The Elias Enigma

Caspian Anderson #2

by Simon Gervais, Graham Halstead (Narrator)

The bestselling author of The Elias Network returns with a globe-trotting thriller about a retired assassin called back into action in order to save everything he holds dear.

Caspian Anderson, once a black-ops assassin known as Elias, now works for the Defense Clandestine Service. But unfinished business dies hard. Glimpsing a familiar face while tying up loose ends overseas, he swears it’s his lover, Liesel Bergmann—a German spy and erstwhile collaborator. But back stateside, he can’t ask her without giving himself away.

This mystery hangs between them as they kick off a new mission to unravel a global criminal conspiracy, one that implicates Caspian’s own parents. Dispatched to France, they must track down rogue start-up founder Frank LaBelle before his cutting-edge defense tech falls into the wrong hands. But when Caspian’s team is compromised by friends and foes, he’s left with no one to trust but himself. And to complete the mission—and save the world—he resurrects the deadly Elias.

Action packed yet intricately plotted, Simon Gervais’s The Elias Enigma deftly probes the mercurial nature of truth among spies and the lies we tell for love.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Action, Suspense

Audiobook

First published July 8, 2025

About the author

Simon Gervais is a former federal agent specializing in protective operations and counterterrorism. He spent nearly twenty years in the military and in law enforcement. His assignments took him all over Europe and the Middle East. He's the New York Times and #1 Amazon bestselling author of 15 exciting thrillers, one of these titles—Robert Ludlum's The Blackbriar Genesis—was written for the Robert Ludlum estate. Simon's Clayton White series is presently being adapted for TV by CBS Studios with Jerry Bruckheimer TV attached to produce.

Simon lives with his wife and two children. He's an avid boater, diver, and skier.

Literary Agent: Mark Tavani at David Black Agency.
Film/TV Agent: Debbie Deuble-Hill and Alec Frankel at APA.

The Caspian Anderson series:
THE ELIAS NETWORK (Sept 2024)
THE ELIAS ENIGMA (July 2025)
THE ELIAS CONSPIRACY (July 2026)

The Chase Burke series (co-written with Ryan Steck):
THE SECOND SON (December 2025)
THE MARKED SON (November 2026)

Robert Ludlum's THE BLACKBRIAR GENESIS written by Simon Gervais (October 18, 2022)

The Clayton White series:
THE LAST PROTECTOR (November 2021)
THE LAST SENTINEL (August 2022)
THE LAST GUARDIAN (October 2023)

The Pierce Hunt series
HUNT THEM DOWN (January 2019)
TRAINED TO HUNT (September 2019)
TIME TO HUNT (November 2020)

The Mike Walton series:
THE THIN BLACK LINE (March 2015)
A LONG GRAY LINE (Novella—March 2016)
A RED DOTTED LINE (November 2017)
A THICK CRIMSON LINE (April 2018)

"[An] action-packed series launch by Simon Gervais..." —Publishers Weekly

"One of the most anticipated action thrillers of the year..." —The Real Book Spy

"Gervais is a thriller writer to watch..." —Library Journal

"An action-packed thrill ride with plot twists around nearly every curve" — Kirkus Reviews

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assassins, spies, covert operations, and politics combine in Simon Gervais’s The Elias Enigma. Caspian Anderson, who was once an assassin known as Elias, now works for the Defense Clandestine Service. However, unfinished business leads him to glimpsing a familiar face. He believes it’s his partner in life and work, Liesel Bergmann, a German spy working as a liaison with his agency. This discovery is unresolved as a new mission is given to the team who are dispatched to Bordeaux, France. They need to track down a start-up founder, Frank LaBelle, before his defense technology falls into enemy hands. However, Caspian’s team is compromised and to complete the mission, he must become Elias once again.

As Caspian gets more comfortable in his new role and working with a team, he is learning more about himself and how to work with others. Despite being used to working alone, he still adapts to unforeseen situations quickly and creates plans with contingencies. Liesel has the ability to appear comfortable in any setting and is skilled at lying. The other characters did not have as much depth, but it seemed adequate for their roles.

The novel has aspects of espionage and political thrillers and has diverse settings that include Mornaguia, Tunisia; Washington D.C.; Portland, Maine; and Nairobi, Kenya; as well as Bordeaux, France and nearby areas. While most of the story is from Caspian’s point of view, it switches to other characters as well. The plot is multi-layered and complex with a narrative that is suspenseful and action-filled throughout. The author’s military and federal experiences are reflected in the well-crafted action scenes and the serious topics.

There is a strong sense of good versus evil throughout the novel. The story kept me engaged from the first chapter to its conclusion. The author does a great job of bringing together the various subplots into a cohesive tale. There are plenty of twists and a few surprises along the way. Themes include assassins, global politics and stakes, covert missions, relationships, loyalty, and more.

Overall, this book was suspenseful, riveting, fast-paced, and pulse-pounding. If you enjoy political and action thrillers with a strong lead character, then this may be the series for you. The combination of an entertaining story line and lots of action makes this an intoxicating novel. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I can’t wait to read what happens in book three. Readers should be aware that this is the second book in the series which should be read in order.

Thomas and Mercer and Simon Gervais provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 08, 2025.

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My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy this as much as the first book, but still damn good. Caspian Anderson AKA Elias and his girlfriend are now working for a different government entity.

After wrapping up a few loose ends from the first book the duo are sent to Bordeaux, France to keep an eye on a developer who has designed a new guidance system. Of course it would be a boring book if there wasn't someone after him.

Plenty of action and intrigue, plus a couple twists at the end which I'm sure are leading up something in future books.

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caspian Anderson returns in The Elias Enigma by Simon Gervais. In this book he still has some unfinished business from the last one. I must admit that it's hard to write something about this author since he surpasses himself in every book. I do like the fact that he doesn't write enormous amounts of books in one series but instead invents new characters with only two or three books per series. The premise for this one has changed since the organisation Caspian worked for in the beginning isn't around anymore. He is kept on a tighter leash now but he struggles with it. Just as he struggles with his lovelife. I found this book very hard to put down and it was in my opinion over to soon. Gervais is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to see what he and Ryan Steck has made up in the book they co authored. Some of the scenes in this book will be with me for a long time since they involve some friend and foe action times at least two. I had a wonderful time reading this masterpiece and recommend it to all fans of fast paced thrillers. I also thank Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for being kind enough to give me an advance copy.

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon Gervais delivers a sophisticated follow-up to The Elias Network with The Elias Enigma, the second installment in his Caspian Anderson series. This globe-trotting thriller proves that sophomore efforts can indeed surpass their predecessors, weaving international espionage, family secrets, and cutting-edge technology into a narrative that crackles with tension from Portland's foggy docks to Bordeaux's rain-soaked streets.

The Elias Enigma: Where Personal and Professional Converge

The story opens with Caspian Anderson, formerly the lethal assassin known as Elias, attempting to navigate his new role within the Defense Clandestine Service's Special Surveillance Unit. Gervais immediately establishes the central tension: can a man trained to kill in shadows ever truly step into the light? When Caspian spots what appears to be his lover Liesel Bergmann in a crowd overseas—except she's supposed to be elsewhere—doubt begins to fracture their relationship like hairline cracks in bulletproof glass.

This personal uncertainty becomes the emotional foundation upon which Gervais constructs a labyrinthine plot involving Frank LaBelle, the brilliant CEO of Scout Orbital, whose revolutionary defense technology has attracted the attention of North Korean intelligence. What begins as a routine surveillance mission in Bordeaux quickly escalates into a deadly game of cat and mouse, forcing Caspian to confront not only foreign adversaries but also shocking revelations about his own parents' involvement in illegal arms trafficking.

Character Development: The Art of Moral Ambiguity

Gervais excels at creating characters who exist in moral gray zones. Caspian Anderson remains one of the most compelling protagonists in contemporary thriller fiction, a man wrestling with his violent past while trying to forge a legitimate future. His relationship with Liesel Bergmann—a German BND liaison—serves as both his anchor and his greatest vulnerability. The author skillfully explores the complexity of trust between two people whose professions demand deception.

The supporting cast demonstrates remarkable depth for a genre often criticized for cardboard characterizations. Edgar Augustin, the French mercenary who once shot Caspian, returns in a twisted reversal of fortune that showcases Gervais's understanding of irony and redemption. Richard and Elizabeth Anderson, Caspian's parents, are revealed to be far more complex than typical thriller archetypes, their desperation and moral compromises adding genuine emotional weight to the story.

Perhaps most intriguingly, Hwang Sung-jin emerges as a multifaceted antagonist whose motivations extend beyond simple villainy. As a North Korean intelligence officer operating under deep cover as a venture capitalist in France, Hwang represents the new breed of spy—one who weaponizes capitalism itself.

Technical Mastery: The Gervais Signature Style

Gervais demonstrates his expertise in both intelligence operations and military tactics throughout the narrative. His background in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and counterterrorism work shines through in authentic procedural details and realistic combat sequences. The author's description of close-quarters combat, surveillance techniques, and international intelligence cooperation feels genuine rather than Hollywood-manufactured.

The technological elements—particularly Scout Orbital's advanced optical guidance systems for North Korean missiles—are presented with enough technical accuracy to feel plausible without overwhelming readers with jargon. Gervais strikes an effective balance between accessibility and authenticity, explaining complex defense technology in terms that enhance rather than interrupt the narrative flow.

Plot Architecture: Complexity Without Confusion

The narrative structure of The Elias Enigma demonstrates sophisticated plotting that manages multiple storylines without losing coherence. Gervais employs a technique reminiscent of John le Carré, where seemingly unrelated events slowly converge into a cohesive whole. The revelation that Caspian's parents have been unwittingly involved in a weapons trafficking scheme orchestrated by the ATF creates both personal stakes and geopolitical implications.

The Bordeaux setting provides an elegant backdrop for the central action, with the defense industry trade show serving as a believable nexus where spies, arms dealers, and legitimate businesspeople might naturally intersect. The author's knowledge of European geography and culture adds authenticity to the international scope.

Themes and Deeper Meanings

Beyond its surface-level thrills, The Elias Enigma explores several compelling themes:

Trust and Deception: The fundamental question of whether two people trained in deception can ever truly trust each other permeates the Caspian-Liesel relationship, reflecting broader questions about truth in intelligence work.

Legacy and Redemption: Caspian's struggle to escape his past as Elias while his parents face their own moral reckoning creates a compelling generational parallel about the consequences of choices made in desperation.

The New Cold War: Gervais presents a realistic portrayal of modern espionage, where venture capital funds and technology companies become battlegrounds for national security interests.

Where The Elias Enigma Stumbles

Despite its many strengths, the novel suffers from occasional pacing issues, particularly in the middle third where exposition occasionally overwhelms action. Some readers may find the technical discussions of missile guidance systems and venture capital operations dense, though these elements ultimately serve the story's authenticity.

The resolution, while satisfying, relies heavily on coincidence—Edgar Augustin's timely rescue by the man he once tried to kill strains credibility despite its emotional impact. Additionally, certain secondary characters, particularly within the French intelligence services, feel underdeveloped compared to the richly detailed primary cast.

Final Verdict: A Thriller That Delivers

The Elias Enigma succeeds as both a standalone thriller and a series continuation, offering enough background information for new readers while rewarding those who've followed Caspian's journey from the beginning. Gervais has crafted a novel that satisfies the genre's demand for action while providing the character depth and thematic complexity that elevate good thrillers into memorable literature.

The book's exploration of family loyalty, professional duty, and personal redemption resonates beyond its espionage framework, creating emotional stakes that make readers genuinely care about the outcome. While not perfect, The Elias Enigma demonstrates why Simon Gervais has established himself as a significant voice in contemporary thriller fiction.

For readers seeking intelligent action, authentic tradecraft, and complex character relationships, The Elias Enigma delivers on all fronts. It's a worthy addition to any thriller enthusiast's library and a promising indication that the Caspian Anderson series has found its stride for future installments.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. WOW! Book 2 and the author once again delivers another thrilling read. Caspian's latest mission has him chasing a criminal conspiracy that involves his unsuspecting parents. A complex plot that's action-packed and kept me on edge and the pages flying. A side story surrounding Caspian's lover, Liesel, was an interesting twist. Leaving me anxious to find out more in book 3.

[📚 Alana (professional book nerd)]

Soooo I didn’t request this but now it’s on my Netgalley app 🤷🏼‍♀️
Guess I’m reading book one on KU first…

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it but I liked the first one better.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Elias Enigma by Simon Gervais
Caspian Anderson #2

~ Fast-paced, action-packed, thriller with more than one country’s assets in play ~ Kept me guessing ~

What I liked:
* Caspian: bright, dedicated, professional, assassin, patriotic, a lot more to him than what is on the surface, fluent in languages, lethal, intriguing, rather taken with Liesel
* Liesel: German spy, attractive, bright, professional, lethal, fluent in languages, dedicated, patriotic, likes Caspian but wishes he was more exciting…little does she know ;)
* Edgar Augustin: Ex- Foreign Legion, independent contractor, distant from wife and son but still supporting them, might be an adrenaline junkie, intriguing, wouldn’t mind seeing him again
* Caspian and Liesel’s growing relationship…with a bit of a twist that has Caspian questioning what he saw but still fully trusting Liesel
* Meeting Caspian’s parents and finding out the situation they have found themselves in…and how it eventually was resolved
* That those with white, gray, or black hats were human and not invincible…and that some on the “right side” also had some darkness
* The plot, pacing, settings, and writing with the twist, turns, and red herrings
* That there will be another book in the future

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Hwang: spy for North Korea, money maker, embedded undercover, enjoys meting out pain, considers himself “good” at doing evil things, perhaps a narcissist
* Thinking about what was done to LaBelle as a means to steal his technology
* The indication that there is a “secret” group out there that will be battled in the future – this line is one that I find harder to relate to and tends to be less interesting to me than known bad guys that can be dealt with in a book or two.

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? If the plot appeals to me, yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caspian Anderson, a former assassin known as Elias, always dreaded the day that agents would show up to make him face his past. At a dinner with his parents and girlfriend Liesel that day finally arrived, but it is his parents that they have come for. They own a large trucking firm that has unknowingly been used by foreign agents. His parents are cooperating with the government investigation and are being put in protective custody. He has little time to look into this before he and Liesel are sent on a mission in France to track Frank LaBelle, whose company is responsible for cutting edge defense technology. LaBelle is also being tracked by an agent working for the Chinese, who want him taken to China. Elias and his team are working under the radar in France. They are not only up against the Chinese, but also French Intelligence. They will have to work together and Caspian will have to use all of the skills learned as Elias to rescue LaBelle.

Simon Gervais once again keeps you on the edge of your seat as Elias and Lisel are involved in breathtaking chase scenes and battles. The two agents have a relationship built on trust, but an incident has put that trust in question. In the opening scenes Liesel was supposedly in Berlin, but Elias spotted her as he completed an unsanctioned personal assignment. Afraid to question her and destroy their relationship, it is her revelations at the conclusion that answered his questions and hints at things to come. The release of a Gervais thriller is always an event that I look forward to and I can not wait for Elias to return. I would like to thank NetGalley and Thomas Mercer Publishing for providing this book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action-packed suspense

The suspense doesn’t let up, from the first page to the last, it keeps you gripped in a fierce adrenaline rush. I have read Simon Gervais’s Clayton White series before. He is a master of intricate and fast-paced plots. The Elias Enigma doesn’t disappoint. It is a high-stakes game of keep-away with a newly developed defense technology the object of the game. Caspian Anderson and his partner, Liesel Bergmann are to keep it out of the hands of all the usual bad actors. Think Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea, and you get the picture. Now add the ally countries too and you can begin to see the monumental problems they face. He and Liesel are part of the Defense Clandestine Service. Their team goes to France to ensure the CEO of the vital tech company doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

Caspian has more going on than the task at hand though. He worries about his relationship with Liesel and is keeping secrets from her. He discovers that his parents have become tangled in the web of a DEA surveillance operation. Caspian needs to use all his skills to keep his loved ones safe. The assassin known as Elias may have to come out to play.

