What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hidden Cipher: A Knights Templar Conspiracy Thriller
“Gripping”—and Rich Petrelli’s The Hidden Cipher is exactly that… a relentless chase through ancient secrets, modern power, and the shadows between.
Inspired by real historical mysteries, The Hidden Cipher is a work of fiction. It is not a historical account, and while it uses real locations and historical references as atmospheric backdrops, the narrative itself is entirely imagined.
When a forbidden Templar manuscript resurfaces after seven centuries, cryptologist Dr. Elena Voss is the first to recognize the symbols etched inside—and the deadly warning buried beneath them. What begins as a routine analysis pulls her into a conspiracy protected by silence, blood, and a hidden order determined to reclaim the cipher at any cost.
Readers of Dan Brown, Steve Berry, James Rollins, Simon Toyne, and Raymond Khoury will feel instantly at home in this pulse-pounding thriller that blends historical mystery with relentless modern danger. The Hidden Cipher explodes out of the gate with breakneck pacing, international intrigue, and a mystery carved into the bones of history.
Joined by covert operative Antoine Rousseau and researcher Liam Hayes, Elena follows a hidden lattice of encrypted symbols across Europe—through echoing cathedrals, forgotten monasteries, restricted archives, and the sealed chambers of Templar strongholds. Each revelation pulls them deeper into a silent war that has smoldered for centuries… and every step forward stirs enemies who have killed to keep this truth buried.
Because the cipher doesn’t just rewrite history—
it reveals a truth powerful enough to end the human race.
In this electrifying, globe-spanning thriller, descend into a world of forgotten orders, encrypted manuscripts, and conspiracies guarded for seven hundred years.
Until now…
Inspired by real historical mysteries, The Hidden Cipher is a work of fiction. It is not a historical account, and while it uses real locations and historical references as atmospheric backdrops, the narrative itself is entirely imagined.
When a forbidden Templar manuscript resurfaces after seven centuries, cryptologist Dr. Elena Voss is the first to recognize the symbols etched inside—and the deadly warning buried beneath them. What begins as a routine analysis pulls her into a conspiracy protected by silence, blood, and a hidden order determined to reclaim the cipher at any cost.
Readers of Dan Brown, Steve Berry, James Rollins, Simon Toyne, and Raymond Khoury will feel instantly at home in this pulse-pounding thriller that blends historical mystery with relentless modern danger. The Hidden Cipher explodes out of the gate with breakneck pacing, international intrigue, and a mystery carved into the bones of history.
Joined by covert operative Antoine Rousseau and researcher Liam Hayes, Elena follows a hidden lattice of encrypted symbols across Europe—through echoing cathedrals, forgotten monasteries, restricted archives, and the sealed chambers of Templar strongholds. Each revelation pulls them deeper into a silent war that has smoldered for centuries… and every step forward stirs enemies who have killed to keep this truth buried.
Because the cipher doesn’t just rewrite history—
it reveals a truth powerful enough to end the human race.
In this electrifying, globe-spanning thriller, descend into a world of forgotten orders, encrypted manuscripts, and conspiracies guarded for seven hundred years.
Until now…
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2025
76 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Read
November 24, 2025Amazing Read.
Really enjoyed the adventures of Elena, Antonio and Liam.
Looking forward to the next book in the Trilogy.
Received as an ARC with no expectation of a positive review.
Really enjoyed the adventures of Elena, Antonio and Liam.
Looking forward to the next book in the Trilogy.
Received as an ARC with no expectation of a positive review.
January 12, 2026
“They both wanted to save the world—one by curing it, one by burning the sickness out of it.”Page 286
Pretelli’s novel spreads like a virus across the pages. It begins small, with the main characters being watched, chased, and attacked over the possession of fragments of a Templar manuscript that, if held by the wrong hands, could release nine plagues that would cause worldwide genocide. As the plot expands, Dr Elena Voss, her team, and the WHO find themselves protecting the world against bio-warfare.
Petrelli’s take on the Knights Templar and research into synthetic biology and genetic engineering give the plot an interesting apocalyptic spin. Through Dr Voss’s obsession with decoding the nine fragments of a Templar manuscript, the author explores humanity’s struggle for power and the decisions people make when situations test their resilience, moral compass, and love for humankind.
I found this novel to be a solid read, with great cinematic scenes and well-placed beats. I cannot wait to read part two of The Templars Legacy trilogy.
Pretelli’s novel spreads like a virus across the pages. It begins small, with the main characters being watched, chased, and attacked over the possession of fragments of a Templar manuscript that, if held by the wrong hands, could release nine plagues that would cause worldwide genocide. As the plot expands, Dr Elena Voss, her team, and the WHO find themselves protecting the world against bio-warfare.
Petrelli’s take on the Knights Templar and research into synthetic biology and genetic engineering give the plot an interesting apocalyptic spin. Through Dr Voss’s obsession with decoding the nine fragments of a Templar manuscript, the author explores humanity’s struggle for power and the decisions people make when situations test their resilience, moral compass, and love for humankind.
I found this novel to be a solid read, with great cinematic scenes and well-placed beats. I cannot wait to read part two of The Templars Legacy trilogy.
December 11, 2025
I got completely drawn into the chase across Europe in this book. The combination of ancient Templar secrets and modern-day danger felt so exciting that I was constantly turning pages to see what would happen next. Elena’s discoveries about the manuscript and the codes she uncovers kept me guessing, and every revelation added another layer to the mystery. I loved how the story moves through real historical sites, making it feel like you are right there with the characters, facing the dangers and unraveling centuries-old secrets. The tension never eases, and the puzzle at the center is genuinely intriguing, making it a thrilling adventure from start to finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
A Gripping Fast Paced Thriller that Pulls Readers In!
A gripping, fast-paced thriller that blends history, mystery, and action in all the right ways. “The Hidden Cipher” pulls readers into a world of ancient secrets, cryptic codes, and relentless pursuit. Dr. Elena Voss is a compelling heroine, and the vivid settings and historical depth rival Dan Brown at his best. A must-read for conspiracy fiction fans!
A gripping, fast-paced thriller that blends history, mystery, and action in all the right ways. “The Hidden Cipher” pulls readers into a world of ancient secrets, cryptic codes, and relentless pursuit. Dr. Elena Voss is a compelling heroine, and the vivid settings and historical depth rival Dan Brown at his best. A must-read for conspiracy fiction fans!
December 9, 2025
Dr. Elena Voss discovers an ancient manuscript that contains clues to a powerful secret that she later learns is very dangerous. She travels across Europe with her team to decode symbols hidden in monasteries, fortresses, and crypts. But—her team is being hunted down. This novel is full of mystery and intrigue. A very good read! Looking forward to Book 2!
December 10, 2025
I am enticed with signs and symbols and anything like this book that pivots around it. Elena is my hero and her skills in decoding and interpreting what all eyes take for granted is spellbinding in this captivating thriller. Legacy transfers and preservations is never easy when warring is inevitable.
January 8, 2026
Wonderful suspenseful story
Enjoyed reading this story about the Knights Templars and the hidden messages that they were famous for. The biohazard angle and building complex plagues that were beyond understanding at the time did make it less authentic but it was woven believable throughout. Can't wait for the next story.
Enjoyed reading this story about the Knights Templars and the hidden messages that they were famous for. The biohazard angle and building complex plagues that were beyond understanding at the time did make it less authentic but it was woven believable throughout. Can't wait for the next story.
December 9, 2025
elena voss is smart and real, the codes actually make sense, and the chase scenes kept me up late. history parts felt solid without slowing things down. only gripe is it ends too quick, want the next one already. good thriller if you like smart action.
December 11, 2025
A great thriller.
December 11, 2025
A gripping mix of Templar secrets, clever codes, and nonstop action. Elena Voss is a fantastic lead, and the plot keeps you turning pages. Perfect for fans of Dan Brown. Can't wait for Book 2!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews