Chris Kuzneski’s 7th Payne and Jones book, The Death Relic, is decidedly his best yet. First off, the blurb:
The New World, 1545 …..
Vanquished by the Spanish Empire, little remains of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. From the ashes of their cities, a unified legend emerges: the Christians who conquered them possessed a mysterious object, an artefact so powerful – so deadly – that it was known throughout the Americas as “the death relic”
Yucatan Peninsula, present Day
When Maria Pelati’s research team disappears in Mexico, Jonathon Payne and David Jones embark on a perilous mission to find the missing archaeologists. The duo quickly finds a link between the group’s work and its recent disappearance. Following the clues left behind, they try to solve one of the darkest mysteries of the New World, but the quest for the relic might cost them their lives.
Whilst this is the 7th book in the series it can easily be read stand-alone (however it does give away a few spoilers from his first book). It features characters from the previous books but their history is briefly explained without ever taking away from the story, and what a story it is. It has everything you could possibly want in a thriller, from Mexican cartels, kidnappings and a hunt for one of the most sought-after relics from history. Kuzneski makes sure that once you start reading, this really is a book you can’t put down.
Set mainly in Mexico you are quickly thrown in to the action when the head of a Mexican cartel who runs the main kidnapping ring in the country finds the tables turned when he’s on the other end of a ransom call after his children are taken. What does he have that’s so important to the person who risked everything to take the kingpins family? Just how far will he go, and how much will he give to get his children back alive?
Why has archaeologist Maria been flown over to work on a secret project in the heart of the old Aztec empire when her speciality is Christianity? When you think you’re about to get some answers the only man that can give them in kidnapped leaving Maria alone in a foreign country and in desperate need of help. So, she calls the only people she can think of, her ex-boyfriend Jones and his best friend Payne. Firm friends from their time in an elite army unit known as the MANIACS and with experience in tricky situations they seem like the best men for the job. But not long after arriving they find themselves wondering what exactly they’ve landed in the middle of and how will they all get out alive.
Weaved in to a background based on the true history of the Aztecs and Mayas you find yourself feeling as if you’re right there with them as they try to find out who is behind the kidnappings and what they’re really after. As they race across the country trying to keep one step ahead of the people that are following them, they use every bit of training to keep from becoming just another body in a deadly game they don’t know the rules too.
With well written characters and a brilliantly thought out story it leaves you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next, and who will be left standing at the end.
Fans of Clive Cussler and Andy McDermott will find a new favourite author in Kuzneski. I know I’m already looking forward to his next book.
The Death Relic is published by Penguin, and is available to buy on Amazon.
Michelle Worthington
Michelle's been a lover of books for as long as she can remember. She can be found curled up on the sofa with her dog and latest read most nights. If you want to know what she’s reading next you can follow her on twitter @mdworthington
