The Serpent's Gate

by Geri Hemer

How far would you go to outwit death?

Ravaged by cancer and facing the abyss, brilliant but unhinged scientist Dr. Minerval turns to forbidden knowledge, fusing arcane mathematics with ancient Egyptian rites in a last, blasphemous bid for immortality. To complete his dark equation, he must pass through seven gates in seven days, each opened by the suffering of a chosen soul.

As his victims fall one by one, Lucy Williams, a psychic detective haunted by her own visions, is drawn into the web of ritual and terror. What she uncovers defies all this is no ordinary serial killer, but a man attempting to rewrite the laws of life and death.

Now, Lucy must stop him before the final gate opens and humanity’s fate is sealed. But Minerval’s obsession hides a terrible Lucy herself is part of the plan.

The Serpent’s Gate is a pulse-pounding fusion of occult mystery and psychological thriller, a chilling descent into the shadows of science, faith, and the desperate hunger for eternal life.

"A riveting fusion of science, mysticism, and terror, The Serpent’s Gate grips like a fever dream, unraveling obsession, mortality, and the perilous cost of defying death," The International Review of Books.

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2025

About the author

Lady Geri Hemer has been passionate about books for years and has brought this passion to life in her writing.
She was born on the British Island of Montserrat and later moved to Switzerland which was her home for many years. Currently, she lives in Australia.

Reviews

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received through Netgalley to review, this is an honest review.

The Serpent's Gate is an emotional, bone-chilling winner takes all case for detective Lucy Williams, whose powerful psychic abilities become the greatest hope to a once prominent scientist, now ravaged and dying of cancer is beyond desperate to survive at all costs to any innocent lives. Through the use of an ancient ritual, betrayals and forcing Lucy's gifts to work beyond all she can endure; a deeply disturbed man can achieve something humanity has also sought out: immortality.

Detective Williams and those she can trust in this ultimate game of chess will fight to checkmate a serial killer before he can.


Highly recommended.

[Carlos C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Serpent’s Gate is a dark, immersive thriller that blends intellect with terror. The idea of merging forbidden science with ancient Egyptian rituals is both creative and unsettling. Dr. Minerval’s fear of death makes his actions horrifying yet tragically understandable. The seven-day structure keeps the tension tight and unrelenting. Lucy Williams is a compelling lead whose psychic abilities deepen the mystery rather than overshadow it. The story constantly challenges the boundary between fate and choice.

[Manson Bricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Serpent’s Gate is one of those rare thrillers that doesn’t just scare you, it unsettles you on a philosophical level. The fusion of terminal illness, forbidden science, and ancient Egyptian ritual creates an atmosphere that feels both cerebral and nightmarish. Dr. Minerval is terrifying not because he’s evil, but because his desperation feels painfully human. Lucy Williams is a compelling counterbalance, haunted yet resolute. By the final gate, I wasn’t just reading for answers, I was holding my breath. A haunting meditation on mortality and obsession.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely recommend.

The Serpent's Gate by Geri Hemer.
The Serpent Gates book 1.
This was a really good read. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. This is a new author for me. I loved the writing style and the story. I did like Lucy Josh and Cecil. I liked how they worked together. I wasn't sure how I felt about Thompson. I didn't trust him at all. Wow. The ending. I can't wait for the next book. I definitely recommend this book.

[Eden Trouette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel delivers a haunting exploration of mortality and obsession. The fusion of arcane mathematics with ancient Egyptian rituals feels original and unsettling. Dr. Minerval’s descent into madness is terrifying because it feels logical.
Lucy Williams adds emotional weight to the narrative as her visions slowly unravel the truth. The pacing is relentless and never loses momentum.

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads like a dark fever dream fueled by grief and desperation. The idea of rewriting the laws of life and death is chilling. Minerval is not just a villain but a tragic figure consumed by fear.
Lucy’s role in the story unfolds in surprising and disturbing ways. The atmosphere remains tense and eerie throughout.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Serpent’s Gate is a smart, atmospheric thriller that stands out in the genre. The occult elements are well researched and believable. Each gate raises the stakes both morally and emotionally.
Lucy Williams is haunted, flawed, and deeply human. The story balances psychological tension with supernatural dread perfectly.

[Rory Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening chapter, this book refuses to let go. The countdown of seven days creates constant urgency. Minerval’s obsession with immortality is disturbing yet understandable.
Lucy’s psychic insights add layers of suspense and emotional conflict. The ending leaves a lasting impact long after the final page.

[Robert J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel masterfully blends science, faith, and forbidden knowledge. The rituals feel ancient and dangerous, not sensationalized. Dr. Minerval’s intellect makes him especially frightening.
Lucy’s connection to the case gives the story a deeply personal edge. The tension escalates with every chapter.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, intelligent, and emotionally charged, this book is hard to put down. The seven gate structure provides perfect pacing. Each sacrifice carries real weight.
Lucy’s visions blur the line between destiny and free will. The story is both thrilling and thought provoking.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author creates an atmosphere thick with dread and inevitability. The blend of logic and mysticism feels seamless. Dr. Minerval is a villain shaped by fear of death.
Lucy’s journey is as internal as it is external. The novel remains gripping until the very end.

[Brooke Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Serpent’s Gate is not just a thriller but a meditation on obsession. The rituals are disturbing without being gratuitous. Science and myth collide in fascinating ways.
Lucy Williams anchors the story emotionally. This is a haunting and memorable read.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Serpent’s Gate is haunting and unforgettable. The blend of science, ancient ritual, and psychological horror felt fresh and deeply unsettling.

[Gilbert Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gripped me like a nightmare I couldn’t wake from. The Serpent’s Gate is dark, intelligent, and disturbingly original.