Part of Cotton Malone, book 6
First published 2010
Cotton Malone stares at his computer screen in disbelief. An anonymous message has led him to a website where he watches Cassiopeia Vitt being tortured by an unknown man. The captor's demand is simple: deliver the artifact Cassiopeia left in Malone's care. But Malone has no idea what artifact the man means. Cassiopeia never gave him anything to protect. Now the former Justice Department agent must find what he doesn't have to save the woman who has rescued him before. His search takes him across continents, from Denmark through Belgium to Vietnam. Ancient secrets emerge as Malone confronts a merciless brotherhood that has guarded its mysteries for centuries. The trail leads to China's greatest archaeological wonder: the sealed tomb of the First Emperor, protected by thousands of terracotta warriors. For over two millennia, no one has breached this underground fortress. Malone must unlock its secrets to save Cassiopeia and survive his most dangerous mission yet.
Genres: adventure, mystery, archaeology, thriller, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: China, Denmark, Belgium, Vietnam
Period: Ancient
436 pages · Hardcover · Ballantine Books