The Cellini Masterpiece

By Raymond John

Book Overview

Does this sound like a medieval romance? A powerful noble regains a mysterious relic and intends to use it to establish his own kingdom. To do this, he must ally himself with an enemy who has his own deadly purposes for the talisman. The only ones who can stop them are a lone warrior and his lady.

The warrior is not Richard the Lionhearted but Rick Olsen, a 21st Century Minnesota farmer. The lady is Caterina, a beautiful and resourceful Maltese cab driver. Their quest is to rescue Rick's brother Stef from kidnappers. To do so, they must navigate a labyrinth of lies, puzzles, and centuries-old intrigues that are as dangerous today as the hour when they were concocted. They must also defeat a living noble and his terrorist ally, as well as overcome the ghosts of a 16th Century rogue alchemist in league with Benvenuto Cellini and Suleiman the Magnificent.

With seconds remaining to prevent a worldwide environmental disaster, Rick and Caterina must reach back in time to find a weapon to defeat their enemies. Will they be able to use it before the terrorist can use his?

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595666884
• ISBN13: 9780595666881
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 372 Pages
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

This one should be made into a movie

John Anderson, aka Raymond John is a retired military intelligence specialist, a collector, and a historian. He is also an afficionado of Malta, an archaeologic jewel of the Mediterranean which was ruled by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. Mr. Anderson/John also has extensive knowledge of military strategy and weaponry, which he uses to best effect in his first novel, which took him thirty-five years to polish. Rick Olsen is a Minnesota farmer with lots of special skills, including military intelligence. He receives a call from his brother, Stef, to come to Malta. But upon arrival, he is attacked and it becomes clear that Stef has been kidnaped. Stef has been researching a archaeological find that has roots in a 16th Century rogue alchemist who consorted with the artist Benvenuto Cellini and Suleiman the Magnificent. Rick meets and falls in love with the luscious Caterina, who turns out to be much more than just a pretty face helping stranded tourists. Together they solve the puzzle of the shield and the challenge made by its creator. But other parties are after the shield for far more nefarious reasons, and it is a race to find the original and to stop a plot that threatens not only Malta, but the entire region: "The shield amazed him. It could have been the original. At least sixteen inches in diameter, it must have weighed close to the fifteen pounds of metal that Cellini had used to make Francis' legendary saltcellar. And some of Cellini's craftsmanship was evident in the heavy embossments of the shields and the knight's armor. Cornacchia had also done an excellent job detailing the expressions on the knight's faces and the texture of the chain mail they wore." Raymond John's excellent mind is evident from the very first page of this standout mystery/adventure. His research is extensive, his knowledge of weaponry and military strategies is expert, and his ability to tell a story (complete with a sweet love story that slowly evolves over the narrative) is superb. Rick Olsen is a big guy with an even bigger heart. Not only is he a hero, but he is willing to risk life and limb for his younger brother. THE CELLINI MASTERPIECE is a carefully crafted page turner that is compelling and is bound to pull the reader in from the very first page. This one should be made into a movie. Shelley Glodowski Senior Reviewer

A page-turner

This book has it all: a gorgeous and fascinating setting, a fast-paced and suspenseful plot, plenty of material for those who love history, art, and science, and a love interest between two very likable characters. A real page-turner!

Great Story with a Tour of Malta Included!

A compelling adventure and mystery story that holds ones attention from begining to end. Once on the adventure, one is introduced to the history, geography, and cultures of this interesting island. I am ready for a visit to Malta.

Mystery, Action & Romance

The product description led me to believe this book would be as interesting to read as some of the books by my favorite authors: Clive Cussler, Preston & Child, and Tony Hillerman. I was not disappointed. The pacing is excellent and the characters are likeable and believable. His action scenes are exciting and visual. He has a knack for transporting the reader right into the middle of what's happening. It is a hard book to put down. Let's hope Raymond John has many more books like this up his sleeve.