I have read most of this author’s previous books & loved them all, regardless of series or main character. When I realised he was writing a new thriller series based around Egyptology, I just needed to get my hands on a copy. I’m not sure where to pitch this one - think Indiana Jones (not so gung-ho), Da Vinci Code (not so high brow) & The Mummy (no scary reincarnations). Alex MacLure is a numbers man, he sees them everywhere & when his friend dies in mysterious circumstances, he is determined to finish her research. Clues are left, clearly just for him, & a mysterious artifact will assist, but where is it? Ancient beliefs, ominous brotherhoods, friends & foes - all seem to conspire against him as he ultimately travels to undiscovered Egypt. Will he find the answers he seeks there? Well paced with detailed research, makes this a gripping read. I was out of breath reading some parts, let alone Alex & that gritty sand gets everywhere! I can’t wait until the next one to see what trouble he can get into. Highly recommended.

Egyptologist Alex MacLure is shocked to discover his friend, Dr Ellen Champion, has been killed in mysterious circumstances. But even more perplexing is the series of cryptic clues she left for him which lead to the location of an ancient artifact. Alex soon realises he's in grave danger — the people who murdered Ellen are hot on his trail and time is running out. Who can he trust and who is working against him? This is the first book in the Egyptian Stones trilogy and what an excellent, exciting adventure it turned out to be! With my fascination for ancient Egypt and my love of quest novels, I'm definitely the target audience. Author Murray Bailey always writes with flair and aptitude; his characters are fully developed and his locations well-researched. The combination of fact and fiction worked brilliantly. WOWZA, I loved it!

What a ride! Alex McClure, Egyptologist, is shocked at the sudden death of his friend and mentor and even more so when he discovers she left a message - hidden and coded - just for him. Following the trail takes him on a wild journey and it soon becomes clear that Dr. Ellen Champion's death was no accident - it was murder. As Alex struggles to complete the task before him, he also has someone on his trail . . . can he succeed? I'm a big fan of this author's work but this one just blew me away. So much happening and all - it felt - at breakneck speed. I read long into the night until I really couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Thrilling in the extreme and very, very exciting! I can hardly wait for the next book. So highly recommended and very easily worth all five glowing stars!

The Heretic Cypher was a complete surprise—and a very welcome one. I received an advance copy via NetGalley and, although this was my first time reading anything by Murray Bailey, it certainly won’t be the last. Bailey expertly blends historical intrigue with modern thrills, weaving a compelling narrative that kept me hooked from the first page. The pacing is razor-sharp, the research meticulous, and the twists genuinely satisfying. I was especially impressed by the layered storytelling—rich with codes, secrets, and a sense of danger that felt both immediate and intellectually engaging. If you’re a fan of smart, fast-paced thrillers with historical depth (think The Da Vinci Code but sharper and more grounded), this one’s for you. Highly recommended.

A different type of book compared to the usual by this author and the 1st in the Egyptian Stones series. I am fascinated by Egyptology so was very keen to read this and I wasn’t disappointed. Egyptologist Alex MacLure is working at The British Museum helping decipher Pharaonic era letters when he is told his close friend Dr Ellen Champion has been murdered. Briefly, Ellen was working on a project investigating the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen by Howard Carter in 1922 and appeared to have found something sensational. She has left Alex some clues so he can complete her work. However, he is not the only one interested in Ellen‘s work. Alongside new friend and writer Rebecca, Alex start unravelling the truth as they journey to the famous Valley of the Kings and then onto the old ruins in the Nile Delta in the pursuit of the long lost tombs of both Pharaoh Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti. A fast paced and exciting story with the authors trademark conspiracy theory thread and plenty of thrills. Interesting factual information, clearly well researched, alongside the fictional adventure story makes for an entertaining read. This was a great start to a new series and I’m looking forward to reading more. 4.5⭐️