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The Founding Treason
What if some of our nation's architects set into motion a series of acts so treasonous that we are still feeling their effects nearly two-and-a-half centuries later? That is the question at the heart of this stunning, provocative thriller. When newly minted doctor of history Jonathan Rickner stumbles across an old film canister in the National Archives, he sets off an explosive chain of events that leaves dozens dead and himself on the run. The contents of that canister, revealing long-buried evidence about the Kennedy assassination, is just the first piece of a centuries-old puzzle stretching from the Civil War to the Constitutional Convention and back to modern day. Joined by Chloe Harper, a conspiracy devotee desperate to clear her disgraced FBI agent father's name, Jon becomes entangled in a web of deception dating to the American Revolution. Going toe-to-toe with a powerful secret aristocracy formed by a rogue faction of Founding Fathers, Jon and Chloe are forced into a desperate race to discover the incredible truth behind a conspiracy theory older than the United States itself. From the streets of Dallas to the colonial meeting halls of Boston to the palatial mansions of Embassy Row to a secret complex deep beneath the American heartland, through celebrated museums, forgotten chambers, and presidential tombs, Jon and Chloe must expose those responsible before it's too late. For another attack is imminent, and if they fail in their quest, America may never recover. Propelled by puzzles and mysteries that demand to be solved and brimming with exhaustively researched details from America's past, THE FOUNDING TREASON is a singularly immersive thriller, one that will leave you questioning who is really calling the shots. "THE FOUNDING TREASON does everything right. Here is a thriller that ratchets up the tension with every turn of the page, that makes you look at historical fact in an entirely new light, and kept me up late into the night to discover the shocking truths at the end. And the central I bet Dan Brown wishes he had this idea first. Don't miss this blockbuster in novel form!” – James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestselling author of CRUCIBLE “A smart, action-packed thriller! Secret societies, pulse-pounding puzzles, and cinematic conspiracies, THE FOUNDING TREASON has it all. Jeremy Burns has crafted one dynamite tale.” – Brad Thor, #1 New York Times bestselling author of SPYMASTER “A fascinating blend of modern-day action and historical intrigue … recommended.” – Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series "THE FOUNDING TREASON is a blistering and bracing thriller rooted in stellar historical speculation. Jeremy Burns expertly combines what was with what could be in staking his rightful claim to the territory owned by Steve Berry and Brad Meltzer. Effortlessly combining hard-charging action with exhaustive research, here is a tale as riveting as it is relentless carved from the tradition of the National Treasure films with a bit of The Da Vinci Code sprinkled in for good measure." – Jon Land, USA Today bestselling author of the Caitlin Strong series
- GenresThriller
529 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2019
141 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Burns
8 books17 followersJeremy Burns lived and worked in Dubai for two years, conducting first-hand research in many of the locations featured in The Dubai Betrayal and immersing himself in a variety of Middle Eastern cultures.
His first book, From the Ashes, introduced Wayne Wilkins and is a two-time #1 category bestseller on Amazon, with more than 95,000 total ebook copies downloaded to date.
A seasoned traveler who has explored more than twenty countries across four continents, he lives in Florida with his wife and two dogs, where he is working on his next book.
His first book, From the Ashes, introduced Wayne Wilkins and is a two-time #1 category bestseller on Amazon, with more than 95,000 total ebook copies downloaded to date.
A seasoned traveler who has explored more than twenty countries across four continents, he lives in Florida with his wife and two dogs, where he is working on his next book.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 2, 2019
"Then it's decided, my brothers. History shall never know of our actions, but our nation will survive because of your boldness. May it ever be so. In order for the United States to survive, President Lincoln must die."
Nearly a decade after fighting has ended, leaders of the Revolutionary War meet in Philadelphia to hash out the constitutional framework of the newly formed United States. Many of them realize, however, that having now vanquished their common enemy, England, the populace of this nation must on occasion require new common causes to rally around, lest their all-too-common disagreements turn into internal squabbles, skirmishes and, at worst, civil war. A system will have to be put in place, passed from generation to generation, in order to carry on the mission of protecting the union. The secret band of brothers selected for this highest of goal must be prepared to go to any lengths, no matter the extent of the sacrifice.
Like Da Vinci Code and other books of its genre, The Founding Treason artfully mixes diverse historical facts with the authors’ creative imagination, such that at times one wonders whether the book is truth or fiction. In either case, the reader is drawn into its page-turning story. It weaves the tale of some of our country’s most challenging times, as controlled by the puppetry and manipulation of a society of powerful men.
There’s nothing like a good conspiracy to get the mind questioning what has always been accepted as truth. I truly enjoyed every minute of the ride. Thanks to the author, Jeremy Burns, and to both NetGalley the publisher, The Story Plant, for the opportunity to read this excellent novel.
Nearly a decade after fighting has ended, leaders of the Revolutionary War meet in Philadelphia to hash out the constitutional framework of the newly formed United States. Many of them realize, however, that having now vanquished their common enemy, England, the populace of this nation must on occasion require new common causes to rally around, lest their all-too-common disagreements turn into internal squabbles, skirmishes and, at worst, civil war. A system will have to be put in place, passed from generation to generation, in order to carry on the mission of protecting the union. The secret band of brothers selected for this highest of goal must be prepared to go to any lengths, no matter the extent of the sacrifice.
Like Da Vinci Code and other books of its genre, The Founding Treason artfully mixes diverse historical facts with the authors’ creative imagination, such that at times one wonders whether the book is truth or fiction. In either case, the reader is drawn into its page-turning story. It weaves the tale of some of our country’s most challenging times, as controlled by the puppetry and manipulation of a society of powerful men.
There’s nothing like a good conspiracy to get the mind questioning what has always been accepted as truth. I truly enjoyed every minute of the ride. Thanks to the author, Jeremy Burns, and to both NetGalley the publisher, The Story Plant, for the opportunity to read this excellent novel.
Read
March 3, 2019I received an advanced digital copy of "The Founding Treason" through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What if some of our nation's architects set into motion a series of acts so treasonous that we are still feeling their effects nearly two-and-a-half centuries later? That is the question at the heart of this stunning, provocative thriller.
When newly minted doctor of history Jonathan Rickner stumbles across an old film canister in the National Archives, he sets off an explosive chain of events that leaves dozens dead and himself on the run. The contents of that canister, revealing long-buried evidence about the Kennedy assassination, is just the first piece of a centuries-old puzzle stretching from the Civil War to the Constitutional Convention and back to modern day.
Joined by Chloe Harper, a conspiracy devotee desperate to clear her disgraced FBI agent father's name, Jon becomes entangled in a web of deception dating to the American Revolution. Going toe-to-toe with a powerful secret aristocracy formed by a rogue faction of Founding Fathers, Jon and Chloe are forced into a desperate race to discover the incredible truth behind a conspiracy theory older than the United States itself.
From the streets of Dallas to the colonial meeting halls of Boston to the palatial mansions of Embassy Row to a secret complex deep beneath the American heartland, through celebrated museums, forgotten chambers, and presidential tombs, Jon and Chloe must expose those responsible before it's too late. For another attack is imminent, and if they fail in their quest, America may never recover.
The Founding Treason is a fast paced, intellectual thrill ride, a more grown up version of the "National Treasure" franchise. Burns has written dynamic characters that you easily connect with. Throughout the entire book you are second guessing everything you think you know and wondering who you can trust. It is equal parts thriller and history lesson, pulling the best from both worlds.
What if some of our nation's architects set into motion a series of acts so treasonous that we are still feeling their effects nearly two-and-a-half centuries later? That is the question at the heart of this stunning, provocative thriller.
When newly minted doctor of history Jonathan Rickner stumbles across an old film canister in the National Archives, he sets off an explosive chain of events that leaves dozens dead and himself on the run. The contents of that canister, revealing long-buried evidence about the Kennedy assassination, is just the first piece of a centuries-old puzzle stretching from the Civil War to the Constitutional Convention and back to modern day.
