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Ex Libris: The Secret Manuscript
WINNER of 5 AWARDS! -- When noble efforts unlock Pandora's Box .... "Could hardly put it down to eat!"For centuries, a secret that could ignite global chaos has lain hidden in Prague. That changes when Dan Lovel, an ex-Security Agent of Gypsy and Jewish heritage, receives an intriguing message from World Bank executive, Astrid Desmarais, whose life he once saved. Astrid asks him to meet her on Grand Cayman Island and provides first-class air travel and a suite at the Ritz Carlton.Astrid wants Dan to steal four books from the locked collection of “forbidden books” in a monastery in Prague. The books are an inventory of artworks stolen by Napoleon and now housed in the Louvre. Her plan is to identify those artworks and return them to their rightful owners. Dan hesitates but reluctantly agrees when she reminds him of the art the Nazis stole from his Jewish grandparents before having them killed. Astrid then insists that Dan work with her daughter, Martine, an antiquities expert at the Louvre. Casually, she mentions there might also be a fifth book.Dan and Martine succeed in breaking in and grabbing all five books but are spotted at the last minute by the monastery’s monks who, with their powerful allies, pursue them all the way to the German border. Near the border, Dan manages to secure refuge for himself and Martine in a small Gypsy community. But he soon discovers they’re also being pursued by a professional assassin.Only when they reach Paris do they realize it’s the fifth book that everyone has been after. And with good reason. It could unleash global war and pave the way for profiteers to amass fortunes. Dan and Martine are now in the eye of the storm and must face choices that tear at their very souls._____________________________________________________________"I CAN'T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I WAS SO THOROUGHLY ENGROSSED." --AF"UTTERLY GRIPPING. The reader is plunged into breathtaking action. One of the standout things ... The reader is led into the mysterious gypsy culture and I found this aspect intriguing." --M. Hernandez-Alvarez"IMMENSELY ENJOYED GETTING TUGGED INTO DAN LOVEL'S WORLD." --Amy Williams"SUPER FUN TO READ! ... AND A LOT OF BADASSERY.” --Myra"A PLETHORA OF AWARDS. ... Superior writing and engaging storyline, the novel's critical acclaim will be of no surprise to its readers." --The US Review of BooksEX LIBRIS Awards & Accolades1ST PLACE - Global Book Awards (previously NY City Book Awards)GOLD MEDAL - Global Book Awards (previously NY City Book Awards)FINALIST - Eric Hoffer Book AwardSEMI-FINALIST - Kindle Book Reviews AwardB.R.A.G. MEDALLIONRECOMMENDED - US Review of Books. RECOMMENDED rating given for "Outstanding books" that are "compelling and lasting reads." Awarded "less than 10 to 20% of the time.""AMAZING THRILLER.
- GenresFiction
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2019
161 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
John Oehler
7 books20 followersI began life as an exploration geologist. My work took me to about fifty countries and introduced me to cultures, people, and settings that provide inspiration for my novels. Besides challenging situations, I love science, history, the arts, and animals, all of which figure in my stories.
Since retiring from full-time geology in 2000, I have completed three novels. All have won awards.
APHRODESIA, published in October 2012, is a mystery/suspense story centered on fragrances and focused on one particular perfume that turns out to be a powerful aphrodisiac, so powerful it drives some people to kill their lovers in a fit of insatiable lust. APHRODESIA has received excellent reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Amazon customers. Here is a link to the Amazon page for both paperback and Kindle versions: http://www.amazon.com/Aphrodesia-Nove...
PAPYRUS, an adventure/thriller set to be published in 2013, tells the story of an African woman who, while working on her PhD thesis in the Cairo Museum, discovers hidden writing on a papyrus written by Queen Tiye to her youngest son, Tutankhamun. The secret text shatters conventional wisdom and launches her on a quest to find Tiye’s tomb. PAPYRUS reached the semi-finals of the 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel competition.
TEPUI, an adventure/thriller scheduled for publication in late 2013, follows a burn-scarred botanist who, guided by a 16th-Century Spanish manuscript, treks into the remote highlands of Venezuela in search of a plant thought to have died out with the dinosaurs. What he finds should have been left unfound. TEPUI won 1st Place at the 2004 Pacific Northwest Writers conference.
I am fortunate to be a member of two fine critique groups. And I’m happy to share what I have learned with other writers.
Since retiring from full-time geology in 2000, I have completed three novels. All have won awards.
APHRODESIA, published in October 2012, is a mystery/suspense story centered on fragrances and focused on one particular perfume that turns out to be a powerful aphrodisiac, so powerful it drives some people to kill their lovers in a fit of insatiable lust. APHRODESIA has received excellent reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Amazon customers. Here is a link to the Amazon page for both paperback and Kindle versions: http://www.amazon.com/Aphrodesia-Nove...
PAPYRUS, an adventure/thriller set to be published in 2013, tells the story of an African woman who, while working on her PhD thesis in the Cairo Museum, discovers hidden writing on a papyrus written by Queen Tiye to her youngest son, Tutankhamun. The secret text shatters conventional wisdom and launches her on a quest to find Tiye’s tomb. PAPYRUS reached the semi-finals of the 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel competition.
TEPUI, an adventure/thriller scheduled for publication in late 2013, follows a burn-scarred botanist who, guided by a 16th-Century Spanish manuscript, treks into the remote highlands of Venezuela in search of a plant thought to have died out with the dinosaurs. What he finds should have been left unfound. TEPUI won 1st Place at the 2004 Pacific Northwest Writers conference.
I am fortunate to be a member of two fine critique groups. And I’m happy to share what I have learned with other writers.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 6, 2019
Ex Libris has a full cast of badasses with their own personal dynamics. Paulette and Martine have my favorite dialogues, clever Doctor Who style companions to our hero, Dan.
If you liked Ludlum’s Bourne Identity, you’ll appreciate Oehler’s fight sequences, political intrigue, and consistent tension.
Read my complete review here: https://anakalianwhims.com/2019/12/06...
If you liked Ludlum’s Bourne Identity, you’ll appreciate Oehler’s fight sequences, political intrigue, and consistent tension.
Read my complete review here: https://anakalianwhims.com/2019/12/06...
March 10, 2020
The basic plot of this thriller involves a French woman Director of the World Bank commissioning Dan Lovel to take her daughter, Martine to a Monastery in Prague and steal four books that catalogue what Napoleon stole for the Louvre so the items can be returned, and a fifth book that turns out to be something of a bomb. Martine is needed because she alone knows how to get to where the books are, and which ones are the targets. Unfortunately, the theft is noticed and they are on the run. And before long, it becomes obvious that the Priests are the least of their worries.
The plot develops in a well-organized way in which everything happens for a reason, although it may take a while to recognize what all the clues mean. Eventually, you should have a fair idea of what is going to happen, in the general sense. Well done for that. No stupid coincidences; the only real accidental coincidence is just that, and it just gives the protagonists more problems. The characters are reasonably well-drawn, although once you start picking up the clues there is the odd occasion where a character seems unnecessarily dense. The story is well-paced, with good action scenes that are not unrealistic, although towards the end we have a tolerably impossible recovery so as to keep going. Overall, a genuinely good read.
The plot develops in a well-organized way in which everything happens for a reason, although it may take a while to recognize what all the clues mean. Eventually, you should have a fair idea of what is going to happen, in the general sense. Well done for that. No stupid coincidences; the only real accidental coincidence is just that, and it just gives the protagonists more problems. The characters are reasonably well-drawn, although once you start picking up the clues there is the odd occasion where a character seems unnecessarily dense. The story is well-paced, with good action scenes that are not unrealistic, although towards the end we have a tolerably impossible recovery so as to keep going. Overall, a genuinely good read.
March 23, 2022
A page-turning thriller involving a long lost but potentially incendiary manuscript of an unknown book of the Pentateuch. Lots of action with a great feel for the setting, mostly in and around Paris.
April 10, 2021
Another wonderful work by John Oehler. A page-turner book with the utmost delicate finesse for suspense and thrills.
A Monastery in Prague. An old book with a earth-shattering secret. And a World in peril. Just what the author ordered it. Fantastic read!
A Monastery in Prague. An old book with a earth-shattering secret. And a World in peril. Just what the author ordered it. Fantastic read!
March 14, 2020
This book is very entertaining to read and is full of lots of thrills and action throughout the book. This former US agent, Dan Lovell, gets hired to retrieve some books from a monastery in Prague. The books are considered forbidden and are part of numerous art items that had been stolen by Napoleon. It is a very dangerous mission as Dan plans out how to get these books out of the monastery and then how to travel with the books from one country to another to return them to their rightful owners. The story line is very fast paced with lots of twists and turns which makes it very fun for the reader. Dan is a great main character in the story who is very intelligent with how he works plus he has an interesting family background that helps influences some of the decisions he makes with this current job. I also like the relationships Dan develops with the other people involved in this story, especially as he is trying to figure out which ones to trust and which ones should not be trusted. There were some characters in the book that kept me guessing what their true intentions were. I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely read another book by this author.
