The Black Madonna
Authors: Davis Bunn
Praise for
Gold of Kings
“A smooth blend of romance, archeology, and murder mystery. With this adventure, Bunn should win another crown.”
â
Publishers Weekly
“This is an excellent bookâfast-moving with plenty of action, history, and geography. Read it.”
â
Sacramento Book Review
“A riveting tale. From the first page it grips and doesn't let go. Bunn absolutely gets it right!
Gold of Kings
is an irresistible blend of solid action and historical facts and superb characters and great intrigue.”
âBob Marx, preeminent treasure hunter and author of
The World's Richest Wrecks
“Bunn delivers an exceptionally satisfying read . . . a tightly plotted thriller. The author's thorough research raises the novel above mere genre. . . . Bunn's narration often gratifies the reader with stylistic gems.”
âThe Suspense Zone
“Rich in details and riveting in action and suspense,
Gold of Kings
is a story that could be featured on the evening news. Through the author's masterful storytelling ability, readers will find every page a treasure.”
âJoyce Handzo, In the Library Reviews
“
Gold of Kings
is an edge-of-your-seat thriller, filled with false leads and nonstop action. A global treasure hunt.”
âHarriet Klausner,
The Mystery Gazette
“I have absolutely devoured
Gold of Kings
! This story is a positive wonder of entertainment. An animated travelog mixed with superb characterizations and accomplished writing. A powerful, powerful piece of work.”
âPhyllis Tickle, bestselling author
“A fabulous tale . . . a thinking person's
Indiana Jones.
”
âHy Smith, former senior vice president, United International Pictures
“If you are a reader of Bunn's electric thrillers, don't miss this one. If for any reason you have missed his previous ones, this is a great place to start.”
âJanette Oke, bestselling author
“The subject and plotline are creative. Bunn does as well in the character and relationship departments as in the thriller elements. His villain summons a dread that you can't put out of mind. A multinational puzzle.”
âJules Brenner, Critical Mystery Tour
“
Gold of Kings
is the work of a master craftsman. Davis Bunn's skill allows us to see and feel the dangerous and exotic places he guides us through. His characters are compelling, real, admirable, and memorable.”
âKen Kuhlken, bestselling author of
Midheaven
“Fans of
The Da Vinci Code
should queue up for this.”
âSusan Rife,
Sarasota Herald Tribune
“
Gold of Kings
grips you on the first page and propels you through one of the great treasure hunts of all time. Both challenging and satisfying. A magnificent read.”
âTed Baehr, President,
Movieguide
What the Critics Say About Davis Bunn
“A feast of suspense. Highly recommended.”
â
Library Journal
“Bunn's dialogue is racehorse fast. The tale zips along without any lulls and has a nicely drawn good-versus-evil plot. . . . That's some feat.”
â
New York Post
“Bunn has comfortably made the transition to mainstream readers, and his popularity shows no sign of abating.”
âJohn Mort,
Booklist
“Davis Bunn is making a name for himself in the suspense genre with each story he pens.”
âSherri Myers, Romance Junkies
“T. Davis Bunn pens a page-turning thriller in a story about greed, ambition, love, and redemption. Readers who like a fast-paced story will surely enjoy this latest Bunn novel.”
â
Chattanooga Times Free Press
“The writing is visual, with the imaginative yet precise descriptions of a seasoned writer. The key memorable attributes are grand settings and distinct characters.”
â
Christian Retailing
“Outstanding! Exceptional!”
â
Romantic Times
(top pick of the month)
“An emotionally charged thriller.”
â
The Call-Leader
“This clever mix of politics, morality, and high-tech suspense makes for a riveting thriller. Bunn obviously knows his stuff . . . a writer of excellent thrillers.”
â
Publishers Weekly
“Superb writing . . . so well executed and plotted that it deserves consideration in a class by itself.”
â
The Providence Journal
“Spellbinding.”
âNBC-TV
“The story is irresistible. Aside from the next morning's demands, there's little to stop the reader from going for an all-nighter. The story is edgy and compelling, and its realistic plot is close enough to recent headlines to keep you wondering whether Bunn himself will get sued, kidnapped, or worse.”
âGanett News Service
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Published by Howard Books and Touchstone Books,
divisions of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
The Black Madonna
© 2010 T. Davis Bunn
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address Howard Subsidiary Rights Department, Simon & Schuster, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2009045234
ISBN 978-1-4165-5633-6
ISBN 978-1-4391-6489-1 (ebook)
HOWARD, TOUCHSTONE, and their colophons are registered trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
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.
Edited by Dave Lambert
Interior design by Jaime Putorti
This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or publisher.
This book is dedicated to Nicholas and Sheila Wood,
whose support and good humor
enrich our projects and our lives