Joined by Chloe Harper, a conspiracy devotee desperate to clear her disgraced FBI agent father's name, Jon becomes entangled in a web of deception dating to the American Revolution. Going toe-to-toe with a powerful secret aristocracy formed by a rogue faction of Founding Fathers, Jon and Chloe are forced into a desperate race to discover the incredible truth behind a conspiracy theory older than the United States itself.
From the streets of Dallas to the colonial meeting halls of Boston to the palatial mansions of Embassy Row to a secret complex deep beneath the American heartland, through celebrated museums, forgotten chambers, and presidential tombs, Jon and Chloe must expose those responsible before it's too late. For another attack is imminent, and if they fail in their quest, America may never recover.
The Founding Treason is a fast paced, intellectual thrill ride, a more grown up version of the "National Treasure" franchise. Burns has written dynamic characters that you easily connect with. Throughout the entire book you are second guessing everything you think you know and wondering who you can trust. It is equal parts thriller and history lesson, pulling the best from both worlds.
April 21, 2025
Book 3. Did not read the first 2 in the series but this was a wonderfully fun experience for any history lover.
June 15, 2019
Book Review: A fast paced thriller through our nation’s history and secret societies upon which it was founded.
The Founding Treason
by Jeremy Burns
Author Jeremy Burns takes the reader on tumultuous ride through some of the US’ most controversial historic moments. Moments shrouded in conspiracy theories about secret societies covering up what really happened. In this fictional account, Jonathan Rickner and Chloe Harper race against staying alive and outrunning the authorities while they solve the mystery of who really shot President J.F. Kennedy. However, this mystery goes back even further in time than the 1960’s.
It goes back even before July 4th, 1776. To the time when our founding fathers were fighting a revolution within a revolution. When secret societies were forming within other secret societies to keep this nation together.
In this mystery thriller, it’s National Treasure meets The Da Vinci Code, with its own ticking clock that Jonathan and Chloe have to race to thwart another attack that could bring the country to the brink of another war. With the Society’s members holding key positions throughout the hierarchy of the government, they don’t know who to trust and who to run from.
When a henchman corners them in the Society’s archives they think the society has won, and their death is imminent nor is it.
This immensely entertaining thriller has so many details exhaustively researched that fact and fiction blurs between the lines. However the line falls along each side, this journey through happenings in DC provides thought provoking wonder. Who really is running this country? How much of this fictional narrative is based on truth? Will this country ever fall from its divisiveness?
One of my favorite quotes proves we can come together despite our different beliefs, “I think you sell the American public short. Yes, we’ve got some serious issues, and, yes, the media seems to focus on those a lot these days for clicks or whatever. But, by and large, we stick together when the going gets tough. Just look at how we pull together after natural disasters. Strangers digging deep and helping other strangers in need. While FEMA is still sorting out their paperwork, it’s volunteer firefighters and off-duty sheriff’s deputies, corporate execs and soccer moms, bricklayers and college students who answer the call, from right next door or three states away. Across all races, creeds, and cultures, at our hearts, we’re all American. And though we may disagree on a lot, at times even disagreeing on what makes us American, at our core, we’re all bound together by a greater community.”
But overall else, it is hope that keeps us fighting to preserve each other as stated in this quote, “Wayne put a hand on each of their shoulders. “As your elder, I’ve gained a lot of experience and insight over the years. I’ve seen some of the worst America has to offer. And I’ve also seen some of its best. My parents both died in 9/11. They didn’t have to. But they chose to try to save more people in the towers instead of saving themselves. This cemetery is full of self-sacrificing men and women who believed in that good and gave the best years of their lives—and many times even losing their lives—to fight to preserve it. Not because some twisted secret society was pulling the strings. Because they believed it was the right thing to do. Because they believed, as George Washington did, as Abe Lincoln did, and as JFK did, that America is worth fighting for. That hope and belief in forging a better tomorrow has been the lifeblood of the United States from its birth, and I have to believe it will keep going for a long while yet.”
If you love thrillers, and American history, The Founding Treason is your next “must” read!
FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title by NetGalley and The Story Plant publisher for review purposes only; no other compensation was awarded me.