If you love thrillers that grip you by the throat and don’t let go, then you will love The Elias Enigma. If non-stop international action is your thing, then prepare to be enthralled. Enjoy a complex hero and a smart strong heroine. The Elias Enigma will appeal to readers who devour books by John Gilstrap and Leo J Maloney.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for access to a digital ARC.

[Jan Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this 2nd book in the Caspian Anderson series....it's a continuation of the first book.
Caspian, his lady friend Liesel, and his new affilation with a Government Covert Service has a great cast of supporting characters for Caspian to work with and depend upon for aid when he needs support.

The action scenes are vivid and fast paced, with lots of violence from a slew of bad players, Caspian and his team are able to beat at their own game!

A group of sinister bad guys from N. Korea are planning to kidnap an American tech genius they plan to use to benefit their illegal space satelite weapons systems. Caspian has sort of stumbled into a mess of characters who all want their piece of this American tech scientist. It's a bit confusing with so many different agencies either trying to kidnap, save and or protect the scientist. It takes a bit of edgy action for Caspian to make sense of it all. At times I was confused as to who was a good guy verses a bad one!

At the same time Caspian's parents have been taken into protective custody to keep them safe from some very dicey bad guys from cartels south of the boarder because of a deal his parents made with our government to ship contraband for the cartels so the government can track the merchandise.
....and the assassin from the first book who tangled with Caspian is back and ruthless as ever.

People get shot, beat up, hurt and killed in this story and it's not till the end when Caspian has it all figured out that his lady friend drops a huge surprise on us all!

Can't wait till the next book!
Enjoy!

[Michael Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caspian Anderson (formerly known as the assassin Elias) is drawn into an investigation of the efforts of an enemy foreign power to steal advanced US military technology. Now working for a super-secret American spy organization, Anderson must prevent the theft of the technology and the murder of an American businessman who invented the technology. When both his parents and girlfriend are put in danger, Anderson must finish the job without letting any of his loved ones come to harm.

This is book two in the series after The Elias Network and returns many of the characters from the first book (both good and bad guys). It is certainly action packed and filled with surprise twists, not to mention several death-defying escapes. Yet it feels a little flimsy and at times cliched. In the opening scene of the book, the German bad guy from the last book is in a foreign prison protected and abused by his prison “boyfriend” and then is murdered by the new bad guys who sneak him out of prison for his information. It’s not clear to me that any of that was necessary for the plot of the story, nor did it really add anything. I found it off-putting, but after that sequence, the narrative gelled a bit more.

Despite its flaws and occasionally cliched story line, it’s a fast paced and fun spy thriller. Not the top of my list of reads, but a quick and generally enjoyable spy thriller. Three stars.

[Marsha Rafalski · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 rounded to 4.0).

Caspian Anderson is the force behind an assassin code-named Elias,and now retired and working in the Defense Clandestine Service. A former Black Ops assassin, Caspian is confronted with the news that his parents, owners of a trucking company, have been taken into protective custody by the DCS and the US Marshals Service. Caspian undertakes the task of bringing in the criminal elements that have ensnared his parents. Then Caspian catches a glimpse of someone he thought was dead. He swears it’s his former lover, Liesel Bergmann. When he is reunited with Liesel in the US, he can’t ask her if the woman he saw in Africa was her. She is a German spy and formerly a collaborator. They realize that they are now trying to bring the same enemies to justice. They are sent to France to track down the founder of a start up company developing cutting edge technology before it falls into the wrong hands. When they find themselves thwarted at every turn by both friends and enemies.

This is an action packed, spy thriller in which Caspian is forced into a collaboration with his former partner now fiancé. It is suspenseful, mysterious and action packed. This is the second in a series. I had not read the first one but found this worked well as a standalone novel. Recommend to readers of mystery-thrillers, suspense, and action adventure.

I received this ebook free from Thomas & Mercer through Kindle giveaway in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

[Cheryl | retreatintobooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for my first ARC, I was so excited to read the second installment in the Caspian Anderson series.

The Elias Enigma feels like you're were dropped into the middle of an action movie, I was hooked from the first chapter. If you haven't read The Elias Network, read that first to get Caspian’s back story. While this book stands on its own, some of the relationship dynamics will make more sense if you've read the first book.

This sequel keeps the action and adds a personal layer: Caspian’s mission suddenly intersects with his parents, who get pulled into the operation when they're detained by ATF—as part of a global criminal conspiracy that he and Leisel must unravel. Imagine you barely visited your parents during the pandemic to learn they've gotten themselves mixed up with cartels and the ATF. What his parents don't know is he was an assassin while they thought he was an interpreter for the United Nations, talk about family secrets!

If you like stories that read like an action movie—complete with assassins, shadowy missions, global stakes, and emotional tension—The Elias Enigma delivers. The pacing is tight, the stakes are high, and the moral gray zones will have you saying one more chapter until the sun comes up.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story then begins with Caspian in Kenya where he is on a mission to kill a person who has threatened to kill Liesel, Caspian's girlfriend. He gets the opportunity and is able to kill Dolores Araujo and while leaving believes that he sees Liesel who was supposedly in the U.S. After arriving back in Maine, he and Liesel are having dinner with Caspian's parents. Unexpectedly, the parents are taken by members of the ATF. Caspian later learns that they have been assisting the ATF and now their lives may be in danger. Soon after, Caspian and Liesel are meeting with Samantha Ranger, their boss. They are given a task to France and find out who Frank LaBelle, the founder of Scout Orbital, was meeting up with. It seems that they weren't the only ones doing the same thing. A certain incident happened which forced Caspian's team to abort.

Discover what the incident was, who else was interested in Frank, what events happened where it became dangerous. Learn why Frank was so important and once he disappeared, a great effort was made to find him. The ending will supl any answers that you had questions on.

This is definitely a book well worth reading!

[Shree G · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the grimy slums of Nairobi to the high-stakes espionage in Portland and the grim and despicable depths of the organ trade industry, Simon Gervais weaves a fast-paced, racy thriller that keeps you hooked to the jaw-dropping climax.

To be honest, this was my very first book by this acclaimed author. His writing style is fluid, devoid of unnecessary jargon and high-tech linguistics, so those who don't typically devour spy thrillers will find this an engaging and fun read. Graham Halstead does a slick narration of the story and does a good job of modulating his voice to match the different characters. Thank you, Graham, for making this audiobook experience even more enjoyable.

I've read a lot of Robert Ludlum, Ken Follett, and Frederick Forsyth, and Simon Gervais is a must-read author if you enjoyed thrillers by the authors as mentioned above.

Thank you, NetGalley, for letting me have this Audiobook before it was released.

I've already bookmarked other previous bestsellers by this author, so I am grateful to be introduced to a whole new set of thrills in the days to come.

[Dirk Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy to read and review. An exciting and worthy follow up to The Elias Network, Caspian Anderson has a new job, one that is legitimate and is now working with Liesel, his German girlfriend.
This novel has a few familiar faces from the first in the series and continues the story quite well.
It has exciting action scenes that are well-written and grab your attention and force you to keep reading.
Taking place in France this time, Caspian is tasked to follow an American businessman who is about to sell his company. Unbeknownst to both, there are other parties in play, including Edgar Augustin, who features throughout the story.
Working with a team this time, Caspian needs to foil all the other plans. A tad difficult as it appears.

Gervais has written an excellent second novel in this series and I am excited to see what comes next. Great development of the characters, who we see their motivations and understand through the writing, their struggles.
Definitely recommend.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Elias Enigma is a fast paced, action packed thriller that kept me hooked from the first chapter.
Caspian Anderson, once a deadly assassin known as Elias, is pulled back into the shadows when a new mission threatens everything he holds dear. I loved the mix of espionage, global politics, and covert operations. The story moves across exciting locations like France, Tunisia, and Kenya, adding to the international feel of the book.
Caspian’s inner conflict, trying to leave his past behind while protecting those he loves, adds depth to the character. His relationship with Liesel brings a personal element to all the action. There were plenty of twists and suspenseful moments that made it hard to put down. While a few plot points felt a little far fetched, the gripping pace and solid writing made up for it. I definitely recommend this to fans of military and spy thrillers.
Looking forward to read the next book in the series.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

[SteVen Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review – The Elias Enigma – Simon Gervais
Canadian thriller author Simon Gervais’ second Elias Network book, “The Elias Enigma” is another interesting spy thriller full of explosive action, international ruse, apprehensive tension, and wonderous conspiracy.

Gervais does it again with his tight writing, well developed characters, and well-crafted storytelling. His writing style personifies the definition of thriller novels.

Main character, Caspian Anderson, once a black-ops assassin, code name—Elias, now works for the Defense Clandestine Service. Caspian and his black ops team are called in to untangle a complex operation and stop foreign powers from acquiring a transformative and revolutionary technology that would put the US at risk of attack.

As usual, Gervais does a splendid job of connecting the reader with the plot, with every character, and with the basis of the storyline. This was a well-written story that was easy to comprehend even with its complex storyline.

I’m a big fan of Simon Gervais’ books and look forward to reading more of his writings.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ rounded up

I didn’t realise this was book 2 in a series however it can be read as a stand alone as it’s written well enough that it doesn’t seem anything is missing if you haven’t read the first book so I’m not sure if it follows on or not.

It’s a relatively action based audiobook that pretty much gets going from the beginning Caspian finds himself in a really unique position when his parents are taken from a restaurant and he is concerned for their safety due to his job working for the defence clandestine service.

Meanwhile he is entangled in trying to figure out how to navigate his way forward in understanding what is going on when he sees an old flame but how can it be her she shouldn’t be in the same place as he is?!!! Soon they team up and begin to work together to try and ensure the safety of all.

With thanks to NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing for this ELC in return for an honest review 📚🎧🙏🏽❤️

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another compelling adventure in the Caspian Anderson series! After a reveal in book one that shook his identity to the very core, and with a desire to protect a love interest also in the spy game, Elias navigates between coloring both outside and inside the lines in a highly-charged plot where black and white lines no longer exist - just varied shades of grey.

There's plenty of bumps, scrapes and bruises - both figurative and literal - in the storyline for Elias. As the story unfolds, we see foes become friends and vice versa. When the adventure comes to an end, we're of the realization that while the battle may have been one, the war is just beginning.

Thanks to NetGalley for the privilege of previewing The Elias Enigma. I enjoyed this book and look forward to follow the series as it develops.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks, @netgalley @simongervaisbooks & the publishers for the ARC.

This is the 2nd instalment in the Caspian Anderson/Elias series & you definitely need to have read the first book to understand what is going on in this book, or it won't make any sense!
This book, quite like the first, took a while to get going, but once it did, I was hooked. It was fast-paced and full of espionage intrigue that I love reading!
There was a lot of description in the book, sometimes too much that it did detract from the story. The part with his mum & dad felt, in my opinion, random & far fetched and didnt really add any substance to the story.I personally think Caspian/Elias needs to be a solitary character as an assassin, not in a duet.

This was a good book overall, I devoured it! Can't wait for the next one!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t read the first in the series so that may explain why I had trouble following this story. Caspian has a secret that comes between him and his lover/partner who happens to be a German spy but they work together on other missions? And now his parents are in the line of fire for their involvement in a major smuggling operation that only Caspian and his partner can penetrate? Korea, Mexico, Nairobi, Maine, this story is literally all over the place!
My suggestion: read the first book in the series before diving into this one. If you did read the first, then you’ll be pleased that the narration of this audiobook is very good and helps keep the suspense.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook for review purposes. Publication date: 8 June 2025.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caspian Anderson former Elias assassin nows works for the Def Clandestine Services and is sent on a mission overseas. He and girlfriend Liesel (German spy) don't tell each other everything and while on the mission, he is convinced he sees her in the midst of his op.

Upon returning they are both sent to track a tech start up founder Frank Labelle, whose small startup has tech that is being acquired by a large company. Once that is complete, the new tech will be much more protected and harder for the opposition to get. It's a race to find/save Frank and the tech but in order to do so, Casp must use his Elias persona.

The constant mantra of "I am Elias" is a bit redundant, and just plain odd to me as this should be a "part" of Caspian that comes naturally. Along the way, he & Liesel are finally somewhat honest with each other and the mystery of "seeing" her on his op.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two, like The Elias Network, had me on edge of my seat with tension and anticipation. It is a
fast-paced intense novel that's incredibly hard to put down. Its very complex plot takes the reader to every corner of the globe on a real thrill ride! Fantastic!
#TheEliasEnigma by @SimonGervaisBooks #CaspianAndersonBk2 #ThomasandMercer #netgalley Pub Jul 08, 2025 ***** review #bookbub #goodreads #LibraryThing #storygraph
#internationalcrime #theeliasnetwork #actionAdventure #assassins #espionage #thriller #betrayal
#contemporary #spythriller #suspense #fastpace #riveting #unputdownable #conspiracy #family #blackops #internationalpolitics #Canadianauthor #formerRCMP #readmorebooks #relationships

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Elias Enigma opens a whole new world for Caspian Anderson. In this fantastic follow-up to The Elias Enigma, Simon Gervais provides more twists and turns that kept me turning pages later into the night than I intended. I particularly like the way the author shows a scene from one characters point of view and then in the next chapter picks up a few moments before the last one ends, so you can see the same scene from the perspective of another character. The action and intrigue in the last quarter of the book was captivating and left me anxiously awaiting the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. #TheEliasEnigma #NetGalley

[Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Simon Gervais picks up right where he left off in the Elias Network. Caspian and Liesel are now working together as part of a super secret government organization trying to save the world. You could say it's the same cookie cutter thriller plot, keep world-changing technology out of enemy hands, but Gervais has a way of setting himself apart from the rest. His character development is top-notch as is his picture painting ability.

I will say the side plot with the parents didn't feel impactful or fully integrated into the main story.

He left us wanting more with "We. Are. Everywhere."

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caspian wants to be free of ties that bind him to his past and the eight years that he was fooled and lied to, but it's hard to trust and not to act as a lonely wolf. He and Liese will see themselves in the heart of a major drama involving his parents and their transport business. They'll fly to Europe and will chase the criminals that are linked to the case and will also unveil a major spy and conspiracy network. Fast-paced, with relatable and believable characters, The Elias Enigma is one of those books that keeps you guessing till the end. Loved it!
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Howard Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novel about clandestine operations and assassins with a smattering of family life, a business takeover and romantic connections. It is far from anything a reader can relate to but this reader found the intrigue fascinating. There is a plethora of realistic action that made me feel as if I were there and actually involved in it. Some of the action was replete with tremendous violence and surprisingly made me cringe. This novel is highly recommended and I thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Elias Enigma, book 2 in the Elias saga, is a wild ride and it didn't disappoint. A whole lot of action, drama, and a bit more character development in the latest installment. Caspian and his wife/partner, Liesel are tasked with keeping new technology out of the bad guys hands. There are a lot of bad guys out there looking to get their hands on the tech and great action scenes ensue.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC of this awesome thriller. I highly recommend this book, but read The Elias Network before this one comes out in late July.