The Kensington Runestone is a 90kg rock found in Minnesota that purports to be a record left behind by Scandinavian explorers in the 14th century. But what is there is another one, forming a matching set, that shows earlier exploration of American by the Chinese? Chase Baker is looking for it, but he’s not the only one. Fearful of what Chinese discovery of america could mean, a group of neo-Nazis are out to bury the discovery.
Chase Baker and the Vikings’ Secret see’s Benjamin Sobieck step in to write the hero of a series of books originally by Vincent Zandri. I have not previously read any of Zandri’s Chase Baker books but to me this served as a nice introduction to the character. It gave me a good understanding of who he was and what I could expect from the full length adventures.
Sobieck uses the short length of the story well, by basically cutting out the first act of the story. We a thrown into the middle of the archaeological adventure, and a gun fight, with little to no background of who the players are, how we got here or what everyone is searching for. Those answers come in time, but are laid out organically through the story. It’s not to well into the story that we get the "second kensington runestone" story that is in the blurb of the book. Until then we are just on for the ride. And it is a fun ride. Quick paced, full of well told action.
Narrator Andrew B. Wehrlen does well with his performance (not he also narrates all the Zandri Baker books). He is well paced, keeping the energy up for the action sequences while still remaining clear and easy to follow. He provides distinction between characters, although not complete difference voices etc. Overall he did good work and added to the enjoyment of the story.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.