Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Painted Messiah | 2007 | Craig Smith | Buy |
| 2 | The Blood Lance | 2008 | Craig Smith | Buy |
The Kate Kenyon series consists of two art thrillers set primarily in Switzerland. In The Painted Messiah (2007), Kate Kenyon and her accomplice Ethan Brand target a priceless Byzantine icon said to be the only true image of Christ, one that legend claims grants everlasting life to its possessor. The heist pulls them into a conflict involving the Vatican, organized crime, and centuries of religious intrigue. The Blood Lance (2008) continues with another artifact-driven conspiracy.
Craig Smith uses his years living in Switzerland to bring authenticity to the European settings, and his academic background in philosophy and humanities informs the historical and religious layers of the plots. The books combine fast-paced action sequences with detailed explorations of art history and first-century politics, creating thrillers that reward readers who enjoy both the physical and intellectual sides of the genre.