The Golden Sphinx

Ethan Frost Archaeological thriller #1

by Lex Faulkner

A mysterious ancient relic. A forgotten civilization. A truth that could change the world forever.

In 1906, an Egyptologist uncovered a map carved in stone inside an ancient temple. Convinced that it pointed to a lost city of gold somewhere deep in the desert, he set out on another expedition the following year. He was never seen again.

In present day Yale, a professor is brutally murdered on the university campus, and a mysterious artefact is stolen from its vaults.

Former Delta Force operator Ethan Frost is used to high-pressure situations, but when his former mentor Professor Goodwin is murdered and an old journal in his care is stolen, Ethan is pulled into a world he thought he'd left behind. Intent on bringing Goodwin’s murderer to justice and retrieve the stolen artefact, Ethan teams up with the professor's research assistant and three of his former associates from the military.

They soon discover that the professor’s murder is connected to a conspiracy led by a ruthless Egyptian magnate seeking to re-write history and reshape the world in his image. Following the clues from the journal, the team venture to Cairo and the barren, sun-scorched deserts of Egypt, where a forgotten city and a truth that could change the world wait to be uncovered.

With a trail of bodies in their wake and nefarious forces bent on their destruction closing in, Ethan’s team must race against time to find the lost city and unravel the ancient mystery.

Indiana Jones meets Bruce Wayne - you will not be able to put this book down!

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Action, Adventure

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2026

About the author

Lex Faulkner is the author of the Andrew Sterling action-adventure series. His novels have consistently ranked in the Top 10 Amazon Rankings for their individual categories, and they have been enjoyed by thousands of readers the world over. Although part of an ongoing series, his novels can easily be read independently of each other and in any order.

The Andrew Sterling series combines historical facts with contemporary fiction, weaving together compelling stories that take the reader on a fast-paced journey back through time and across continents in a way that echoes the author's own favourite genres - archaeological and historical thrillers, mystery novels and military action thrillers. The result is a page-turning series in the vein of Jason Bourne, Indiana Jones and James Bond.

Lex has travelled extensively in South East Asia, Europe, Africa and Japan, and speaks several languages.

He now lives in London and is currently working on the next Andrew Sterling novel.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Always eager to discover authors new to me, I reached for this ARC, a series debut by Lex Faulkner. When an Egyptologist uncovered a map in 1906, it told of a lost city that held riches of many varieties, When the man trekked off to discover this land, he was never seen again, but left a journal behind for others to follow. In the present day, a Yale professor took up that task and uses an ancient artefact to fuel his own expedition. However, someone obviously wanted the truth kept away from prying eyes, killing the professor in his office and stealing the artefact. Enter, former Delta Force member, Ethan Frost. With excessive amounts of family money, Ethan is used to dodging people, but also prefers to protect those dear to him, When he learns that one of his former professors was murdered, Ethan begins a mission to set things right. He wants justice and to return the artefact to Yale. Working alongside a small group je's put together, Ethan leads an effort over to Egypt to uncover the truth and ensure something can be done. Dodging bullets, accusations, and a rewriting of history, Ethan hopes to find something that will solve the mystery that has long lingered in the Egyptology community. A great series debut that has me interested in reading more by Lex Faulkner.

I am quite intrigued about the work of Lex Faulkner, particularly how he combines fact and fiction. The narrative works from the outset, building in a variety of ways to keep the reader curious. There is much going on and the approach used helps hook the reader from the outset. Thorough chapters delve deeply into a number of subjects, presenting discussions about them, which will require the reader to remain attentive. While simply the debut, I can see there are great things to come, should Faulkner keep writing and offering more about Ethan Frost and his ARC group, as discussed in the epilogue.

Characters are well-placed, as their backstories connect with ongoing development. The thorough introduction of Ethan Frost paved the way for much more discovery about the protagonist as the book progressed. Adding a handful of others who matter helps give the reader something on which to latch as the story progresses, There are good secondary characters as well, each of which serves their own purpose to flavour the piece and add something worth the reader's time. I am eager to see if some of those who helped Ethan will be back as the series progresses, as they have made an impact here.

