while serving in special operations while in the military. In previous books the author has these two friends engaging in humorous banter, teasing, and practical jokes which lightens the tone of the stories and adds a little levity and that's fine. However, in this book this banter exceeded all sense of reasonableness which made these two men come across like a couple of 19 year olds on their first drunken backpacking trip to Europe. The excessive amount of banter diluted any humor that might have been there and the nature of the "humor" was frequently sexist and in poor taste. When you consider that these two men are supposed to be former officers in the U.S. military and professionally trained black ops soldiers the banter becomes even less appropriate and misplaced. To make things worse at the end of the book the author has included for the first time a "Gag Reel" that is a collection of snippets of dialogue that must have passed through the author's head as he was writing this book. The material isn't funny in the least and that this material got past an editor and a publisher to make it into print has my head shaking. After reading this sophomoric nonsense I now question the maturity level of Mr. Kuzneski and wonder if this is an author I wish to continue reading.
A further problem I had with the book was the author's treatment of the island of Malta. One of the reasons I enjoy reading thrillers is that they offer an opportunity to learn about new places in the world or to revisit places I have already been. In this book the author uses the first quarter of the book like a commercial travelog. The two heroes visit several sites on the island which are described in detail but that have nothing to do with the story and do not advance the plot in any way. In the Acknowledgements the author offers significant appreciation for the courtesies shown to him on the island but it wasn't until I read the Author's Note at the end that he made his attachment to Malta clearer. Up until that point the cynic in me had me wondering if the Malta Tourism Authority hadn't had a hand in shaping this story. Instead I believe Kuzneski just wanted to use his book to reward the MTA for their hospitality. While he can certainly do that he was so heavy handed in the process that he sacrificed his reputation as an author. Consequently, I have to say that I am greatly disappointed in this book and its author. As I stated in the beginning I think the story is very good but it has been badly handled.
November 15, 2018
Awful. If I didn't know better I would think that this was written by someone pretending to be Chris Kuzneski, the first 60% of the book (I read this on kindle) is filled with puerile back and forth "humour" between Payne and Jones, thats literally all that happens, then they embark on an adventure that could and should have been a short story. I have read all the Payne and Jones series and loved them all but this is terrible, the characters personalities have been changed from the earlier books Payne now appears as almost manic depressive, shifting between angry outbursts and grovelling apologies. Jones now has a huge chip on his shoulder about being black and makes constant "funny" references to it and how badly treated he could potentially be and Petr Ulster appears to now suffer from Dementia. I get the distinct impression that this has been done in an effort to be funny, its not. The final nail comes when the book is finished and you discover the "blooper reel" at the back, what on the earth the author (surely not Kuzneski) was thinking I do not know but please stay away from humour, it is not your forte. The series can recover from this but the next book needs to be something special. Sorry
May 13, 2025
Reading this book made me realize how much I missed Payne & Jones. The Matthew Reilly like action pieces, the humor, the camaraderie between all the principal characters. Jarkko often made me laugh out loud. This is a great series and this is a great instalment. I hope Mr Kuzneski returns to that world soon, he is sorely missed.
August 8, 2025
I have had the pleasure to read all of Kuzenski's books. This is the best use of dialogue and character interaction in his collection. While the plot is pretty straightforward it is well worth the investment of your time to enjoy the character interplay.
June 5, 2019
Okay, so this is the FUNNIEST installment for Payne & Jones that I have encountered. I don't remember Jarkko being so funny in the previous book, I can't remember which one to be honest, but he and DJ had me rolling with laughter in this installment. I know people in the cars next to me probably thought I was a crazy. I had never heard of the Knights Hospitaller and I, like Payne, only heard of the Knights Templar and I didn't know they had rivals. This was an interesting read. I enjoyed every bit of it. I hope this is not the last we hear of Payne and Jones. At least give us a book ten before retiring them.
November 12, 2018
In what could easily be described as a "love letter to Malta", Chris Kuzneski has written one of his best Payne and Jones thrillers to date. Everything you have come to know and love about this series is here - fast paced action, excellent story filled with interesting history, and hilarious snark between the two leads. Don't miss this book!
June 30, 2019
The most recent adventure thriller featuring Jonathon Payne and David Jones. The story starts near Pittsburgh but has its historical start in Valletta, Malta in 1798. Jonathon and David get involved with a search for a lost treasure in Malta. Along the way they are targeted by a Russian mobster who loves to kill. Lots of history about a place few people know anything about. The book was an easy read.
January 1, 2019
Toss it.
Couldn’t wait to get to the end of this boring book. The endless banter between characters was wearing thin after the first few pages. Kuzneski needs to find another line of work
Couldn’t wait to get to the end of this boring book. The endless banter between characters was wearing thin after the first few pages. Kuzneski needs to find another line of work
January 17, 2020
As a long time reader of CK and the Payne and Jones series, I'm left a little, meh, after this most recent offering.
A little less messing about and a bit more action is required to get this series back on the front foot.
Enjoyable but far from his best.
A little less messing about and a bit more action is required to get this series back on the front foot.
Enjoyable but far from his best.
March 8, 2023
Pure enjoyment
I’m pursuing another author historically. I enjoyed the Dempsey books and finished all them. So I’m happily chose this one for the history and traveling around countries in Europe. Been a pleasure!
I’m pursuing another author historically. I enjoyed the Dempsey books and finished all them. So I’m happily chose this one for the history and traveling around countries in Europe. Been a pleasure!
April 11, 2020
Not his best. Bit dull at times
July 13, 2020
Mixed feelings about this book.at times it was boring but I persisted on as I was curious if they would find the treasure and where.
August 1, 2021
Too much unnecessary rambling on chapters after chapters.
October 15, 2023
Malta history
I enjoy books with both adventure and history, The Malta Escape is full of both, plus humor, a satisfying read,
I enjoy books with both adventure and history, The Malta Escape is full of both, plus humor, a satisfying read,
December 6, 2025
An action-packed treasure hunt wrapped in history, humor, and pure chaos
The Malta Escape blends high-stakes adventure with European history in a way that feels both educational and wildly entertaining. The story hops from Napoleonic-era Malta and the legacy of the Knights Hospitaller to modern-day chases across the island, weaving treasure lore—like Marco Polo’s hoard—into a narrative driven by a crew of eccentric, lovable chaos-machines.
One of the strongest charms of the book is its setting. Malta is not just a backdrop; it feels like a central character. The novel sprinkles in fascinating facts—its medieval fortifications, its tiny rocky archipelago, its strategic importance through the centuries, even the still-standing Order of Malta. You come in expecting a fast-paced thriller, and you walk away googling Maltese history.
But what really elevates the book is the crew.
Jarkko steals the show every time he opens his mouth. His “mouthful of marbles” English, his innocent confidence, and his incredible ability to misunderstand literally everything make him comedic gold. Lines like “Jarkko can’t tell which is ventriloquist and which is dummy” are the kind of humor that stays with you.
And then you have Randy — the off-screen mastermind whose presence is felt through tapped phones, planted transcripts, and ingenious digital traps. He’s the quiet puppet master who casually proves he’s been listening the whole time by making everyone’s phones beep in unison. OP character energy.
The Hunters are referenced as a legendary crew here, and the book uses references to Jack Cobb and the earlier adventures to add deeper layers without confusing new readers. Meanwhile, characters like Galea add emotional grounding. His dual identity as an artifact expert and a member of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta ties the modern plot to centuries-old history. His final gesture—choosing to keep an artifact not for profit, but for its personal value—gives the book a unexpectedly touching finish.
The villains, like Volkov and his complicated network of Russian extremists, are both dangerous and oddly charismatic. There’s even a sprinkle of banter-heavy moments (“Will you buy me dinner?” “Dessert, too?”) that keep the tension human and entertaining.
And through all the twists, the book never loses its sense of humor. At one point, the characters go from choosing boats during breakfast to worrying about Maltese treasure, Russian killers, and catching syphilis on Jarkko’s yacht in under twelve hours. It’s self-aware, chaotic, and genuinely fun.
The Malta Escape blends high-stakes adventure with European history in a way that feels both educational and wildly entertaining. The story hops from Napoleonic-era Malta and the legacy of the Knights Hospitaller to modern-day chases across the island, weaving treasure lore—like Marco Polo’s hoard—into a narrative driven by a crew of eccentric, lovable chaos-machines.
One of the strongest charms of the book is its setting. Malta is not just a backdrop; it feels like a central character. The novel sprinkles in fascinating facts—its medieval fortifications, its tiny rocky archipelago, its strategic importance through the centuries, even the still-standing Order of Malta. You come in expecting a fast-paced thriller, and you walk away googling Maltese history.
But what really elevates the book is the crew.
Jarkko steals the show every time he opens his mouth. His “mouthful of marbles” English, his innocent confidence, and his incredible ability to misunderstand literally everything make him comedic gold. Lines like “Jarkko can’t tell which is ventriloquist and which is dummy” are the kind of humor that stays with you.
And then you have Randy — the off-screen mastermind whose presence is felt through tapped phones, planted transcripts, and ingenious digital traps. He’s the quiet puppet master who casually proves he’s been listening the whole time by making everyone’s phones beep in unison. OP character energy.
The Hunters are referenced as a legendary crew here, and the book uses references to Jack Cobb and the earlier adventures to add deeper layers without confusing new readers. Meanwhile, characters like Galea add emotional grounding. His dual identity as an artifact expert and a member of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta ties the modern plot to centuries-old history. His final gesture—choosing to keep an artifact not for profit, but for its personal value—gives the book a unexpectedly touching finish.
The villains, like Volkov and his complicated network of Russian extremists, are both dangerous and oddly charismatic. There’s even a sprinkle of banter-heavy moments (“Will you buy me dinner?” “Dessert, too?”) that keep the tension human and entertaining.
And through all the twists, the book never loses its sense of humor. At one point, the characters go from choosing boats during breakfast to worrying about Maltese treasure, Russian killers, and catching syphilis on Jarkko’s yacht in under twelve hours. It’s self-aware, chaotic, and genuinely fun.
March 19, 2025
Chris Kuzneski never disappoints, and The Malta Escape is yet another masterful blend of history, action, and razor-sharp wit. I’ve always loved his work, but this one felt even more special—I had the chance to travel to Malta and walk in the footsteps of Payne and Jones. From the ancient streets to the breathtaking coastline, every detail matched his vivid descriptions, making the experience even more immersive.
One of the highlights of my trip was going into the National Library of Malta and visualizing the shootout scene exactly as Kuzneski described it. The sense of history, mystery, and danger was palpable—it was like stepping inside the novel itself.
As always, Payne and Jones bring the perfect mix of humor and high-stakes adventure, and Kuzneski’s storytelling is as gripping as ever. If you love historical thrillers packed with real-world intrigue, The Malta Escape is a must-read. I can’t wait to see where he takes us next!
One of the highlights of my trip was going into the National Library of Malta and visualizing the shootout scene exactly as Kuzneski described it. The sense of history, mystery, and danger was palpable—it was like stepping inside the novel itself.
As always, Payne and Jones bring the perfect mix of humor and high-stakes adventure, and Kuzneski’s storytelling is as gripping as ever. If you love historical thrillers packed with real-world intrigue, The Malta Escape is a must-read. I can’t wait to see where he takes us next!
July 1, 2020
Sadly, I am very disappointed with this book, it is slow, boring and too much messing around, making plans and generally what I call faffing around to actually get to a story and when we did get to some action in Payne & Jones style it is tame in comparison to their usual exchanges, the bad guy was easily disposed off and I thought for the obscene price of £8.50 or whatever it was I was expecting much better than this, I got bored halfway through and wondered if I would ever finish it. Very sad fact that there was no structure to this book and I felt as though this was thrown together and not worked out at all, I think Chris thought it was about time he wrote another book, so he hastily wrote this
book to have a book on the shelves of shops, knowing that he would sell because of the name, sorry Chris, but I hope you have some better than this in the future.
book to have a book on the shelves of shops, knowing that he would sell because of the name, sorry Chris, but I hope you have some better than this in the future.
March 7, 2025
4.5 Stars
I have been putting off reading the final book in this series for YEARS because I didn’t want it to end. I absolutely love this series and the characters. The action adventure plot lines keep me so interested the entire time. I also love how detailed and accurate the history in these books are. We see even more character development between Payne and Jones in this book and, as always, I LOVE their dynamic. The jokes and wittiness bring a levity to the action. We also get to see some beloved side characters return which make it fun for the reader. I will say this one was a littttttle slower to start, but overall I loved it. Kuzneski… I REALLY need another Payne and Jones book asap!
I have been putting off reading the final book in this series for YEARS because I didn’t want it to end. I absolutely love this series and the characters. The action adventure plot lines keep me so interested the entire time. I also love how detailed and accurate the history in these books are. We see even more character development between Payne and Jones in this book and, as always, I LOVE their dynamic. The jokes and wittiness bring a levity to the action. We also get to see some beloved side characters return which make it fun for the reader. I will say this one was a littttttle slower to start, but overall I loved it. Kuzneski… I REALLY need another Payne and Jones book asap!
December 31, 2018
What better way to get me through the insane retail holiday season that a fascinating adventure with Payne and Jones? This journey starts with a dual retirement and an unexpected reunion with an old friend in Malta. A search for the lost treasure of the Knights Hospitallers, a vicious Russian crime lord, witty banter and a visit to the Ulster Archives combine to make this another thrilling quest. As always seeing the actual place through the virtual book tour on Chris Kuzneski's website is the cherry on the sundae for me. Thank you Chris for allowing me to live vicariously through Payne & Jones for another great venture!
June 23, 2019
I love this series, and I love Payne and Jones. I thought we were done with this series with the last book, so I was really excited when I saw a new one. As you may surmise, the majority of this book takes place in Malta, with Payne and Jones on the hunt for another treasure. This one involves the Knights of Malta hiding what may have been a vast treasure before the arrival of Napolean in 1798. Plenty of action, thrills, and mystery to keep me entertained. And of course, the witty banter between Payne and Jones that made me fall in love with the characters in the first place.
Bring on Payne & Jones #10!
Bring on Payne & Jones #10!
June 29, 2019
nothing special. the history part is good but so far fetched. the main characters are unbelievable
AN ANCIENT TREASURE:
While visiting the scenic country of Malta, Jonathon Payne and David Jones bump into an old friend, who has come to the islands to search for a long-lost treasure of the Knights Hospitallers, an organization that dates back to the First Crusade in 1099 AD.
A VENGEFUL CRIMINAL:
When Ivan Volkov—the ruthless leader of a Russian crime syndicate—is betrayed, he is willing to do anything to get retribution. Protected by a team of hackers and henchmen, he travels to the Mediterranean where he leaves a trail of bodies in his wake.
AN ANCIENT TREASURE:
While visiting the scenic country of Malta, Jonathon Payne and David Jones bump into an old friend, who has come to the islands to search for a long-lost treasure of the Knights Hospitallers, an organization that dates back to the First Crusade in 1099 AD.
A VENGEFUL CRIMINAL:
When Ivan Volkov—the ruthless leader of a Russian crime syndicate—is betrayed, he is willing to do anything to get retribution. Protected by a team of hackers and henchmen, he travels to the Mediterranean where he leaves a trail of bodies in his wake.
July 11, 2019
Payne & Jones - the best duo ever
Another masterpiece by Chris Kuzneski. The action and humour starts on page 1 and doesn't let up till the last page. Who needs to sleep when you have this to read. The story is well thought out giving lots of historical information in a easy to read format, the comedy between the two guys never let's up, then the action takes over.
As with all his books i would definitely recommend them, each as a stand-alone or as a series. For me the joy of a new Payne and Jones story is that I get to read all the previous ones again!!.
Well done Chris. When is the next one out? 😊😎👍🐆
Another masterpiece by Chris Kuzneski. The action and humour starts on page 1 and doesn't let up till the last page. Who needs to sleep when you have this to read. The story is well thought out giving lots of historical information in a easy to read format, the comedy between the two guys never let's up, then the action takes over.
As with all his books i would definitely recommend them, each as a stand-alone or as a series. For me the joy of a new Payne and Jones story is that I get to read all the previous ones again!!.
Well done Chris. When is the next one out? 😊😎👍🐆
January 24, 2019
Jonathan Payne & David Jones are back and what a fun ride it is with theses guys again! Each book in this series is funny, action packed and are in my top list as the most enjoyable books I have ever read! With a great story line set in Gibraltar the boys take a break but get caught up in a Russian attack. Action packed and funny I laughed so much that tears were rolling down my face😂 Chris is an outstanding writer and with this book is again outstanding, but this time he has had to publish it himself as his publisher believed that this “type” of book was no longer getting ratings, well I can tell you this, Chris’s books are extremely entertaining in not just this book but in all of his books! He was also writes the series called “The Hunters” a series of books that are totally different to Payne & Jones series, this series is about a group of people who all have different skills and are treasure hunters for an extremely wealthy billionaire. These books are being made into a movie of which his readers will be thrilled with, all action but with laughs and tomfoolery to keep you entertained.
So come on read go out and purchase not one but all of his books, I promise you you will laugh until it hurts.
Thank Chris for these great books, hurry up with the next one please!!!!!!
One a last note DO NOT reading until you get to the very last page! I promise you will never regret it!!!!
So come on read go out and purchase not one but all of his books, I promise you you will laugh until it hurts.
Thank Chris for these great books, hurry up with the next one please!!!!!!
One a last note DO NOT reading until you get to the very last page! I promise you will never regret it!!!!
February 9, 2019
I really, really wanted to like this one. In fact, I even put a reminder on my phone. However, not even halfway through the book, I had to stop reading it when I read Jones or Payne said "sooo". What?? They don't talk like that! Right off the bat, the characters felt off. I understand they were going through some changes, but they felt too much, and too unfamiliar. Actually it didn't feel like it was Chris Kuzneski writing this. The action was fun, the setting was beautiful, but I did not feel the familiar comfort and exhiliration I usually get from reading a Payne & Jones book.
August 18, 2019
I was looking for a historical fiction novel placed on the island of Malta, as I am planning to move there for a project. I haven't read any of Chris Kuzneski's other books so I didn't know what to expect. It was totally enjoyable, offering good historic content, descriptions of interesting locations and a fair amount of adventure. It definitely met my expectations. I now look forward to check out the rest books in the Payne and Jones series!
August 6, 2021
Another great thriller from Chris Kuzneski.
The gags, the non stop action, the finding of a lost treasure… what’s not to like? That’s why this author is firmly ensconced within my favourites. And the gag reels at the end? That was a great idea! Loved most of them!
Can’t wait to see what comes next! Of course I recommend reading this book!!! And while you’re at it, read all the others if you haven’t yet.
The gags, the non stop action, the finding of a lost treasure… what’s not to like? That’s why this author is firmly ensconced within my favourites. And the gag reels at the end? That was a great idea! Loved most of them!
Can’t wait to see what comes next! Of course I recommend reading this book!!! And while you’re at it, read all the others if you haven’t yet.
December 28, 2018
Another brilliant Payne and Jones novel
Chris's writing is very good and he creates characters that you care about, which is so important in good fiction. Jarkko got a bit annoying, but also made for some good humour, so fair trade. I hope this solo endeavour works for Chris and there is more to come from Payne and Jones.
Chris's writing is very good and he creates characters that you care about, which is so important in good fiction. Jarkko got a bit annoying, but also made for some good humour, so fair trade. I hope this solo endeavour works for Chris and there is more to come from Payne and Jones.
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