Crown of Serpents

PRAISE FOR CROWN OF SERPENTS

CROWN OF SERPENTS is a compelling novel deeply rooted in the history of the Six Nations Iroquois. It takes place in contemporary times with fully developed characters and a powerful narrative; its author is well versed in the complexity of modern Iroquois life. Far more than a simple mystery the book follows the path of Tony Hillerman’s Navajo based novels by providing the reader with remarkable insights into the culture and traditions of the most influential Native nation east of the Mississippi.

— Doug George-Kanentiio, editor, columnist, author from Akwesasne Mohawk Nation

CROWN OF SERPENTS is a page-turning story with a creative plot backed up with incredible historical tidbits from the author’s extensive research. Karpovage’s careful crafting throughout compares him very favorably with others in the genre such as Follett and Ludlum.

— Sue Lofstrom, Associate Professor of English, Georgia Perimeter College, Atlanta, GA

I thought: Indiana Jones meets the Godfather! Read the entire book in two sittings. Had to pause occasionally during the first eight-hour read-a-thon to catch my breath. One of the best novels I have ever read!

— Paulette Likoudis, Finger Lakes Times columnist, Lodi, NY

The plot is very intricate but well conducted by the author, the characters are well developed and the narrative is fluent. This mystery thriller grabs the reader and does not let go of him until the end.

— Bruno Gazzo, editor, PS Review of Freemasonry, Genoa, Italy

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down from the moment I picked it up, until I finished the last page. Karpovage is a name to watch for in future writings…right up there with Dan Brown. I am anxiously awaiting his next novel!

— Brother Alan Johnson, Stone Mountain Lodge #449, Stone Mountain, GA

CROWN OF SERPENTS is a bombshell of a book! Precise maps and historic manuscripts help lend credence to a compelling scavenger hunt that burns across the reservations of Western New York.

— William P. Robertson, Bucktail novelist, Duke Center, PA

Michael Karpovage’s character Jake Tununda is fascinating and displays the amazing qualities of a Seneca Indian, an American soldier and true Freemason. The author, being a Freemason, was able to weave the Craft in and out of the story so well that it didn’t appear forced and complemented the plot well. He was also able to describe some small secrets about the Craft which only Freemasons would recognize and stays true to any obligation, which is a great accomplishment.

— Brother Jeb W. Carroll, Kenilworth Lodge #29 GRA, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by

Karpovage Creative, Inc.

5055 Magnolia Walk

Roswell, Georgia 30075

www.karpovagecreative.com

Copyright © 2009 by Michael Karpovage

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

Publishers Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Karpovage, Michael.

Crown of Serpents / Michael Karpovage

ISBN: 978-0-615-38928-8

1. Tununda, Jake (Fictitious character) — Fiction

2. New York (state) — Fiction

3. Mystery fiction.

I. Title

PS3611.A7 C7 2009

Printed in the United States of America

Third Edition

Cover and interior book design, illustrations, and maps (except where noted) by

Karpovage Creative, Inc.

designer • map illustrator • publisher

www.karpovagecreative.com

www.crownofserpents.com
/CrownofSerpents

THE TUNUNDA MYSTERIES
Book One:
Crown of Serpents
(2009)
Book Two:
Map of Thieves
(2014)
MILITARY THRILLER
Flashpoint Quebec
(2003)

www.karpovagecreative.com

Table of Contents

Author's Note

Maps

Crown Of Serpents

Prologue

Chapters

1
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2
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3
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4
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5
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6
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7
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8
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9
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10
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11
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12
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13
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14
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15
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18
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19
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20
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21
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22
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23
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24
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25
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26
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27
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28
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29
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30
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31
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32
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33
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34
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35
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36
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37
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38

Epilogue

Acknowledgments