One stolen relic. One day to recover it. One archaeologist caught between history's darkest secrets and a nation's rising fury.

ARKANE agent Morgan Sierra arrives in Budapest on what should be a simple mission: return stolen artifacts to the Jewish synagogue, a small act of restitution for the horrors of the Holocaust.

But when the Holy Right—the mummified hand of Hungary's first king, St. Stephen—is brutally stolen from the Basilica, Morgan is thrust into a deadly race against time.

The Holy Right isn't just a religious relic. It's the symbol of Hungarian nationalism, venerated for a thousand years as the hand that gave Hungary to the Virgin Mary. Now, with elections looming and extremist groups gaining power, someone has seized this sacred artifact to ignite a political firestorm. Morgan has less than 24 hours to recover it before the city explodes into violence.

Partnering with ex-military synagogue security agent Zoltan Fischer, Morgan navigates the shadow world of Budapest's past and present.

From the streets of the Jewish Quarter to the hidden depths beneath Castle Hill, she uncovers a conspiracy rooted in Hungary's darkest chapter, and the unresolved trauma of a nation struggling with its identity. Every clue leads deeper into a web of nationalism, religious fervor, and the unfinished business of World War II.

But Morgan's investigation has drawn dangerous attention. Extremists who worship the old ways. Political operatives willing to sacrifice anything for power. And a shadowy network that has waited decades for this moment.

As the clock ticks down, Morgan must confront not only external enemies but her own connection to Hungary's painful legacy. Her father was Jewish. The artifacts she's returning were stolen from families like his. And now, in trying to heal old wounds, she may have opened new ones.

A Pulse-Pounding Archaeological Thriller

One Day in Budapest combines the religious intrigue of Dan Brown with the historical depth of Kate Mosse, set against the atmospheric backdrop of one of Europe's most haunting cities. J.F. Penn weaves together archaeology, religious history, and political conspiracy in a thriller that never stops moving.

Perfect for Readers Who Love:

• Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series (The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons)
• Steve Berry's Cotton Malone adventures
• James Rollins' Sigma Force series
• Strong female characters with military backgrounds
• Religious relics and sacred artifacts
• Modern day thrillers exploring the legacy of WWII
• Race-against-time narratives set in atmospheric European cities
• Political conspiracies rooted in real history
• Jewish heritage and Holocaust restitution themes

Series Information:

One Day in Budapest is part of the ARKANE thriller series featuring psychologist turned ARKANE agent Dr. Morgan Sierra. While each book is a standalone adventure, recurring characters and Morgan's personal journey develop across the series. If you love globe-trotting action with historical depth, discover the complete ARKANE collection.

Themes & Content:

This thriller explores Hungarian nationalism, the lasting trauma of the Holocaust, the restitution of stolen Jewish artifacts, and religious extremism. Set entirely in Budapest over a single day, the story captures the city's Gothic beauty and complicated history. The narrative addresses themes of identity, nationalism, and historical memory with sensitivity and depth.

Story Details:

• Genre: Archaeological thriller, Religious thriller, Political thriller, International thriller
• Length: Novella
• Reading time: 2-3 hours
• Mood: Atmospheric, tense, fast-paced, historically rich
• Setting: Budapest, Hungary (contemporary with historical flashbacks)
• Content note: Violence, references to Holocaust atrocities, political extremism

Part of the ARKANE Series:

Discover Morgan Sierra's other adventures in religious archaeology and supernatural mysteries around the world. Each ARKANE thriller takes you to a new location with authentic historical detail and edge-of-your-seat action.