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UK Bestselling author, Ken Fry, holds a university Master's Degree in Literature and has extensively traveled around the world. The places and events are reflected in his stories and most of his tales are based on his own experiences. He was a former publisher before deciding to retire and devote his full time to writing. He now lives in the UK and shares his home with 'Dickens' his Shetland Sheepdog.
Fry has published 8 suspense thrillers. The Patmos Enigma, Red Ground, The Lazarus Succession, Suicide Seeds, The Brodsky Affair, a short story collection entitled, Disjointed Tales, and 2 short stories, Check Mate and Is That You, Jim?
Join Ken Fry's Circle of Readers and get free books and discounts: www.booksbykenfry.com
Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite
The Lazarus Succession by Ken Fry begins like many other books with the engagement of a rather suspect pair of heroes employed to find a missing medieval painting depicting Christ with Lazarus. It is said to have spiritual powers of healing. But this is where the similarity to so many others diverges. The story then leaps back in time to meet the painter Francisco whose family has ties to a secret organisation similar to the Knights Templar. As the story progresses, beautifully woven in both the present and the past, the complete chronicle comes to light and the well-chosen title becomes crystal clear. The villain, who has no redeeming qualities whatsoever, is an ex-judge who hires Brodie Ladro and Ulla Stuart to find the missing painting, with every intention of disposing of them as soon as the commission is complete. Add into the mix an aging and terminally ill Spanish Condesa, whose lineage stretches back to the days of the early Kings of Castille, and a forger the villain hires on his release from prison and you know you are in for a great story.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Lazarus Succession by Ken Fry. The pace was just right, the characters believable despite the mysticism towards the end of the book, and the excitement continued throughout. Brodie and Ulla are not superheroes, although much smarter than average. However, Ulla does not hesitate to shoot when she has the chance. Set mostly in Spain, the book describes the landscape beautifully, along with the history of its religious orders and treasures. Although similar in many ways to the books by Dan Brown, I enjoyed it more. It was both sophisticated yet down to earth, despite Brodie’s visions. At no point does the author over dramatize the story, but with his excellent grasp of the written word he leads us to accept the surreal as perfectly normal and possible. The writing is excellent, the book is a treasure in itself and I would love to award this six stars.
