The Black Madonna (Storm Syrrell Adventure Series, Book 2) [Paperback]

Davis Bunn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 7, 2010

Following the internationally acclaimed Gold of Kings, Storm Syrrell returns in the compelling story of The Black Madonna.Antiques expert Storm Syrrell heads to Europe to investigate the clandestine trade in religious artifacts. She dismisses superstitious tales of miraculous healings and divine omens. Yet when an obsessive Russian oligarch calls—just as her friend Harry Bennett vanishes—all assumptions must be cast aside. Storm seeks answers in a medieval monastery. There, the scarred visage of an icon provokes ever more startling questions. Is she prepared to confront both earthly and spiritual powers? Storm remains haunted by lessons in love and betrayal that lie just outside her grasp. But hesitation now holds mortal consequences.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The Black Madonna of Czestochowa, the priceless object sought by Storm Syrrell and Harry Bennett, the art historian and treasure hunter from Gold of Kings (2009), is Poland’s holiest relic. The painting, a representation of Mary Magdalene cradling the baby Jesus in her arms, was supposedly painted by Saint Luke. Somehow, the Black Madonna has been stolen (and replaced by an exquisite forgery), and now Harry and Storm are racing around the world to get it back. The story takes a while to get going—there’s a lot of prefatory running-about before the Black Madonna is introduced—but once the premise takes hold, Bunn’s mixture of adventure and historical mystery should keep readers engaged. Further details about the murder of Storm’s grandfather, a mystery introduced in the previous book, are also revealed. Perhaps not quite as good as Gold of Kings, this one is still recommendable to fans of adventure novels with a historical element. --David Pitt

Review

“A smooth blend of romance, biblical history, archeology, and murder mystery. . . . With this adventure, Bunn should win another crown.” —Publishers Weekly

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone; 1st edition (September 7, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416556338
• ISBN-13: 978-1416556336
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Davis Bunn is the author of over nineteen national bestsellers, and his books have sold over six million copies in sixteen languages. The recipient of three Christy Awards, Bunn currently serves as writer-in-residence at Oxford University.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mystery, Intrigue & Romance, September 8, 2010

By 

A. E. Hebbert "Reviewer" (Nebraska) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Black Madonna (Storm Syrrell Adventure Series, Book 2) (Paperback)

Storm Syrrell returns from Gold of Kings for another thrilling mystery, penned by the "Gentleman Adventurer," Davis Bunn. She's still an antiquarian, this time desperate for cash. She should refuse to work with the mystery client who asks her to track down a non-existent antique with miraculous healing powers. But her desperation pushes her to take on this deep-pocketed client. There's grave danger, adventure, and international travel, crafted by Bunn with authenticity and action. And romance. If she can live long enough.

Bunn serves as Novelist in Residence for Regent's College at Oxford University. He also teaches creative writing programming for Oxford. He speaks at writers conferences around the world. Fluent in three languages, Dr. Bunn has done extensive travel in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. He lives with his wife, both in England and Florida's West Coast.

Read more at [...].

Review by Audrey Hebbert, M.A., author of Green Light Red Light.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced, November 21, 2010

By 

Janna R. Ryan (Nebraska) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Black Madonna (Storm Syrrell Adventure Series, Book 2) (Paperback)

Davis Bunn brings back the cast of Storm, Emma and Harry in "The Black Madonna" and sends them all over the world in chase of various ancient religious icons. It is full of international intrigue, mystery and suspense - who are the good guys, who are the bad guys? I was guessing through a lot of the book, Russia, Poland, England, America, who is behind the sudden outrageously high priced items at auction. Will it tear Europe apart when its discovered that the Black Madonna in Poland has been replaced with a fake? Who bombed Harry? Who wants Storm dead? This book will keep you on your toes to the end!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book 2 of the series is just as good as book 1, November 1, 2010

By 

Patijb - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Black Madonna (Storm Syrrell Adventure Series, Book 2) (Paperback)

I love this whole series. Lots of suspense. This writer inserts good historical facts and weaves his story expertly. I enjoy all of Mr. Bunn's books. And I certainly hope there is a book 3 of this series.