The Founding Treason
by Jeremy Burns
Author Jeremy Burns takes the reader on tumultuous ride through some of the US’ most controversial historic moments. Moments shrouded in conspiracy theories about secret societies covering up what really happened. In this fictional account, Jonathan Rickner and Chloe Harper race against staying alive and outrunning the authorities while they solve the mystery of who really shot President J.F. Kennedy. However, this mystery goes back even further in time than the 1960’s.
It goes back even before July 4th, 1776. To the time when our founding fathers were fighting a revolution within a revolution. When secret societies were forming within other secret societies to keep this nation together.
In this mystery thriller, it’s National Treasure meets The Da Vinci Code, with its own ticking clock that Jonathan and Chloe have to race to thwart another attack that could bring the country to the brink of another war. With the Society’s members holding key positions throughout the hierarchy of the government, they don’t know who to trust and who to run from.
When a henchman corners them in the Society’s archives they think the society has won, and their death is imminent nor is it.
This immensely entertaining thriller has so many details exhaustively researched that fact and fiction blurs between the lines. However the line falls along each side, this journey through happenings in DC provides thought provoking wonder. Who really is running this country? How much of this fictional narrative is based on truth? Will this country ever fall from its divisiveness?
One of my favorite quotes proves we can come together despite our different beliefs, “I think you sell the American public short. Yes, we’ve got some serious issues, and, yes, the media seems to focus on those a lot these days for clicks or whatever. But, by and large, we stick together when the going gets tough. Just look at how we pull together after natural disasters. Strangers digging deep and helping other strangers in need. While FEMA is still sorting out their paperwork, it’s volunteer firefighters and off-duty sheriff’s deputies, corporate execs and soccer moms, bricklayers and college students who answer the call, from right next door or three states away. Across all races, creeds, and cultures, at our hearts, we’re all American. And though we may disagree on a lot, at times even disagreeing on what makes us American, at our core, we’re all bound together by a greater community.”
But overall else, it is hope that keeps us fighting to preserve each other as stated in this quote, “Wayne put a hand on each of their shoulders. “As your elder, I’ve gained a lot of experience and insight over the years. I’ve seen some of the worst America has to offer. And I’ve also seen some of its best. My parents both died in 9/11. They didn’t have to. But they chose to try to save more people in the towers instead of saving themselves. This cemetery is full of self-sacrificing men and women who believed in that good and gave the best years of their lives—and many times even losing their lives—to fight to preserve it. Not because some twisted secret society was pulling the strings. Because they believed it was the right thing to do. Because they believed, as George Washington did, as Abe Lincoln did, and as JFK did, that America is worth fighting for. That hope and belief in forging a better tomorrow has been the lifeblood of the United States from its birth, and I have to believe it will keep going for a long while yet.”
If you love thrillers, and American history, The Founding Treason is your next “must” read!
FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title by NetGalley and The Story Plant publisher for review purposes only; no other compensation was awarded me.
October 14, 2019
The Founding Treason is a historical fiction thriller. It is very similar to the film” National Treasure”. The book takes place all over the country in the countries most historic venues. The main Characters Jon and Chloe are admirable because they never gave up, even when it would have been very easy too. The setting takes place throughout the United States’ most historic venues. For example, Mount Vernon, the Anderson Mansion, Washington DC, they visit Dealey Palace, the National Archives, and many other famous historical places. The book takes place in the “present day.” The best feature of the book is how the author portrayed antagonists and protagonists. The protagonists, Jon and Chloe, worked very well together rarely having turmoil. While the Antagonists, Stanton Gaines and the Vanguard, struggled to complete their mission because they wanted individual recognition and were very selfish. The Founding Treason is an excellent book. It is fictional but all the places and most of the historical people mentioned are real people and real places. It is very well written, with great dialogue from character to character. You will want to turn the next page immediately after you read the last sentence because it is so intense. The book is very entertaining and is great for all those who love to read thrillers or historical fiction. The Founding Treason is a great book that will keep you on your toes, it is a fairly easy read, and it will make you want to visit all the historical venues it takes you through.
August 4, 2020
“I think you sell the American public short. Yes, we’ve got some serious issues, and, yes, the media seems to focus on those a lot these days for clicks or whatever. But, by and large, we stick together when the going gets tough."
Take Dr, Jonathan Rickner (PhD history) and add Chloe Harper, a conspiracy theory devotee and mix well. Place Jon in a place where he finds an old canister of film that talks about the shapers of America planning treason from the very beginning and watch as his mind is blown as these theories unspool from the foundation of the United States until today. How much would you/could you/should you believe?
A grown-ups version of "National Treasure" empowered by Jeremy Burns' incredible breadth of knowledge brings you into a finely crafted thriller guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end. Highly Recommended 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
Take Dr, Jonathan Rickner (PhD history) and add Chloe Harper, a conspiracy theory devotee and mix well. Place Jon in a place where he finds an old canister of film that talks about the shapers of America planning treason from the very beginning and watch as his mind is blown as these theories unspool from the foundation of the United States until today. How much would you/could you/should you believe?
A grown-ups version of "National Treasure" empowered by Jeremy Burns' incredible breadth of knowledge brings you into a finely crafted thriller guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end. Highly Recommended 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
June 2, 2019
The Founding Treason is another in the series featuring the character Jon Rickner, historian turned sleuth. This was my first exposure to the series, and while interesting, it seemed liked a mash-up of several Steve Berry/Brad Metlzer novels, with every National tragedy conveniently blamed on one villain. While I’m a big fan of these types of books, this story seemed to try and compress a lot of different historical events into one book, and it just seems a stretch. That being said, it was good enough to make me try one of the author’s earlier books in the series.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2020
The Founding Treason by Jeremy Burns
Book starts out with praise for authors works.
Really enjoyed this book, didn't realize it'd be over 400 pages in length, took me a bit longer than most books.
It's so fascinating to learn more about Templars and all the conspiracies that I've heard bits and pieces about over the years.
This book pieces them all together into one big puzzle for you.
Love all the travel, unknown locations, and link them all together to one another.
Love that this book goes back so far and how that all plays into todays' world.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Book starts out with praise for authors works.
Really enjoyed this book, didn't realize it'd be over 400 pages in length, took me a bit longer than most books.
It's so fascinating to learn more about Templars and all the conspiracies that I've heard bits and pieces about over the years.
This book pieces them all together into one big puzzle for you.
Love all the travel, unknown locations, and link them all together to one another.
Love that this book goes back so far and how that all plays into todays' world.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
May 6, 2019
Wow. This thriller, based on amazing research, follows Jonathan Rickner and Chloe Harper, as they search for answers to conspiracies that began with the American Revolution. Both protagonists lost a loved one to murder by the secret society running this shadow organization so the motive for their determination is strong. Author Jeremy Burns writes a riveting read steeped in fascinating facts and compelling conjecture.
May 12, 2025
There are some books that look as though they could be interesting. This novel started well. An exciting opening with a fascinating premise. However, I lost interest after the first few chapters. The story became very convoluted. Maybe it was also the typeface that turned me off. Words and lines very close together. Made for laborious reading.
My interest gone, I couldn't even be bothered to read the final chapters in order to find out the ending. A shame but never mind.
My interest gone, I couldn't even be bothered to read the final chapters in order to find out the ending. A shame but never mind.
March 21, 2022
This historical fiction, The Founding Treason, is the first book I have read by this author. I am so glad I took a chance.
It has all of the elements to make it a must-read in my book. There is thriller, treason, and conspiracy. How could you go wrong? Definitely will recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written thriller.
It has all of the elements to make it a must-read in my book. There is thriller, treason, and conspiracy. How could you go wrong? Definitely will recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written thriller.
September 9, 2024
This was a very compelling read. It’s a fascinating conspiracy theory about American history - with theoretically what really happened and not what is in our history books - while the conspiracies are out there, you continue to want to see how it all unfolds. A good read overall.
November 30, 2024
I thought that this was a jolly good read. The pace was good, the action was okay, and the history and linkages were interesting. Some things were perhaps a little convenient or easy, but it did not seem too jarring and kept this ambitious story moving along.
