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Harleigh Sinclair #1
Harleigh Sinclair and the Raiders of the Lost Ankh
Getting confessions from notorious serial killers? Easy.
Stealing priceless Egyptian artifacts? No problem.
Doing it with a cocky, too-handsome-for-his-own-good bad boy? Impossible.
My name is Harleigh Sinclair, and I’m a Neotact. That’s a fancy word for a person who has special powers using touch. My special power? I can touch a person, see into their mind, and find any object they’ve physically contacted. Comes in handy when you’re employed by San Antonio’s wealthiest entrepreneur who’s in the business of finding lost relics. However, my job description does come with a few hitches.
My most recent client is a man named Jagg Ransom. He’s arrogant and too attractive for his own good. My mission is to purchase an ancient Egyptian ankh from him and deliver it to my boss. Sounds easy, right?
But Ransom refuses to cooperate, so I have no choice but to break into his apartment and steal the location of the amulet from his mind. Bad idea. Like, really bad idea.
I find out that this relic happens to be the relic that gave five percent of Earth’s population Neotact powers. I also learn that Ransom isn’t who he says he is, and I’m forced onto a path that will take me from my home in Texas to a hidden dungeon of a Scottish castle, and then into the heart of a deadly Egyptian desert. Finding the ankh is hard enough. Fighting my feelings for Jagg Ransom is worse.
If I can’t find the ankh in time, not only will I be out of a job, but I’ll lose everything I value—including my own life.
Stealing priceless Egyptian artifacts? No problem.
Doing it with a cocky, too-handsome-for-his-own-good bad boy? Impossible.
My name is Harleigh Sinclair, and I’m a Neotact. That’s a fancy word for a person who has special powers using touch. My special power? I can touch a person, see into their mind, and find any object they’ve physically contacted. Comes in handy when you’re employed by San Antonio’s wealthiest entrepreneur who’s in the business of finding lost relics. However, my job description does come with a few hitches.
My most recent client is a man named Jagg Ransom. He’s arrogant and too attractive for his own good. My mission is to purchase an ancient Egyptian ankh from him and deliver it to my boss. Sounds easy, right?
But Ransom refuses to cooperate, so I have no choice but to break into his apartment and steal the location of the amulet from his mind. Bad idea. Like, really bad idea.
I find out that this relic happens to be the relic that gave five percent of Earth’s population Neotact powers. I also learn that Ransom isn’t who he says he is, and I’m forced onto a path that will take me from my home in Texas to a hidden dungeon of a Scottish castle, and then into the heart of a deadly Egyptian desert. Finding the ankh is hard enough. Fighting my feelings for Jagg Ransom is worse.
If I can’t find the ankh in time, not only will I be out of a job, but I’ll lose everything I value—including my own life.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2023
173 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Tamara Grantham
37 books455 followersTamara Grantham is the award-winning author of more than half a dozen books and novellas, including the Olive Kennedy: Fairy World MD series, the Twisted Ever After trilogy, and the Shine novellas. Dreamthief, the first book of her Fairy World MD series, won first place for fantasy in INDIEFAB’S Book of the Year Awards, a RONE award for best New Adult Romance, and is a #1 bestseller on Amazon with over 200 reviews.
Tamara holds a Bachelor’s degree in English. She has been a featured speaker at the Rose State Writing Conference and has been a panelist at Comic Con Wizard World speaking on the topic of female leads. For her first published project, she collaborated with New York-Times bestselling author, William Bernhardt, in writing the Shine series.
Born and raised in Texas, Tamara now lives with her husband and five children in Wichita, Kansas. She rarely has any free time, but when the stars align and she gets a moment to relax, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, taking nature walks, and watching every Star Wars or Star Trek movie ever made. You can find her online at www.TamaraGrantham.com.
Tamara holds a Bachelor’s degree in English. She has been a featured speaker at the Rose State Writing Conference and has been a panelist at Comic Con Wizard World speaking on the topic of female leads. For her first published project, she collaborated with New York-Times bestselling author, William Bernhardt, in writing the Shine series.
Born and raised in Texas, Tamara now lives with her husband and five children in Wichita, Kansas. She rarely has any free time, but when the stars align and she gets a moment to relax, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, taking nature walks, and watching every Star Wars or Star Trek movie ever made. You can find her online at www.TamaraGrantham.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 1, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up
This had a slight Indiana Jones vibe to it but also with some quasi-magical elements that I wasn’t expecting.
I really enjoyed the archaeological elements as well as Harleigh working with the police. The book starts off with a bang as she interrogates a serial killer which definitely gave a mysterious vibe. I also liked seeing the group put the pieces together and the varied settings really came to life. However, at just under 300 pages, certain aspects weren’t as detailed as they could have been.
Unfortunately, I didn’t like the love interest at all or his pet name of “Blossom” for Harleigh. There isn’t really any romance in this book, but Harleigh spent a lot of time drooling over him and I couldn’t really see the appeal.
Just a warning - it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger so much as a continuation hanger so if you like it you’ll definitely want to pick up the second book, releasing in February.
I’d definitely recommend this one if you like adventurous, race against time stories though. And it’s currently free on KU, so if you’re interested, check it out!
This had a slight Indiana Jones vibe to it but also with some quasi-magical elements that I wasn’t expecting.
I really enjoyed the archaeological elements as well as Harleigh working with the police. The book starts off with a bang as she interrogates a serial killer which definitely gave a mysterious vibe. I also liked seeing the group put the pieces together and the varied settings really came to life. However, at just under 300 pages, certain aspects weren’t as detailed as they could have been.
Unfortunately, I didn’t like the love interest at all or his pet name of “Blossom” for Harleigh. There isn’t really any romance in this book, but Harleigh spent a lot of time drooling over him and I couldn’t really see the appeal.
Just a warning - it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger so much as a continuation hanger so if you like it you’ll definitely want to pick up the second book, releasing in February.
I’d definitely recommend this one if you like adventurous, race against time stories though. And it’s currently free on KU, so if you’re interested, check it out!
October 31, 2025
I liked this book a lot. Harleigh's father was an archeologist who collected ancient artifacts. He once owned the Sword of Excaliber, but it was stolen from him and he was left for dead. Harleigh has always believed that he was attacked by a Crimson Knight, a supposedly honorable group, who are the guardians of powerful artifacts handed down by the Knights Templar. When she is forced to work with Jagg Ransom, a Crimson Knight, Harleigh is highly suspicious. As the book goes on, she learns a lot about the Crimson Knights and Jagg. There were times when I found the book moved a little too slowly, the text was somewhat repetitive, and the consternation regarding Harleigh's feelings for Jagg seemed a little juvenile - until I realized the book was written for the target age of 12-18!! The story line was complex enough for me to continue reading more.
May 30, 2024
What a fun read! Harleigh Sinclair is everything an adverturer should be. Gutsy and curious with a strange magical gift that gives the story a delightful twist. There's romance, intrigue, and a world that you'll want to visit again and again. I highly recommend the Harleigh Sinclair series to anyone who loves magical adventure.
November 29, 2023
Note: I had the privilege to receive a copy of this book via NetGallery to read for an honest review post read.
—
My star scale:
5 - literally could not put it down, emotions high, and instantly looking up when then next one comes out
4 - amazing plot, characters and world.
3 - really solid and great book, would buy for my own shelves
2 - a good read but may not seek out others in the series
1 - mediocre but still would read it if I had it with me
0 - didn’t finish reading it or had major points against it
—
What a fun quick read! I loved the world building where it was modern day but with a touch (no pun intended) of magical abilities. Though it was short, it was fun, had some fun romantic bits and provided the reader with some decent plot twists. The way the story unfolded was great and I was hooked!
I will say that this isn’t what I would consider a showstopper mostly because it is short, it feels like we skip over some of the depth of the story and characters that was only hinted at. It’s one thing after the next, after the next. Which was good but also I think some extra space and story would have taken it that next step.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun, quick urban fantasy.
—
My star scale:
5 - literally could not put it down, emotions high, and instantly looking up when then next one comes out
4 - amazing plot, characters and world.
3 - really solid and great book, would buy for my own shelves
2 - a good read but may not seek out others in the series
1 - mediocre but still would read it if I had it with me
0 - didn’t finish reading it or had major points against it
—
What a fun quick read! I loved the world building where it was modern day but with a touch (no pun intended) of magical abilities. Though it was short, it was fun, had some fun romantic bits and provided the reader with some decent plot twists. The way the story unfolded was great and I was hooked!
