A relic, stolen from the heart of an ancient city.
An echo of nationalist violence not seen since the dark days of the Second World War.
Budapest, Hungary. When a priest is murdered at the Basilica of St Stephen and the Holy Right relic is stolen, the ultra-nationalist Eröszak party calls for retribution and anti-Semitic violence erupts in the city.
Dr Morgan Sierra, psychologist and ARKANE agent, finds herself trapped inside the synagogue with Zoltan Fischer, a Hungarian Jewish security advisor. As the terrorism escalates, Morgan and Zoltan must race against time to find the Holy Right and expose the conspiracy, before blood is spilled again on the streets of Budapest.
One Day In Budapest is a chilling view of a possible future as Eastern Europe embraces right-wing nationalism. A conspiracy thriller for fans of Daniel Silva, where religion and politics intersect.
“This evocative and atmospheric thriller pulls you into the dangerous world of modern day Budapest, where the secrets of the past have exploded into the present. The pulse-pounding suspense never lets up–from the first page till the last. Clear an afternoon for this novella, because you won't be able to put it down once you've started!” — Rebecca Cantrell, New York Times bestselling author of The Blood Gospel
“J.F. Penn does a great job of painting her fictional tale on a canvas of truth … a close and cutting look at the horrendous evils that occurred during World War II and the communist era and deftly demonstrates how those same seeds are beginning to flower again. This novella brings adventure with a deeper awareness.” — Compulsion Reads Endorsed Books Review
“…a high action, fast paced adventure read. Bravo Ms. Penn!” Stephenson Family
“Penn's One Day In Budapest is a gripping novella built on several skilfully handled tensions. Religion, fanaticism, identity and terror drive the story. Penn subtly weaves the necessary history into the narrative. Relentless writing that throws a lighted match into the powder keg that is the past.” Richard Godwin
“This story was compelling from the first page with a weave of politics, religion, history and a warning about the future. J.F. Penn is a well-informed master who keeps the reader involved from the death of a priest and a stolen artifact through the non-stop action. She is a master and the novella is a work of art.” JCD
“I love a good thriller, and One Day In Budapest didn't disappoint. J.F. Penn is the real deal, a thinking person's writer who has done her research and knows how to bring a story to life.” Marie-Therese Hernon
“I was not only entertained but educated. This is a book that will transport you to the landmarks in Budapest and witness the dark history of this ancient city and the growing far right wing politics of today. This is a conspiracy thriller where religion and politics intersect. A must read!” Greg
“Joanna Penn has done it again…she's written a novella rich in imagery based on solid research, which transports the reader to a politically torn Budapest.” Marcia Richards
“Truly a thrill ride that will leave you breathless and also make you think, the latest from J.F. Penn is everything it should be.” Christine Myers
“I couldn't put it down. Mystery, great characters and a good story kept me riveted.” Sandra Singleton
The novella features Dr Morgan Sierra from the ARKANE thrillers, but is stand-alone and can be read separately from the ARKANE series.
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Check Out The Research Behind The Book
After watching your video on how you did the research for this novella, I was compelled to check it out on Goodreads. It is on my to-read list. It sounds absolutely fantastic.
Thanks so much Marie-Therese – I really appreciate that 🙂 It was a fascinating trip.