The Pyramid Code

by Richard Bradley

An ancient secret. A terrorist cell. The truth will change everything.

Former soldier Marc O’Hara is acting as a reader for an intelligence service in London when the call comes in. He's to be re-activated as a field agent and assigned to solve a 13th century alchemical riddle.

A terrorist cell called the Red Death has the same goal. If the terrorists solve the clues first, they will unleash an ancient flesh-eating toxin. Even more alarming, they will possess the key to the most shrouded secret in history.

O’Hara and his partner, Kim Shahrokh, must follow obscure clues from Paris, to Egypt and Syria. Along the way, they discover hidden chambers full of lost ancient books, medieval automatons and moldering creatures, some not as dead as they should be.

The more they uncover, the more O’Hara isn’t sure who to trust in this quest. Is history a myth? Or has he simply ventured into a world populated by murderous madmen and fanatics.

Join agent O'Hara in this exhilarating Archeological Thriller from debut author Richard Bradley, where the past, present, and future all collide in a web of intrigue and deception.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.

Other authors publishing under this name are:

Richard (John) Bradley, British archaeologist
Richard Bradley
Richard Bradley, Music

Reviews

[Eira Hawthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚔️ The Pyramid Code is a wild ride from start to finish. Marc O’Hara is the kind of protagonist. I love tough, sharp, but still human enough to second guess who’s really on his side. The mix of ancient alchemy, secret chambers, and modern terrorism gave me serious Da Vinci Code vibes but with a darker, more action-packed edge. The pacing never let up every chapter ended with me saying “just one more.” The blend of history, mystery, and high-stakes danger kept me hooked, and the eerie touches (like creatures that aren’t as dead as they should be) added a chilling layer. For a debut, this feels polished and cinematic. Can’t wait to see where Richard Bradley takes O’Hara next.

[Hanji Targaryen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was insane. There was action from start to finish, so much death that I have read in an archaeological thriller, but it wasn’t meaningless. It did actually pertain to the story. I love how the author uses archaeological places and historical texts to weave the story together as a history girly myself. This was truly enjoyable, and I recognized a lot of of the texts and manuscripts that were used as the plot points and the foundation for why the characters were doing what they were doing. I am excited to see what book 2 has in store, but this is definitely a must read for anyone who loves history.

[Michelle Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed

This book was a fun read. Lots of history, riddles, and action. Definitely keeps you in your toes and guessing.

[Nadine Falgoust · Rating 5 out of 5]

exciting and history

Enjoyed characters and history lesson as well as intriguing story. Would read again looking for next book. I throughly enjoyed reading book.

[C Mesiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

not my usual genre..

But an edge-of-your-seat thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. I normally gravitate to historic fiction, so this satisfied my historical curiosity

[Rebecca Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This premise delivers a sharp blend of espionage and arcane history without drifting into cliché. The stakes are clear, the tension escalates fast, and the mix of medieval science, hidden chambers, and modern terrorism gives the story a gritty, tactile edge. O’Hara’s uncertainty about who to trust adds welcome psychological pressure, and the global chase hints at a plot that won’t let up. It reads like a confident, high-energy debut with enough mystery and menace to keep you locked in.

[Debbie Mininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with lots of twists and turns. About the time
You think you have it figured out BOOM someone isn’t who you think they are

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars on this book so I'm going with 3.5. I thought it started out pretty strong but as the story progressed I found myself getting somewhat bored from time to time. The action sequences seemed weak. I found the overall storyline interesting and occasionally thought provoking even though I am not fond of tales of violence in the name of religion. I had a hard time warming up to the main character O'Hara and I found his torture to be confusing and unnecessary. The end of the book was clearly crafted to lead to a sequel but I'm not sure I'll read it.

[Naomie Barnabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pulse-pounding blend of historical mystery and modern-day espionage, Red Death is a gripping archaeological thriller that will keep you guessing until the last page—perfect for fans of Dan Brown and James Rollins

[Pearl A Regis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining, well written and lots of fun scientific ideas and information, whether real or not, is thought-provoking. The possibilities keep one's mind working. Thank you Richard for your great mind!

[Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining. Disappointed there wasn’t a follow up book of the same or similar adventure by the author. Well written and a good pace. Very few slow spots. There will never be another “Raiders of the lost Ark” but this was fun.
Mortars were a bit much. Hence only 4 stars.