Surprises work well in thrillers and Lex Faulkner does not skimp at any point. Keeping things from being too predictable is key to the success of the piece. Twists emerge, not only to dispel fact and fiction, but to add a layer of intrigue that is sure to develop as the series continues. I liked how Faulkner kept the reader on edge as things progressed and made sure nothing was entirely predictable for those who paid close attention. I am eager to see where things are headed and how Ethan Frost will emerge in various ways throughout.

Kudos, Mr. Faulkner, for a strong series debut!

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

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Golden Sphinx by Lex Faulkner is a fast paced, action packed thriller that delivers a thrilling adventure from start to finish.

Set against the striking desert landscapes and ancient mysteries of Egypt, this story pulls you in quickly and never really lets go. When Ethan Frost’s longtime mentor is murdered and priceless artifacts are stolen, Ethan refuses to sit back and wait for justice. Instead, he teams up with the professor’s assistants and follows a trail of clues that stretches across continents and deep into history.

I really enjoyed how unique this story felt, blending modern day action with historical threads reaching back to the early 1900s. The pacing keeps things moving at a steady clip, with plenty of suspense, danger, and discovery along the way. The Egyptian setting adds atmosphere and intrigue, making the story feel cinematic and immersive.

This is a solid choice for readers who enjoy globe trotting thrillers, ancient artifacts, and nonstop momentum. A gripping and entertaining read that kept me turning pages and left me eager to see where Ethan Frost’s adventures lead next.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating look at ancient Egypt as Ethan, once in Delta Force, travels there as odd things are happening that point to disturbances there (bombings, a long-lost journal, and other weird anomalies). He has no idea what to expect and what he ultimately finds will blow his mind as he connects with others who are mystified as well!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Well I have been on tender hooks awaiting the arrival of this new series from Lex Faulkner. And it didn't disappoint. Superbly written and as usual for this author a lot of research has gone into this adventure where he uses historical facts and turns them into a fantastic work of fiction. He introduces you to likable characters that will no doubt be the basis for future adventures and lays the foundations for moving forward. I am a great fan of Andrew Clawson, Steve Berry, Luke Richardson if you enjoy those authors then read Lex Faulkner's work you won't be disappointed, I have already pre-ordered the next installment.

[Xena018 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a thrilling read from start to finish.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read a book by this author, and what better place to start than with the first book in a new series.

This is a fabulous read and one that is based on fact, and then warped with various conspiracy theories and the author's fictional angle. All blend with ease and make for a thrilling ride. His main character is ex-Delta Force operative Ethan Frost, a man who has been around, has family wealth, and tries to make his own way in the fields that interest him. Someone you can call on when things hit the fan! When he is approached to look for an ancient artefact, it is not something that is out of his area of expertise. It is something he is knowledgeable about, then his former tutor is killed, and things start to develop, making other connections, he is suddenly in the midst of a thrilling mystery and needs the help of others.

This first book paves the way brilliantly for what will follow. The story brings together people with different experiences, backgrounds, and together they start something new. Getting to know the team and how they work is as much part of the story as is the race across continents and deserts. Looking at ancient clues, reading journals, following markers and all manner of other long-forgotten theories and items from history.

The pacing of the story is great; there are areas where it slows for explanations, and again, this is very much part of the story. Then they are off and running again, trying to beat "The Baddies" to the end goal. This is one of those books that you need your eyes to read faster than they are able; talk about addictive.

I really enjoyed this book, it was adrenaline-fuelled, with some great characters, lots of drama, tension and danger, good explanations and just an absolute pleasure to read. One of the tag lines mentions this as being a blend of "Indiana Jones meets Bruce Wayne ", and this is absolutely spot on.

If you are looking for an action and adventure treasure hunt style of thriller, then this is one you want to have on your list. I am definitely looking forward to reading more in this series, and I would definitely recommend this one.

[John Purvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lex Faulkner is the author of more than a dozen novels. The Golden Sphinx was published a week ago and is the first of his Ethan Frost Archaeological thriller series. It is the 7th title I’ve completed reading in 2026.

I received an ARC of this book for free through https://www.netgalley.com and I am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Due to scenes of violence and some mature language, I categorize this novel as R.

In 1906, Egyptologist Howard Templeton uncovered a stone-carved map hidden within an ancient Egyptian temple. He believed it led to a legendary lost city of gold buried deep beneath the desert sands. Labeled a fantasist and shunned by the archaeological establishment, Templeton mounted one final expedition the following year, and vanished without a trace.

More than a century later, Cairo erupts in chaos when a bomb tears through the city, leaving dozens dead and ignites regional tensions.

Ethan Frost is no stranger to danger. A former Delta Force Master Sergeant who retired at the height of his career, Ethan traded combat zones for classrooms, earning a master’s degree in history and archaeology at Yale. There, he studied under Professor Charles Goodwin, a renowned scholar who became his mentor and close friend.

When Goodwin is brutally murdered on Yale’s campus and mysterious artifacts are stolen from the university vaults, Ethan’s two worlds collide. The theft is quickly followed by the revelation that Templeton’s final journal is one of the items that was taken.

Pulled back into the field, Ethan assembles a hand-picked team that blends brains with battlefield experience. Sophia Lockwood, Goodwin’s sharp-witted research assistant, brings deep historical insight and a fearless curiosity. From his military past, Ethan recruits Mitch Kazinsky, a combat pilot; Scarlett Fox, a former CIA analyst with a talent for uncovering secrets; and Luke Garrett, an ex-Delta operator who knows how to survive when plans fall apart.

Their investigation leads them to Cairo, where a high-risk operation reveals that Goodwin’s murder is tied to a vast conspiracy orchestrated by Zohar Al-Masry, a powerful and ruthless Egyptian magnate. Al-Masry seeks more than wealth - he intends to rewrite history itself and reshape Egypt in his image.

Following the clues hidden within Templeton’s journal, Ethan and his team push beyond the city and into the unforgiving deserts of Egypt. There, beneath the sun-scorched sands, lies a forgotten city. And a surprising truth powerful enough to change history.

With enemies closing in, bodies left behind, and time running out, Ethan must decide how far he’s willing to go to uncover an ancient secret that powerful forces are willing to kill to keep buried.

I enjoyed the 7.5 hours I spent reading this 338-page thriller. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

[BookishDramas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest feedback based on my reading the book.

I came away pleasantly entertained but not quite swept off my feet. Lex Faulkner knows how to craft a propulsive plot. The opening scenes grab you with a mystery rooted in early twentieth century Egyptology and then catapult the reader into a modern hunt for a lost city of gold. Set pieces move at a brisk clip and there are moments of genuine cinematic flourish that had me envisioning sandy chases and claustrophobic tombs. If you come to this book wanting pure escapist fun you will find a lot to enjoy.

Where the book struggled for me was with its characters. The protagonist is competent and likable enough to carry the action but he rarely surprised me. Supporting players drift in and out with clear agendas but sometimes lack the depth to make their choices feel earned. That makes several plot twists rely more on convenience than on emotional logic. The stakes are high on paper but I wanted greater complexity in the relationships that would have given those stakes more weight. Also Lex seems to have a massive inspiration from stock characters like Bruce Wayne, Tony stark, Oliver Queen and several others, basically zillionaires with money, power and access to tech to do what they please under a wide term as vigilantes. Nothing wrong with this inspiration but the plot always seemed to bend towards the protagonist and everything came easy. Lex tries to sell (and does it well) the grieving child who's lost his parents and focused on his stint with special forces to showcase his independent streak.

Lex clearly did much of his homework on ancient lore and the book pays steady attention to archaeological detail without bogging the reader down. There are aberrations in accuracy but it does not help or derail the story. The research lends a pleasing texture to the adventure and there are flashes of clever world building that suggest richer material to explore in later books. At times though the pace and the treasure hunt framework crowd out quieter moments that could have deepened the themes. The prose is readable and often vivid but occasionally lapses into overly direct exposition when a scene might have benefited from showing rather than telling.

Overall I am giving The Golden Sphinx three stars. It is an enjoyable start to a new archaeological series with confident plotting and entertaining action. Fans of classic adventure will likely have a good time. For me the book would have climbed another star if the characters had felt more three dimensional and a few of the narrative turns had been less predictable. I will be curious to see where Lex takes this world next and whether subsequent installments build on the promising groundwork here.