April 7, 2020
If you’re a fan of Dan Brown, you’ll likely be a fan of John Oehler. “Ex Libris” was every bit as cosmopolitan and exciting as “The Da Vinci Code.” The action involves an eclectic set of characters, and spans several continents. The landscape is well described and I almost felt as though I’d been on a European vacation.
Not a world traveler myself, I’m not qualified to judge how well he represented other cultures. But it felt believable and I suspect the author is writing from experience.
The 5 stars I giving it is a tribute to the story telling skills of the author. He made several errors in the depiction of firearms that usually get dinged a star or two in my reviews. In this case, however, I decided that the story was exceptional enough to warrant an exception. Probably 90% of his readers won’t notice those errors, but it would be nice to see him placate those readers as well in future works.
This is an exciting, International thriller that is well worth the time and effort to read.
Not a world traveler myself, I’m not qualified to judge how well he represented other cultures. But it felt believable and I suspect the author is writing from experience.
The 5 stars I giving it is a tribute to the story telling skills of the author. He made several errors in the depiction of firearms that usually get dinged a star or two in my reviews. In this case, however, I decided that the story was exceptional enough to warrant an exception. Probably 90% of his readers won’t notice those errors, but it would be nice to see him placate those readers as well in future works.
This is an exciting, International thriller that is well worth the time and effort to read.
January 31, 2021
Unique Page Turner
Author John Oehler crafts a tale leading to several countries as the main characters search for an ancient book with real, present-day consequences. History lessons include Gypsies, Israel, France and the US. In order to avert a real war in the Middle East, the characters are forced beyond their abilities and only by teamwork have a chance of achieving their goals. This is a page-turner with very interesting situations. It held my interest throughout and I wasn't ready for it to end. I'll look for the characters in a future Other book.
Author John Oehler crafts a tale leading to several countries as the main characters search for an ancient book with real, present-day consequences. History lessons include Gypsies, Israel, France and the US. In order to avert a real war in the Middle East, the characters are forced beyond their abilities and only by teamwork have a chance of achieving their goals. This is a page-turner with very interesting situations. It held my interest throughout and I wasn't ready for it to end. I'll look for the characters in a future Other book.
January 9, 2020
A solid action-adventure story!
I enjoy a good story, and this book really delivered. Lots of interesting action that took place in Paris, the Cayman Islands, and even a Gypsy town. It had good characters that I cared about. I have read other books by this author and I'd put his work right up there with the heavyweights like Lee Child, Lincoln Child, Clive Cussler, and Dan Brown. I can't wait for his next book!
I enjoy a good story, and this book really delivered. Lots of interesting action that took place in Paris, the Cayman Islands, and even a Gypsy town. It had good characters that I cared about. I have read other books by this author and I'd put his work right up there with the heavyweights like Lee Child, Lincoln Child, Clive Cussler, and Dan Brown. I can't wait for his next book!
January 27, 2022
All of your novels
Mr. Oehler, I have read all of your novels and was captivated in every one I read. I own a Kindle and read many of my books from this. I learned of your love for animals, something both I and my wife possess. We live in Santa Fe, Texas and have a variety of animals,including miniature horses, donkeys, longhorns,, and a couple of tortitoses. I hope to catch another of your books when they come out. Brilliant work! Thank you Larry Stanley
Mr. Oehler, I have read all of your novels and was captivated in every one I read. I own a Kindle and read many of my books from this. I learned of your love for animals, something both I and my wife possess. We live in Santa Fe, Texas and have a variety of animals,including miniature horses, donkeys, longhorns,, and a couple of tortitoses. I hope to catch another of your books when they come out. Brilliant work! Thank you Larry Stanley
May 3, 2020
Fast moving thriller - difficult to put down
This is a well researched, fast moving novel with a clever plot and characters that leave you engaged until the last page. Of the four books the author has written, this is the second that I've read I the last month and both have not failed to impress.
This is a well researched, fast moving novel with a clever plot and characters that leave you engaged until the last page. Of the four books the author has written, this is the second that I've read I the last month and both have not failed to impress.
December 23, 2020
Forbidden Texts
I really enjoyed this story. It involved action, intrigue and romance . With exotic backgrounds, the Caymans, Prague and Paris. The story moves along at a nice pace. The characters are well developed and varied.This was a new author for me but I plan to make him a regular on my list.