October 11, 2020
Got to say i have read all of jeremy burns 4 novels and i have to say this one the founding treason was not as good as the 3 others
August 26, 2024
How far does teason reach and betrayal kill?
Jon and Chloe are on a collision course with agents of an old ultra-secret society and then they begin searching the archives!
Jon and Chloe are on a collision course with agents of an old ultra-secret society and then they begin searching the archives!
December 12, 2024
Good Read
Enjoyed reading this adventure mystery. Good characters and each developed well. Fast reading with a story that doesn’t get bogged down and it runs through history.
Enjoyed reading this adventure mystery. Good characters and each developed well. Fast reading with a story that doesn’t get bogged down and it runs through history.
December 15, 2024
Interesting Premise but way too long.
At Chapter 65 only 63% done. To much unneeded writing. The storyline is intriguing but I don’t think I will even finish.
At Chapter 65 only 63% done. To much unneeded writing. The storyline is intriguing but I don’t think I will even finish.
February 16, 2025
Found this book revelent in our current political crisis. Even though this book is fiction, it touches on very real possibilities in today's political climate.
October 22, 2025
It's fiction. Or is it? Like so many theories about events like the Kennedy Assassination, it's just believable enough to make you wonder.
February 17, 2019
Did the founding fathers found more than the government we study in our history books. Are there other forces at work plotting the direction our country moves. Jon and Cloe, our protagonists, race the clock to protect our country from itself.
March 1, 2019
This is the archetypical story of the super secret quasi government agency gone bad. This also has the hallmarks of the super secret quasi government agency that is the last bastion of goodness. The story moves along well enough and the characters are believable. This is very reminiscent of the 'National Treasure' movies and they are even mentioned as part of the story. The author could have tightened his narration quite a bit be editing his forays into historical review of every situation, location, and figure. Nice to know stuff but a little much.
May 4, 2019
With thanks to NetGalley, Jeremy Burns and The Story Factory for the opportunity to read and review the ARC.
"Description:
What if some of our nation's architects set into motion a series of acts so treasonous that we are still feeling their effects nearly two-and-a-half centuries later? That is the question at the heart of this stunning, provocative thriller.
When newly minted doctor of history Jonathan Rickner stumbles across an old film canister in the National Archives, he sets off an explosive chain of events that leaves dozens dead and himself on the run. The contents of that canister, revealing long-buried evidence about the Kennedy assassination, is just the first piece of a centuries-old puzzle stretching from the Civil War to the Constitutional Convention and back to modern day."
This was an addictive roller coaster of a 'tall tale". If you love historical thrillers then this is definitely a book worth your time. Rickner is a well defined character, suitably aided and abetted by the indefatigable Chloe. Together, they plough through duplicity, cryptic clues about secret societies, assassinations and treasons. Well structured story telling with a satisfying plot. Ultimately successful (of course), our heroes manage to save a life and make the country a safer place!
I would also like to thank the author for his detailed end notes (which I also enjoyed reading), as these are not often provided yet they give the reader a rounded understanding of the historical versus fictional elements of the book.
"Description:
What if some of our nation's architects set into motion a series of acts so treasonous that we are still feeling their effects nearly two-and-a-half centuries later? That is the question at the heart of this stunning, provocative thriller.
When newly minted doctor of history Jonathan Rickner stumbles across an old film canister in the National Archives, he sets off an explosive chain of events that leaves dozens dead and himself on the run. The contents of that canister, revealing long-buried evidence about the Kennedy assassination, is just the first piece of a centuries-old puzzle stretching from the Civil War to the Constitutional Convention and back to modern day."
This was an addictive roller coaster of a 'tall tale". If you love historical thrillers then this is definitely a book worth your time. Rickner is a well defined character, suitably aided and abetted by the indefatigable Chloe. Together, they plough through duplicity, cryptic clues about secret societies, assassinations and treasons. Well structured story telling with a satisfying plot. Ultimately successful (of course), our heroes manage to save a life and make the country a safer place!
I would also like to thank the author for his detailed end notes (which I also enjoyed reading), as these are not often provided yet they give the reader a rounded understanding of the historical versus fictional elements of the book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews