When an antique carved jade Lily on loan to a local museum is stolen by a staff member, McKenzie is called in to deliver the ransom money and retrieve it. The problem is there are several people out there who want the Lily or the money and are willing to harass McKenzie to get it.

When the thief is shot before the exchange and the crooked cop as well, all hell breaks loose. Some of the police are not unhappy the corrupt cop is dead, but at the same time the code of honor that states "Thou shalt not kill a police officer" .

Also in the mix are Mr Donatucci, the insurance adjuster; Heavenly Petryk, a wildcard bounty hunter; a crooked government State Department Agent; the glib owner of the Lily; and several nasty people from the museum all with their eyes on the prize.

When McKenzie makes the exchange of ransom for the Lily, he receives a call from the thieves stating that he has 10 seconds to get out of the hotel room where the Lily is waiting to be retrieved... and so McKenzie jumps over the railing of the 2nd floor just as the bomb goes off.

So what about the money, the murders, & the Lily? More twists and turns than Twisted Colossus Rollercoaster, but not as fun. ( )

Curse of the Jade Lily is the latest Rushmore (Mac) McKenzie’s case. The case involves a stolen gem with a tragic history, a curse, a million dollar ransom, corrupt museum board members, Slavic mass murderers, and rightful owners.. Several years ago, McKenzie, former police officer, became an unexpected millionaire and set about doing not much of anything. Now, showing up at his doorstep is the insurance company that paid the settlement that made him rich—and they want a favor. Someone has stolen a very expensive gem (a jade) from a local art museum and is willing to ransom it back. The only condition is that McKenzie has to be the go between. No ordinary gem—it is a jade with a history going back to the Qing Dynasty and a reputed curse that stories claim has ruined or killed everyone who has ever owned it. McKenzie agrees to help but what starts out as a simple ransom quickly becomes complicated. An enjoyable read--fun great character in Rushmore Mackenzie--lots of twin city references—and nice twists. 3.5 stars out of 5. ( )