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Sam Reilly #13
The Holy Grail
Fresh from his success with the search and rescue of the USS Omega Deep, Sam Reilly was looking forward to some much-needed rest.
Not everyone had the same idea though.
When a panicked man with purple eyes grabs him at gunpoint and takes him hostage, Sam knows that this is more than a mere ransom opportunity; this man is scared of something...
And Sam is going to have to find what it is if he wants to get out of this alive.
Not everyone had the same idea though.
When a panicked man with purple eyes grabs him at gunpoint and takes him hostage, Sam knows that this is more than a mere ransom opportunity; this man is scared of something...
And Sam is going to have to find what it is if he wants to get out of this alive.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2018
450 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Cartwright
66 books249 followersChristopher Cartwright writes spellbinding mysteries and suspense novels. Often with a backdrop of ocean adventure. Born in 1983, he has a background as a paramedic, and is an avid sailor and SCUBA diver.
He holds degrees in paramedics, nursing and emergency management.
Chris currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.
He holds degrees in paramedics, nursing and emergency management.
Chris currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 30, 2018
the saga continues.
just got my copy of the holy grail 4 hours ago, I have just finished reading this latest instalment of Sam Reilly's adventures. it's now 3.45 in the morning. this is a testament to Christopher Cartwrights brilliance in his writing. Go Christopher, please keep producing these excellent stories. from an avid fan.
just got my copy of the holy grail 4 hours ago, I have just finished reading this latest instalment of Sam Reilly's adventures. it's now 3.45 in the morning. this is a testament to Christopher Cartwrights brilliance in his writing. Go Christopher, please keep producing these excellent stories. from an avid fan.
February 4, 2023
I’d really give this book 2.75 stars, as it is entertaining enough as an audiobook. I’ve read three of Cartwright’s books and they have all been fairly corny. This one is no exception. Sam, of course, is fairly perfect. And his lips curl when he smiles…all the time through the book. I went to a mirror to practice that. Mine don’t seem to do that.
August 9, 2019
This time, trouble finds Sam Reilly. Sam is taken hostage by a man escaping from an interrogation room in the Pentagon. This man started his day normally, wanting to donate blood for his friend who had been in a motorcycle accident. After giving his blood for testing, several times, he was detained and then drugged. He awoke in the interrogation room at the Pentagon being questioned by the FBI. Not knowing what was going on, being detained against his will, he overpowered the FBI agent and ran into Sam Reilly. Sam’s instinct knew there was more to this story, so he helped Ben escape from the Pentagon. A short car ride to a nearby airport, a “borrowed” helicopter, and Sam and Ben were on their way to safety. Or so Sam thought. F-16s and an air-to-air missile put an end to their flight. Now Sam was angry; who had put a kill order on him and his unknown passenger? All leads pointed to Bolshoi Zayatsky Island in the Onega Bay of the White Sea, in Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia. The island is home to a huge obsidian labyrinth and home to origins of the Master Builders. Parents of Ben Ghelly, John and Jenny Ghelly were leaders of a terrorist cult back in the 1970s attempting to recreate the Phoenix Plague, a virus designed to bring the world’s population to its knees. The cult was destroyed, but John and Jenny Ghelly escaped. How was all of this tied to Ben, did he have a role in any terrorist activity? Who had initiated the kill order on Sam and Ben, and why? Sam aimed to find out. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 17, 2025
This is another exciting novel by Christopher Cartwright. A man (Ben) goes to the hospital to give blood when his friend is in a motorcycle accident and abruptly finds himself imprisoned by doctors and orderlies intent on taking an ever growing number of blood and tissue samples from him. When he tries to leave, he is drugged and wakes up in an interrogation room where an FBI agent accuses him of being a terrorist and a son of a terrorist. They struggle and the man momentarily escapes, taking Sam Reilly hostage so that he won't simply be gunned down. Except, they try to gun him down anyway leading to an exciting chase where Sam and Ben try to avoid being killed.
In the first couple of chapters, the reader is in Ben's head, so we know he's not guilty of what he's being accused of (nebulous as those accusations are). But when the Secretary of Defense (Sam's friend) finds out the man's identity, she and the president support the kill on sight order, even if it means that Sam has to die too.
