Der 13. Hüter: Thriller - Verschworene Geheimbünde und uralte Rätsel – der neue Thriller des SPIEGEL-Bestsellerautors!

by James Rollins

Verschworene Geheimbünde, uralte Rätsel und die Jagd auf den größten Schatz aller Zeiten.

Die Studentin Sharyn Karr erhält von ihrem Professor ein altes, versiegeltes Buch und eine Visitenkarte. Noch am selben Abend kommt der ältere Mann bei einem Brand in der Bibliothek um. War es ein Unfall? Aber wer würde für den Besitz des Buches über Leichen gehen? Und wie sind die Gesandten des Vatikans in die Angelegenheit verwickelt? Die Telefonnummer auf der Visitenkarte scheint die letzte Rettung zu sein. Die Stimme am anderen Ende der Leitung verspricht Sharyn Schutz, wenn sie den Tower von London erreichen kann. Doch das ist nur der Beginn der Suche nach dem größten Schatz der Menschheit!
James Rollins ist neben diesem in sich abgeschlossenen Roman auch der Autor der SPIEGEL-Bestsellerserie »Sigma Force«. Verpassen Sie nicht die spektakulären Einsätze der coolsten Agenten der Welt, zum Beispiel »Feuerring« oder »Sandsturm«.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Adventure, Suspense, Historical Fiction

529 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2026

About the author

James Rollins is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers. His writing has been translated into more than forty languages and has sold more than 20 million books. The New York Times says, “Rollins is what you might wind up with if you tossed Michael Crichton and Dan Brown into a particle accelerator together.” NPR calls his work, “Adventurous and enormously engrossing.” Rollins unveils unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets matched with stunning suspense. As a veterinarian, he had a practice in Sacramento for over a decade and still volunteers at local shelters. Nowadays, Rollins shares his home up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with two furry companions, Echo and Charlie. He also enjoys scuba diving, spelunking, kayaking, and hiking. Of course, he loves to travel and experience new places around the world, which often inspire his next globe-trotting adventure.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you like an author, and in particular one of their bigger series runs, you might click to buy or download their latest without reading the description, right? I'm usually good about checking first, only because I'm up to over 100 series I read, and between that and new authors, or authors who don't write a series, I have more than I can actually read in a given year. This time, I didn't check and assumed this book was Rollins' latest Sigma Force book. But it wasn't. I have enjoyed his other work, so I dove in. Great new characters. Loved the historical connections. Sad at the death and injuries. Everything I love about Sigma but with new characters. So it worked out. Take a chance sometimes; that's my new year lesson.

[Bill Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is some adrenaline packed page turning fun. A break from his usual Sigma Force series - it’s refreshing to see a new cast of characters.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for the advance copy of Trust No One by James Rollins. Here's my honest review.

What a rollercoaster! It's been a while since we've had a James Rollins standalone. He's got Sigma Force, going on forever now. He's got fantasy stuff. He's got some side stories about Tucker and Kane, but it's been since what, Altar of Eden, that we've gotten a new standalone? And it was worth the wait.

This one does not disappoint. A small group of college students is thrust into a very dangerous power struggle between two factions that have been warring for generations - the Brotherhood and the Guardians. What are they fighting over, you ask? The treasures of a historical figure, the last of which supposedly includes the secret to extending life far past the normal limits.

Alas, the evil Brotherhood didn't foresee this group of meddling kids getting in their way.

Trust No One was a LOT of fun, and I highly recommend it to thriller fans, Dan Brown fans, fans of Rollins' other work, Steve Berry fans, etc.

Five stars.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with moving plots and interest.

[Tanja Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every time I read this author, I hope for an experience like «Amazonia», which is one of the best modern adventure books out there. Every time I’m disappointed.

It’s not a bad book, the writing and plotting is sufficient, I just didn’t care very much what happened. There was no character development and too little backstory.

A student is entrusted a book people get killed for, not that she knows this. The book is a map to archaeological treasures and maybe even immortality. This the student and her friends are thrust into a roller coaster of trying to keep the book and their own lives safe.

If you’re into superficial thrillers that unfold at a breakneck pace, this is the book for you. Just don’t expect any depth or insight whatsoever.

[Kat (Ginger Bibliophile on YouTube) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fricking loved it! It was everything I enjoy about his Sigma Force series, but with fresh young characters in a stand alone. The witch side felt a little tenuous aside from a setting to get everyone together, but the mystery, the action, the various locations…so good!!

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was a stand alone book as was expecting another one in the series. enjoyed this book overall

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic thriller by James Rollins. I have yet to read one of his books that disappoints ... pure enjoyment.

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3.25 stars ✰

“... —you recognize the importance of preserving that which is threatened, to protect knowledge that should never be lost.”

This was a fast-paced, action-packed adventure of uncovering the secrets of Saint-Germain that all began when Professor Julian thrust into Sharyn's unsuspecting hands a mystical tome - a grimoire of great power - with the final cryptic warning - Trust No One. 🤫

Fortunately Sharyn didn't follow through and trusted four of her fellow university classmates with the mystery that would soon endanger all their lives, as hot on their tail are those who wish to unlock the hidden magic that lies within this long-lost treasure - each faction eager to claim hold of what truths have not yet been revealed. 🗝️

“Instead, she placed her trust in a proverb that had proven true throughout history: Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

It was a fun romp across Europe—to places of infamy and mystique, set on a quest that could change the fate of humankind. It had a very nice twist that totally was unexpected. I loved when they arrived in Italy. 🙂‍↕️That sense of heightened danger and fear was spot-on done that I would love to see it in live action. The witches' subplot felt a bit extraneous, imo.

And I didn't quite like one racist comment, where you could immediately assume a character was Indian by the color of their skin -- Really? 🤨 And the deliberate emphasis placed on certain words of caution felt unnecessary. The character dynamics were enjoyable, but the villains could've been more fleshed out and with more intent than the obvious reasons.

“Here is true immortality... The magic that can carry your thoughts, your lessons, your tales, your hopes, your dreams . . . far into the future.”

The lore was fascinating and intriguing in seeing how the lines of the occult, religion, and science intertwined. ✨ I always enjoy stories that create some mystic marvel from history - to draw out something impossible with such compelling historical credulity and rich grandeur that you can't help but hope and wonder that such secrets might just be out there for us to discover.

Why else are we so fascinated with Indiana Jones and National Treasure and Dan Brown's works? That we wish there was some truth to it. 🧐🤠 It's not even a wild goose chase; it's the fascinating thrill of expectant hope of believing something exists out there - something beyond the realm of possibility, but it makes us hope that we can attain it. For what purpose, though, is what makes all the difference.

[MM Suarez · Rating 2 out of 5]

"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So is a lot."

Guided by how much I loved Rollins "Amazonia" I didn't read the blurb or any reviews on this one before I selected it, but I knew I was in trouble when I repeatedly saw words like "alchemy", " transmutation", "magic", and "witches". Now if those words excite you and those topics interest you then you will enjoy this book, I did not, and it is a purely personal preference, Rollins is a good writer but I never connected with the story or care for any of the characters, with the exception of Katch the Carpathian lynx he was way cool, I'm a cat person!

The novel gave me The Da Vinci Code and Indiana Jones vibes, neither of which I loved. Plenty of readers will enjoy this one, it's just wrong for me.

[Jennifer M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great adventure these college students experience, although it was also terrifying and almost got them killed. I love this type of book filled with secrets, history, treasure, puzzles, and unknowns. This was a fast paced thrill ride that I very much enjoyed. The animals were a wonderful addition. I can’t really imagine running for my life from unknown assailants because I am a chicken and would probably curl up under a table and be the first to die. However I do love to live vicariously. 😆

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Rollins is back and showing the world why he is my favorite author. An absolute edge of your seat thriller. As usual, Rollins combines history and adventure in a way only he can. Starting with a ritualistic murder, in the most haunted place in England, on Halloween? Quintessential Rollins. Sharyn is thrust into a centuries old mystery when she is entrusted to be the keeper of an artifact of unimaginable promise and mystery with a simple instruction….trust no one.

You’ve got it all here. History, cryptic texts to solve, mysteries to unravel, danger, betrayal, twists and turns galore. The writing is perfectly paced, the characters are fantastic. Hugh is by far my favorite. The group dynamics are amazing, with each character adding weight and expertise to the task. As the characters race across Europe, the imagery and detail are fantastic. As much as I love my Sigma family (of which I have read them all!), this standalone by Rollins may be one of my favorite stories by him.

5 stars. Perfect. A huge thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review!

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by thanking Netgalley for extending this advanced copy to me for this review in return. James Rollins is still at the top of his game, as you can not help but learn something while enjoying the tale he spins. A true historical fiction master. Imagine that you could trust no one, but were thrust into the biggest burden of your life. Sharyn, a student of the occult at Exeter University has this very dilemma. No knowing where else to turn, she shares her secret with her closest friends and then a couple more to make five altogether. Can five University students outwit the powerful groups of people targeting them to get the secrets that they currently hold? And along they way, who can they trust? Humanity's future depends on their decoding the past first.

[Wendi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a very disappointing book. I love him as an author, but I couldn’t even finish this book. It was mundane at best. I hope that this is a one of a kind failure for him.

[Gemma · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know when a book is so unmistakably written by a man? Yeah.

[LerThriller.Andreia · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Um thriller histórico empolgante e desafiador. A mistura perfeita entre a ficção e a realidade. Ler um livro de thriller histórico, é como estar a ver um filme, o enredo raramente está estagnado, há sempre ação.
✨Este livro foi uma viagem por vários locais e sempre com descrições a acompanhar. Adorei a Nota do Autor. Um thriller histórico entretém mas também nos proporciona momentos culturais.

[LISA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read! Adrenaline filled, adventure quest foisted upon a group of college students turned out to be a great ride. This was historical fiction coupled with a centuries old mystery. I highly recommend this one!

[Matthew Ousley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to see a talk given by James Rollins on his release tour for this book and have my copy signed. (I also got the Moonfall books signed - and he draws a different picture with his signature for each series!). If he is ever near you doing an event, definitely go. He had a lot of interesting things to say and took loads of questions from the audience.

Anyway, not surpringly, I did love this book. It was his first standalone in a really long time, and he came up with a great cast of characters who felt like people we all knew or encountered in college too. And then took the story and myth of the Count of Saint Germaine and turned it into his usual blend of history and action that we all know and love. I actually wish it had been longer just because I love the historical info dumps in his books, but that probably would have bored most readers, so that's OK.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors l regularly read l never read the book description before picking it up. ln this case l was surprised to find this was not a Sigma Force book.

The tale starts in the early 19th century with a true Renaissance man and alchemist named Saint-Germine. His diary was lost and a couple opposing groups are desperate to find it.

Current day, a group of college students in Exeter, England wind up with it and are being hunted.

lt seems to be a standalone and is quite a thriller.

[Tracy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced historical action book.

Think DaVinci code-esque with clues, old books and libraries with real-life places where it could have happened;

love all his books as it’s well written and the story just flows

[dessertcomes1st · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this isn’t really my genre - suspense/adventure seem to fly over my head - but this one had me going til the end. Well-threshed out story.

[Katherine Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced mystery adventure story that reminded me of Indiana Jones. This is great if you’re looking for a fun diversion from the dumpster fire of reality.

[Parisienne · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 50%. This was like a second rate DaVinci Code. And I didn’t enjoy the DaVinci Code.

[Marianne Fuller Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!! This book is Amazing!! The book is full of adventure, and factual history about a very famous character that goes beyond time! Saint-Germain is as relevant today as he was centuries ago. The Saint-Germain trust is very real and active along with his treasures!! It is about to help mankind! The characters in this book flowed together with fun, amusement, and loyalty! Do not miss out on this jewel!! 🎉🎊📚🔦🔍🐦‍⬛🐾

[Ranjini Shankar · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. It had mediocre Da Vinci Code vibes and didn’t work for me. We are given a macguffin at the start - a secret treasure - and then the characters run from clue to clue to find the treasure. There are some interesting characters but not enough to save a tired plot.

[Nora Maya M Kachaturoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot weak, characters not well developed, except how they muddled on with multiple injuries sustained by each, lots of loose ends at the conclusion…Although one kept reading hoping for it to improve…it didn’t.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big James Rollins fan here. I love the Sigma Force series and many of his other books, but this one was a disappointment. The premise was interesting: college students get handed the "long lost" journal of St. Germaine, which apparently holds different secrets, including a "path to immortality". Of course you have different groups wanting to get their hand on the book, and so the globe-trotting chase begins. Hmm..should be a fun read and based on Rollins' past books, I looked forward to this one.

BUT COME ON....this is a very lame, weak, piss-poor attempt at a DaVinci Code wanna-be, and I didn't really care for The DaVinci Code either. Even the "secret Organizations" were parodied. James, James, James!! You are SO MUCH better than this. Usually, there is some pretty cool Science-stuff and history intermingled in his stories, but this one just fell short of the mark. Bummer! And the so-called climatic ending was non-existent. The whole Immortality thing?.....STUPID. What a wasted opportunity.

Again, BIG Rollins fan, so I won't disparage him too much. I do look forward to continuing the Sigma Force series and many of his others, but this one will hopefully be quickly forgotten. 2 stars for the story, an extra .5 star for some of the action sequences (a few were actually entertaining) and an extra .5 star because I just enjoy James Rollins. Take this with a grain of salt, but my suggestion is leave this one on the shelf. Just my two cents.

[Carti+Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for an intriguing read, full of action, adventure, and historical facts, then Trust no one can be a great choice. Though it was not a perfect read for me, the book is an instant page turner, keeping the reader hooked from the first chapter.
Sometimes it feels like the events are not happening in a random way, so it seemed forced to me on some parts. Yet, it's a crazy ride that it's definitely worth your time.

[Conor Monaghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ maybe

[Danielle Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly amazing! James Rollins is masterful! Non stop action from the start! As much as I am waiting for the next in the Moonfall series this was a great read.