I really enjoyed this story. It involved action, intrigue and romance . With exotic backgrounds, the Caymans, Prague and Paris. The story moves along at a nice pace. The characters are well developed and varied.This was a new author for me but I plan to make him a regular on my list.
April 8, 2022
Ex Liberia Really Intriguing
Really liked the rich character set. The plot was full, drawing the reader in, and making it hard to stop until the next session with the book. The ending was a bit disappointing for me. Just ‘… a day in the life of….” if you will…. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and would read the next if it were a series, or at least the same author.
Really liked the rich character set. The plot was full, drawing the reader in, and making it hard to stop until the next session with the book. The ending was a bit disappointing for me. Just ‘… a day in the life of….” if you will…. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and would read the next if it were a series, or at least the same author.
June 18, 2025
Lots of twists
Memorable characters, tangled plot lines, danger, and international intrigue all combine to make this book worth reading. Dan Lovel and Martine travel from the Caribbean to Eastern Europe to retrieve a set of books that could blow open the shaky detente in the Middle East. Chased by unknown parties all the way to Paris, the two discover betrayal in unique ways.
Memorable characters, tangled plot lines, danger, and international intrigue all combine to make this book worth reading. Dan Lovel and Martine travel from the Caribbean to Eastern Europe to retrieve a set of books that could blow open the shaky detente in the Middle East. Chased by unknown parties all the way to Paris, the two discover betrayal in unique ways.
August 9, 2020
Awesome book AGAIN!!
I have read every single book written by the author and they are superb. He does a great job creating complex and compelling characters and puts them in thought provoking situations. Ex Libris is unpredictable, interesting and fun, definitely worth getting!
I have read every single book written by the author and they are superb. He does a great job creating complex and compelling characters and puts them in thought provoking situations. Ex Libris is unpredictable, interesting and fun, definitely worth getting!
March 2, 2023
This story is very engaging because of the interaction of all characters. Suspense could be a subtitle to this story. What I especially like is there are so many strong wills vying for control, who knows who will win. A must read.
March 8, 2020
We are proud to announce that EX LIBRIS by John Oehler is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
July 12, 2020
Ex libris
Very good book. Love this book, what a great read. The plot was very good. The characters were exciting! Very good author.
Very good book. Love this book, what a great read. The plot was very good. The characters were exciting! Very good author.
Read
January 21, 2021A VERY INTERESTING STORY AND PREMISE WITH INTERESTING CHARACTERS. tHE ENDING LEFT IT OPEN FOR A SEQUEL WITH SOME OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS.
June 27, 2021
Boring. Have now read almost 50 books this year and this is by far the worst. Don't know who is giving this contrived, non-sensical tome 5 stars but it gets 1 star from me for the authors effort.
September 17, 2021
good read
Very interesting and exhilarating read , it was a bit long but justified to tell the full story.
This is a new author for me and I will buy more of his books !
Very interesting and exhilarating read , it was a bit long but justified to tell the full story.
This is a new author for me and I will buy more of his books !
January 10, 2022
POTEND MUST READ!
Could hardly put it down to eat or sleep. Lost many a nights sleep reading more,:more… A true page turner.
Could hardly put it down to eat or sleep. Lost many a nights sleep reading more,:more… A true page turner.
April 3, 2022
Great characters and lots of twist and turns. I enjoyed reading!!
June 12, 2022
A fun read
Interesting premise. Having just spent a month in Paris, I enjoyed the details about the city. Story moves at a nice pace.
Interesting premise. Having just spent a month in Paris, I enjoyed the details about the city. Story moves at a nice pace.
February 9, 2023
So glad to discover this writer.
June 19, 2023
Books are stolen, a chase ensues. But wait.... who is chasing? Who wants the books and why? Who can be trusted?
August 5, 2023
A little slow in the beginning and at the end. Story was good though. If the author cut back on some of the wordiness, it would have been much better and faced paced.
October 14, 2019
Dan was a wine aficionado, and knew he was looking at millions. He was paid to destroy the evidence of real .or fake wine in this cave. Dan is part of the DDS and a meeting with Geoff, a message for Dan. One of his old targets requests his help. Service always referred to people they protect as targets.. A vacation in the Cayman Islands, would he do the job, when she also points out it is part of who he is. The plot is thick with tension, and the characters of .Dan and Astrid are good.
October 18, 2019
What a ride!
Dangerous characters with just a taste of whimsy. Looking forward to reading the next installment of this series. Good read.
Dangerous characters with just a taste of whimsy. Looking forward to reading the next installment of this series. Good read.
October 19, 2019
Very good. Spellbinding.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews