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The India Summers Mysteries #2
The Treasures of Suleiman
Incomparable riches, like none other in history, are close to being revealed...
An email from a dead man, and an encrypted letter from the sixteenth century both hint at a treasure trail, leading back to the greatest Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
India Summers and Brandon Walker team up to attempt to locate the greatest treasure the world has ever seen, closely followed by a family of assassins.
What they discover is a story of tragedy, adventure and intrigue, and one that would deny the entire world’s perception of recorded history.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2012
77 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Ashman
52 books227 followersKevin Ashman is the author of twenty-six novels including the best-selling Roman Chronicles and highly ranked Medieval Sagas.
Always pushing the boundaries he found further success with the India Sommers Mysteries as well as three other stand-alone projects, Vampire, Savage Eden and the dystopian horror story, The Last Citadel. These cross-genre books have now been added to by the two Sci-fi novels, The Legacy Protocol and The Seventh God.
Kevin was born and raised in Wales in the United Kingdom and now writes full time having been signed by a major publishing company. He is married with four grown children and enjoys cycling, swimming and watching rugby as his hobbies.
Recent works include the Blood of Kings trilogy and the follow-up books, Warrior Princess and The Blade Bearer.
The most recent project is a five-book series about the Templars during the 12th century. Templar Steel, Templar Stone, Templar Blood and Templar Fury are already on sale and Templar Glory is due for release in Oct 2021.
An exciting project is also underway, a three-book series chronicling the years leading up to and beyond the Battle of Hastings.
Always pushing the boundaries he found further success with the India Sommers Mysteries as well as three other stand-alone projects, Vampire, Savage Eden and the dystopian horror story, The Last Citadel. These cross-genre books have now been added to by the two Sci-fi novels, The Legacy Protocol and The Seventh God.
Kevin was born and raised in Wales in the United Kingdom and now writes full time having been signed by a major publishing company. He is married with four grown children and enjoys cycling, swimming and watching rugby as his hobbies.
Recent works include the Blood of Kings trilogy and the follow-up books, Warrior Princess and The Blade Bearer.
The most recent project is a five-book series about the Templars during the 12th century. Templar Steel, Templar Stone, Templar Blood and Templar Fury are already on sale and Templar Glory is due for release in Oct 2021.
An exciting project is also underway, a three-book series chronicling the years leading up to and beyond the Battle of Hastings.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 3, 2017
**Spoiler Alert**
Eighty-three pages shorter than the first novel in this series, it lacked the historical background I crave from Ashman novels. The history of the Dead Virgins in the first novel followed India and Brandon throughout, however the back story of the treasure map left me wanting. The lack of backstory didn't take away from understanding the modern plot, it just came off as surprising when compared to Ashman's research and story telling genius for the first novel.
Perhaps the lack of historical backstory was done on purpose to feed some adrenaline junkies. Brandon and India engage in an adventure after Gatelusi, a Greek policeman from the first novel, emails Brandon about an adventure and then mysteriously dies. The pair are quickly captured by a business man, Hundar, claiming descendancy from the Sultans and is also in search of the same map India and Brandon are hunting. Hundar is also attended by an ancient tribe of assassins. India uses her historical knowledge to translate the secrets of a treasure map that leads the party to Dominica, a small island in the Caribbean. Suddenly a new character, Ricardo, a member of the local tribe, saves Brandon and India from the assassins as they try to escape. Through a bizarre tribal ritual it is revealed that the local tribe has had the treasure.
The addition of Ricardo, the local tribe, and its rituals was rather shocking. It comes out of nowhere and shatters India's previous idea of the location of the treasure. This shock could have been prevented if Ashman had dedicated more time to the historical narrative of the story.
I was also lefter wondering about Hundar, the Turkish businessman descended from the Sultans. Ashman deals with the blood-thirsty assassins but Hundar is left without his treasure or prisoners. He is clearly incredibly wealthy and powerful and yet Brandon shrugs him off as no longer a threat after he and India have made their escape. No mention is made of him being turned over to the authorities and yet he knows their names and can manipulate and recapture them. Hopefully this is cleared up in the following two novels in the series.
Conclusion: a decent read from Ashaman. Not as thorough or enjoyable as the first in the series. This novel was bent on the adventures of modern time rather than the historical thrills and creation of the back story as I was hoping for. Regardless, still looking forward to the next novel in the series.
Eighty-three pages shorter than the first novel in this series, it lacked the historical background I crave from Ashman novels. The history of the Dead Virgins in the first novel followed India and Brandon throughout, however the back story of the treasure map left me wanting. The lack of backstory didn't take away from understanding the modern plot, it just came off as surprising when compared to Ashman's research and story telling genius for the first novel.
Perhaps the lack of historical backstory was done on purpose to feed some adrenaline junkies. Brandon and India engage in an adventure after Gatelusi, a Greek policeman from the first novel, emails Brandon about an adventure and then mysteriously dies. The pair are quickly captured by a business man, Hundar, claiming descendancy from the Sultans and is also in search of the same map India and Brandon are hunting. Hundar is also attended by an ancient tribe of assassins. India uses her historical knowledge to translate the secrets of a treasure map that leads the party to Dominica, a small island in the Caribbean. Suddenly a new character, Ricardo, a member of the local tribe, saves Brandon and India from the assassins as they try to escape. Through a bizarre tribal ritual it is revealed that the local tribe has had the treasure.
The addition of Ricardo, the local tribe, and its rituals was rather shocking. It comes out of nowhere and shatters India's previous idea of the location of the treasure. This shock could have been prevented if Ashman had dedicated more time to the historical narrative of the story.
I was also lefter wondering about Hundar, the Turkish businessman descended from the Sultans. Ashman deals with the blood-thirsty assassins but Hundar is left without his treasure or prisoners. He is clearly incredibly wealthy and powerful and yet Brandon shrugs him off as no longer a threat after he and India have made their escape. No mention is made of him being turned over to the authorities and yet he knows their names and can manipulate and recapture them. Hopefully this is cleared up in the following two novels in the series.
Conclusion: a decent read from Ashaman. Not as thorough or enjoyable as the first in the series. This novel was bent on the adventures of modern time rather than the historical thrills and creation of the back story as I was hoping for. Regardless, still looking forward to the next novel in the series.
January 24, 2019
Good, but not great
This installment can be read as a stand-alone which I prefer. The plot itself was well thought out, however, this book didn’t really draw me into it as The Dead Virgins did.
Once again Brandon and India are after the Treasure of Suileman, a past Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The historical sections are accurate and I would bookmark the page and Google the places and names.
What I did like about the story was cultures were brought into the plot to build up the reasons why Kosta and his son Abbas were who they were. Trained assassins, Kosta lived the old ways, but Abbas lived in modern culture.
So, this book gives you travel all over the Mediterranean, Domingo/Dominico, The Valley of Desolations and you briefly are introduced to real people, Obeah, and actual geographical places.
The bad guys in this are searching for the treasure and of course brings in Brandon and India, although against their will. They were made known about it because of Adriono,a friend of their police friend from Samothrace.
Of course you learn about real treasure maps, intriguing stories about the back story of the map, how it came to be, and a curious thought of does the treasure actually exist? I will leave that up to you.
This installment can be read as a stand-alone which I prefer. The plot itself was well thought out, however, this book didn’t really draw me into it as The Dead Virgins did.
Once again Brandon and India are after the Treasure of Suileman, a past Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The historical sections are accurate and I would bookmark the page and Google the places and names.
What I did like about the story was cultures were brought into the plot to build up the reasons why Kosta and his son Abbas were who they were. Trained assassins, Kosta lived the old ways, but Abbas lived in modern culture.
So, this book gives you travel all over the Mediterranean, Domingo/Dominico, The Valley of Desolations and you briefly are introduced to real people, Obeah, and actual geographical places.
The bad guys in this are searching for the treasure and of course brings in Brandon and India, although against their will. They were made known about it because of Adriono,a friend of their police friend from Samothrace.
Of course you learn about real treasure maps, intriguing stories about the back story of the map, how it came to be, and a curious thought of does the treasure actually exist? I will leave that up to you.
May 15, 2023
A historical treasure mystery.
A gripping adventure which takes India and Brandon to the East in search of the vast fabled treasure of Kemal Reis. With expert assassins led by a rich Arab also seeking the treasure there are obstacles also of deadly terrain to traverse. Four stars for an excellently plotted and incident packed travel hunt. One star removed for a loose ending. Looking forward to the next adventure.
A gripping adventure which takes India and Brandon to the East in search of the vast fabled treasure of Kemal Reis. With expert assassins led by a rich Arab also seeking the treasure there are obstacles also of deadly terrain to traverse. Four stars for an excellently plotted and incident packed travel hunt. One star removed for a loose ending. Looking forward to the next adventure.
May 19, 2020
Brilliant Read
I really didn't want this book to finish. I could imagine myself within the pages of this book. Can't wait to read book 3. My goodness I like your imagination. Thank you.
I really didn't want this book to finish. I could imagine myself within the pages of this book. Can't wait to read book 3. My goodness I like your imagination. Thank you.
August 19, 2020
India, a librarian, teams up again with Brandon, who is running an investigation agency, when he is approached by a man who they encountered on their first adventure, requesting his help. As before, the story switches between setting the background in the past in Turkey, and India and Brandon's increasing involvement on an extraordinary treasure hunt.
However, their lives are in danger and the stakes incredibly high, as they charge around the world to decode the map and try to escape.
An interesting and entertaining read, well written and pacy.
However, their lives are in danger and the stakes incredibly high, as they charge around the world to decode the map and try to escape.
An interesting and entertaining read, well written and pacy.
January 27, 2021
Brandon and India at it again
A great second book in the India summers series.
I was hooked within the first few chapters of this book, I love how they seem to find themselves in trouble only to use their wits to get out of it again.
A great second book in the India summers series.
I was hooked within the first few chapters of this book, I love how they seem to find themselves in trouble only to use their wits to get out of it again.
January 30, 2021
Brilliant
Brilliantly written book. With an excellent storyline and thoroughly likeable characters. Story ideology out as are the characyers, couldn't help but feel sorry for Abbas.
Brilliantly written book. With an excellent storyline and thoroughly likeable characters. Story ideology out as are the characyers, couldn't help but feel sorry for Abbas.
April 29, 2018
Another excellent read from K M Ashman
April 3, 2020
AAAAA
Pure escape. First Class happy to read all that mr Ashman pens .On lockdown need the best to take me to another time and place
Pure escape. First Class happy to read all that mr Ashman pens .On lockdown need the best to take me to another time and place
May 19, 2020
Brilliant
Absolutely love this series. So well researched, and so believable. Read these a few years back and they are just as good second time around.
Absolutely love this series. So well researched, and so believable. Read these a few years back and they are just as good second time around.
September 5, 2020
A very enjoyable read.
October 1, 2022
Riveting
This book kept me on the edge of my seat I couldn't put it down until I finished bravo Kevin now onto the nxt one which I have already downloaded
This book kept me on the edge of my seat I couldn't put it down until I finished bravo Kevin now onto the nxt one which I have already downloaded
October 11, 2023
I loved the pace and action of this book. And I learned a lot about the Ottoman Empire, the reign of Sultans and the Piri Reis map. It had a Dan Brown feel to it.
October 17, 2023
A Tale that makes you think.
An Enjoyable tale which makes you wonder if something like this ever happened. Into book number 3 to read the next tale.
An Enjoyable tale which makes you wonder if something like this ever happened. Into book number 3 to read the next tale.
March 1, 2020
Suleimans treasure
The story of a secret treasure map and mysteries riddles in invisible ink all set the scene. Murder and treachery with ancient assassins all create an interesting counter to the allure of modern luxury and political power.
The story of a secret treasure map and mysteries riddles in invisible ink all set the scene. Murder and treachery with ancient assassins all create an interesting counter to the allure of modern luxury and political power.
May 16, 2015
Very intriguing mystery with some great twists. As far as the storyline, this second book in the series again jumped back into past to establish the historical beginning to the mystery, but it only made that "jump" a few times, remaining in the present for the majority of the book. On the down side, the main characters in this series are unfortunately a little bland. Their characters definitely need to be developed a little more.
September 29, 2014
Love these books!
I discovered the India Sommers books by accident and love them. I have read book 1 & 2 and read them in one sitting. Love the history lessons and the adventure. I can't put them down once I start them. They would make great movies!!
I discovered the India Sommers books by accident and love them. I have read book 1 & 2 and read them in one sitting. Love the history lessons and the adventure. I can't put them down once I start them. They would make great movies!!
September 15, 2015
Another brilliant book in the India Sommers' series. Found this set of books by accident but absolutely love them - a bit of history, detective work and over-the-top fantasy. Brilliant - one of those series you don't have to think about too much - just read for the pleasure of reading
October 24, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book.
December 25, 2014
Really enjoyed this book ( I rarely give more than 3stars). Well paced and interesting plot.
Looking forward to reading more, well done Kevin.
Looking forward to reading more, well done Kevin.
February 26, 2015
Enjoyable read
2nd India Sommers book. Librarian and ex-secret agent man go on a treasure hunt. Various threats to their lives and some history thrown in.
2nd India Sommers book. Librarian and ex-secret agent man go on a treasure hunt. Various threats to their lives and some history thrown in.
August 15, 2023
Interesting historical references.
The hero's a bit of a wimp, but the story line was interesting. The last few chapters were a bit of a let down.
The hero's a bit of a wimp, but the story line was interesting. The last few chapters were a bit of a let down.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews