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The Lost Treasure of the Templars #1
The Lost Treasure of the Templars
The New York Times bestselling author of The Templar Brotherhood presents the first novel in a thrilling series about the powerful secrets of the Knights Templar—and a conspiracy too shocking to believe...
In a quiet English seaside town, antiquarian bookseller Robin Jessop has acquired an odd medieval volume. What appears to be a book isn’t a book at all, but a cleverly disguised safe, in which she finds a single rolled parchment, written in code .
For encryption expert David Mallory, the text is impenetrable. Until an invaluable clue opens the door to a mystery, and a conspiracy, stretching back seven centuries, when the most powerful man in Europe declared war on the most powerful clan, the Knights Templar.
Now, Jessop and Mallory find themselves on a global hunt for an unsurpassed treasure and this much closer to the keys to secrets that could change history, topple an empire, and bury them both alive. Because they’re not only the hunters. They’re also the hunted.
In a quiet English seaside town, antiquarian bookseller Robin Jessop has acquired an odd medieval volume. What appears to be a book isn’t a book at all, but a cleverly disguised safe, in which she finds a single rolled parchment, written in code .
For encryption expert David Mallory, the text is impenetrable. Until an invaluable clue opens the door to a mystery, and a conspiracy, stretching back seven centuries, when the most powerful man in Europe declared war on the most powerful clan, the Knights Templar.
Now, Jessop and Mallory find themselves on a global hunt for an unsurpassed treasure and this much closer to the keys to secrets that could change history, topple an empire, and bury them both alive. Because they’re not only the hunters. They’re also the hunted.
499 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 7, 2015
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1039 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 10, 2025
Madeira holiday book 4.
I do enjoy reading about the Templars. Either their history or the books about tracking down their missing treasure through ciphers. This had all of it.
Whilst the storyline - hero and heroine united together to protect themselves from a ruthless order of fanatics - was a staid one. This story layers on the addition of information - male hero was an ex policeman, IT expert and drives a Porsche. Our female lead has exceptional prowess in Karate and Akido. And her Christian name Robin has everyone believing she is a man.
Story moves from Exeter, Crediton, to Cyprus. Dead bodies abound. Reminded me a bit of a Dennis Wheatley romp without Satanic black masses.
Surprising for me this appears to be the first book in a trilogy. I won’t hunt out the next books but I will definitely read them. Ideal holiday read.
I do enjoy reading about the Templars. Either their history or the books about tracking down their missing treasure through ciphers. This had all of it.
Whilst the storyline - hero and heroine united together to protect themselves from a ruthless order of fanatics - was a staid one. This story layers on the addition of information - male hero was an ex policeman, IT expert and drives a Porsche. Our female lead has exceptional prowess in Karate and Akido. And her Christian name Robin has everyone believing she is a man.
Story moves from Exeter, Crediton, to Cyprus. Dead bodies abound. Reminded me a bit of a Dennis Wheatley romp without Satanic black masses.
Surprising for me this appears to be the first book in a trilogy. I won’t hunt out the next books but I will definitely read them. Ideal holiday read.
April 29, 2020
The interesting concept couldn't keep this story afloat.
I truly enjoyed the first 100-150 pages but the book devolved into using some of the worst story crutches I've read in awhile. It was the beginning of the story that earned it a 2 stars instead of 1.
1. Dialog motivating plot and character! Instead of plot and character motivating dialog.
2. Character backstories that are used purely to escape tough situations but you should just accept them and not complain.
3. The middle is the bridge that connects the beginning and the end. Nothing more. You will find the chasm/desert that this book calls a middle utterly unsatisfactory.
This novel reads like a writing majors senior project. Something made on a deadline and lacking professional ability.
I truly enjoyed the first 100-150 pages but the book devolved into using some of the worst story crutches I've read in awhile. It was the beginning of the story that earned it a 2 stars instead of 1.
1. Dialog motivating plot and character! Instead of plot and character motivating dialog.
2. Character backstories that are used purely to escape tough situations but you should just accept them and not complain.
3. The middle is the bridge that connects the beginning and the end. Nothing more. You will find the chasm/desert that this book calls a middle utterly unsatisfactory.
This novel reads like a writing majors senior project. Something made on a deadline and lacking professional ability.
November 3, 2020
6 de 10*
Confesso, desde já, que fiquei muito zangada com este livro. Começa muito bem, tem todos os ingredientes certos para ser um grande livro e, a dada altura, o autor decidiu dar às suas personagens todos os poderes, quais super-heróis, e criar situações dignas de filmes de acção de Hollywood. Não precisava… e, na minha opinião, o livro não ganhou com isso, muito pelo contrário.
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
Confesso, desde já, que fiquei muito zangada com este livro. Começa muito bem, tem todos os ingredientes certos para ser um grande livro e, a dada altura, o autor decidiu dar às suas personagens todos os poderes, quais super-heróis, e criar situações dignas de filmes de acção de Hollywood. Não precisava… e, na minha opinião, o livro não ganhou com isso, muito pelo contrário.
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
July 31, 2016
James Becker is well-known for his religious symbolism series, which captivated readers for years. Turning things towards the Knights Templars, the author begins a new series that seeks to mix Templar lore and a fast-paced adventure, with just enough mystery to keep things unpredictable. After coming into a collection of old books, antiquarian bookseller Robin Jessop comes across a unique item with an odd Latin phrase stencilled on the front, Ipse Dixit. Jessop turns to the Internet for possible meanings, which might also help her learn how to open this book safe, which looks as if it might have survived many a century. While the phrase offers only a vague translation, Jessop works to uncover the contents of the safe, soon realising that there are significant safety measures to protect a small parchment, covered with a coded message. Turning to her buyers' list, Jessop discovers David Mallory, whose personal interests might help with the decoding process. He agrees to meet her and is intrigued with the challenge he has for her. They begin looking into ciphers to decode the message, which becomes a complex game of trial and error. Meanwhile, the searches for Ipse has triggered much interest amongst a small group in Rome with ties to the Catholic Church, which turns the wheels in motion and makes Jessop a major target. Rome dispatches a group of tough-looking Italians, acting on behalf of a religious order, which creates a dust-up with Jessop and Mallory. Leaving a few bodies in their wake, the pair rush off, beginning a cat and mouse game as they seek to further decipher this parchment while bullets fly in their direction. After discovering an odd marking amongst the text, Mallory brings his experience with all things Templar to the parchment, and the code soon flows. The revealed message leads them out of England and back seven centuries, where a Templar treasure may be hidden. Jessop and Mallory seek to remain one step ahead of their pursuers, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the treasure and kill anyone who may know too much about this secret. Intuition and determination lead the pair to discover a treasure trove, but they are not alone, as Rome has dispatched more sentries to do their bidding. This begins more explosive adventures, spanning centuries, allowing Jessop and Mallory to continue their partnership. A interesting start to a new series that is surely to take readers on many fast-paced adventures.
Interest in the Templars seems to have spiked in recent years, at least as I scan the titles of some of my favourite authors. I seem to have an affinity for the topic and have dabbled into some of their history, though most of it seems to repeat the same monumental tales of their capture and executions. Becker does a great job in this opening book, by opening up the Templar history to be more diverse and look further back. He utilises this history while allowing the reader to see that Templar lore extended outside of England and France. Additionally, there are significant discussions surrounding code breaking and cipher usage, both from the 14th century and up to the present day, which enriches the narrative and pushes the plot along. While there is nothing overly unique about either Robin Jessop or David Mallory, Becker does provide them with some interesting backstories, which will certainly become more useful as the series continues. I was concerned during parts of the novel, as the story seemed to focus primarily on an over-used theme, that of 'person or persons with knowledge of a secret held by the Church are chased by individuals seeking to keep it under wraps'. While there is a significant portion of the book that turns into a collection of chase scenes, Becker is able to keep this from subsuming the larger narrative and does offer at least a little excitement, offset with code breaking within. Becker also keeps things interesting with a quasi-cliffhanger ending, which flows nicely into what is sure to come in the second novel.
Kudos, Mr. Becker for this interesting opening novel. I hope to see you keep exploring some of the Templar history and offsetting it with even more (though unique) excitement for Jessop and Mallory.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Interest in the Templars seems to have spiked in recent years, at least as I scan the titles of some of my favourite authors. I seem to have an affinity for the topic and have dabbled into some of their history, though most of it seems to repeat the same monumental tales of their capture and executions. Becker does a great job in this opening book, by opening up the Templar history to be more diverse and look further back. He utilises this history while allowing the reader to see that Templar lore extended outside of England and France. Additionally, there are significant discussions surrounding code breaking and cipher usage, both from the 14th century and up to the present day, which enriches the narrative and pushes the plot along. While there is nothing overly unique about either Robin Jessop or David Mallory, Becker does provide them with some interesting backstories, which will certainly become more useful as the series continues. I was concerned during parts of the novel, as the story seemed to focus primarily on an over-used theme, that of 'person or persons with knowledge of a secret held by the Church are chased by individuals seeking to keep it under wraps'. While there is a significant portion of the book that turns into a collection of chase scenes, Becker is able to keep this from subsuming the larger narrative and does offer at least a little excitement, offset with code breaking within. Becker also keeps things interesting with a quasi-cliffhanger ending, which flows nicely into what is sure to come in the second novel.
Kudos, Mr. Becker for this interesting opening novel. I hope to see you keep exploring some of the Templar history and offsetting it with even more (though unique) excitement for Jessop and Mallory.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 1, 2023
I loved James Becker's other series and I've always loved action dramas that are factually well researched, esp if there's a historical leaning based in fact, so I knew I'd love this.
And in the main I did, it is well researched and written well, lots (sometimes almost too much) detail.
The story continues over another two books which look like a must read as you need to know what happens next. And a lot of minor gaps left open, things like hire cars abandonded at car parks, an incomplete flight plan.
To strip this right down, it's a car chase across Europe (involving a Rome based religious sect) and a lot of code deciphering, following the finding of an ancient script by an antique book seller. The detail fleshes out the story with a continued Knights Templar history lesson (Well researched, but at times too detailed) and details of Atbash varient coding as used in the middle ages.
And in the main I did, it is well researched and written well, lots (sometimes almost too much) detail.
The story continues over another two books which look like a must read as you need to know what happens next. And a lot of minor gaps left open, things like hire cars abandonded at car parks, an incomplete flight plan.
To strip this right down, it's a car chase across Europe (involving a Rome based religious sect) and a lot of code deciphering, following the finding of an ancient script by an antique book seller. The detail fleshes out the story with a continued Knights Templar history lesson (Well researched, but at times too detailed) and details of Atbash varient coding as used in the middle ages.
May 6, 2018
Beware, readers who enjoy books with a conclusion. This book has none, which unfortunately has become more common in the publishing world, I suppose as a marketing ploy to get readers to buy further books in a series. This maddens me, and if it does you, stay away from this. The novel does not have a cliffhanger ending, which would be more of an affront, in my opinion. It does end with with things on an even keel, so it has that much going for it, although as a result, the reader gets the sense that the book could have ended at any other point in the plot line and been as coherent.
For the subject matter, I found the writing a bit prosaic and expository. There was a LOT of explaining, and not as much action as you would expect here, although for students of history the exposition and constant review of the facts and historical background might be interesting.
The characters were so-so, and I felt never fully realized. Robin herself starts out as a cipher of sorts, a homey, mousy sort of woman who runs a bookshop, who, bewilderingly, is revealed to have the skills necessary to fight evil Italian crime rings, including a mastery of martial arts, ability to pilot a plane, a very serviceable knowledge of Latin, and a car racing license. How convenient. Equally opportune, her partner in crime, David Mallory, just HAPPENS to be writing a book about the Knights Templar when they meet up and are forced into researching the mysterious Templar scroll Robin finds. The pair manages to escape the Italians not once but three times, using her marital arts and his expertise as a former cop. This doesn't hold up to much scrutiny, in my opinion. Once maybe they got lucky. Thrice? The reader cannot help but compare the couple to Dan Brown's historical-researching adventure-finding pairs, to this couple's detriment.
A note on the author's assertions about the evils of religion: At one point, Robin snaps that she's an atheist, and the reader can't help but position the author on her side. Message: atheists, good, religious people bad. Exhibit A: the evil Italian mob, part of a syndicate of religious zealots intent on snuffing out "heresy," in their words, thus putting them in the same camp as the Inquisition and, ostensibly, the Muslim fanatics Robin and David criticize. The author has Robin postulate: "You know, I really believe that more atrocities have been perpetrated in the name of some organized religion than by every atheist and nonbeliever who has ever lived. I think you could argue that every religion is inherently evil, simply because of the way that committed believers absolutely know that they and they alone are right and therefore everybody else is wrong." She goes on to lump militant Islam in with "equally militant" Christianity. David responds with his own condemnations of religion, adding that the basis of the violence committed by believers is only ever "beliefs, not facts. It's never about facts where religion is concerned."
Now, putting aside the fact that atheism has its own set of beliefs, not facts, about the universe and its creation, and putting aside the moral equivalency of "militant Christianity" with militant Islam for the moment, the assertion that there is more evil done in the name of religion than anything else is just irresponsible and reprehensible. Perhaps the author is unaware of the 92 million killed under (non-religious) Communist regimes in Stalinist Russia and Maoist China in the 20th century alone? Hitler was non-religious, even anti-religious, himself. That's another 10 million. How about the political executions of about 2 million in the Khmer Rouge killing fields? Compare that to the approximate 3,000 people that died in TOTAL under the Catholic Inquisition.
I don't mind an author inserting his or her political or other views into his works. But those views should have a basis in reality, especially when espousing supposed historical facts.
For the subject matter, I found the writing a bit prosaic and expository. There was a LOT of explaining, and not as much action as you would expect here, although for students of history the exposition and constant review of the facts and historical background might be interesting.
The characters were so-so, and I felt never fully realized. Robin herself starts out as a cipher of sorts, a homey, mousy sort of woman who runs a bookshop, who, bewilderingly, is revealed to have the skills necessary to fight evil Italian crime rings, including a mastery of martial arts, ability to pilot a plane, a very serviceable knowledge of Latin, and a car racing license. How convenient. Equally opportune, her partner in crime, David Mallory, just HAPPENS to be writing a book about the Knights Templar when they meet up and are forced into researching the mysterious Templar scroll Robin finds. The pair manages to escape the Italians not once but three times, using her marital arts and his expertise as a former cop. This doesn't hold up to much scrutiny, in my opinion. Once maybe they got lucky. Thrice? The reader cannot help but compare the couple to Dan Brown's historical-researching adventure-finding pairs, to this couple's detriment.
A note on the author's assertions about the evils of religion: At one point, Robin snaps that she's an atheist, and the reader can't help but position the author on her side. Message: atheists, good, religious people bad. Exhibit A: the evil Italian mob, part of a syndicate of religious zealots intent on snuffing out "heresy," in their words, thus putting them in the same camp as the Inquisition and, ostensibly, the Muslim fanatics Robin and David criticize. The author has Robin postulate: "You know, I really believe that more atrocities have been perpetrated in the name of some organized religion than by every atheist and nonbeliever who has ever lived. I think you could argue that every religion is inherently evil, simply because of the way that committed believers absolutely know that they and they alone are right and therefore everybody else is wrong." She goes on to lump militant Islam in with "equally militant" Christianity. David responds with his own condemnations of religion, adding that the basis of the violence committed by believers is only ever "beliefs, not facts. It's never about facts where religion is concerned."
Now, putting aside the fact that atheism has its own set of beliefs, not facts, about the universe and its creation, and putting aside the moral equivalency of "militant Christianity" with militant Islam for the moment, the assertion that there is more evil done in the name of religion than anything else is just irresponsible and reprehensible. Perhaps the author is unaware of the 92 million killed under (non-religious) Communist regimes in Stalinist Russia and Maoist China in the 20th century alone? Hitler was non-religious, even anti-religious, himself. That's another 10 million. How about the political executions of about 2 million in the Khmer Rouge killing fields? Compare that to the approximate 3,000 people that died in TOTAL under the Catholic Inquisition.
I don't mind an author inserting his or her political or other views into his works. But those views should have a basis in reality, especially when espousing supposed historical facts.
August 3, 2015
I just finished Becker's book and really liked it. It's fast paced and full of off beat humor. I love books about the Templar's and this didn't disappoint.
The two main characters, Robin Jessop (female) and David Mallory are drawn together into this adventure, quite by accident and they form a somewhat unlikely couple of detectives. One kiss but no fireworks and no sex. Now that's something new these days. I can see the chemistry working though so maybe somewhere in the future, who knows.
I can't wait till the next one comes out.
The two main characters, Robin Jessop (female) and David Mallory are drawn together into this adventure, quite by accident and they form a somewhat unlikely couple of detectives. One kiss but no fireworks and no sex. Now that's something new these days. I can see the chemistry working though so maybe somewhere in the future, who knows.
I can't wait till the next one comes out.
September 28, 2017
Boring
I found myself skipping pages because every move the characters made was overly explained. The reader should be able to deduce for themselves the obvious motivations in the story, not have them shoved down their throat.
I found myself skipping pages because every move the characters made was overly explained. The reader should be able to deduce for themselves the obvious motivations in the story, not have them shoved down their throat.
August 10, 2017
I’m trying to decide if I wanted to like this more than I did, or if a liked it more than I wanted to. It’s confusing.
Since Dan Brown’s success years ago with The Da Vinci Code, publishers across the world have realize that there’s money on the table for a writer to have their own completely original idea about a quest for lost treasure that, oops, isn’t treasure at all but really information that will bring Christendom to its knees and expose it as fraud once and for all. Writers have jumped on board by the dozens, from Raymond Khoury on down to the author of the novel reviewed here, James Becker. (True story: Daniel Easterman was doing this back in the 90's, but I guess everyone forgot.)
So, how do you set yourself apart from the masses? There is only one way, as far as I am concerned, and that’s with characters. (I would say humor would work as well, since most of these books are dry as a Texas July. But unless your book is called The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Templars, humor is off the table.)
With characters in mind, I was pleasantly surprised with how The Lost Treasure of the Templars started out. Robin Jessop is the main character, a twenty-something woman running a rare book shop. She knows it’s not a profession most young women get into, but she enjoys it. She’s not worried at all about treasure or international conspiracies, or even history for that matter, when she comes across an old book that isn’t even a book at all and houses a coded scroll. It piques her interest because the unique object and scroll might both be valuable to a collector. She contacts a current client who has shown interest in such things to help her figure it out.
David Mallory is a computer encryption expert who’s been researching his family tree. He can’t help but be drawn in to what Robin has found, so he decides to take a few days away to visit and help her out.
I thought this was a reasonably fresh idea. Essentially two normal people, not cops or archeologists or famous experts in anything, who stumble upon a mystery. In fact, the best part of the book is the first third, where Robin and David sit around the artifacts, discussing real ancient encrypting techniques as they try to decrypt the scroll. There’s an interesting angle on history there and the author plays it out well. The characters feel real enough and the situation plausible.
Then the militant religious order with a global reach drops by, as they must in all these novels. That’s where things break down. Suddenly, there’s two-hundred pages of chases and gun fights and almost zero plot development. The mystery is put on hold, and when it does come back, it treads the same ground and goes nowhere. The characters development stops, then starts going off in wildly implausible directions that left me feeling like the author dropped them in there simply as an excuse for certain things to happen.
I won’t say what these things were, but let’s say you found yourself on a deserted island with your wife (or whoever you like) and you’ve known this person for years and they’ve always been a high school English teacher. Suddenly you need an emergency appendectomy. Your significant other produces hastily made surgical tools and performs the procedure flawlessly, saving your life. When asked, they say, “I have a medical degree but I thought surgery was boring, so I went into teaching while also casually exploring how to make modern tools from everyday objects you might find on a deserted island. What luck! It sure came in handy today. I can also build a submarine out of those palm trees over there.”
Welcome to The Lost Treasure of the Templars.
August 17, 2015
As the title suggests, the book deals with a present hunt for the treasure left by the Templar Knights of medieval times. The first half is exactly what I had hoped for, an action packed treasure hunt with really clever good guys being pursued by really nasty bad guys. The good guys do a marvelous job of figuring out what they need to do and where they need to go. The first half, or perhaps two-thirds, was a great fantasy and enormously enjoyable. The two main characters were well-drawn and very believable as was the primary bad guy.
Then the story started to drag rather badly, with long, drawn out conversations between the good guys. In some of these conversations, the previously brilliant deductive thinkers were alternately stumped by the simplest issues. That is to say that they both vacillated between brilliance and stupidity which cost them the credibility as characters that had been built up, earlier in the book.
The book then ended with a whimper rather than a bang and I was, needless to say (oops, I said it anyway), quite disappointed.
All in all, the book is a bit difficult to rate since the first portion was about a 4.5 and the last about a 1.5. I therefore decided to give it a 2, a high 2 to be sure, but a two, nonetheless. On my 1 to 10 scale of pure enjoyment (1 = didn't enjoy it at all and quit reading rather than periodically stopping to vomit; 10 = I enjoyed it so much that I started going to bed early so I could get back to it each evening), I would give The Lost Treasure of the Templars a 7, 9 for the first portion and 5 for the last.
Then the story started to drag rather badly, with long, drawn out conversations between the good guys. In some of these conversations, the previously brilliant deductive thinkers were alternately stumped by the simplest issues. That is to say that they both vacillated between brilliance and stupidity which cost them the credibility as characters that had been built up, earlier in the book.
The book then ended with a whimper rather than a bang and I was, needless to say (oops, I said it anyway), quite disappointed.
All in all, the book is a bit difficult to rate since the first portion was about a 4.5 and the last about a 1.5. I therefore decided to give it a 2, a high 2 to be sure, but a two, nonetheless. On my 1 to 10 scale of pure enjoyment (1 = didn't enjoy it at all and quit reading rather than periodically stopping to vomit; 10 = I enjoyed it so much that I started going to bed early so I could get back to it each evening), I would give The Lost Treasure of the Templars a 7, 9 for the first portion and 5 for the last.
February 2, 2023
Sadly, this book stretches the imagination beyond suspense of disbelief. The characterizations are poor, the dialogue no different from the narrative. A British author using such words as sedan, an American description of a car, which we call saloon.
If this were a film, I would class it as a B movie with a lot of amateurism about it. I would suggest to the author, if you are going to write such a genre, then study Scott Mariani or Lee Child: masters they are.
If this were a film, I would class it as a B movie with a lot of amateurism about it. I would suggest to the author, if you are going to write such a genre, then study Scott Mariani or Lee Child: masters they are.
August 4, 2019
Part 1 - very exciting!
Enjoyed this book immensely just wish I had realized it’s part one! Although it means there are more books to follow! Its a really good read, I enjoy books that give a historical perspective.
Enjoyed this book immensely just wish I had realized it’s part one! Although it means there are more books to follow! Its a really good read, I enjoy books that give a historical perspective.
July 3, 2015
Quest to find the most valuable lost treasure of all time!
December 17, 2015
I love James Becker's books. The ideas, the pace, the action. Hands down one of the best thriller authors in the world today.
December 4, 2019
I really hated this book and I’m not sure why I even finished it. It was literally a dreaded chore each night to wade through the pages. So the book is about two strangers who become friends in their attempt to solve a Templar puzzle, while evading an anti-Templar mysterious Italian assassin group. Ok. GOOD THING David is a genealogist computer hacker who used to be a police officer and is ALSO writing a book on the Templars so he’s a Templar history expert. And GOOD THING Robin, the women he befriends is a antique book seller fluent in Latin who also is a race car driver, pilot and expert martial artist. Like really? REALLY?? And once you get over how utterly ridiculous the chances of this are- you are just inundated with page after page of boring history (now granted- I’m probably not the general target audience of this book, so someone who is looking for more detailed historical information on the Knights Templar may appreciate all the dense data dumping- I did not). And then it just ends. Not like on a cliffhanger or any satisfying conclusion. No. It’s part of a trilogy and it’s almost like the author wrote one long ass novel and then chopped it into 3 different bits but added like one transition paragraph at the end. Man. This book made me so irrationally angry. But maybe you’ll like it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
I don't know what puzzles me more; that people keep writing mysteries about the Templars and their 'lost' treasure/ secrets or the fact I keep reading them.
In all honesty, perhaps this book is really a three and a fraction star, not four. There is far too much contextual and historical information that would, if you just wanted a good adventure read, potentially slow it down to the point of tedium. I, however, like the historical detail and being able to spot the odd misinterpretation, mistake, or cross reference what I didn't previously know.
The story is okay. It's nothing startlingly new but is well structured and has strong characters with a nice little role reversal. I did find some of the mystery of the treasure hunt and encoded messages, particularly clever and inventive. The villains are, of course clichés from a branch of the Roman Catholic Church, which is terribly predictable, and I do wish somebody would try something new there. Just or a change, even the taxman chasing the Templar's unpaid bills would be interesting!
This is the first of a trilogy and ends with little resolution and a clear nod to the next instalment, so I am uncertain if I am satisfied. And oh my word... not another happy kissy, kissy ending. It is completely unnecessary but again hugely predictable from the outset.
In all honesty, perhaps this book is really a three and a fraction star, not four. There is far too much contextual and historical information that would, if you just wanted a good adventure read, potentially slow it down to the point of tedium. I, however, like the historical detail and being able to spot the odd misinterpretation, mistake, or cross reference what I didn't previously know.
The story is okay. It's nothing startlingly new but is well structured and has strong characters with a nice little role reversal. I did find some of the mystery of the treasure hunt and encoded messages, particularly clever and inventive. The villains are, of course clichés from a branch of the Roman Catholic Church, which is terribly predictable, and I do wish somebody would try something new there. Just or a change, even the taxman chasing the Templar's unpaid bills would be interesting!
This is the first of a trilogy and ends with little resolution and a clear nod to the next instalment, so I am uncertain if I am satisfied. And oh my word... not another happy kissy, kissy ending. It is completely unnecessary but again hugely predictable from the outset.
April 24, 2020
It’s taken me over 4 years to read this book. I actually started, stopped, and reread the first 70pgs at least three times, but I was now determined to finish this book. I’m a big James Becker fan, having read his other series, and I’ve had this on my shelf.
Ok...the dialogue was awkward and choppy. The “I’ll tell you later” bit was odd. It felt like an awkward first date. The plot line wasn’t exactly riveting, but I read through it. It’s a historical thriller, so I can live with it. But every few pages they sat down for a meal. Why did I need to read those bits? Moreover, historical thrillers are tough because they need to teach the history of places, but could we dispel with the need to share random facts? “Well actually, blah blah blah.” Yes, there are cool facts in here, but maybe trim it down?
But here’s the kicker. Here’s where I’m pissed off. 4yrs later, I finished this book, I dealt with the awkward lines and lukewarm villains, I got to the end...BUT IT DIDN’T END! It’s only Part 1?!?! After all that... so now I’m obviously going to read the next one, but COME ON! Finish the book, make a sequel, whatever, but at least FINISH.
I liked the Bronson series he wrote much more.
Ok...the dialogue was awkward and choppy. The “I’ll tell you later” bit was odd. It felt like an awkward first date. The plot line wasn’t exactly riveting, but I read through it. It’s a historical thriller, so I can live with it. But every few pages they sat down for a meal. Why did I need to read those bits? Moreover, historical thrillers are tough because they need to teach the history of places, but could we dispel with the need to share random facts? “Well actually, blah blah blah.” Yes, there are cool facts in here, but maybe trim it down?
But here’s the kicker. Here’s where I’m pissed off. 4yrs later, I finished this book, I dealt with the awkward lines and lukewarm villains, I got to the end...BUT IT DIDN’T END! It’s only Part 1?!?! After all that... so now I’m obviously going to read the next one, but COME ON! Finish the book, make a sequel, whatever, but at least FINISH.
I liked the Bronson series he wrote much more.
November 12, 2017
Kindle Edition. Reasonably paced but a bit wordy in places. A definite page turner. Well researched Templar material and other interesting facts too and all nicely excavated from historical sources etc. well framed and integrated into the story. Characters have some substance and the principal characters Robin and Mallory will without doubt marinate more in the creative juices in the author's imagination into memorable, well- rounded, more emotive individuals as the series develops. Don't think the French will take lightly to being referred to as 'cheese-eating surrender monkeys' since it is the pejorative term for French people coined by Ken Keeler in the tv show The Simpsons and the Italians don't come out of this tale very well either, so bang goes a substantial portion of the European market that might be alienated by the casual use of the English language and renegade Catholic enforcers. However I'll still get the next in the series as I feel slightly miffed with the end that leaves me with my tongue hanging out for more-but then that's good writing isn't it?
May 1, 2018
Read and Enjoy
I really enjoyed this book and am a keen fan of James Becker.
The predictability of the plot didn't distract from my enjoyment. This is, after all, how these adventures work - surprising discovery followed by bad guys and challenges. Hey, what's not to like.
The threats of rape were surplus to requirements, in my view and not essential to the plot. Why are the bad guys always heterosexual? And why are they always Catholic fundamentalists? Come on, let's pick on some other religions for a change.
I think I've guessed what the other part of the treasure is but won't spoil it for anyone.
I'm glad there's also a sequel. Too often these adventures end too quickly.
As with all the James Becker books I've read there is always a thread of truth throughout and I enjoy learning about the historical contexts in which the stories are founded.
Looking forward to the next in the series but might have to wait a week or do as I've just bought three other books to read.
I really enjoyed this book and am a keen fan of James Becker.
The predictability of the plot didn't distract from my enjoyment. This is, after all, how these adventures work - surprising discovery followed by bad guys and challenges. Hey, what's not to like.
The threats of rape were surplus to requirements, in my view and not essential to the plot. Why are the bad guys always heterosexual? And why are they always Catholic fundamentalists? Come on, let's pick on some other religions for a change.
I think I've guessed what the other part of the treasure is but won't spoil it for anyone.
I'm glad there's also a sequel. Too often these adventures end too quickly.
As with all the James Becker books I've read there is always a thread of truth throughout and I enjoy learning about the historical contexts in which the stories are founded.
Looking forward to the next in the series but might have to wait a week or do as I've just bought three other books to read.
January 24, 2021
A minha primeira leitura de 2021 levou-me num passeio pela história. Gosto destes livros em que, a par da diversão que é ler, podemos aprender uma ou outra coisa de história.
(haverá quem diga que, basicamente, eu gosto é de ler e pronto)
Com O Tesouro Secreto dos Templários aprendi mais sobre a história e também um pouco sobre criptografia. A história está bem construida, com momentos de acção intercalados com momentos mais calmos. A esmagadora maioria dos diálogos está bem construida e é credível (há um ou outro que são mais "seca" e parece que estamos numa aula mas são pouquíssimos).
Em relação às personagens, houve apenas um ou outro detalhe que não gostei mas que espero ver esclarecidos nos próximos volumes. Talvez haja uma explicação lógica para a capacidade das personagens principais - Robin e David - conseguirem fazer determinadas coisas que não são explicadas apenas por um treino normal.
De resto é um livro que se lê muito bem e que foi a minha primeira leitura de 2021. Se o ano se mantiver assim, a colheita vai ser boa, de certeza.
(haverá quem diga que, basicamente, eu gosto é de ler e pronto)
Com O Tesouro Secreto dos Templários aprendi mais sobre a história e também um pouco sobre criptografia. A história está bem construida, com momentos de acção intercalados com momentos mais calmos. A esmagadora maioria dos diálogos está bem construida e é credível (há um ou outro que são mais "seca" e parece que estamos numa aula mas são pouquíssimos).
Em relação às personagens, houve apenas um ou outro detalhe que não gostei mas que espero ver esclarecidos nos próximos volumes. Talvez haja uma explicação lógica para a capacidade das personagens principais - Robin e David - conseguirem fazer determinadas coisas que não são explicadas apenas por um treino normal.
De resto é um livro que se lê muito bem e que foi a minha primeira leitura de 2021. Se o ano se mantiver assim, a colheita vai ser boa, de certeza.
January 9, 2023
Robin Jessop ends up buying a mysterious 'book' from a client that turns out not to be a book, but some sort of safe. After figuring out how to open it and enlisting the help of one of her customers, David Mallory, they work together to try to decode the encryption of the parchment found inside. This quest is dangerous and takes them through Europe based on the text they decrypt. It is book one of a three part series of attempting to find the lost treasure of the Knights Templar of 1309.
While I enjoyed the plot itself and the adventure Jessop and Mallory went on, it was hard for me to get past the style of writing. There was almost too many words used to describe and speak (wether that be something being explained such as how cryptology works, Templar history, or where they were driving to) to the point where I found myself having a hard time staying focused. The dialogue between them was very unrealistic and was hard to get immersed in. However, I will continue to read the next two books and to find out how their adventure wraps up.
While I enjoyed the plot itself and the adventure Jessop and Mallory went on, it was hard for me to get past the style of writing. There was almost too many words used to describe and speak (wether that be something being explained such as how cryptology works, Templar history, or where they were driving to) to the point where I found myself having a hard time staying focused. The dialogue between them was very unrealistic and was hard to get immersed in. However, I will continue to read the next two books and to find out how their adventure wraps up.
August 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, it is one of those archaeological mystery books, with codes, symbols and ancient mysteries, plus a rather nasty sect in the Catholic church. It is the first in a trilogy so it does not end with any solution but that is fine as I knew going in that it was part of a trilogy. Our heroine is a pretty amazing woman who owns an antiquarian bookshop, has a degree in Classics, is a martial artist, races cars, flies planes and is an all round talented and exceptional woman and would have been how I would have liked to have grown up given half the chance, especially the bookshop bit. The hero is a computer whizz, expert on the Templars, a genealogist and an ex copper, they make a good and interesting team for this first action packed episode. I liked it so much I am going straight on to read the second book...
December 16, 2025
A gripping, intelligent Templar thriller
The Lost Treasure of the Templars is a fast-paced and well-researched thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy historical conspiracies and treasure hunts. James Becker blends real history with mystery in a way that feels immersive without being overwhelming.
The story moves smoothly between ancient secrets and modern danger, with puzzles, coded clues, and high stakes that keep the tension strong throughout. The characters are engaging, and the sense of being hunted while uncovering long-buried truths adds real momentum to the plot.
If you enjoy books in the vein of Dan Brown or historical thrillers involving secret societies and lost treasures, this is definitely worth your time. An entertaining and intelligent read.
The Lost Treasure of the Templars is a fast-paced and well-researched thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy historical conspiracies and treasure hunts. James Becker blends real history with mystery in a way that feels immersive without being overwhelming.
The story moves smoothly between ancient secrets and modern danger, with puzzles, coded clues, and high stakes that keep the tension strong throughout. The characters are engaging, and the sense of being hunted while uncovering long-buried truths adds real momentum to the plot.
If you enjoy books in the vein of Dan Brown or historical thrillers involving secret societies and lost treasures, this is definitely worth your time. An entertaining and intelligent read.
May 21, 2017
The Lost Treasure of the Templars is the 1st in a trilogy by James Becker.
Robin is a bookseller of antique books. That should be a slow paced job....until she gets what looks like a book but is really a safe containing a parchment.
Coming to her rescue and joining in the adventure is retired police officer Mallory. The body count increases rapidly as the Templars are are on their tail to take the parchment that "belongs" to them. Everyone thinks that the Templars no longer exist but does in the shadows and they want that parchment.
The Templars are always two steps behind our duo. They have to follow Robin and Mallory as they can't figure out how to solve the clues.
Robin is a bookseller of antique books. That should be a slow paced job....until she gets what looks like a book but is really a safe containing a parchment.
Coming to her rescue and joining in the adventure is retired police officer Mallory. The body count increases rapidly as the Templars are are on their tail to take the parchment that "belongs" to them. Everyone thinks that the Templars no longer exist but does in the shadows and they want that parchment.
The Templars are always two steps behind our duo. They have to follow Robin and Mallory as they can't figure out how to solve the clues.
February 12, 2019
This is a fast paced story that, as an avid reader of this genre of fiction, had me on the edge of my seat until I'd finished it.
Robin Jessop and David Mallory meet as a result of an unusual book safe being found in a box of books. Robin is a seller of old and rare books, living in Devon. Mallory is an IT specialist, living in Cornwall. They join forces and together they travel to Turkish Cyprus via Exeter, Sidon and Greek Cyprus, on the quest to find the Templar's lost treasure.
Death and destruction follow Jessop and Mallory, but they're undaunted. There are clues to be deciphered and followed to enable the pair to find their goal. Will they do it? Read the book. It's worth it.
Robin Jessop and David Mallory meet as a result of an unusual book safe being found in a box of books. Robin is a seller of old and rare books, living in Devon. Mallory is an IT specialist, living in Cornwall. They join forces and together they travel to Turkish Cyprus via Exeter, Sidon and Greek Cyprus, on the quest to find the Templar's lost treasure.
Death and destruction follow Jessop and Mallory, but they're undaunted. There are clues to be deciphered and followed to enable the pair to find their goal. Will they do it? Read the book. It's worth it.
May 26, 2017
Oh my murder, mayhem and intrigue, loved this book. I did find it slow to start of with, but once into the story , I love some of the twists and turns that is in. I have always loved stories about the Knights Templar so for me this was an must to read. I managed to read the whole book in a day even forgoing cooking tea and just having a snack. I don't want to talk to much about it, because its one of those books that you can give the plot away once you get carried away, waxing lyrical about it. So So highly recommended.
March 22, 2022
Three stars 🌟🌟🌟 for concept and research, four stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟 for entertainment!
I liked this 1st book in a trilogy - the next two being The Templar Archive and The Brotherhood. It is not "great literature", it is not supposed to be. It is a mystery yarn that tells the first part of a story of what might have happened to the Knights Templar's elusive treasure - if such ever existed. It is better researched than anything Dan Brown has ever written, contains more humor than Clive Cuttler can come up with in all his books and despite the many descriptions and tellings of "facts" it is a good yarn.
I liked this 1st book in a trilogy - the next two being The Templar Archive and The Brotherhood. It is not "great literature", it is not supposed to be. It is a mystery yarn that tells the first part of a story of what might have happened to the Knights Templar's elusive treasure - if such ever existed. It is better researched than anything Dan Brown has ever written, contains more humor than Clive Cuttler can come up with in all his books and despite the many descriptions and tellings of "facts" it is a good yarn.
August 30, 2017
This was the first book I have read from this author. It takes a different spin on the many stories of the lost Templars and adds a new level of interest. The characters are well developed and the story does not follow predictable paths. The plot covers various locations and at the end you are left in the air - must read the sequel. I have so many authors on my list, I am reluctant to add a new one, but after reading this novel, I am all in on the sequels.
August 31, 2023
An entertaining novel built upon Knights Templar lore. An ancient document, clues that lead across the world and the hint of treasure to be found. It's all entertaining and fast paced - especially as our heroes are being chased by agents of the Catholic Church.
There are times where belief has to be suspended a little, but overall this is an intriguing start to a series. And there are several clues to what might be uncovered in future books too.
There are times where belief has to be suspended a little, but overall this is an intriguing start to a series. And there are several clues to what might be uncovered in future books too.
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