THE CELLINI MASTERPIECE

About the Book

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?

About the Author

Raymond John is a historian and dealer in collectibles. As a retired military intelligence specialist, he is familiar with the strategies and weapons used in the story. His lifelong love of Malta grew from a childhood stamp collection and led to research, visits, and friendships with many Maltese people in America and Europe.