[Derick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pyramid Code by Richard Bradley

From the very first page, The Pyramid Code throws you headfirst into a pulse-pounding archaeological thriller that never lets up. Richard Bradley’s debut novel is a riveting blend of history, espionage, and ancient mystery that will appeal to fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, or Steve Berry, but with a grit and modern urgency that’s all its own.

Marc O’Hara, the no-nonsense ex-soldier turned intelligence reader, gets pulled back into the field with a mission unlike anything he’s encountered before: solve a cryptic 13th-century alchemical puzzle or watch a terrorist group known as the Red Death unleash a flesh-eating toxin. It’s the kind of setup that had me hooked instantly. What begins as a cerebral hunt through history quickly spirals into a globe-trotting race against time, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

I loved how Bradley weaves real historical elements with thrilling fiction. The locations, Parisian libraries, dusty tombs in Egypt, and ancient Syrian ruins, are brought to life with rich detail. And then there are the eerie discoveries: lost texts, medieval automatons, decaying corpses that may not be quite as lifeless as they appear. These creepy, atmospheric moments gave me major Indiana Jones-meets-X-Files vibes in the best way possible.

O’Hara and Kim Shahrokh make for a compelling team. There’s great chemistry and tension between them, and I appreciated that Kim is more than just a sidekick, she’s sharp, fearless, and pivotal to the unraveling of the mystery. As the clues deepen, so do the questions about trust, loyalty, and whether history itself has been one big lie. The stakes rise quickly, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, Bradley pulls the rug out from under you with a twist that’s genuinely shocking.

Verdict: The Pyramid Code is a cinematic, brainy, and action-packed thrill ride that hits all the right notes. Richard Bradley has arrived with a bang, and if this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see where he takes us next.
5/5 stars — A must-read for thriller junkies and history lovers alike.

[Stacey H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up The Pyramid Code expecting a fast-paced archaeological thriller, but I honestly got much more than that. Richard Bradley managed to blend ancient mysteries, espionage, history, and horror elements into something that felt cinematic from beginning to end. It reminded me of the kind of intelligent adventure stories that keep you awake way too late because every chapter ends with another discovery or twist.

Marc O’Hara is exactly the kind of protagonist I enjoy reading about. He is skilled and capable, but still human enough to question himself and the people around him. His partnership with Kim Shahrokh worked really well too because their conversations and decisions felt natural instead of forced. I liked that neither character existed just to fill space. They both carried weight in the story.

What impressed me most was the atmosphere. The locations across Paris, Egypt, and Syria felt vivid and immersive. You can tell the author put genuine effort into the historical and alchemical details because the world felt layered and believable. The hidden chambers, ancient texts, and cryptic clues gave the story a strong sense of mystery that kept building with every chapter.

The pacing was excellent throughout. Some thrillers start strong and lose momentum halfway through, but this one kept escalating. The Red Death storyline added urgency and tension, and I genuinely felt the danger behind what was being uncovered. There were scenes that felt dark, eerie, and almost haunting in the best possible way.

What I appreciated most is that the novel never relied only on action. There is actual intelligence behind the plot. The riddles and historical references made me feel involved as a reader rather than just watching events happen. Richard Bradley clearly understands how to create suspense while still giving readers substance.

For a debut novel, this is incredibly impressive. If you enjoy archaeological thrillers with conspiracy elements, ancient secrets, and nonstop momentum, The Pyramid Code absolutely deserves your attention. I will definitely continue this series because Marc O’Hara is a character I want to follow into another mystery.

[Elenaharlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a particular kind of thrill that comes from a story that respects your intelligence, and The Pyramid Code delivers exactly that. Richard Bradley doesn’t just hand you a fast-paced narrative he constructs a layered puzzle, one that demands attention and rewards curiosity.

At its core, the novel follows Marc O’Hara, a character who feels refreshingly grounded for a thriller protagonist. He’s not invincible, nor is he overly dramatized; instead, he’s thoughtful, methodical, and crucially human. As he moves from London to Paris and eventually into the heart of Egypt, the shifting settings aren’t just backdrops; they’re integral pieces of the mystery itself. Bradley uses geography almost like another character, embedding clues into culture, architecture, and history.

What impressed me most was the balance between historical intrigue and modern stakes. The 13th-century alchemical riddle is not treated as a gimmick it’s explored with surprising depth, giving the narrative intellectual weight. At the same time, the looming threat of the Red Death terrorist cell injects urgency, preventing the story from ever feeling slow or overly academic.

The pacing is deliberate but never dull. Bradley understands when to accelerate and when to let tension simmer. Some readers might find the detail dense in places, but for those who enjoy decoding alongside the protagonist, it’s part of the appeal.

If I had one critique, it’s that the emotional depth of secondary characters occasionally takes a backseat to the plot’s complexity. However, this is a minor trade off in a book that clearly prioritizes its intricate narrative design.

Overall, The Pyramid Code stands out in a crowded genre. It’s not just another chase thriller it’s a thinking person’s adventure, blending history, science, and suspense into a compelling, intelligent read.

[Adam Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pyramid Code by Richard Bradley is one of those books that grabs you from the very first page and refuses to let go. The blend of ancient secrets, modern terrorism, and alchemical riddles creates a gripping atmosphere that feels both intellectual and action-packed.

I loved how Marc O’Hara, the reluctant soldier turned field agent, is portrayed—not as a perfect hero, but as someone constantly questioning who to trust and what is real. That inner conflict gave the story real depth. Kim Shahrokh was another standout for me; her intelligence and determination balanced O’Hara’s grit perfectly, making them a duo I rooted for throughout.

The historical layers were especially fascinating. The descriptions of hidden chambers, lost books, and strange creatures gave me chills in the best way, it felt like I was stepping into a world where myths and reality blur together. The pacing never dragged; every chapter had either a revelation, a twist, or a heart-pounding moment that kept me reading late into the night.

What impressed me most is how Bradley weaves together the past and present, showing how ancient mysteries can have terrifying consequences today. The Red Death cell added real urgency and danger, making the stakes feel incredibly high. By the end, I felt like I had gone on the journey myself,from Paris to Egypt to Syria, chasing answers that were just out of reach.

Overall, this is more than just an archaeological thriller, it’s a story about trust, obsession, and the thin line between knowledge and destruction. If you enjoy The Da Vinci Code or The Atlantis Gene, this book will definitely speak to you

[David Vest · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Pyramid Code” is an action/mystery thriller that merges with several other genres. It’s also an espionage caper, an archaeological and historical treatise, a travelogue of far-away and often frightful places, and a reflection on modern-day fanatical terror. Action and danger accelerate on the book’s third page and recur like clockwork. Almost every chapter has a plot twist, propelling a reader to an ending that resolves it all and opens a window for a sequel.

The book shows painstaking research, visiting sites from London to Paris, Germany, Egypt and Syria with precise and illuminating historical detail. The theft of an ancient manuscript sends the narrator, agent Marc O’Hara, on a mission to find the thief and decode the manuscript’s meaning. He endures constant danger from a cult with a Medieval recipe for the worst weapon imaginable. This threat and other secrets that O’Hara begins to unravel could shake the foundations of society. His personal history, though, suits his mission, and his accomplice, Kim Shahrokh, is a match for the task as well. She also is, of course, beautiful.

Unlike many popular mystery novels these days, this one is not particularly a quick, easy read. Much of the vocabulary and the historical, religious and even architectural references lend a richness that engages. Many might find themselves, as I did, sometimes pausing to grasp, reflect and learn from particular passages. But the action, the plot and the character studies always moved me onward.

[Luca Moretti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut thriller is an absolute adrenaline rush from start to finish. Richard Bradley delivers a masterfully paced adventure that combines archaeology, ancient secrets, and modern-day espionage into an irresistible, atmospheric puzzle.

Marc O’Hara is a compelling lead disciplined, sharp, and quietly haunted by his past. When he’s suddenly thrust back into fieldwork and tasked with deciphering a 13th century alchemical riddle, the tension never lets up. The stakes feel incredibly real as he and his partner Kim Shahrokh race against the extremist group known as the Red Death, whose pursuit of an ancient flesh eating toxin adds a chilling urgency to every step of their journey.

The settings are vivid and immersive, taking the reader from the streets of Paris to the deserts of Egypt and Syria, where forgotten chambers and eerie relics reveal a past steeped in danger. The blend of medieval science, hidden manuscripts, and mechanical marvels creates a rich, atmospheric backdrop unlike anything I’ve read in recent thrillers.

What elevates the story is its human complexity. O’Hara’s growing doubt about his allies, his mission, and even history itself adds depth to the nonstop action. The line between truth and myth blurs beautifully, drawing the reader deeper into the intrigue.

If you love Dan Brown, James Rollins, or Clive Cussler, this novel delivers everything you want: smart puzzles, ancient mysteries, pulse pounding danger, and a protagonist you can’t help rooting for.

A standout debut and an easy five stars.

[Natalie Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy books like The Da Vinci Code or Sigma Force, then this archaeological thriller will be right up your alley. The Red Death delivers a heart-pounding mix of historical mystery, covert ops, and globe-trotting adventure, with just the right dash of the supernatural to keep you on edge.
Marc O’Hara is a compelling lead former soldier turned intelligence reader, who gets pulled back into the field to solve a centuries-old alchemical riddle. Alongside his sharp and resourceful partner Kim Shahrokh, the duo races against time and a ruthless terrorist cell, chasing obscure clues from Paris to the Middle East.
The book’s strength lies in its immersive detail from dusty catacombs and hidden libraries to bizarre medieval automatons and eerie undead threats. The pacing is tight, and the plot unfolds like a cinematic treasure hunt, with just enough twists and betrayals to keep you guessing.
What I loved most was how the novel plays with the idea of truth, how history can be manipulated, lost, or weaponized. And while the villains were a bit over-the-top at times, the stakes felt real and terrifying.
This is a strong debut with loads of potential. A perfect read if you're into thrillers with brains, ancient puzzles, and action that doesn’t let up. Looking forward to what Richard Bradley writes next.

[Larry Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a periodic reader. When I do pick up a book it needs to capture my attention right out of the gate otherwise I move on. I have to say that this book was an excellent read. It was compeling, thought provoking And chock full of historical references that really kept me enthralled. My wife reads a mystery a week and spoke highly of this book and could not put it down until she was finished. I concur with this conclusion as I did not want to put it down until I was all the way through. I really look forward to the next book from this author in this series.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pyramid Code by Richard Bradley is a thrilling ride from London to the ancient corners of Egypt and Syria. Former soldier Marc O’Hara and his partner, Kim Shahrokh, race against the Red Death, uncovering medieval automatons, secret chambers, and ancient texts. The mix of historical mystery, high-stakes action, and suspense kept me hooked from start to finish. I loved the clever puzzles and the moral ambiguity surrounding O’Hara’s choices it felt immersive and unpredictable. Fans of archaeological thrillers and fast paced adventure will find this book hard to put down. Highly recommended!

[Aimee Buttweiler · Rating 3 out of 5]

If the Davinci Code and National Treasure has a baby...

If the Davinci Code and National Treasure has a baby... But like not a great baby, it would be this book. The choppy writing was distracting at times. And things were solved too quickly. I almost gave it two stars but at least there was some things that surprised me in it. I won't read the next ones. But this one was fine. I didn't hate it.

[Scotliteboost · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wild ride from start to finish! With ancient riddles, secret chambers, and a deadly terrorist plot, [The Pyramid Code ] delivers nonstop suspense. Marc O’Hara is a smart, relatable hero, and the historical twists kept me hooked. Perfect for fans of The Da Vinci Code and action-packed mysteries. Can’t wait to read more from Richard Bradley!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sounds like an absolute page-turner! Ancient riddles, secret chambers, lost books, and a terrorist cell racing against time everything I love about historical thrillers is here. O’Hara feels like a gripping lead, and the international chase adds nonstop excitement. Fans of Dan Brown and James Rollins will definitely want to dive into this one.

[Tracy Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

You need to be into archaeology and be able to follow all kinds of words and phrases related to archaeology, history, etc. it’s very intricate with those details.
I’m a well educated person but not in those areas and found myself having to look up many words and phrases to follow what was happening — this became worse midway through the book. It really dampened my enjoyment of the book.

[Hella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise alone had me intrigued, but the execution blew me away. The Red Death terrorists, the flesh-eating toxin, the secret buried in history, all so vividly imagined. It felt like watching a big-budget thriller unfold on the page. The settings in Paris, Egypt, and Syria were beautifully described. I could see every detail.

[Saphira Adams]

A pulse-pounding ride from start to finish! Marc O’Hara and the Red Death combines history, suspense, and high-stakes adventure in a way that keeps you turning pages. Ancient secrets, clever puzzles, and relentless action make this a must-read for fans of archaeological thrillers and international intrigue.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this eBook from a giveaway. I wanted to give it a chance but I only managed to get a few chapters in.
The gratuitous, detailed descriptions of violence are not my style. I found myself wishing I was reading something else so I decided that is what I would do.

[Elaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very stuffy writing style

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably one of the theologically laziest thrillers to encounter, with two-dimensional character development and outlandish ideas that make it difficult to be truly engaged.

[jr weightman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah....

I got through this, but I didn't think it was well written at all. I'm sorry but I don't think I will be reading another book by this author.

jrwii