Payne & Jones - Book 6
SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
A MURDERED KING:
King Ludwig II of Bavaria is declared insane by his government and forcibly removed from the throne. A day later, Ludwig’s corpse washes up in the shallows of Lake Starnberg. Rumors swirl about the tragedy, but few know why the eccentric king was really killed—and what secret was silenced by his death.
A BURIED VAULT:
Hidden amongst the crates in a recently discovered World War II bunker are documents stamped with an elaborate black swan, the insignia of the murdered king. According to legend, Ludwig had stockpiled a massive treasure in the years before his death, a cache of gold and jewels that would finance the construction of the largest castle of all time. Was this the reason for his murder?
A SHOCKING DISCOVERY:
As a favor to historian Petr Ulster, Payne and Jones fly to Bavaria to investigate the bunker, but soon face a deadly battle against an unknown enemy. The duo must solve the mystery behind the king’s death, or else they’ll share his tragic fate.
“THE SECRET CROWN is hugely entertaining, an adventure made for the big screen — with secret codes, priceless artworks, and a search for treasure. Kuzneski seamlessly blends historical fact with ingenious fiction. Once you start, you’ll be hooked!”
Lisa Gardner, #1 international bestselling author—
“Chris Kuzneski has mastered the art of the quest novel, bringing to life lost treasures, exotic locales, and fresh conspiracies, as his trusty duo of Payne and Jones rely on their elite military training to slay bad guys, solve riddles, and save the day.”
Andrew Gross, #1 international bestselling author—
“A dizzying, thrill-laden chase for treasure, with the coolest heroes since Lethal Weapon.”
Jeremy Robinson, New York Times bestselling author—
“Nobody blends fascinating history and pulse-pounding action like Chris Kuzneski. THE SECRET CROWN is smart, funny and impossible to put down—so impossible that I finished the book by candlelight during a power outage. The book is that good!”
Boyd Morrison, #1 international bestselling author—
“THE SECRET CROWN is an adventure brimming with mystery, intrigue, and humor. Kuzneski stirs together thrills, chills, and laughs in equal measures to serve up a rollicking fun read.”
David Hosp, international bestselling author—
“Kuzneski combines the breakneck pace and historical intrigue of Dan Brown’s novels with the force and wit of Lee Child’s characters for a thrilling style all his own. He is rapidly establishing himself on the shortlist of must-read thriller authors.”
Crime Squad (UK)—
“Part action, part mystery, part intrigue and ALL entertainment. Think Rambo meets Indiana Jones meets Lethal Weapon and you’re about halfway there.”
Fresh Fiction—
“With a fascinating tale of history and long-lost treasure, this pulse-pounding adventure thriller will keep readers entertained until the fascinating conclusion.”
(Payne & Jones - Book 6)
A MURDERED KING
King Ludwig II of Bavaria is declared insane by his government and forcibly removed from the throne. A day later, Ludwig’s corpse washes up in the shallows of Lake Starnberg. Rumors swirl about the tragedy, but few know why the eccentric king was really killed—and what secret was silenced by his death.
A BURIED VAULT
Hidden amongst the crates in a recently discovered World War II bunker are documents stamped with an elaborate black swan, the insignia of the murdered king. According to legend, Ludwig had stockpiled a massive treasure in the years before his death, a cache of gold and jewels that would finance the construction of the largest castle of all time. Was this the reason for his murder?
A SHOCKING DISCOVERY
As a favor to historian Petr Ulster, Payne and Jones fly to Bavaria to investigate the bunker, but soon face a deadly battle against an unknown enemy. The duo must solve the mystery behind the king’s death, or else they’ll share his tragic fate.
PRAISE
Andrew Gross, #1 international bestselling author—
“A dizzying, thrill-laden chase for treasure, with the coolest heroes since Lethal Weapon.”
Lisa Gardner, #1 international bestselling author—
“Chris Kuzneski has mastered the art of the quest novel, bringing to life lost treasures, exotic locales, and fresh conspiracies, as his trusty duo of Payne and Jones rely on their elite military training to slay bad guys, solve riddles, and save the day.”
Joseph Finder, #1 international bestselling author—
“THE SECRET CROWN is hugely entertaining, an adventure made for the big screen — with secret codes, priceless artworks, and a search for treasure. Kuzneski seamlessly blends historical fact with ingenious fiction. Once you start, you’ll be hooked!”
Boyd Morrison, #1 international bestselling author—
“THE SECRET CROWN is an adventure brimming with mystery, intrigue, and humor. Kuzneski stirs together thrills, chills, and laughs in equal measures to serve up a rollicking fun read.”
David Hosp, international bestselling author—
“Kuzneski combines the breakneck pace and historical intrigue of Dan Brown’s novels with the force and wit of Lee Child’s characters for a thrilling style all his own. He is rapidly establishing himself on the shortlist of must-read thriller authors.”
Jeremy Robinson, international bestselling author—
“Nobody blends fascinating history and pulse-pounding action like Chris Kuzneski. THE SECRET CROWN is smart, funny and impossible to put down—so impossible that I finished the book by candlelight during a power outage. The book is that good!”
Crime Squad (UK)—
“Part action, part mystery, part intrigue and ALL entertainment. Think Rambo meets Indiana Jones meets Lethal Weapon and you’re about halfway there.”
Fresh Fiction—
“With a fascinating tale of history and long-lost treasure, this pulse-pounding adventure thriller will keep readers entertained until the fascinating conclusion.”
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United Kingdom:
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Signed Copies:
Ulster Archives