This historical fiction, The Founding Treason, is the first book I have read by this author. I am so glad I took a chance.

It has all of the elements to make it a must-read in my book. There is thriller, treason, and conspiracy. How could you go wrong? Definitely will recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written thriller.

This book reminds me of the movie National Treasure. While Dr Jonathan Rickner, a doctor of history, working at the National Archives, finds an old film canister he finds himself in danger while trying to solve a mystery that dates back to our Founding Fathers. Joining him is Chloe Harper, a conspiracy theorist that is determined to clear her FBI agent father's name. This is a great book that makes you think "what if". I highly recommend it.

An okay mystery/thriller, very reminiscent of National Treasure not really very interesting for me but worth a read especially for any government conspiracy thriller fans

Book Review: A fast paced thriller through our nation’s history and secret societies upon which it was founded.

The Founding Treason
by Jeremy Burns


Author Jeremy Burns takes the reader on tumultuous ride through some of the US’ most controversial historic moments. Moments shrouded in conspiracy theories about secret societies covering up what really happened. In this fictional account, Jonathan Rickner and Chloe Harper race against staying alive and outrunning the authorities while they solve the mystery of who really shot President J.F. Kennedy. However, this mystery goes back even further in time than the 1960’s.

It goes back even before July 4th, 1776. To the time when our founding fathers were fighting a revolution within a revolution. When secret societies were forming within other secret societies to keep this nation together.

In this mystery thriller, it’s National Treasure meets The Da Vinci Code, with its own ticking clock that Jonathan and Chloe have to race to thwart another attack that could bring the country to the brink of another war. With the Society’s members holding key positions throughout the hierarchy of the government, they don’t know who to trust and who to run from.

When a henchman corners them in the Society’s archives they think the society has won, and their death is imminent nor is it.

This immensely entertaining thriller has so many details exhaustively researched that fact and fiction blurs between the lines. However the line falls along each side, this journey through happenings in DC provides thought provoking wonder. Who really is running this country? How much of this fictional narrative is based on truth? Will this country ever fall from its divisiveness?


One of my favorite quotes proves we can come together despite our different beliefs, “I think you sell the American public short. Yes, we’ve got some serious issues, and, yes, the media seems to focus on those a lot these days for clicks or whatever. But, by and large, we stick together when the going gets tough. Just look at how we pull together after natural disasters. Strangers digging deep and helping other strangers in need. While FEMA is still sorting out their paperwork, it’s volunteer firefighters and off-duty sheriff’s deputies, corporate execs and soccer moms, bricklayers and college students who answer the call, from right next door or three states away. Across all races, creeds, and cultures, at our hearts, we’re all American. And though we may disagree on a lot, at times even disagreeing on what makes us American, at our core, we’re all bound together by a greater community.”


But overall else, it is hope that keeps us fighting to preserve each other as stated in this quote, “Wayne put a hand on each of their shoulders. “As your elder, I’ve gained a lot of experience and insight over the years. I’ve seen some of the worst America has to offer. And I’ve also seen some of its best. My parents both died in 9/11. They didn’t have to. But they chose to try to save more people in the towers instead of saving themselves. This cemetery is full of self-sacrificing men and women who believed in that good and gave the best years of their lives—and many times even losing their lives—to fight to preserve it. Not because some twisted secret society was pulling the strings. Because they believed it was the right thing to do. Because they believed, as George Washington did, as Abe Lincoln did, and as JFK did, that America is worth fighting for. That hope and belief in forging a better tomorrow has been the lifeblood of the United States from its birth, and I have to believe it will keep going for a long while yet.”

If you love thrillers, and American history, The Founding Treason is your next “must” read!

FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title by NetGalley and The Story Plant publisher for review purposes only; no other compensation was awarded me.

The Founding Treason is another in the series featuring the character Jon Rickner, historian turned sleuth. This was my first exposure to the series, and while interesting, it seemed liked a mash-up of several Steve Berry/Brad Metlzer novels, with every National tragedy conveniently blamed on one villain. While I’m a big fan of these types of books, this story seemed to try and compress a lot of different historical events into one book, and it just seems a stretch. That being said, it was good enough to make me try one of the author’s earlier books in the series.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received this from Netgalley.com for a review.

Jonathan Rickner stumbles across an old film canister in the National Archives, he sets off an explosive chain of events that leaves dozens dead and himself on the run.

An okay mystery/thriller, very reminiscent of National Treasure.

2.75 ☆

Wow. This thriller, based on amazing research, follows Jonathan Rickner and Chloe Harper, as they search for answers to conspiracies that began with the American Revolution. Both protagonists lost a loved one to murder by the secret society running this shadow organization so the motive for their determination is strong.
Author Jeremy Burns writes a riveting read steeped in fascinating facts and compelling conjecture.

With thanks to NetGalley, Jeremy Burns and The Story Factory for the opportunity to read and review the ARC.
"Description:
What if some of our nation's architects set into motion a series of acts so treasonous that we are still feeling their effects nearly two-and-a-half centuries later? That is the question at the heart of this stunning, provocative thriller.
When newly minted doctor of history Jonathan Rickner stumbles across an old film canister in the National Archives, he sets off an explosive chain of events that leaves dozens dead and himself on the run. The contents of that canister, revealing long-buried evidence about the Kennedy assassination, is just the first piece of a centuries-old puzzle stretching from the Civil War to the Constitutional Convention and back to modern day."
This was an addictive roller coaster of a 'tall tale". If you love historical thrillers then this is definitely a book worth your time. Rickner is a well defined character, suitably aided and abetted by the indefatigable Chloe. Together, they plough through duplicity, cryptic clues about secret societies, assassinations and treasons. Well structured story telling with a satisfying plot. Ultimately successful (of course), our heroes manage to save a life and make the country a safer place!
I would also like to thank the author for his detailed end notes (which I also enjoyed reading), as these are not often provided yet they give the reader a rounded understanding of the historical versus fictional elements of the book.

Burns' book is a thriller. He weaves an intricate many layered plot that pulls you into the book. Book reminds me of a Tom Clancy plot. Once you start reading you will not put it down. The characters are all well developed and plot is full of twists and turns. Looking forward to the next book by Jeremy Burns.

Jon and Cloe race against time and evil conspiracies to save our Nation from itself almost. Reminiscent of the "National Treasure" movie genre but overall a satisfying, if not deep read

This is the archetypical story of the super secret quasi government agency gone bad. This also has the hallmarks of the super secret quasi government agency that is the last bastion of goodness. The story moves along well enough and the characters are believable. This is very reminiscent of the 'National Treasure' movies and they are even mentioned as part of the story. The author could have tightened his narration quite a bit be editing his forays into historical review of every situation, location, and figure. Nice to know stuff but a little much.

Did the founding fathers found more than the government we study in our history books. Are there other forces at work plotting the direction our country moves. Jon and Cloe, our protagonists, race the clock to protect our country from itself.