[Jan Mawdesley]

More than a hint of Clive Cussler with a dash if Indiana Jones is evident in The Golden Sphinx a fast paced and intriguing mystery set in Egypt, as an ancient aspect of Egyptian history comes into contention when noted Egyptologist Professor Tobias Goodwin is murdered.
Ethan Frost, the reluctant heir to the Frost Consortium is at a crossroads in his life. Recently discharged from Delta force and grieving the death of his parents in a helicopter crash, he is astounded when he hears the news that his old lecturer and friend Tobias Goodwin is dead and for no clear reason.
He makes the decision to go to New Haven to find out more, to see if there is anything he can do to help find the perpetrator. By doing so he discovers an entirely different aspect of Egyptian history, one that is only slowly beginning to emerge with evidence recently uncovered to a prior and far more sophisticated civilization having been in existence long before the Pyramids were constructed.
Ethan, with the help of Sophia Lockwood, a research assistant working with Goodwin, begins to understand that whatever Goodwin was working on in his retirement was extremely sensitive, which has been based on the diaries and hand drawn maps of an American explorer and Egyptologist in 1906.
As they dig deeper into the information in Templeton’s diaries and Goodwins research notes on the ancient past of Egypt, they also realise there is a modern-day terrorist cell active, which is responsible for the death of Goodwin and a Shopping Complex bombing in Egypt.
But why sees Ethan forming a team of old friends and new, before heading to Egypt to follow the evidence they have and see where the pathway leads.
How these aspects are based firmly in a well-researched modern and ancient Egyptian historic background forms the basis of a very good thriller, as although Ethan and the team are equipped with the very latest and then some technology, it will come down to who survives the brutality of the dessert at its most challenging.
The Golden Sphinx from Lex Faulkner is book one in a two part series and recommended for a thriller of a read on a lazy afternoon

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Former Delta Force operator, and wealthy Frost group member, Ethan Frost, was devastated to discover his mentor, Professor Goodwin, had been murdered. The Yale museum where he spent his time, was the place the murderer took his life, and removed a golden artefact, along with an ancient and special journal. When Ethan met up with Sophia, Goodwin's assistant, she was prepared to help him find the killer. He also brought Scarlett into the group, a top class hacker, and Luke, another Delta member. The four of them headed to Egypt, the pyramids, and the person who'd brutally murdered Goodwin.

A ruthless Egyptian fanatic was prepared to stop at nothing to stop Ethan and his group, and when the journal and artefact were stolen back from him, and he discovered who'd taken them (obviously forgetting he'd stolen them in the first place) he was livid. Ethan and friends had to stay one step ahead. But could they, in a country which was filled with badness, and they were just four, plus Mitch, their pilot?

The Golden Sphinx is the 1st in the Ethan Frost Archaeological thriller series by Lex Faulkner and the first by this author that I've read. If you're a fan of archaeology and the history behind it all, you'll enjoy this book. As I'm not, I did a lot of skimming through the history lessons. I'm disappointed as I expected a different type of book - a thriller perhaps, and yes, that was there. And I love the cover, which was what initially drew me to the book. But there was way too much in the way of history lessons for me! Well written, I can't deny that, but I won't be reading anymore in the series. Recommended to fans.

With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Mili Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Godlen Sphinx by Lex Faulkner
Genre - Mystery / Thriller / Action

Published on January 16, 2026
Thank you @theboldbookclub and @netgalley for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The history of Egyptian land has always been my favourite theme for expeditions, who can resist its mystery and magical approach, so I picked this.
It's a gripping action packed thriller that swayed by the mystic and age old legends of the pyramid of Egypt.

Blurb-
A mysterious ancient relic. A forgotten civilization. A truth that could change the world forever.

In 1906, an Egyptologist uncovered a map carved in stone inside an ancient temple. Convinced that it pointed to a lost city of gold somewhere deep in the desert, he set out on another expedition the following year. He was never seen again.

In present day Yale, a professor is brutally murdered on the university campus, and a mysterious artefact is stolen from its vaults.

Former Delta Force operator Ethan Frost is used to high-pressure situations, but when his former mentor Professor Goodwin is murdered and an old journal in his care is stolen, Ethan is pulled into a world he thought he'd left behind. Intent on bringing Goodwin’s murderer to justice and retrieve the stolen artefact, Ethan teams up with the professor's research assistant and three of his former associates from the military.

They soon discover that the professor’s murder is connected to a conspiracy led by a ruthless Egyptian magnate seeking to re-write history and reshape the world in his image. Following the clues from the journal, the team venture to Cairo and the barren, sun-scorched deserts

⏳
With extended research work and enlightening inputs this book is absolutely rocking, blended with murder mystery and dashing character Ethan this book gives hot adrenaline rush to your blood.

All the time the book reminds me about Ethan Hunt 😃 Tom Cruise 🤩🤩🥰🩷
I am glad I picked this novel.

Rating 4⅕/5⭐

Don't miss it if you are interested in Egypt 😉 and Ethan.

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

🖤💛 The Golden Sphinx ARC Review 💛🖤

Thank you so much to Lex Faulkner and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!

The Golden Sphinx is an archaeological thriller and book 1 in the Ethan Frost series. When a professor at Yale is murdered and an old journal and an artifact are stolen, former special forces soldier Ethan Frost finds himself in a world he thought he left behind. When he agrees to help find the stolen artifact, he finds himself on an adventure that takes him all the way to the ancient deserts of Egypt. Willis the information he seeks rewrite history as we know it?

This was a fun thriller story. I did enjoy the historical aspects of this novel and the overall mystery of the plot. While I liked Ethan in general, I did struggle a little bit with some of his characteristics as it just felt a little too unrealistic to have a billionaire corporate heir, an Ivy League historian and an elite military special forces officer all wrapped into one perfect vigilante package. It did lead to me feeling like things came too easily for him without consequences or struggles which made it hard for me to get emotionally invested in his success because his money or connections made everything happen for him

Overall this was a solid three star read. I enjoyed the historical aspects of this story but struggled with the portrayal of Ethan being perfect with no flaws to make him feel more realistic. This book does have some darker elements, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This book did not contain any romantic subplots so no rating for spice will be given

If you’re a fan of thrillers with globetrotting adventures, strong characters and a strong history vibe, then absolutely pick this one up!

[Viking Jam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: A mix of thriller edged in fantasy. Really a direct ripoff from the Indiana Jones series with a splash of James Bond. The author gives lends a nod or two to Indiana as tongue and cheek. Where Biggus D. deviates from Indiana is that he is a retired Delta Force and Royal Marine operator whom happens to own majority share of a high tech company with its fingers in the DOD pie. He even has his own "Q" to provide cutting edge tech. Besides being a billionaire special ops Yale graduate, he is so good looking all the women drop their shjt and come running like locusts to a corn field. Hate him yet?

Ah, but how do you hate an easy going ah shucks kinda guy with a noodlehead and a penchant for revenge? Loose shirts, hiking boots, blue jeans and an easy smile with a billion dollars in his back pocket and special forces flong glurk hapkidojitsu, round out Radthor McGunny's presence. I mean he can take out 5 armed Cairo street toughs in about 15 seconds. And after, he gives the bleeding leader a stern talking to. Luckily for them he held back or they would all be dead. This same theme carries through the novel again and again. Suspension of disbelief is a requirement.

What really is sad in all this fantastical story telling is that the author is technically very good. Story line flows well and is cogent. Where it fails is that the movement should allow for character builds that never happen. Hunky guys get even more hunky-er? The gurls get hotter than popcorn farts and the sexual tension never builds to consumation which drops this to PG rated. Just a standard Indiana Bond themed novel.

What I really hate is wanting to continue with this series.

3.7/5

[Brannigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Golden Sphinx by Lex Faulkner reads very much like a popcorn action movie in book form. The plot moves quickly, the stakes are clear, and there’s no shortage of danger, chases, and last-minute heroics. If you’re looking for a breezy, cinematic adventure where the hero saves the day, this delivers exactly that.

Where the book falters—at least for me—is in its characters. Nearly everyone comes across as a cardboard cutout or a familiar cliché, filling their roles without much depth or surprise. The biggest issue is the protagonist, Ethan Frost. He’s smart, athletic, wealthy, handsome, and seemingly incapable of making a meaningful mistake. In short, he’s perfect—and that perfection made him frustrating rather than inspiring.

I struggled to feel invested in Ethan’s journey because there’s little emotional friction. Without flaws, doubts, or consequences, it’s hard to connect to him or genuinely root for his success. Why should I cheer for perfection? For me, that lack of vulnerability drained much of the tension from the story.

That said, the book is competently written, fast-moving, and clearly aimed at entertainment first. Readers who enjoy straightforward action and don’t mind thin characterization may have a good time.

There is adult language, violence, and adult situations, so this is firmly an adult read.

In short: an entertaining but shallow adventure that earns three stars. Fans of action-heavy, movie-style thrillers may find more to enjoy here than I did.

I was given a free copy of the book from NetGalley and the Publisher for an honest review.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

The story begins with Ethan traveling to the Catskills to work on building his log cabin. While there Mitch, a pilot, shows up saying he needs to get back to NYC for an emergency. You see, Ethan is the majority stakeholder for Frost Industries and the board needs his approval to proceed with a plan to stop the Chinese from getting their hands on technology. The next morning Etan is watching the news and discoveries that his former professor and friend has been murdered. Ethan quickly rides to Yale where the murder happened and meets up with Sophia, the professor's assistant. Shortly thereafter after discovering who the killer was, Ethan along with Sophia, Scarlette, a hacker and friend, as well as Mitch, the pilot for Frost Ind., travel to Egypt to find the killer. While in Egypt the group Ethan adds Luke, another friend, to his team.

Follow Ethan and his team as the team travels through Egypt following a trail that might lead to a lost city many 1,000 years old. In their journey they are pursued by the professor's killer who is also searching for the lost city. Discover who is behind the killing as well as why he wants to find the lost city.

The story will definitely keep your interest right till the end. This is well worth reading, don't miss out!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Former Delta Force member Ethan Frost gets pulled back into his old action-packed life when he learns that his old mentor from Yale has been brutally murdered and artifacts in his care stolen. Determined to bring his killer to justice, Frost teams up with the professor's research assistant Sophia and several faces from his past. Hidden behind the stolen artifacts is a mystery around the origins of the Egyptian civilization and a power hungry man looking to take advantage of the situation.

I requested an eARC of this book due to the promise of thriller/adventure mixed with historical Egyptian elements - think Indiana Jones + Clive Cussler vibes. I enjoyed the cover of Egypt and the adventures through the country to solve an historic puzzle very exciting. I will say, I was expecting something a bit more faster paced, but this one was a bit heavier with descriptions and detail than what I was expecting. Since this is the first book in the series, it may just be trying to settle the backstory on Ethan Frost and his crew.

Once I got adjusted to the style of writing, I was more engrossed in the unfolding action the crew were undertaking. I was entertained by the story and am curious as to what happens next in the teams adventures to uncover other mysteries.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Lex Faulkner for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Tove R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid and highly entertaining archaeological thriller that delivers exactly what fans of the genre are looking for. With ancient relics, lost civilizations, international intrigue, and high-stakes action, the story immediately appealed to me as someone who loves archaeology and globe-spanning mysteries. The premise is gripping, blending historical secrets with a modern conspiracy in a way that feels familiar but still exciting.

I particularly enjoyed the slower, more atmospheric beginning of the book, where the mystery is carefully set up and the historical elements are allowed to breathe. The ending was also very satisfying, bringing the story full circle and delivering on the promises made early on. The middle -towards the end section, especially the fast-paced chase to catch the killer, felt a bit over the top for my taste, with nonstop action occasionally overshadowing the mystery itself. That said, this will likely be a plus for readers who enjoy relentless momentum.

Overall, this book meets—and largely fulfills—the expectations of an action-packed archaeological thriller. It’s a great start to a new series, and I’d happily continue reading to see where the story and characters go next. Fans of international mysteries and ancient secrets should definitely give this one a try.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its 1906, an Egyptologist uncovered a map carved in stone inside an ancient temple. Convinced that it led to a lost city of gold somewhere deep in the desert, he set out on another expedition the following year. He was never seen again.

In present day Yale, a professor is brutally murdered on the university campus, and a mysterious artefact is stolen from its vaults.

Former Delta Force operator Ethan Frost is used to high-pressure situations, but when his former mentor Professor Goodwin is murdered and an old journal in his care is stolen, Ethan is pulled into a world he thought he'd left behind.

Ethan Frost was once in Delta Force, now he is in Ancient Egypt after his former mentor, Professor Goodwin, is murdered and and old journal that was in his care was stolen.

This is the first book in a new series. The story is explained in depth and it's an addictive read. It is also action-packed as we race around Egypt.

Published 16th January 2026

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

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed all the archeologist details provided. Ethan Frost is the main character and he brings in others to help as the story progresses. Ethan is very wealthy, so money doesn't mean anything to him and he is the majority owner of a company that does a lot of defense work giving him access to things that others don't have. He is hunting for new meaning to his life after leaving Delta force. Sophia is the assistant to his former history professor. He pulls in two former Delta buddies and an ex-CIA agent in his quest.
They become quite the team as the story progresses. This story doesn't slow down and he does some crazy things along the way. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free advanced copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christine Harman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in a new series about an ex army soldier who also happens to be the heir to a fortune. We follow Ethan Frost as he tracks down the killer of his old professor while also looking into the professors discovery of a journal by an Egyptologist who disappeared in 1906. Along they way he picks up some old colleagues and runs foul of an Egyptian magnate. A fun, fast and furious race around Egypt. With compelling characters who i hope we see more of in the future. The is plenty of historical information contained within the storyline as well.
With thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[The Endless Unread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and was suprised at the amount of facts as well as the fictional story was in this. It really made me feel as though I was there in Egypt. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and it kept me guessing all the way through. Just as you think you've got the answer another surprise is thrown into the mix. I loved all the characters and particularly liked the way they all had their own backstories.

I'm really eager to continue this series. I'm quite shocked that this was a debut and I can see this author having a massive impact on the author world.

Fantastic work.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great action adventure. Lex Faulkner is a new-to-me author and it was great to dive into this first book of a new series. The story is action packed from start to finish. I enjoyed the characters, especially Ethan, who is fabulouly wealthy but humble, and uses his wealth and connections to track down his mentor's murderer and uncover a plot that would cause no end of trouble! A thoroughly enjoyable, fast paced read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Lex Faulkner for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Martine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this kind of story—a quest for ancient relics. I was expecting a fast-paced adventure, but that wasn’t quite the case. I may have watched too much *Indiana Jones*. Instead, the book offers an extensive background of the main character, which adds depth to the story. The plot is well put together, and despite the slower pace, it is still engaging and suspenseful.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Boldwood Books and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Julie Friar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Goodwin is murdered and Ethan Frost wants to know why. He will bring together people he trusts to help him. They will go to Egypt to seek a lost city last referred to in 1906. Ethan has contacts and access to equipment which will help the search, but all of their lives will be put in great danger.

Very well written with excellent characters in this adventure novel. Well paced with plenty of history and action. A ruthless Egyptian magnate wants to rule Egypt but can he be stopped?

[Blessing Okwuofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action thriller mixed with historical fantasy reminiscent of Indiana Jones. This book is action-packed and suspense-filled. From the US to the deserts of Egypt, this was an interesting read. I liked the characters and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I got the ARC from Boldwood Books via Netgalley. This is my honest review

[Anita Salát · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a disappointment this was! The plot is intriguing, but the characters are just so flat and cliché. There's not an obstacle the main character can't solve because he always has the right people around and the right gun or gadget at hand. Lousy dialogues do not help either. This books could have been a chase for discovery but it only reeks of macho symbols.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed but it’s wasn’t for me

With a trail of bodies in their wake and nefarious forces bent on their destruction closing in, Ethan’s team must race against time to find the lost city and unravel the ancient mystery.

Indiana Jones meets Bruce Wayne - you will not be able to put this book down!

[Denice Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action packed, fast paced thriller set in the desert communities of Egypt. When Ethan Frost's long time mentor is murdered and aged artifacts are stolen, he won't wait for the law enforcement to find his killer. With help from the Professor's assistants, they chase clues across continents until they face crime from the early 1900s. This story was unique and fast paced.

[Danni Jervis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, action packed story full of history and gadgets. Lots of the tech specs and military jargon was lost on me, and I felt it solved too many problems quickly. However the history aspect of it was really well done, a really interesting fresh perspective is a popular era.

I'm really keen to see where this series goes next.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. It was like Indiana Jones meets The Mummy. This book had a lot of action and I was hooked the whole time. I will say I did feel like it dragged on a little but overall a great read.