I will say that this isn’t what I would consider a showstopper mostly because it is short, it feels like we skip over some of the depth of the story and characters that was only hinted at. It’s one thing after the next, after the next. Which was good but also I think some extra space and story would have taken it that next step.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun, quick urban fantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 3, 2025Interesting ride! But could have been better...
Having read & thoroughly LOVED Tamara Grantham's "Twisted Ever After" series, I dove into this one expecting a similar experience. But somehow, it felt rushed & not nearly as professional as the previous series. There appeared many plot holes, some typos (which can happen to the best!), and minute details that may or may not have been consistent.
I so enjoy anything archaeological, Egyptian, and/or otherwise historical, but this story seemed to have scenes & things happen merely to further the plot & not much believe-ability regarding the *how*.
Overall, I found myself mildly disappointed. The beginning included unexpected foul language (i.e. "frick," "frickin'," "d---," "shite," "s---," "hell," and "a--"). Other content included some violence, though nothing more than PG13, and some obvious attraction between a couple main characters.
That said, I will definitely read the sequel! And do not allow a single critical review to stop you from picking it up. Read it yourself & form your own opinions! (I highly recommend the author's TEA series [aforementioned]!!)
Having read & thoroughly LOVED Tamara Grantham's "Twisted Ever After" series, I dove into this one expecting a similar experience. But somehow, it felt rushed & not nearly as professional as the previous series. There appeared many plot holes, some typos (which can happen to the best!), and minute details that may or may not have been consistent.
I so enjoy anything archaeological, Egyptian, and/or otherwise historical, but this story seemed to have scenes & things happen merely to further the plot & not much believe-ability regarding the *how*.
Overall, I found myself mildly disappointed. The beginning included unexpected foul language (i.e. "frick," "frickin'," "d---," "shite," "s---," "hell," and "a--"). Other content included some violence, though nothing more than PG13, and some obvious attraction between a couple main characters.
That said, I will definitely read the sequel! And do not allow a single critical review to stop you from picking it up. Read it yourself & form your own opinions! (I highly recommend the author's TEA series [aforementioned]!!)
October 16, 2023
Grantham builds an engaging urban fantasy, where 5% of people have magical abilities. Harleigh uses hers to make a living, acquiring historic relics that may also have their own magic. With one touch of her hand to another’s skin, she can concentrate on an object they've touched. She probes their mind to find an object, experiencing way more than just where the object is--with every gift comes a price.
The tension builds nicely as Harleigh follows the ankh's trail, and she battles a growing attraction to Jagg Ransom along with one setback after another. Sparks definitely fly between those two. Add in that she and her rich employer are not the only party seeking this particular relic, and the stakes deepen.
Harleigh's family adds another dimension to the story, while building more depth to the urban fantasy. The story moves at a fast pace, coming to a strong conclusion and the hook for book 2. I'm eager to see where Harleigh's, and Jagg's, adventures take them.
The tension builds nicely as Harleigh follows the ankh's trail, and she battles a growing attraction to Jagg Ransom along with one setback after another. Sparks definitely fly between those two. Add in that she and her rich employer are not the only party seeking this particular relic, and the stakes deepen.
Harleigh's family adds another dimension to the story, while building more depth to the urban fantasy. The story moves at a fast pace, coming to a strong conclusion and the hook for book 2. I'm eager to see where Harleigh's, and Jagg's, adventures take them.
March 5, 2024
Interesting premise
This story is built on the premise that ancient relics can give magical powers to the owners (which is not the unusual premise). Harleigh is searching for something stolen, but instead finds something different.
Taking one star because of several wildly irritating grammatical errors which I was very surprised to see in a book by this incredible author, and moreso because of several inexplicable plot holes that made no sense unless they were to save 100 pages of explanation.
This story is built on the premise that ancient relics can give magical powers to the owners (which is not the unusual premise). Harleigh is searching for something stolen, but instead finds something different.
Taking one star because of several wildly irritating grammatical errors which I was very surprised to see in a book by this incredible author, and moreso because of several inexplicable plot holes that made no sense unless they were to save 100 pages of explanation.
October 23, 2023
OMG, this book was amazing and hard to put down. It's like Indiana Jones but in female form.
The characters were phenomenal. I enjoyed getting to know Harleigh and Jagg.
The storyline was very addicting. It was full of suspense, murder and suspicious scenes and characters. This story was very well written and kept me glued until the end and the cliffhanger, well you'll have to find out yourself. I highly recommend this read.
The characters were phenomenal. I enjoyed getting to know Harleigh and Jagg.
The storyline was very addicting. It was full of suspense, murder and suspicious scenes and characters. This story was very well written and kept me glued until the end and the cliffhanger, well you'll have to find out yourself. I highly recommend this read.
May 7, 2024
A Totally Surprising Story
When I picked out this book I was expecting the same run of the mill who dunnit murder mystery. Not so, it expanded into a really amazing story. Kudos to the author, Tamara Grantham! Love your book, hope I can read the series. Great and complete characters, just a great story.
When I picked out this book I was expecting the same run of the mill who dunnit murder mystery. Not so, it expanded into a really amazing story. Kudos to the author, Tamara Grantham! Love your book, hope I can read the series. Great and complete characters, just a great story.
August 2, 2025
Pleasurable Fantasy
The plot and characters were well developed. There were few typos that slowed me down as I reread the contents before and after to make my understanding certain. I wavered between 4 & 5 stars, but settled on 5 because it is better than other books that I have read that were rated with 5 stars. I believe I would enjoy reading the other books in this series.
The plot and characters were well developed. There were few typos that slowed me down as I reread the contents before and after to make my understanding certain. I wavered between 4 & 5 stars, but settled on 5 because it is better than other books that I have read that were rated with 5 stars. I believe I would enjoy reading the other books in this series.
September 21, 2025
I thought that this was an okay read. Reasonable pace. This story was set in an alternative reality where magic has been randomly given to a small percentage of the population via the discovery of some ancient Egyptian relics. The story had a lightweight feel to it, and I did not engage with it as I would have liked. Definitely needs more editing to correct a number of continuity errors.
October 25, 2023
Lara Croft meets Magic!
This was such a fun read! I felt like I was going on the adventure with Harleigh. She’s a stubborn, sassy girl and I love the clever abilities of the Neotacts. Tamara weaves magic into our modern world and makes it feel like it’s always been there.
This was such a fun read! I felt like I was going on the adventure with Harleigh. She’s a stubborn, sassy girl and I love the clever abilities of the Neotacts. Tamara weaves magic into our modern world and makes it feel like it’s always been there.
April 13, 2024
Wonderful beginning to a great series
I am looking forward to the next book in this series. There are so many secrets to uncover. This promises to be another great series from Tamara.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series. There are so many secrets to uncover. This promises to be another great series from Tamara.
April 2, 2025
New 2 me
Just found this series and it looks like it will be a good one. Modern time setting but with a twist of paranormal abilities for some people. Good guys trying to keep power enhancing artifacts from bad guys.
Just found this series and it looks like it will be a good one. Modern time setting but with a twist of paranormal abilities for some people. Good guys trying to keep power enhancing artifacts from bad guys.
May 13, 2025
Had some holes
Overall, a good story, and started out well. But it became rushed, and info was left out or skimmed just to get to an end. So, I know longer felt vested in these characters. Not sure if I'll read the next one.
Overall, a good story, and started out well. But it became rushed, and info was left out or skimmed just to get to an end. So, I know longer felt vested in these characters. Not sure if I'll read the next one.
October 6, 2025
Egyptian mysteries and artifacts!
Exploring ancient history and solving intricate puzzles to find elusive clues to five mysterious, powerful objects that are centuries old, is the thrilling backdrop to this riveting novel! An excellent series!
Exploring ancient history and solving intricate puzzles to find elusive clues to five mysterious, powerful objects that are centuries old, is the thrilling backdrop to this riveting novel! An excellent series!
November 15, 2023
Exciting book
This book was so exciting that I had trouble putting it down. I read it any chance that I could get over the course of two days.
This book was so exciting that I had trouble putting it down. I read it any chance that I could get over the course of two days.
November 18, 2023
Magic Artifacts
Magic people hunting magic artifacts to gain power. Good book, humor, mystery, murder, travel, and betrayal. These were all mixed in one interesting book.
Magic people hunting magic artifacts to gain power. Good book, humor, mystery, murder, travel, and betrayal. These were all mixed in one interesting book.
November 21, 2023
Great read
Great story. Not predictable as I first thought. Great characters. Great adventure. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
Waiting for #2
Great story. Not predictable as I first thought. Great characters. Great adventure. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
Waiting for #2
March 29, 2024
This was a light read with a bit of world building throughout just enough to keep you curious. It got a little amped up around the last quarter of the story and got extra interesting.
May 11, 2024
Noped at 73 percent.
Not terrible but did not hold my attention and there were several annoying elements e.g. a poorly handled enemies-become-lovers plot thread and insurmountable obstacles which keep falling over when reached.
Not terrible but did not hold my attention and there were several annoying elements e.g. a poorly handled enemies-become-lovers plot thread and insurmountable obstacles which keep falling over when reached.
May 11, 2024
Cute cozy paranormal mystery.
August 8, 2024
I don’t know what I was thinking when I picked this book from the Amazon Prime First Reads list. But now I have a new word in my vocabulary…Neotacts.
August 9, 2024
An action adventure quest. Seeking the first of five "magical" objects. can't wait to read how they get the rest.
December 19, 2024
I couldn't get past 25%
May 29, 2025
Interesting story
Action filled story with lots of twists and suspense and strange powers. Well written and an easy quick read, enjoyable
Action filled story with lots of twists and suspense and strange powers. Well written and an easy quick read, enjoyable
September 7, 2023
A quick read that had me not wanting to stop. What if you had the ability see where a person has been with a touch to the person or item they're touched, hear someone's thoughts, or turn invisible? Harleigh Sinclair is hired to collect certain artifacts from history that are not only considered myths & legands but have great power. When the current artifact she is sent to obtain, she is forced to work with Jedd Ransom who she just met and is at odds with. Definitely a fantasy with action, I didn't want to put it down and was sad when the story ended. Looking forward to the next book.
Merged review:
A quick read that had me not wanting to stop. What if you had the ability see where a person has been with a touch to the person or item they're touched, hear someone's thoughts, or turn invisible? Harleigh Sinclair is hired to collect certain artifacts from history that are not only considered myths & legands but have great power. When the current artifact she is sent to obtain, she is forced to work with Jedd Ransom who she just met and is at odds with. Definitely a fantasy with action, I didn't want to put it down and was sad when the story ended. Looking forward to the next book.
Merged review:
A quick read that had me not wanting to stop. What if you had the ability see where a person has been with a touch to the person or item they're touched, hear someone's thoughts, or turn invisible? Harleigh Sinclair is hired to collect certain artifacts from history that are not only considered myths & legands but have great power. When the current artifact she is sent to obtain, she is forced to work with Jedd Ransom who she just met and is at odds with. Definitely a fantasy with action, I didn't want to put it down and was sad when the story ended. Looking forward to the next book.
October 16, 2023
This book was awesome! It kept me engaged through the whole book. The characters are so likable and real, you really come to love them. The magic system in this book is so unique and cool as well. I really enjoyed reading this book! After I started I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one to come out!
Merged review:
This book was awesome! It kept me engaged through the whole book. The characters are so likable and real, you really come to love them. The magic system in this book is so unique and cool as well. I really enjoyed reading this book! After I started I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one to come out!
Merged review:
This book was awesome! It kept me engaged through the whole book. The characters are so likable and real, you really come to love them. The magic system in this book is so unique and cool as well. I really enjoyed reading this book! After I started I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one to come out!
March 11, 2024
Raiders of the Lost Ankh introduces us to Harleigh Sinclair, a strong female protagonist that I felt like I knew from the first page. This book was so fun to read, with action and adventure jumping off every page. When the characters were in danger, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how (or if) they would escape. The world in which this book is set is unique and interesting, and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. If you like action, adventure, and fantasy, then I highly recommend you read this book!
October 18, 2023
I loved this book. My book rule is if I don't care about the charcers 20% into the book I put it aside. I cared about the characters, I was entertained by the story, and was ready to pre-order the next book when I was through. I love a little fantasy/Sci fi in my fiction and this was a new twist on magic. This is an easy to read, hard to put down, fun fantasy. I also love that it is clean, I can suggest it to any of my circle and not worry that they'd be offended by language or content!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews