Mario Reading (1953–2017)

Adam Sabir conoció el éxito con un libro sobre Nostradamus. Sumido en un bloqueo literario y económico, Sabir siente que su suerte cambia cuando conoce a Samana, un gitano que asegura estar en posesión de las legendarias 52 profecías perdidas de Nostradamus. Pero tras la aparición del cadáver mutilado de Samana, Adam se convierte en el principal sospechoso del crimen.
Ahora Adam, siguiendo la única pista que le ha dejado Samana, debe acudir exponerse a la venganza de los miembros del clan gitano. Si logra convencer a la familia de Samana de su inocencia, si consigue escapar al cerco policial, se las verá con un adversario tan cruel como formidable. El premio es un conocimiento perdido desde hace siglos.… (altro)

Full of surprises. Having read the first book of the series in which John Hart became something of a hero across the world, the first surprise was that he was back in the war torn Middle East working again as a photo-journalist, and again in great danger. The second surprise was that the majority of the book was taken up with the story of the first Johannes Von Hartelius, Knight Templar of the 12th century. The interplay of the two stories is very interesting, although John Hart is still easily led astray by his forbear's writings. Some of the writing is a little reminiscent of the historical stories from Wilbur Smith ( not a bad comparison!) I think one of the most appealing facets of the story is the level of honour shown by a number of characters - yes, there are a number of less pleasant characters, but they are overshadowed by the good that is displayed by others.
I think this second in the series is the better so far, and am looking forward to the third instalment.… (altro)

My favourite genre includes artefacts from the past being brought into the modern world. In many cases this involves a search following the discovery of clues as to the whereabouts of the artefact, but in this book we actually know where the artefact is almost from the first page. The artefact in question is the lance supposedly thrust into the side of Jesus at his crucifixion, and which has been in the possession of the Van Hartelius family since the death of Frederick Barbarossa. John Hart, his name anglicised by an American GI who discovered Hart's father crawling from the wreckage of a Fiesler Storch in which his parents died whilst on a mission for Adolf Hitler, is now the rightful keeper of the lance, but does not have any idea that this is the case. The reason for this is that he did not know his father, even though he bore the same name, because his father had left his mother before the younger John had any chance to get to know him. The lance had then been kept by his father who is crucified so that other interested parties can gain control of it.
The younger Hart, a news photographer, sets out to try to find out why his father, and two others close to his father, were murdered. It is this story and his adventures in Germany that make up the bulk of this entertaining story. His long-time and long-suffering girlfriend, a well known journalist becomes involved as John meets up with a gorgeous sexy lady German industrialist who thinks that he is actually a Baron, a fact confirmed by the delightful old lady with whom John lodges.
The plot is quite simple, lust for power and revenge. It does involve some violent right wing thugs very much redolent of certain factions rearing their heads at the present time, and their desire to take control. The characters in the story are well developed and interesting, with their strengths and failings accounted for from their families and backgrounds. There is plenty of action, even though Hart is not your typical hero - he is capable and quite strong, but some of his decision making is questionable, and he really is quite gullible. Having said that, he is an appealing character whom you want to succeed despite his failings. The scenarios are all believable, and the part played by what you might describe as ordinary citizens is welcome and helps with the believability of the story. Good stuff - I look forward to seeing how the series develops.… (altro)

DNF -Stopped at Ch. 59 pg. 125....I liked some of the chapters that included the gypsies and the parts that had action but it just seemed like other parts of the story were weighed down with alot of facts and information that wasn't even relevant to the story I don't think. It had potential but it just didn't deliver. The writing didn't flow together very well and there wasn't a whole lot about Nostradamus in the parts that I read. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to finish it. There are too many 5 star books out there I still need to find and read...… (altro)