The Lionheart Curse

by Jack Gatland, Tony Lee

Hunt the greatest treasures - pay the greatest price. Damian Lucas is a Robin Hood conman, specialising in taking money from corrupt companies and donating the proceeds to museums and libraries. One step away from danger at all times, he's currently hiding from the Russian Mob and furious industrialists, each with valid reasons for hunting him. But, when Richard Evans , a onetime mentor and family friend is found dead in Deptford beside the last known resting place of Christopher Marlowe , Damian is sent a message from beyond the grave that sends him on a treasure hunt across England; one that links Elizabethan occultists, secret societies, William Shakespeare, Richard III, alchemical architects, Queen Elizabeth I and the War of the Roses, all leading back to a mythical Plantagenet Gold, brought back from the Crusades by Richard the Lionheart, hidden by the Knights Templar, and believed to be worth trillions in today's money. But Damian isn't the only one hunting the treasure. Forced on the run with SO 14 agent Katherine Turner, a mysterious woman with her own connection to Richard, Damian finds himself hunted by alt-right poster boy millionaire Martin Shrewsbury, as the cryptic clues take them from historical landmarks to the most dangerous of places, and Damian learns the truth about his parents death, years earlier... The first novel in a series of adventure mystery thrillers by #1 New York Times bestselling writer Tony Lee writing as Jack Gatland, The Lionheart Curse is perfect for fans of Dan Brown's ( The Da Vinci Code ) Robert Langdon series of books and Steve Berry's ( The Templar Legacy ) Cotton Malone series of books, as well as films like National Treasure and Uncharted among others.

Genres: Adventure, Action

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2022

About the author

Jack Gatland is the pen name of #1 New York Times Bestselling Writer Tony Lee, who has been writing in all medias for over thirty years including comics, graphic novels, middle grade books, audio drama, TV and film for DC, Marvel, BBC, ITV, Random House, Penguin USA, Hachette and a ton of other publishers and broadcasters on licenses such as Doctor Who, Spider Man, X-Men, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Doctors, Wallace and Gromit and Shrek. As Tony, he’s toured the country talking to reluctant readers with his ‘Change The Channel’ school tours.

He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.

As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.

The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.

In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.

He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Literally a carbon copy of The Da Vinci Code with the only difference being the big secret is who is the rightful monarch of England instead of whether Jesus married. Exactly the same in almost every single way and fairly boring because of that. Probably a decent book if read by one who hasn't read DVC but since it's one of the bestselling books of all time, it's unlikely that someone who hasn't read it will pick this up.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lionheart Curse is book 1 in the Damian Lucas series by Jack Gatland. This is an action-packed yarn which involves a secret society set up in the time of Elizabeth I, codes/ciphers from the Knights Templar and also conspiracies, and of course the Crusader gold of Richard The Lionheart. It is set in the present day and moves at a cracking pace with a variety of characters that add to the interest of the story. Damian is a University drop-out running scams with his mate so it will be interesting to see where his character goes in future books. It is a completely different kind of book to the great DCI Declan Walsh series which are also written by Jack Gatland. I really enjoyed this and look forward to the next book in the series whenever that may be.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun

This was so entertaining, I real adventure story. It just both the right notes, I don't remember the last time I had so much fun reading . Now, when do we get the TV series?

[Anne Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, witty read

This is a fun, witty read. Don't worry if you don't know you English history, much like the lead character's con games, there is enough truth to make up for the bits that may be stretched a bit. Waiting for the next one.

[Patricia T. Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Histlory

What a trip through time and history. A fun story with unbelievable twists and turns. Can't put it down. It's complex so pay attention.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

In the same style as The DaVinci Code but with different subject matter. This story has hidden codes, searches for truth and adventures. Definitely worth the read.

[BooksSaveMe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Simon Gianoutsos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to the Da Vinci Code with a variety of puzzles to be solved, a deadline driving quick resolution and a conman.

[Marlan Glock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lionhearted Curse Review

Wonderful history - whether accurate or not - a tall tale and exciting intrigue keep you engaged. Loved the plot twists.

[Monica Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope to see more of Damian

I really enjoyed the book and all the historical references that went with it. I sincerely hope there is more of this to come.

[Heather Boysenberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

All that research on Temple Inn - he just *had* to write his own Da Vinchi Code. Hahaha I loved it

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed this Dan Brownesq romp based in the UK with history I knew. Fascinating characters good pace no loose ends. Not all these types of books tick those boxes it was great escapism - went in with low expectations was very pleasantly surprised