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James Acton Thrillers #13
Sins of the Titanic
TITANIC'S FINAL VICTIMS HAVE YET TO DIE!
When Archaeology Professor James Acton is contacted about a painting thought to have been lost with the sinking of the Titanic, he is inadvertently drawn into a century old conspiracy an ancient organization known as The Assembly will stop at nothing to keep secret.
It’s a race against time to discover what really happened the night the Titanic sank, and to stop a ruthless assassin determined to kill anyone exposed to the shocking truth.
A century old conspiracy, torn from actual survivors’ accounts, is laid bare in the most exciting James Acton thriller yet. From USA Today and million copy bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy comes the next installment of the internationally bestselling series, uniting all your favorite characters in an adventure filled with action, intrigue, romance, and laughs. If you enjoy fast-paced adventures in the style of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and James Rollins, then you’ll love this heart wrenching tale.
When Archaeology Professor James Acton is contacted about a painting thought to have been lost with the sinking of the Titanic, he is inadvertently drawn into a century old conspiracy an ancient organization known as The Assembly will stop at nothing to keep secret.
It’s a race against time to discover what really happened the night the Titanic sank, and to stop a ruthless assassin determined to kill anyone exposed to the shocking truth.
A century old conspiracy, torn from actual survivors’ accounts, is laid bare in the most exciting James Acton thriller yet. From USA Today and million copy bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy comes the next installment of the internationally bestselling series, uniting all your favorite characters in an adventure filled with action, intrigue, romance, and laughs. If you enjoy fast-paced adventures in the style of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and James Rollins, then you’ll love this heart wrenching tale.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2015
319 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
J. Robert Kennedy
100 books297 followersWith over one million books sold, award winning and USA Today bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy has been ranked by Amazon as the #1 Bestselling Action Adventure novelist based upon combined sales. He is the author of over fifty international bestsellers including the smash hit James Acton Thrillers. He lives with his wife and daughter and writes full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 20, 2019
This book was silly and not in the best of ways. And this is the first time I’m getting a good look at the cover since I’ve only seen it in thumbnail versions. Yeah . . .
It got my attention because of the Titanic. What can I say? I’m weak. Obviously very weak. I didn’t know this was self-published until I started writing this review and pulled the information, although by the errors and somewhat sloppy writing I had a hunch. And looking at how often these books are churned out . . . yeah.
I mean A for effort in trying to do something different. I don’t read a lot of these spy-type novels and I like the concept of the Jack Reacher type blended with Indiana Jones. But James Acton, who does not play a dominant role in this book despite it being his series, is a bit of a know-it-all pedant that likes to show off his intellect every chance he gets. And of course it’s vaguely Barry Stu because everyone around him loves him for that particular trait when in reality random fact-dropping like he does would get you side-eyed at best. Unless, of course, you surround yourself with like-minded people, in which case it’s a moot point.
The story itself is, on the surface, interesting, but didn’t quite pan out in a sensical way. There were parts of the writing that had me raising my eyebrow. Little things like a character mentioning that this guy looked like a spy you see in the movies when we’re in the 1912 timeline. Okay so that’s a hardboiled look and you have another 10+ years before that makes an appearance in writing, let alone in movies. Which are still in silent films in 1912, at best. So what else did the author get wrong that I missed because I’m not paying too close attention?
The premise is this covert Navy ship sat just far enough away from the sinking Titanic to be visible to some people in far-out row boats to see in the dark, but cloaked enough that their own row boat could sneak up on the ship, get boarded by the people in it, and not be noticed. Yes, there was a lot of commotion going on as the ship was sinking. My question is, how are they not spotted rowing in the opposite direction as everyone else and not spotted boarding the ship by how many people in the water with nothing to look at but a sinking ship? And how did they get onto the boat? If I remember correctly they went through some doorway that was low enough to the water line for them to get in without being noticed. So they entered a flooding compartment without getting wet or noticed? Just too many logical leaps I’m having to make here for people that are supposed to be spies yet they’re not very good at their jobs.
And then the modern timeline stuff is all very Jason Bourne/Jack Reacher whatever with gunshots and a literally faceless entity controlling the world. Then there’s the chick with the convenient TBI that’s removed her humanity so she’s a human robot who feels nothing as she kills people around her. Meh.
I mean, I’m coming in in the middle of the series so there could be things I’m missing when it comes to things like character and world development. But from what I’ve read these books can be read as stand-alone and the writing wasn’t that great. So even though I may be missing something I’m really not missing much. This got past my 50 page cut-off simply because it was entertaining enough and not bad enough for me to put it down. Plus Titanic. That’s really what was fueling me, although it’s association pittered out to mere mentions about halfway in. Needless so say I won’t be reading anything else in this series.
2
It got my attention because of the Titanic. What can I say? I’m weak. Obviously very weak. I didn’t know this was self-published until I started writing this review and pulled the information, although by the errors and somewhat sloppy writing I had a hunch. And looking at how often these books are churned out . . . yeah.
I mean A for effort in trying to do something different. I don’t read a lot of these spy-type novels and I like the concept of the Jack Reacher type blended with Indiana Jones. But James Acton, who does not play a dominant role in this book despite it being his series, is a bit of a know-it-all pedant that likes to show off his intellect every chance he gets. And of course it’s vaguely Barry Stu because everyone around him loves him for that particular trait when in reality random fact-dropping like he does would get you side-eyed at best. Unless, of course, you surround yourself with like-minded people, in which case it’s a moot point.
The story itself is, on the surface, interesting, but didn’t quite pan out in a sensical way. There were parts of the writing that had me raising my eyebrow. Little things like a character mentioning that this guy looked like a spy you see in the movies when we’re in the 1912 timeline. Okay so that’s a hardboiled look and you have another 10+ years before that makes an appearance in writing, let alone in movies. Which are still in silent films in 1912, at best. So what else did the author get wrong that I missed because I’m not paying too close attention?
The premise is this covert Navy ship sat just far enough away from the sinking Titanic to be visible to some people in far-out row boats to see in the dark, but cloaked enough that their own row boat could sneak up on the ship, get boarded by the people in it, and not be noticed. Yes, there was a lot of commotion going on as the ship was sinking. My question is, how are they not spotted rowing in the opposite direction as everyone else and not spotted boarding the ship by how many people in the water with nothing to look at but a sinking ship? And how did they get onto the boat? If I remember correctly they went through some doorway that was low enough to the water line for them to get in without being noticed. So they entered a flooding compartment without getting wet or noticed? Just too many logical leaps I’m having to make here for people that are supposed to be spies yet they’re not very good at their jobs.
And then the modern timeline stuff is all very Jason Bourne/Jack Reacher whatever with gunshots and a literally faceless entity controlling the world. Then there’s the chick with the convenient TBI that’s removed her humanity so she’s a human robot who feels nothing as she kills people around her. Meh.
I mean, I’m coming in in the middle of the series so there could be things I’m missing when it comes to things like character and world development. But from what I’ve read these books can be read as stand-alone and the writing wasn’t that great. So even though I may be missing something I’m really not missing much. This got past my 50 page cut-off simply because it was entertaining enough and not bad enough for me to put it down. Plus Titanic. That’s really what was fueling me, although it’s association pittered out to mere mentions about halfway in. Needless so say I won’t be reading anything else in this series.
2
February 8, 2016
I guess you have to start with the first book of the series to help the confusion I felt through this whole book. There were so many characters with names and nicknames being introduced through the the story, that I was so confused about who was doing what. The story line was all over the board and never really tied up at the end. Not a fan.
January 27, 2020
I love reading anything about Titanic. Real or fictional. And I really enjoyed the plot in this one.
