The Vatican Conspiracy

The Hunter Files #6

by Rob Jones

He who drinks of the serpent’s blood shall become invincible…

While on official UNESCO business in The Vatican Museum, Dr Max Hunter finds himself pulled in to a dark conspiracy of Biblical proportions! Summoned to the inner sanctum of the Vatican in the middle of the night, Hunter discovers his friend and colleague , Professor Marco Vitali, has been brutally murdered, using his dying moments to draw a message on the floor in his own blood – a clue for Max to follow!

Not only that, but a high-ranking cardinal has been kidnapped, and a ransom note left… only the Powers That Be within the Vatican are holding information back from Hunter, making his mission to bring the murderer to justice all the harder…

And so with the currently suspended HARPA team assembling and flying across the world to help Max in this most mysterious of predicaments, the race is on to solve the riddle drawn out in blood, and stop an evil older than humanity resurfacing…

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2026

About the author

International bestselling author of twenty-five thrillers, including fourteen in the Joe Hawke action-adventure series and The Hunter Files. All available for the Amazon Kindle.

Reviews

[Wendy]

An adventure book involving a UNESCO archeologist and his team. This is the first book I've read of this author. Maybe my reaction to the book would be better if I'm more familiar with the characters. Not saying this book is bad or anything. It's enjoyable, especially if one likes treasure-hunting all over the world. My only gripe is that the road to the goal is long and meandering. However, once they get to the target, there's not much exploration done.

[VickydpBooks]

Good book it’s part of series called The Hunter Files

He who drinks of the serpent’s blood shall become invincible…

With the HARPA team alerted and racing across the Atlantic to join the action, Hunter sets out with Inspector Martina Rinaldi, a courageous young Vatican Gendarmerie officer in pursuit of his friend’s killers but soon realises he is in a lethal race to stop an evil older than humanity resurfacing and threatening the entire world.

[Matt]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Rob Jones, and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

After enjoying the first few novels in this collection, I was excited to receive an ARC for the latest book. Max Hunter has enjoyed his time with HARPA, (Heritage, Artifacts, and Relics Protection Agency), from the missions to the connections he's made with his teammates. His passion for archeology and prominent UNESCO job have made him much sought after in the field. This novel picks up soon after the previous, as HARPA has been disbanded and Dr. Max Hunter is on official UNESCO business in The Vatican Museum. After being called out to a dark part of the Vatican in the middle of the night, Dr. Hunter discovers that a friend and colleague, Professor Marco Vitali has been murdered. Only a bloody clue remains for Dr. Hunter to follow, but he will not be able to do this alone. He summons friends from HARPA to meet him in Italy to undertake a mission off the books. After having an artefact stolen from his possession, Dr. Hunter knows that he will not be able to just forget all about it, especially with this group, the Brotherhood of the Serpent, on the loose. With a riddle to solve and a relic that must be returned, Dr. Max Hunter and his former HARPA colleagues race to parts unknown to uncover one of the greatest mysteries they have encountered to date. Rob Jones delivers with the latest in this highly addictive series!

By juggling the wonders of history and events full of great action, Rob Jones impresses series fans once again. He provides a strong story that is led by a powerful narrative and peppered with some lighter moments. The piece is both intense and educational, never waning from keeping the thrills high on each page. The story's momentum is aided by short chapters that tease what is to come and propels things forward. Mixing relics and history, Jones makes sure the reader leaves this experience with more than they had upon arrival.

Numerous characters have emerged in the series, mostly in the world of HARPA. While they are all present, adding their own development, some of the one-offs enrich the piece even more. Max Hunter’s story stays firmly rooted in the centre and series fans can be pleased to see some incremental movement in how he lives, working his UNESCO angle. I am eager to see how HARPA will reemerge more formally, as the cast there banter well together no matter the mission.

Plot points keep the reader on edge and wondering what awaits them, a key success to this series. While I have never been a great fan of archeology, Jones makes it about so much more and pops in a number of surprises to keep the reader guessing. As he is apt to do, Jones delivers something that is both easy to read and highly enjoyable in its entertainment value. I am eager to see what's next and how things will all come together.

Kudos, Mr. Jones, for having the ideas that fuel wonderful stories that keep me entertained.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Kate Morgan]

Rob Jones’s The Vatican Conspiracy is the 6th instalment in his series, The Hunter Files. Set across the beautiful landscapes Rome and Africa, after the murder of Professor Marco Vitali in the Vatican and the kidnapping of Cardinal Rovina, Dr. Max Hunter is assigned to help. The Brotherhood of the Serpent sends a ransom note, demanding a priceless artifact in return for the Cardinal, evolving into a race to solve a riddle and locate one of the most well-known legends in history, the Garden of Eden. Hunter calls in his backup from his previously suspended team, HARPA (Heritage, Artifacts, and Relics Protection Agency) to assist him in this mission, save the Cardinal and protect one of religious history’s greatest secrets.
The book was a quick read which was thankful as it wasn’t something I was hugely interested in. The premise was good enough, but the writing and general story felt a bit flat for me. It was hard to connect to any of the characters as none of them were crucial to the story, their only purpose to provide Max someone to throw his classic tough guy one liners too. I thought the book lacked depth. Our ‘brooding’ hero embodies the typical character tropes expected of his character, emotionally withdrawn, highly trained in weapon handling, a rock hard body etc. If Rob Jones pushed through these restraints to create a more original character it would make for much better reading. I imagine all the books in this series are copies of one another plot wise. Max is called to help (because no one else has his expertise, his skills or his courage) with the assistance of his back up team, women fawn over him, he saves the day *YAWN*.
There were plenty of moments where Jones could have include fantastic imagery, exploring the settings of the Vatican, Rome and Africa. But the writing was more focused on fight scenes and gun models to provide a detailed setting. I guess no one cares about your location when you’re being shot at.

[Meg Pearson]

The Vatican Conspiracy by Rob Jones is an exciting and fast paced addition to The Hunter Files series that pulls you straight into a high stakes mystery set against the fascinating backdrop of the Vatican.

From the moment Dr Max Hunter arrives in Rome for what should be routine UNESCO work, the story takes a sharp and gripping turn. The murder of his friend and colleague, Professor Marco Vitali, is shocking and emotionally charged, made even more compelling by the blood written clue left behind for Max to decipher. That moment sets the tone for a thriller filled with danger, secrecy, and ancient puzzles.

What really stood out for me was how immersive the setting felt. The Vatican, its hidden corridors, guarded secrets, and layers of religious and historical significance, adds an incredible sense of atmosphere. Rob Jones clearly puts a lot of research into his writing, and the blend of history, religion, and archaeology felt rich without slowing the pace. I was completely drawn into the conspiracy and eager to see how each clue would unfold.

The story moves quickly and is packed with action, twists, and tension. Max Hunter is a strong and likeable lead, and his interactions with Inspector Martina Rinaldi add depth and balance to the investigation. The involvement of HARPA and the wider conspiracy raises the stakes even further, making this feel like a truly global and dangerous mission.

Overall, The Vatican Conspiracy is a thrilling and engaging read that fans of Dan Brown style mysteries and action packed conspiracy thrillers will really enjoy. It is suspenseful, atmospheric, and highly entertaining, keeping me hooked from start to finish.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Rob Jones for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Yvonne]

I should know better than to start a book like this before going to bed. I soon realised that this was going to be one that I would not be able to put down. Hello, 01:30, and the end of the book!

Max is in the Vatican, with his friend, Prof. Marco Vitali; they are working through some of the artefacts held there. It is a shock when, a few hours later, Max is woken by the police and is told he is needed at the Vatican and a high-ranking Cardinal kidnapped.

Max is known for his UNESCO work as well as his HARPA work with other valued and experienced colleagues. If you have read previous books, then you will be aware of this, but for newcomers, it is explained.

The Brotherhood of the Serpent is involved, and so begins a hunt for a relic that could change the world and Christianity. The race to follow the ancient clues, survive shootouts, find the secrets from the past and learn what on earth is going on and who is involved leads the team on a race against the baddies to get to their end goal.

I do adore the fast-paced approach of these books; they are action-packed and have a sense of urgency to them. The characters are memorable, and you soon get caught up in the plot and the understanding that there is a reason for things being hidden for so long.

A lot of religion and history littered throughout, but this is in context and part of the overall story. It is like reading an Indiana Jones/ Reacher/ Robert Langdon style of thriller all rolled into one, with a dash of Mission Impossible. It makes for fun and frantic reading and I absolutely adored this one. A mix of history, politics, factions, fantasy, and overall a cracking read. I would definitely recommend this one.

[Jan Mawdesley]

Murder and abduction in the Vatican set the scene for another riveting thriller from Rob Jones, The Vatican Conspiracy, as Max Hunter, now on a temporary assignment to the Vatican unwilling becomes involved in a conspiracy that will push him to his very limits.
Old friend and mentor Professor Marco Vitali is murdered in the hallowed portals of the Vatican, Cardinal Giovanni Rovina, president of the Governorate Archbishop is abducted, the Vatican gendarmerie along with Interpol are looking for answers and they believe Max Hunter is the man with the knowledge and skill to help find them.
His previous success as consulting archaeologist with the HARPA team and their recent discoveries of Atlantis, Noah’s Ark, the Titanic and the Flaming Sword of St Michael has unfortunately made him the ‘go-to’ person for matters such as these. Not a role he relishes!
Facing his friend’s death and wondering at the sign scrawled in blood next to his body leads to a trail of lies, deceit, secrets and death that will test Max and his friends from HARPA, called in to help, as they race against time to try and rescue Cardinal Rovina.
The Vatican is refusing to cooperate fully as the Brotherhood of the Serpent is demanding an Icon kept hidden within the Vatican archives for centuries as the ransom to release Cardinal Rovina. The Vatican believe that this is the key to a secret so dangerous that if ever discovered will destabilise the not only Christianity but the very foundations of the Catholic Church.
Once again Rob Sinclair has carefully researched his subject and crafted an intricate and delicately woven tale of the many aspects of greed and power together to create a cliff-hanger of a read which will enthral until the unexpected becomes the expected.

[Leanne]

The Vatican Conspiracy is an exhilarating, globe‑tilting adventure that wastes no time plunging you into danger. Rob Jones delivers exactly what fans of Scott Mariani crave: breakneck pacing, ancient secrets, and a hero who always seems one step away from disaster.

Dr Max Hunter arrives in Rome expecting routine UNESCO work, only to be swept into a conspiracy that feels both mythic and modern. The opening discovery—his friend’s brutal murder and a cryptic message written in blood—sets the tone for a story that thrives on tension. From clandestine Vatican corridors to the wider threat looming over humanity, the stakes escalate with satisfying intensity.

Hunter makes a compelling lead, but it’s the partnership with Inspector Martina Rinaldi that really grounds the narrative. She’s sharp, courageous, and brings a welcome emotional anchor to the chaos. Their dynamic adds heart to a plot otherwise fuelled by danger, deception, and the unsettling sense that no one in power is telling the full truth.

Jones blends action, archaeology, and theological intrigue with confidence, creating a thriller that feels cinematic without losing its sense of mystery. The supernatural thread—hinted at through the chilling serpent’s‑blood legend—adds an extra layer of menace that keeps the pages turning.

Fast, fun, and atmospheric, The Vatican Conspiracy is perfect for readers who love their thrillers packed with puzzles, peril, and a touch of the arcane. A gripping escape into a world where ancient evil stirs just beneath the marble floors of the Vatican.

With thanks to Rob Jones, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Stephanie Bull]

The Vatican Conspiracy plunges the reader into a high-stakes hunt that weaves together ancient religious history, secret societies and long-buried truths hidden within the heart of the Vatican. As clues are uncovered across evocative European locations, the story blends real historical detail with speculative intrigue. The result is a globe-trotting mystery where the past and present collide, and nothing is quite as it seems.

I really enjoyed the book. The ancient religious history was particularly engaging, with enough factual material to spark my curiosity and send me happily down a few research rabbit holes of my own. It's a fast paced, thrilling conspiracy adventure that feels very much like Robert Langdon (Dan Brown) meets Indiana Jones, with vivid descriptions that bring each location to life and keep the momentum high.

This is book 6 in 'The Hunter' series, but it works perfectly well as a standalone which is how I read it. My one criticism is the ease with which Max Hunter, a UNESCO archaeologist, and his colleagues are able to carry and use firearms. There is frequent reference to HARPA, the organisation they belong to, which I initially assumed explained this. However on discovering it stands for Heritage, Artifacts and Relics Protection Agency, I remain confused. That said, this didn't detract from my overall enjoyment and I'll definitely be going back to read the earlier books in the series. Hopefully all will be revealed!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.

[Lorraine Dias]

Max Hunter is working on a UNESCO project in collaboration with the Vatican when a late-night video call with his partner, Amy, is interrupted by the arrival of the Vatican Gendarmerie. They escort him to the scene of a murder, and before long he is drawn into something far larger than a single crime. Although the HARPA team has officially been disbanded, they reunite and fly to Italy to help Max protect a secret that others are willing to kill to uncover.

Although The Vatican Conspiracy is the sixth book in the Hunter Files series, it is the first one I have read. It works well as a standalone. Even without knowing the team’s history, I was able to quickly grasp the dynamics between the characters.

The book is well researched and packed with action as the team unravels ancient mysteries while dodging bullets and exchanging sharp banter. There are enough twists to keep readers guessing, and while the story delves into the past, it also makes effective use of modern technology.

I did feel that the section in which the team finally discovered what they had been searching for was slightly underwhelming, but it did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the novel.

If you enjoy fast-paced action-adventure with elements of historical intrigue and conspiracy, this is well worth picking up.

Thank you to Rob Jones, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

[Paloma]

Professor Marco Vitali has been killed inside Archbishop Giovanni Rovina's private quarters. The killer also took Rovina with him. While dying, Vitali left a name and a symbol written with his own blood on the floor. Doctor Max Hunter, an archeologist, is called to the Vatican to help with the murder of Vitali and Rovina's kidnapping. Max will need the help from his friends who they call the HARPA team. They are highly trained and very skilled. This case will take Max to different parts of Ethiopia, where the place that the Vatican has been hiding for centuries exists. And this place is so special and magical that The Brotherhood of The Serpent and other assassins are willing to kill for it.

Never a dull moments in this fast-paced, high stakes, incessant shooting story. I enjoyed all the members of the HARPA team and their quirks. Following them in their quests was thrilling. I felt I was right there with them getting constantly shot at. The whole story was divine and the conspiracies were my favorite. I also liked learning about all those important sites in Ethiopia which I learned so much about after I went to look them up on my own. A great, enjoyable and interesting read for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Eunice R]

Once again we get to traipse across desert and moutainous terrain, hopping even from country to country, after Dr. Hunter, the archeologist connected with UNESCO, and members of the ex- HARPA team as they go in quest, of the Garden of Eden. Dangers lurk and threaten at almost every turn from known and unknown sources, until one may wonder if they'll all escape unscathed.

This is the sixth book in the Hunter Files series, but could be considered a stand alone. However, to make greater connections with Hunter's past adventures, a potential reader may wish to read those that come before. I do believe though that this book is adequately 'stand alone-ish'.

There is plenty of suspense and weapon action, and themes revolving around religious intrique as may well be deduced from the book's title. Those readers who like such combinations should be well satisfied with this read, I believe. The only caution I have with this narrative is the several insertions of swear words throughout.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

February 2026

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by NetGalley and the publisher.

[Louise Wilson]

The Hunter Files #6

While on official UNESCO business in The Vatican Museum, Dr. Max Hunter finds himself pulled into a dark conspiracy of Biblical proportions! Summoned to the inner sanctum of the Vatican in the middle of the night, Hunter discovers a friend and colleague, Professor Marco Vitali; has been brutally murdered, using his dying moments to draw a message on the floor in his own blood - a clue for Max to follow! Not only that, but a high-ranking cardinal has been kidnapped, and a ransom note left.... only the Powers That Be within the Vatican are hiding information back from Hunter, making his his mission to bring the murderer to justice all the harder.

There's a lot of history and religion. I was pulled right into this story. When Dr. Max Hunter arrived in Rome, his UNESCO work is put on hold while he helps investigate his friend, Professor Marco Vitali, who had been murdered. Inspector Martina Rinaldi was also investigating the murder.

Published 15th February 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RobJones for my ARC of #TheVaticianConspiracy in exchange for an honest review.

[Perrin Larton]

Fast paced with danger around every turn, The Vatican Conspiracy was a thrilling read. Beginning with a murder in the first chapter, a kidnapping, car chases, gun fights, personal danger, with the Vatican as the backdrop. Trying to figure out clues left 2 millennia ago and since all of the characters are part of HARPA (Heritage, Artifacts, and Relics Protection Agency), and between them all they have the ability to figure these out! It did seem that they were always about 10 seconds from disaster which heightened the anxiety. I do have to say I did not figure out who was the mastermind until it was revealed. A well done mystery!

I did not know this was a series starring Max Hunter and his various HARPA friends until I was reading, the back of the e-copy, and saw the other books written by this author . The Vatican Conspiracy is book 5 or 6 in the series, so many of the characters may have been highlighted in the earlier works. Sometimes I felt that I was missing something I should already understand about the team.

All in all a good read and I think I'll read some of the earlier books to flesh out my knowledge of all things HARPA!

[John]

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This book begins with the murder of Marco Vitali, Dir, of Vatican Museums and Max Hunter's friend, in addition to Cardinal Rovina's kidnapping. Max was in his lodgings when he heard a knock on his door while talking to Amy, his girlfriend and fellow member of HARPA. He is ordered to go with Inspector Martina Rinaldi, a member of Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City State, where he later learned that Marco, his friend has been killed and he had left a message for Max. Max learned that a note had been left which stated that Rovina would be released if a valuable artifact would be given to the kidnappers.

Read along and discover what the artifact was and why the kidnappers wanted it. who was responsible for Marco's death, how the members of the HARPA team became and how it worked out in the end, then you need to read this book.

The description of their journey was well presented and the ending supplied all of the answers, this is a book well worth reading, don't miss out!

[Laura]

✨️Spoiler Free Review✨️

Thanks to @netgalley the author & @theboldbookclub for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.

This is the latest book in the #MaxHunter series (books 6) & follows Max & subsequently the rest of the HARPA team on a quest from the Vatican to find the killer(s) of one of their renowned colleagues.
It is a tad reminiscent of the Da Vinci Code but then it isn't. From the Vatican, to Rome, to Africa, to the US, it keeps you in your toes.
I did enjoy the book, as I did the last one, but I found it really confusing to keep up in parts, I think that was because it goes so far back in history, it was hard to keep up unless you could remember what you've learnt at school. There was parts too that were really waffley that I skim-read. There could have been a bit more development with thee characters too.
It was fast-paced & thrilling throughout & it did keep me engrossed, and ai would definitely pick up this author again.

[Christine Harman]

Another adventure with the HARPA team. The team has been disbanded after the previous mission but Max needs their help to avenge the death of his old friend whilst looking for a secret from 1700 years ago. Once again the story is full of action and the team get into awful scrapes. Can they outwit The Brotherhood of the Serpents? We know the team well by now as a mixed bunch with consummate skills which they have to employ to survive. This is another rollicking adventure full of fun and danger and is a great read. With thanks to the author,Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Kelly Newman]

I have never read this series or author before, but I really liked it! You have Max, an archaeologist, working at the Vatican Museum with a friend who gets killed, and Max finds himself getting dragged to the Vatican in the middle of the night to answer questions. The race is on to find out what happened to his friend. This mystery has ransom notes, secrets at the Vatican, secret societies, assassins, solving clues with symbols and riddles...what a fun ride! It reminds me of the Dan Brown series with Robert Langdon, which I love. Such a fun read! I think I may just go read some of the previous books in the series!

Thank you Netgalley and Rob Jones for the ARC! This is my honest review.

[Susanne]

Another exciting adventure for the HARPA team. Even though they've been suspended after their last mission and have gone their separate ways for the meantime, when Max is working at the Vatican Museum and his friend and director of the Museum is murdered, Max and the team are on the the case. It leads them from the Vatican to Ethiopia and it's a wild ride! A fun, enjoyable adventure.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Rob Jones for the free ARC of this re-release. All opinions are my own.

[Cody Marie Phoenix]

Another exciting installment of The Hunter Files! The drama and action keeps you glued to the pages like you're in the middle of the mission yourself. The characters are the same well written players as in the previous books along with several new personalities. This series has been an enthralling experience and The Vatican Conspiracy is the next amazing story to keep you coming back for more!

This is my honest review after reading an ARC from Netgalley and Boldwood Books.

[Vicky Hughes]

I was enjoying this book for what it was up until the end when it all got just a little bit silly. I appreciate it is a work of fiction but too many 'coincidences' and 'easy resolutions' left me feeling that this book was completed in a bit of a hurry. It has the bones of a really great team adventure but it was let down by time defying giant serpents. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy

[Alison Eden]

#TheVaticanConspiracy #NetGalley This was the first book I have read in the Max Hunter series and I felt it was perfectly capable of being read as a stand alone. At first, the book felt reminiscent of The Da Vinci code with Max as Robert Langdon but as the book progressed there was more of a cross between Robert Langdon and Indiana Jones!! Fast paced with plenty f action and lots of twists and turns. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read more in this series.

[Ruth Matheson]

Think a cross between Indiana Jones and Robert Langdon and you have Max Hunter. Plenty of adventure mixed in with history and ancient beliefs and you have one roller coaster of a journey. Great page turner as you seek to find out what is going to happen next and where. This would make a great adventure film !!

Thanks to Netgalley/Boldwood Books for the ARC to review

[Neville Townsend]

A fast paced thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. Full of action, intrigue and conspiracy this is Da Vinci code at full throttle. I love the characters especially Hunter and his team. A good read for these winter nights. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this review ARC.

[Emy]

A high action action adventure thriller by Rob Jones.
This was a fast paced story based around the Vatican. It was well researched with good characters and an engaging story line. Overall and enjoyable read.

[Gillian Bell]

Audiobook 12:- a little far fetched and everything seemed to always work out and in their favour. Not the biggest fan of this and it’s the 1st I’ve read of the author. Noticed it’s midway along a series. Let’s find the garden of Eden… oh there it is there.

[David Fern]

Speechless!!

Thus adventure by far was one of the most exciting adventures for Hunter and his friends.

Non stop action with surprise twists you do not see coming.

[Mr John]

Another great read

Rob Jones never disappoints, it's like catching up with old friends, another page turner looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Charles Sexton]

Wow! What a Tale

The good, the bad and the ugly. Jones writes such detailed and interesting books. I have read all night because Hunter wouldn't let me sleep,