Raymond John Books

'Tis goodly fun!
“This is a delightfully captivating reading experience! As a highly intelligent, well-researched, tightly-woven thriller set in an exotic locale and peppered with romance, it
surely has something for everyone among discriminating adult readers of fiction. The
author truly excels at establishing rising action, memorable characters, and setting. 'Tis
goodly fun! I heartily endorse this work for the Editors' Choice Program.”
Universe editorial review

Author's knowledge of Malta "has paid off handsomely in the book"
“{He has a] "keen ear and eye for atmosphere … Any undue revelation of details will mar
the excitement of reading it."
The Malta Independent, May 15, 2005

Author has a fertile imagination
“Raymond John … has a fertile imagination. Mr. John is a historian, dealer in collectibles,
and a former military intelligence specialist… all this gives credence to his story. [He
knows] about the island's dark alleys and underworld.”
The Malta Times, March 9, 2005

Superlative evocation of the modern terrorist threats
“Caterina is captivating, sensual, and appealing, while Rick is every woman's rogue hero.
This novel is a superlative evocation of the modern terrorist threats that face the
international body initiated by the events of 9-11.*
Dr. Anthony Abela-Medici, Medical Examiner, Republic of Malta

Meticulous historical research
“I appreciated the meticulous historical research and the author's obvious familiarity with
the land and people. Reading The Cellini Masterpiece will be a joyfully sentimental trip
home for everyone who loves Malta and a good adventure.”
Chevalier Joseph Micallef Honorary U.S. Maltese Consul

Impressively well written … well done!
“The Cellini Masterpiece is impressively well written. The main characters are very
effectively and interestingly portrayed … they are folks one would like to meet in real
life. And the author's love for and knowledge of Malta and its history solidly inform the
story. It needs to be read attentively for its complex story line and switch of direction.
Well done!”
Al Hubin, Emeritus Book Reviewer, The New York Times, Ellery Queen Mystery
Magazine and the Armchair Detective

Pace left me breathless … I especially enjoyed the characters
“The Cellini Masterpiece is set in Malta, and the descriptions of the country made me feel
as if I were there. It has a wealth of interesting historical background about the island. The
pace left me breathless. Rick is likable and believable. Caterina is beautiful and
streetwise. Rick's captive brother, Stef, is intelligent and resourceful. Even the villains are
interesting and raise intriguing questions. The story is based on a centuries-old mystery
that intersects with a 21st Century terrorist plot. This was a great read.”
Dot L., The Hennepin Spire, Minneapolis

Captivating …Write more books
“I loved the book! Once I started to read [The Cellini Masterpiece], I didn't want to put it
down, as it was captivating…Write more books. I hope The Cellini Masterpiece becomes
a best-seller.”
Gerry T, Edina, MN

Move over, Robert Ludlum!
“I think we've got ourselves a new master of the international thriller! I could hardly put it
down! Write more, Raymond!”
From Dan F., Detroit, MI

Who knows? A movie of the future?
“The story is woven around the present conditions in Malta with throwback glances at the
island's rich history. The book describes in detail the character of the Maltese islands and
its people. Well-written, well-scripted, and who knows: a movie of the future? A pleasant
background for a thriller and a romance at the same time.”
Canadian reader

What a treat… fabulous tale … vivid descriptions
“What a treat! The author tells a fabulous tale of intrigue, action, drama, and romance on
the exotic island of Malta. I was transported back to the island, seeing familiar places as
though it were the first time, with the help of Raymond John's vivid descriptions. For those
who have not been there, this novel will give a glimpse into Malta historically,
architecturally, and geographically. I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to lose
themselves in an intelligently written story in a not-so-run-of-the-mill location. From
beginning to end, Raymond John will captivate you. I couldn't put it down.”
Another Canadian reader

A great read … I couldn't stop until the end … This author writes about many of
the characters as if he knew them.
“The Cellini Masterpiece is a great read with all the necessities: a mystery, the good and
down-to-earth men and women, the "bad guys,” history, and a less-well known location.
This author writes about many of the characters as if he knew them. Also, the
details of the location sent me looking for a map so I could learn more about Malta.
When I got to the final 50 pages, I couldn't stop until the end. I wanted to know how these
ordinary people, without years of training, would attempt to outwit the bad guys.”
Shirley C, St. Paul

Exciting and visual… a knack for transporting the reader right into the middle of
what's happening.
“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. 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”.
Jack Hawkins, Minneapolis

Behind those big ominous doors
“I am Maltese and lived in Sliema, so I was following Rick all the way. As I was growing up,
the old houses in Malta always intrigued me, and I wondered about all that could have
happened behind those big ominous doors.”
Jane, Maltese-American Social Club, South San Francisco

This book has it all. A real 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 art, history, and science; and a love interest
between two very likable characters. A real page-tumer!”
Jeanie B.

Made we want to pack my bags immediately
“A well-crafted, suspenseful mystery that goes down as smoothly as an aged Irish whiskey.
The story grabbed my attention immediately and then grabbed harder as it progressed.
The descriptions of Malta made we want to pack my bags immediately, travel to Malta, and
visit the scenes described in the book. Thanks, Rick for the whiskey recommendation, for
introducing me to Malta, and for saving the world.”
David, one who enjoys history and travel

Great story with a tour of Malta included!
“A compelling adventure and mystery story that holds one's attention from beginning 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.”
Frederick G. Bean