This is a great mystery with heart pounding action. The only weakness I detected was in how the government got on to Ben in the first place from a simple blood test. I thought that they must have identified him earlier and possibly even set up the friend's accident as a way of getting him in for testing to confirm that he was the person they suspected, but apparently that wasn't the case. I have no idea what set all of this I motion.
In the first couple of chapters, the reader is in Ben's head, so we know he's not guilty of what he's being accused of (nebulous as those accusations are). But when the Secretary of Defense (Sam's friend) finds out the man's identity, she and the president support the kill on sight order, even if it means that Sam has to die too.
This is a great mystery with heart pounding action. The only weakness I detected was in how the government got on to Ben in the first place from a simple blood test. I thought that they must have identified him earlier and possibly even set up the friend's accident as a way of getting him in for testing to confirm that he was the person they suspected, but apparently that wasn't the case. I have no idea what set all of this I motion.
June 6, 2021
You know how some stories seem to drag on forever and you find yourself yearning for a worthwhile twist or exciting turn to the plot so you don't lose interest, well this story will not disappoint the reader with thrilling vitality, amazing revelations, and formidable challenges from page one. This is a fast-paced, action-filled thriller that that will keep you turning the pages just to see what's coming next.
The Holy Grail by Christopher Cartwright is the 13th installment of the Sam Reilly Series and my first encounter with the series. The plot is well developed and thought-provoking, with the main character, Sam Reilly arbitrarily being kidnapped and forced to help an accused terrorist escape the deadly grasp of the federal government. To Sam's knowledge, the "terrorist" was just a guy with unusually tight reflexes, strength, agility, and violet eyes until he innocently volunteered to give blood to a friend that was involved in an automobile accident. The blood samples identified the person as a threat to humanity and marked him for assassination by the government. Sam understands that there is much more to the threat that the government is willing to share, so Sam tries to unravel the mystery with the help of his elite team of allies.
This was a fast-paced read and recommend it for anyone looking for a good mystery thriller.
The Holy Grail by Christopher Cartwright is the 13th installment of the Sam Reilly Series and my first encounter with the series. The plot is well developed and thought-provoking, with the main character, Sam Reilly arbitrarily being kidnapped and forced to help an accused terrorist escape the deadly grasp of the federal government. To Sam's knowledge, the "terrorist" was just a guy with unusually tight reflexes, strength, agility, and violet eyes until he innocently volunteered to give blood to a friend that was involved in an automobile accident. The blood samples identified the person as a threat to humanity and marked him for assassination by the government. Sam understands that there is much more to the threat that the government is willing to share, so Sam tries to unravel the mystery with the help of his elite team of allies.
This was a fast-paced read and recommend it for anyone looking for a good mystery thriller.
December 2, 2018
A man in his 20s goes to a hospital to give blood for a friend in need only to find himself being asked for further samples and when he gets fed with no answers he refuses and tries to leave. Next thing he knows he is being interrogated with questions about his past, patents and he is soon fed up again and breaking free of his restraints, he manages to break free, recovering a gun in the process. Once out of the room he discovers he is in the Pentagon and in the Secretary of Defense's office. Grabbing a civilian he encounters he takes him hostage. The Hostage is Sam Reilly, civilian contractor and black ops operative for the SecDef and under the gun Sam helps him avoid the search and lock down. Now with both of them on the run with chasers with a shoot to kill order they have a number of close calls on the way to discovering why the kill order was given.
August 19, 2019
•audiobook•
3.5, but not quite a 4.
I liked this book more than ironclad. The story was interesting, and the characters were fun, although they all seemed to share the same personality and sense of humour.
I don’t understand how or why there is ‘recent’ script on cave walls below sea level (submerged hundreds or so years ago) for part of the crew to discover the secret or key to the mystery.
It provides an exciting adventure but one really has to suspend belief.
Writing is more professional than the previous book. So either editors are involved or Mr Cartwright’s skills are improving.
Worth a listen. The narrator is pretty good.
This is my voluntary review of an audiobook received for free.
3.5, but not quite a 4.
I liked this book more than ironclad. The story was interesting, and the characters were fun, although they all seemed to share the same personality and sense of humour.
I don’t understand how or why there is ‘recent’ script on cave walls below sea level (submerged hundreds or so years ago) for part of the crew to discover the secret or key to the mystery.
It provides an exciting adventure but one really has to suspend belief.
Writing is more professional than the previous book. So either editors are involved or Mr Cartwright’s skills are improving.
Worth a listen. The narrator is pretty good.
This is my voluntary review of an audiobook received for free.
April 29, 2019
The Holy Grail, my thirteenth read from author Christopher Cartwright & the thirteenth book in the highly entertaining Sam Reilly series. This book takes a new turn in the on-going theme of the master builders. Well-written thriller with captivating & well-developed main characters. Reminds me of Dan Brown’s writing. These books have been a rollicking adventure & I’ll be reading more by this author as I already own more books in the series and am looking for sales to buy more yet! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 27, 2021
This is the second "Sam Reilly" book I've read and I do like them. The author has good pacing and interesting locations and characters. This is not about the famous "holy grail," but rather about what might be called the holy grail of medicine - kind of a search for superior health and intelligence, etc. Sam Reilly is a good guy who finds ways to escape dangerous situations and this is an adventure that keeps him hopping. The other man involved, Ben Gellie, is the target of a huge manhunt and is saved by Sam. He too is an interesting character. Very good adventure.
May 13, 2020
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
OK Sam is back but this is a more modern adventure and more James Bond than Indiana Jones which I really liked its an exciting adventure full of secrets and lies and there is a mole in the team somewhere. This follows the underlying storyline some more and we get a few more details about what has been going on but as always with this author he just teases you and doesn’t show the whole picture so on to the next book I go.
OK Sam is back but this is a more modern adventure and more James Bond than Indiana Jones which I really liked its an exciting adventure full of secrets and lies and there is a mole in the team somewhere. This follows the underlying storyline some more and we get a few more details about what has been going on but as always with this author he just teases you and doesn’t show the whole picture so on to the next book I go.
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July 26, 2023Best Sam Reilly Book in Series
Best plot and topic so far in series. If you don't learn anything from Cartwright's books then you are not trying! Very enlightening and informative on necessary topics. Love most of the recurring characters but one and you know who she is. Hint: Typical government callousness. Hope the author writes a hundred books in this series. Love them Mr. Cartwright.
Best plot and topic so far in series. If you don't learn anything from Cartwright's books then you are not trying! Very enlightening and informative on necessary topics. Love most of the recurring characters but one and you know who she is. Hint: Typical government callousness. Hope the author writes a hundred books in this series. Love them Mr. Cartwright.
May 14, 2020
Adventure and action
James bond type character, each story seems to have less of the incredible gadgets and less trust in the governmental people Sam works with. The government seems to kill people with little regard. and still no indication of who is actually running things. All sorts of secrets and subplots and agendas
James bond type character, each story seems to have less of the incredible gadgets and less trust in the governmental people Sam works with. The government seems to kill people with little regard. and still no indication of who is actually running things. All sorts of secrets and subplots and agendas
June 5, 2021
History, Intrigue, and a really good plot!
Cartwright has something going on here! the this leg of the Phoenix Plague journey gives the reader historic connections, the excitement of intrigue at the highest levels of government, and a plot the moves quickly from one mental stimulation to the next.
Cartwright has something going on here! the this leg of the Phoenix Plague journey gives the reader historic connections, the excitement of intrigue at the highest levels of government, and a plot the moves quickly from one mental stimulation to the next.
October 12, 2022
CHIRP AUDIOBOOK
This audiobook has a very intriguing storyline… I thought that the Holy Grail was going to be about uncovering a Christian artefact, but instead, it centers around bio-genetics. The book starts strong, is a little slow in the middle and ends on a high note! It’s a good one and recommended.
This audiobook has a very intriguing storyline… I thought that the Holy Grail was going to be about uncovering a Christian artefact, but instead, it centers around bio-genetics. The book starts strong, is a little slow in the middle and ends on a high note! It’s a good one and recommended.
February 18, 2023
Amazing story, highly exciting and excellent jumping off point for future books in this ongoing series. This one is about half way through the entire series -so far. These books are so good I have a hard time stopping to go to sleep. I can always count on the next one in series to be a great read!
October 4, 2018
As always unable to put this down and still after 13 books the endings never fail to have a brilliant twist and keep me in the dark till the very last page.
Am bereft now as have to wait till the next thrilling book is written.
Am bereft now as have to wait till the next thrilling book is written.
October 10, 2018
Intrigue and deception
A unique twist on Sam Reilly and trouble finding him. Completely enjoyable and entertaining. Twists, turns, adventure and danger combine into a fast paced well written read. Waiting for the next one!
A unique twist on Sam Reilly and trouble finding him. Completely enjoyable and entertaining. Twists, turns, adventure and danger combine into a fast paced well written read. Waiting for the next one!
November 24, 2019
A long game
The Master Builders have been playing along game and both regular humans and genetic variant humans are caught up in something that they can only perceive in part. This was a very enjoyable read.
The Master Builders have been playing along game and both regular humans and genetic variant humans are caught up in something that they can only perceive in part. This was a very enjoyable read.
June 24, 2020
Excellent Thriller
Book 13 was at the level of adventure and excitement expected from a Sam Reily book. This story was fast paced and kept the readers interest from page one, with some unexpected twists and turns, particularly at the end. Ready to start on book 14
Book 13 was at the level of adventure and excitement expected from a Sam Reily book. This story was fast paced and kept the readers interest from page one, with some unexpected twists and turns, particularly at the end. Ready to start on book 14
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November 2, 2020I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Holy Grail. This was another exciting adventure with Sam, Tom, Elise and others coordinating and cooperating to defeat the bad guys. I've always enjoyed placing myself in the position of the character in charge and it is so fun to do that with Sam.
February 15, 2021
Felt very lightweight in comparison to the others - it was an overly long short story.
I wish he'd stop bulking out his prose with stats: telling me how many horsepower the engine has or how many RPM is can do doesn't make the story more exciting. Still... I keep reading.
I wish he'd stop bulking out his prose with stats: telling me how many horsepower the engine has or how many RPM is can do doesn't make the story more exciting. Still... I keep reading.
May 10, 2021
Master Builders?
I’ve just finished reading this book and my impressions are of mystery, speed, good and badly informed. Sam Reilly is always thinking two steps ahead but ‘they’ still manage to be there first. I was left with a slight feeling of disappointment.
I’ve just finished reading this book and my impressions are of mystery, speed, good and badly informed. Sam Reilly is always thinking two steps ahead but ‘they’ still manage to be there first. I was left with a slight feeling of disappointment.
May 21, 2021
Nobody really knew him but was he the Holy Grail
A truly breathtaking adventure of a man who unknowingly represented a serious national threat to the USA. Another really nail biting advenature with Sam Reilly, and his distinct circle of friends, with an extraordinary finale
A truly breathtaking adventure of a man who unknowingly represented a serious national threat to the USA. Another really nail biting advenature with Sam Reilly, and his distinct circle of friends, with an extraordinary finale
May 25, 2021
A fast paced novel from the outset. It links into the continuing saga of the Master Builders , ancient manipulators of the human race. It links all the usual characters from previous novels and is getting us close to the denouement.
October 9, 2021
Not one of the best Sam Reilly books. Was a really gripping story line that I was enjoying, then realised I’d got to 95% of the book and felt it had more to give. It ended abruptly and I felt had no real conclusion. Hence only 4*.
April 3, 2022
Amazing!
What a neat plot! Talk about twists and turns! This is a great story...I love the plot and the characters! I've really quite a few of Chris' books, and they're ALL fantastic!
What a neat plot! Talk about twists and turns! This is a great story...I love the plot and the characters! I've really quite a few of Chris' books, and they're ALL fantastic!
April 29, 2022
Another seat of your pants adventure with Sam Reilly, which was all non stop action for all 250+ pages. My concern is a few continuity errors that seem to be creeping into the stories. As the author pumps them out so fast (25 books in 7 years) I think the standards are slipping…
June 3, 2022
Fact or fiction?
True to the Sam Reilly genre, this book carries action and mystery like a plague! A lot of facts are mixed with enough fiction to keep you wondering what is real or even if it could all be real! Great read.
True to the Sam Reilly genre, this book carries action and mystery like a plague! A lot of facts are mixed with enough fiction to keep you wondering what is real or even if it could all be real! Great read.
August 17, 2023
This book feels different than many of the early books, but it’s tense, fast-paced, and has a very interesting character! Shady government secrets, bigger plot connections, and confusion lead to a really fun story!
October 4, 2018
Wow, can't get enough of this series
This is such an action packed series. Love how the characters seem so real. Please keep them coming. A fan for life!!
This is such an action packed series. Love how the characters seem so real. Please keep them coming. A fan for life!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews