The Hollis Code: They'll Kill to Keep It a Secret

by H.B. Welbourne

What if your pregnancy held the key to an ancient conspiracy?

This Christmas, Denise West’s life is turned upside down. A miraculous pregnancy quickly spirals into a race against time as dark forces—corporate and governmental—close in.

As a renowned geneticist, Denise’s groundbreaking research is under attack, and the truth behind her pregnancy could alter everything.

In The Hollis Code, a pulse-pounding psychological thriller, Denise’s impossible pregnancy is tied to an ancient secret. Teaming up with her ex, Navy Captain Ryan McNair, they uncover a conspiracy spanning centuries. With deadly forces closing in, they must race against time to stop a world-changing event on Christmas Day.

A modern reinterpretation of the Immaculate Conception, The Hollis Code is perfect for fans of high-stakes suspense and supernatural thrillers like The Da Vinci Code and Gone Girl. Time is running out. Can you uncover the secret before it’s too late?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

Audible Audio

Published November 14, 2024

About the author

HB Welbourne is the pen name of an author whose work explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and human connection. With a passion for storytelling that blends mystery, romance, and supernatural elements, HB brings a unique perspective to modern thrillers.

HB's writing is inspired by a deep interest in faith and the modern world’s challenges, inviting readers to reflect on life's mysteries through engaging and accessible stories. The Hollis Code is HB's debut novel.

🎧 Exciting News! My audiobook for The Hollis Code is now available on Audible—and I narrated it myself!

If you entered the giveaway, be sure to check out the audiobook version and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your feedback. 😊

Thank you for your support!

Reviews

[Kennedy Eve · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a DISASTER OF A BOOK. The storyline and characters were incredibly underdeveloped. I did not give a damn about anything happening to anyone in this book. The timeline of Denise’s pregnancy was unclear given that months were passing despite each chapter being named a day of the week. There were a lot of unanswered questions at the end of the book, and the answers and explanations we did get at the end were incredibly cheap and convenient. On top of it all, the writing style of this was atrocious. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for an enjoyable experience.

Thank you to Netgally for the digital arc. I have found that this is yet another example of cool cover not equaling a good book.

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe this book could be used as film script, and then it would make more sense… we don’t get much information about what is going on and the chapters were too long for me and named very strangely for what is going on, let me explain further;

Our main character, Denise for all we know is the main character, and she learns that she is pregnant, but to make things weird, she didn’t have intercourse, so no reason to be pregnant, and each chapter is named after a day of the week, but her pregnancy doesn’t have, nothing to do with the days, because in the first day she discovers she is pregnant, but in the third she is about 6 months… so I got really lost there…

While the story advances we learn that she is a scientist, working in genetic, is this pregnancy a test? Is it real? What is going on? I wish the story was a bit more science fiction, but its more thriller, also it didn’t help me to have different points of view (more like many things were happening at the same time from different points of view) in each chapter…

to be honest, I felt bored, and I couldn’t wait to finish… so the book dragged for months… Before reading, I thought it would be a kind of a feminist view of the world about pregnancy, so I got disappointed with what I got… I am sorry, possibly I wasn't the intended reader for this book.

Thank you Netgalley and HB Welbourne, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley HB Welbourne for this eCopy to review

The Hollis Code is a psychological thriller that follows Denise West, a renowned geneticist, whose life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers she’s pregnant under inexplicable circumstances. Her pregnancy is tied to an ancient conspiracy, and she soon finds herself in a race against time to uncover the truth behind a buried secret1.

Denise’s life was orderly and predictable until her impossible pregnancy and a buried secret bring her face-to-face with deadly forces. Her ground breaking research is now under threat, and her life is in danger as dark forces, both corporate and governmental, will stop at nothing to unlock the secret she carries. With only days remaining before an event that could change everything, Denise turns to her ex, Navy Captain Ryan McNair, and together they embark on a race to uncover the truth behind a mystery buried for centuries. As enemies close in, Denise must confront the shocking truth about her pregnancy and the unimaginable power it represents.

Welbourne’s writing is fast-paced and action-packed, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. The multiple twists and turns add to the suspense, making it a thrilling read.

[Hassena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Dr. Denise West, a renowned scientist who cured Alzheimer's. The story begins with Dr. West feeling the weight of stress and exhaustion from her work. She is pregnant, which is a surprise and a challenge to her carefully planned life. Weird things are happening: she sees a man in a blue suit and she finds her computer has been tampered with. Dr. West worries she may be the next target. No one believes her concerns and but the man in the blue suit reappears and warns her to pay attention to the signs, telling her they will guide her.

There are several characters and we along with Denise go through her trying to figure out who to believe and going through the twists and turns that make up the rest of the book.

The Hollis Code is a thrilling and suspenseful read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The plot is complex and well-paced, with multiple storylines that converge in a satisfying conclusion.

ARC for unbiased review

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hollis Code is a thrilling read for mystery fans of all backgrounds. It’s a fresh concept (I know I get sick of the same ideas recycled) from a new author (yay!), that should be sure to keep you on your toes throughout the narrative. The book contains spiritual, scientific, military, and governmental elements. These conflicting concepts create a tumultuous ride, topped with sprinkles of comedic relief throughout. The dark narrative presents a puzzle you might not be able to piece together until the end. Enjoy!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is surprised to get pregnant and it will change the course of her life. Everything she knew will change and she will face many dangers to survive. A great tale which will have you wanting so much more. See where you will be taken
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it was difficult for me to put down as I wanted to know where I would be taken

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! A little science-y, a little paranormal, a little romance all put together for a fabulous journey. I recommend reading this book!
I received an ARC from Hidden Gem Books.

[James O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the concept and the storyline kept me guessing! I’m still not sure what the prophecy’s implications were and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun riff on the miraculous conception… sort of did she or didn’t she. The aperture ending may not be satisfying for everyone but I loved it because it made me think