July 27, 2020
I mostly liked the plot. but some of the writing style was annoying.
Frequently I had trouble determining who was attached to pronouns.
He would have two men talking and then a couple paragraphs later, say something like
"he stared at the paper" and I couldn't figure out who "he" referred to.
He also uses italics to indicate someones thoughts and I often had trouble figuring out
whose thoughts were being displayed.
Plot issues
It was a quick read and fairly exciting but I don't think I'll read any others any time soon.
Frequently I had trouble determining who was attached to pronouns.
He would have two men talking and then a couple paragraphs later, say something like
"he stared at the paper" and I couldn't figure out who "he" referred to.
He also uses italics to indicate someones thoughts and I often had trouble figuring out
whose thoughts were being displayed.
Plot issues
It was a quick read and fairly exciting but I don't think I'll read any others any time soon.
September 14, 2018
Sins of the Titanic - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A dramatic title for a dramatic story, Sins of the Titanic is no 13 in the James Acton Thriller series, by J Robert Kennedy.
MC Professor James Acton, an archaeologist, is called upon to use his expertise when a painting, supposedly lost on the doomed Titanic, surfaces(!) in a most unexpected way. Is it a forgery?
Was the owner lied to and his insurance company cheated? The truth is out there to be found!
Acton and his wife Laura, along with 'usual suspects' Professor Palmer, Chris Leroux, Sherrie White and Dylan Kane, (some of whom have their own series by the same author), plus the Delta Force they all have in common, unite to solve the mystery - and put themselves in danger from the mysterious ancient cult of The Assembly, who will stop at nothing to keep the mystery just that - a mystery - even if people have to die to do so.
J Robert Kennedy is a past master at taking historical facts and weaving them into a fascinating all-action thriller, with dynamic MCs/plotline/villains, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Get your copy today and then try the others for great adventures that will keep you up all night!
A dramatic title for a dramatic story, Sins of the Titanic is no 13 in the James Acton Thriller series, by J Robert Kennedy.
MC Professor James Acton, an archaeologist, is called upon to use his expertise when a painting, supposedly lost on the doomed Titanic, surfaces(!) in a most unexpected way. Is it a forgery?
Was the owner lied to and his insurance company cheated? The truth is out there to be found!
Acton and his wife Laura, along with 'usual suspects' Professor Palmer, Chris Leroux, Sherrie White and Dylan Kane, (some of whom have their own series by the same author), plus the Delta Force they all have in common, unite to solve the mystery - and put themselves in danger from the mysterious ancient cult of The Assembly, who will stop at nothing to keep the mystery just that - a mystery - even if people have to die to do so.
J Robert Kennedy is a past master at taking historical facts and weaving them into a fascinating all-action thriller, with dynamic MCs/plotline/villains, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Get your copy today and then try the others for great adventures that will keep you up all night!
January 10, 2020
For being an Acton book, there wasn't a whole lot of him in it. I didn't think it was bad, though. But it's definitely not a book to read as a stand-alone! There are so many characters, backstories and threads that to pick the series up here would lead to confusion and whatever else. I think the significance of things would be lost on a reader if they didn't know the full backstories. I am reading it on the crossover universe order, where this is actually #19 and I think that's totally helped. This book did provide movement in the Assembly story line and the team gave them a checkmate at the end with the data from their hacking. Wonder if things with The Assembly will chill out? I also don't think we saw the last of Katz.
Acton/Kane/Delta Crossover Universe
https://www.goodreads.com/series/2235...
Acton/Kane/Delta Crossover Universe
https://www.goodreads.com/series/2235...
October 14, 2022
*** There are spoilers in this book regarding book 1. If you intend to read the series at least read book 1, The Protocol, before Sins.***. Anything regarding the Titanic fascinates me. This book is definitely fascinating with a heavy conspiracy theory. I enjoyed it and can’t wait to give it to my brother-in-law. The premise of the book is definitely interesting which makes you want to delve right in. I did find it hard to keep the characters straight since there were so many. Half way through I started it all over again. I had a better grasp after rereading it. I’m thinking that if you read the series in order it might be easier to follow. I’m starting the first book today hoping that it’s a little easier to read. That being said, Sins of the Titanic can be a stand alone book as long as you know you have to concentrate while reading and as long as you are not going to read the series.
June 22, 2017
I bought this book from a daily deal on Amazon because I was intrigued by the synopsis --The discovery of a painting that was supposedly lost when the Titanic sunk in a room that had been locked since his US Navy Captain grandfather's suicide,; the actual survivor's testimony that there had been a 3rd in the vicinity of the Titanic that could have saved all of the survivors but didn't,; a secret society that wants to keep the secret and to influence World governments. I didn't realize it was #13 in a series. It introduced me to a whole new group of interesting characters. I will definitely read more from this author. I just wish that there was more to the Titanic story.
March 12, 2018
This was the first time I had come across this author (via a free book on Amazon) and now I am hooked!! This book takes a real life story, some real facts and then mixes in some great imaginary scenarios to make a fab plot! I loved the style and pace and am excited at the discovery that the author has other books in different series! I am going to start from the beginning and read all the other books on offer!
July 21, 2021
Another exciting, nail biter story from J. Robert Kennedy! The connection between the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 and a present day mysterious world-wide organization called the Assembly was fascinating, plus having James Acton, Laura Palmer and the Bravo Team involved was great. I'm glad the author has written so many more books involving those characters, as I know I will always have a 'good time' reading them!
January 20, 2018
As always this book gives you everything you in a great book! Action, adventure, suspense, puzzles to solve, humor and a thrilling ride the whole way through!
I first read this series at book 14 and was totally hooked! I then brought the first book in this series because I wanted to learn from the very beginning about all the characters. I have never been sorry, and now own up to & including 14. Being a women living just on her social security, and loving to read, I have to watch my spending. Thank goodness for my daughters who give me gift cards for holidays!
I first read this series at book 14 and was totally hooked! I then brought the first book in this series because I wanted to learn from the very beginning about all the characters. I have never been sorry, and now own up to & including 14. Being a women living just on her social security, and loving to read, I have to watch my spending. Thank goodness for my daughters who give me gift cards for holidays!
October 4, 2019
Sins of the Titanic
While I still think James Rollins, author of the Sigma Force series is the best author of this genre, Kennedy comes in a close second! Fast paced, thrilling action and fantastic plot makes this novel a must read!
- Taborri Walker, author of the Earth Maid series on Amazon
While I still think James Rollins, author of the Sigma Force series is the best author of this genre, Kennedy comes in a close second! Fast paced, thrilling action and fantastic plot makes this novel a must read!
- Taborri Walker, author of the Earth Maid series on Amazon
May 19, 2023
13th book in the series, this one finds the professor and his wife along with their team getting involved with the mysterious and deadly group, the Assembly, yet again. With a timeline going back to the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 along with current day, it is the usual non-stop action we have come to expect. Love this series!
February 9, 2018
Fantastic
This is the first book I have read by Kennedy and it certainly won't be the last. It was definitely page-turning and action packed. But I recommend readers start at the beginning if this series as for a while I had trouble keeping the characters straight.
This is the first book I have read by Kennedy and it certainly won't be the last. It was definitely page-turning and action packed. But I recommend readers start at the beginning if this series as for a while I had trouble keeping the characters straight.
February 9, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Kennedy and it certainly won't be the last. It was definitely page-turning and action packed. But I recommend readers start at the beginning if this series as for a while I had trouble keeping the characters straight.
February 14, 2018
Discovery of a new-to-me author.
I bought this book simply because of the word Titanic in the title. The intrigue, speculation, politics, and fast pace kept me reading. J. Robert Kennedy will find space on my Kindle several more times. Great book.
I bought this book simply because of the word Titanic in the title. The intrigue, speculation, politics, and fast pace kept me reading. J. Robert Kennedy will find space on my Kindle several more times. Great book.
February 19, 2018
Excellent thriller with a door open for the next story
This almost could have been written in real time with US politics the way they are. Big brother is out there and the connections may shock you. Prepare for another good Acton thrilling read
This almost could have been written in real time with US politics the way they are. Big brother is out there and the connections may shock you. Prepare for another good Acton thrilling read
April 4, 2018
Another rip roaring yarn love these books levels Dan Brown standing I my opinion there’s a lot mor imagination to the stories where as dan brown seems to be stuck in a bit of a rut will read more of this series
November 10, 2018
Kennedy does it again
Yes J. Robert Kennedy has written another great James Acton adventure. Loads of action, plenty of intrigue and an ending that says we havnt heard the last of this group. The Assembly and it's former assian will be back in a future book. Will early await it.
Yes J. Robert Kennedy has written another great James Acton adventure. Loads of action, plenty of intrigue and an ending that says we havnt heard the last of this group. The Assembly and it's former assian will be back in a future book. Will early await it.
June 7, 2020
In my opinion this is the best Acton book in the series (so far, as I am reading them in order). While this particular novel may not be easy to understand as a stand alone book, for anyone that has read the previous books, it provides some very interesting new possibilities for the characters.
November 2, 2020
I thought this was a very good story. Of course any story that has something to do with the Titanic, then I'm all in.
Interesting premise about the "Assembly" group. In this day and age it may not be too far fethched!
Interesting premise about the "Assembly" group. In this day and age it may not be too far fethched!
April 12, 2021
A good book to get.
You are taken on a strange journey that has many different twists and turns. You would not think that the Titanic would of been a problem or something from the ship was important. The book keeps you wanting to read more and well done.
You are taken on a strange journey that has many different twists and turns. You would not think that the Titanic would of been a problem or something from the ship was important. The book keeps you wanting to read more and well done.
July 2, 2022
A good reed
I don't know why this thing didn't rea
Id I'm I'm dictating this because I have to have 20 words he works this is a game action book just like all the other games Jackson book if you like it you like this one too
I don't know why this thing didn't rea
Id I'm I'm dictating this because I have to have 20 words he works this is a game action book just like all the other games Jackson book if you like it you like this one too
December 24, 2023
Book 13
Book 13 was an okay read and had a few errors throughout. The overall plot and characters developed well, but was a little slow and a lot of back and forth with characters and places. This book wasn't as exciting as some of the previous books, but I liked it well enough.
Book 13 was an okay read and had a few errors throughout. The overall plot and characters developed well, but was a little slow and a lot of back and forth with characters and places. This book wasn't as exciting as some of the previous books, but I liked it well enough.
February 11, 2018
Interesting
Very good reading, as usual for this writer. Keeps you guessing the whole way through the story! I recommend this book to everyone. E
Very good reading, as usual for this writer. Keeps you guessing the whole way through the story! I recommend this book to everyone. E
February 12, 2018
Action Packed
Unpredictable, as all Acton Thrillers are. I had to put the book down several times because it was so intense. I am looking forward to Katz’ revenge.
Unpredictable, as all Acton Thrillers are. I had to put the book down several times because it was so intense. I am looking forward to Katz’ revenge.
February 20, 2018
Excellent book. I just recently started reading J. Robert Kennedy books and now I cannot stop.
February 21, 2018
Fantastic book
This book is action packed and will keep you guessing till the end. As usual I I learned a lot from this book. I
This book is action packed and will keep you guessing till the end. As usual I I learned a lot from this book. I
February 27, 2018
Unputdownable
Well written full of surprises and about the titanic what more could I want except more stories please, now have some more in my library to read
Well written full of surprises and about the titanic what more could I want except more stories please, now have some more in my library to read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews