When a respected Freemason is executed in a mysterious Templar cave, the police turn to antiquities investigator Vincent Blake for assistance. What was the Freemason protecting? And who would kill him for it?
After a second Freemason is murdered, Blake discovers a coded letter written by London’s genius architect Christopher Wren that sets him on a collision course with a sinister enemy who will stop at nothing to achieve their diabolical goal.
In a frantic battle against time, can Blake and an unlikely ally crack Wren’s “Logos” code before his ruthless adversary unleashes hell on earth?
In this final instalment of the Dark Horizon Trilogy, Blake’s greatest discovery becomes the world’s greatest threat, as the future of all things hangs in the balance.
Thriller writer, Duncan Simpson spent his childhood in Cornwall, England. As a teenager he gained experience in a variety of jobs: from working in a mine, to doing shifts as a security guard in an American airport. After graduating from the University of Leeds with a physics degree, he spent a year backpacking around the world. On returning to the UK, he embarked on a successful career in business. Along the way, he became the finance director for a technology company and a partner in a leading management consultancy firm.
His debut novel, The History of Things to Come was born out of his lifelong fascination with the relationship between science and religion. A keen student of the history of London, he loves exploring the ancient stories and myths surrounding the city. When he's not writing or consulting, you'll find him: playing guitar in a rock band, running by the Thames, or drinking tea with his wife and three children in their home in Berkshire, England.
This is the third book of The Dark Horizon trilogy. I read them all and read them in order. In my opinion, the books can be read as stand-alones, but you would miss so much of the character Vincent Blake if you pass up the other two. The third book made better sense since I read the other two first.
This was a tough read for me, but not because of the characters or a bad plot. It had none of that. The characters were fantastic and the plot was thick and tight. The story was loaded with the history of the Freemasons, the Knights Templar, Christopher Wren--it was academic and I learned a lot and found it more than interesting. What got me was the geometry involved with it all. Euclid's 17th Proposition, 3:4:5, Pythagorean Theorum...it was all so confusing to me and I spent a fair amount of time on the internet trying to get it all figured out. All I got out of it was it has to do with triangles and the pyramids were built with these...I don't know what you call them. Obviously, I have no concept of geometry. This is no fault of the author. I just couldn't wrap my mind around it, still can't, but that did not stop me from enjoying the story. I enjoyed it very much. I just wanted to figure out the geometry since it was such an important part of the book. I just can't understand it. I guess I'm just not wired for it.
Onto the story. Vincent Blake is working with the police department on some murders that are closely related. It's all very mysterious and gets personal when he knows the murder victims and they're killed in the most gruesome of ways, never divulging the secret the murderers were trying to get out of them. It was sacred and worth dying for. It's up to Vincent to uncover the secrets without getting himself killed. It was a white-knuckled ride from the beginning to the end.
Vincent is a strong character and does most of everything on his own, but he did enlist the enigmatic Mary and her black dog. Mary is homeless and a "keeper of the gate". Her dog is her constant companion and her advocate. As it turns out, the dog is also on Vincent's side.
This is a deep read and the history will keep your head in the game. I love books that teach me things. I didn't get the geometry part no matter how hard I tried, but the history of the rest kept me turning the pages to a gratifying end.
Be sure to read the history notes at the end of the book. There's some great information there, too.
What a climax to a whirlwind of a trilogy…and the action does not cease! Leading up to this point in the series, Blake has overturned some serious hurdles to hinder a secret society’s devious plans. In this final book, Blake realizes that he has not prevented any of the plans as he had perceived; instead, this time it will be the end of all. Joining forces with the enigmatic Mary, whom I loved throughout the other books, they tackle the diabolical society head on to prevent their plans to come to fruition. Set in London, Simpson throws the reader directly into the busy, pedestrian filled streets, which captured me back in Book 1. Simpson’s crisp writing is absolutely breathtaking as the story gathers momentum towards the fast-paced, enthralling end. In addition, the author hints at his vast knowledge on English architecture and allows the reader to explore the city scape in wondrous awe. Most important, Simpson gives new life into his series characters (like Blake), and root for them along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed Simpson’s trilogy and felt lost when it ended. As I reader, I hope the author has more Blake novels down the pipeline. In any case, I will definitely be picking up Simpson’s next book.
I'm an adventure junkie, especially if the story involves archaeology and history. THE LOGOS CODE was so exciting I couldn't put it down even though my eyes were so tired. Thank goodness for the text-to-speech feature on my Kindle Fire. I enjoyed this book as well as the rest of the Dark Horizon Trilogy series. They are definitely in the same league as Dan Brown's Robert Langdon books. Simpson's vivid descriptions and historical background make me want to visit London again.
The History of Things to Come #1 - This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed the story immensely. The ultimate battle between Good and Evil, and the coming of the Tribulation. Mr. Simpson wrote a book worth reading, with his well thought out story lines; his well defined characters; and a large blend of history with fiction. The story is fast paced with plenty of suspense; some predictable episodes, but an entertaining, substantial book.
Unfortunately, he didn't edit with a fine tooth comb, making mistakes that are noticeable but doesn't stop the flow of the story. 4*
The Devil's Architect #2 - Having read the first book, I was happy to find Devil's was even better. Extremely intriguing, full of London's history, ranging from the Druids to the Romans to the present, blended with stories from the Bible give the reader a substantial read that difficult to put down. Well written and thought out, the story lines are suspense filled with various events through time brought into play keeping the reader immersed in the pages. The characters are developed enough, and the main characters keep growing, to keep the reader's interest; some are fascinating.
With owning the first book of the series, I contacted the author to review this book since the third book was available for review. He kindly shared this book with me and I was well entertained. Needs minor editing. Included are various bits of information used in the story; some repeated verbatim from the story, some additional; and all were interesting. 5*
The Logos Code #3 - A fabulous ending to an intriguing, mesmerizing trilogy. Well written and well thought with a wonderful blend of history, religion, science, fact and fiction. The story is difficult to put down and I relish having all three books to chain read. This is a substantial, interesting read and the research and preparation that the author did makes this series of books a must read.
The characters add to the adhesion of the elements composing the trilogy. The main set of characters have developed incrementally, while the supporting characters add depth and meaning along the story lines. The locations and artifacts are important characters, too, and the blending in of several religions add reinforcement to the story lines. The author's vivid descriptions, along with the fast paced, action packed plot, and understandable, relaxed writing style reinforce the must read element. I received this after contacting the author to review his trilogy. 5*
I like to read stories about the Freemasons and Knights Templar and the foes they rally against. The Logos Code finds Vincent Blake and DCI Lukas Milton teaming up to battle a murderer targeting those that would protect the Logos Stone—a relic pulled from history to launch the bad guys into power and the earth into darkness. Mary and the black dog return as allies of Vincent and Milton, providing clues in her mysterious ways and drawing the wrath of the villains as the good guys pursue the Logos Stone to preserve humanity. As with Simpson’s previous books in the trilogy, this third draws on a great deal of factual historical events to lead any history buff in to doing a bit of online searching. Remember that the back of his books include tidbits on what is real within the novel. If you’re intrigued, pick up a copy of Secrets from the Dark Horizon - A Reader’s Companion, which will guide you physically—or from afar—through the streets of London learning about the architecture and hidden secrets of the city. This speedy thriller includes memorable character descriptions, which is important in a story with multiple players, especially when some are referred to by cryptic names such as Teacher and Apprentice. I never lost track of who was speaking or being spoken to. Carla Sabatini joins the tale due to the murder of her estranged father—a protector of the Logos secret, something she never knew about until now. Duncan’s female characters are never just props to move the story forward. From Mary to Carla, they stand as independent characters vital to the action and well-rounded individuals. Bravo to making the reader’s heart stop and start and pound in anticipation as these women are woven through the action. If you’re starting the series with this book, never fear, The Logos Code stands alone … but I’m betting you’ll be drawn to go back and read the first two.
The final part of is gripping and highly entertaining trilogy, Duncan Simpson’s “:The Logos Code” is even more complex in its background than its predecessors. The author has done a great deal of research linking ancient cultures through The Bible to Sir Christopher Wren and has weaved all of into a thriller which I enjoyed more than any book by Dan Brown and his emulators since “The Da Vinci Code”. His hero, Vincent Blake, is believable and engaging and the key character, Mary, a great creation along with her black dog. The pace of the book never slackens even with the amount of information the author needs us to understand. I will not put any spoilers into my review, but I did guess where the denouement would take place, which did not lessen my enjoyment one bit. If I could offer one small criticism it concerns the police characters and their organisation, I am afraid I found them both unconvincing. Nevertheless I have enjoyed the whole series enormously and look forward to where this talented author will take me next time around.
If you like The Raiders of the Lost Ark, you will love The Logos Code. It is not a direct copy by any means, but it definitely gives a little more than a nod to one of my favorite movies. This story has action, adventure, Freemasons, religious fanatics, a touch of the supernatural and of course, a little romance. I was a bit concerned when I realized that this was the last book in the trilogy, afraid that I was going to be lost; but I wasn't. This book is enough of a stand-alone and Mr. Simpson includes enough backstory, that I was able to follow along without any trouble at all. The characters are well-written and much more than one-dimensional, the dialogue is natural and flowing and there's enough descriptive detail for the reader to be able to "see" the location without being bogged down in minute details. All in all a very enjoyable book. I will definitely be looking for more Vincent Blake mysteries to come along.
The Logos Code by Duncan Simpson was a very rewarding and satiating read!. Main Character Vincent Blake is drawn into a heap of fast paced action, exceeded only by his huge capabilities to use his unequaled depths of knowledge to unearth secrets that ultimately saves humanity. Such a well laid out and well told story by Duncan Simpson with The Logos Code. Satiated this reader’s desires. The Dark Horizon Trilogy series takes the reader on a journey that won’t be forgotten anytime too soon, and does so with fast paced action, thrills, and mystery. The Logos Code with all its foundational history, and beautiful descriptions of geographical locale, steered the reader to a great ending of a story so unblieveably well told by Duncan Simpson! Kudos to Duncan Simpson for The Logos Code in The Dark Horizon Trilogy!! Reading The Logos Code is reading a very accomplished Author’s work(s) and deservedly SO. HIGHLY recommend The Logos Code by Duncan Simpson!
A must read for Dan Brown fans and anyone looking for intense, heart-stopping adventure. Centre-stage is Vincent Blake, London’s leading stolen-art investigator. Working at the fringes of the legitimate trade in rare and antique objects, little does he suspect the secrets he is about to reveal, nor the evil that awaits him. Soon Blake is thrown headfirst into a terrifying world of powerful dark forces and buried heretical secrets. Pitted against ruthless and chilling enemies, Blake must draw upon all his exceptional skills just to survive.
Duncan Simpson’s book is rich with well thought out story lines; well defined characters; and a large blend of history with fiction. The story is fast paced with plenty of suspense; some predictable episodes, but an entertaining, substantial book.
Another great story featuring Vincent Blake. Having read the first two in this series, I have been eagerly awaiting this one. It has not disappointed me! It's an interesting subject which has been written very well, and I found myself fully invested in this story, its characters and what they are going through. The author's love of London is apparent and equal to mine, so the secret society guarding something that must not fall into the wrong hands in the city I love is more than enough to keep me happy. I can't wait for another one.
Another roller-coaster ride from Duncan Simpson, one which I absolutely didn't want to come to an end. What I really love about his books (besides great plot lines) is the amount of research and fact-finding behind the story which makes the reader want to find out more about the locations and people mentioned - whether they be churches, pyramids, star alignments, historical figures or secret societies. Such a great read for lovers of Dan Brown's books - I can hardly wait for what comes next.
Just finished the Logos code, the third book in the dark horizon trilogy. It was a good read, well paced with sufficient twists and turns to keep you guessing. Like the Dan Brown type genre the author Duncan Simpson has well researched the places and historical people that are mentioned with these books, which gives an air of accuracy and the plot believable. Looking forward to what’s next from Duncan as I will definitely read his work again
A Freeman is found murdered and he is called in to find out what happened. What secret is being hidden? Then another Freeman is murdered. An enemy is going to be very dangerous so can he stay safe while trying to find him. Great thriller I received an advanced copy and I enjoyed it so much that I want to review
This is the third and final book in the Dark Horizon Trilogy. This fast-paced book is full of adventure, danger and suspense. Join antiquities investigator Vincent Blake in his race against time to solve the code. Strong characters, and an enchanting story. I read a reader copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.
This is the story of what Sarah's Dad did while she was off to camp for a week. It has some gruesome parts (not a spoiler, just an alert) so not for little ones and can be read over a weekend, which is advisable rather than staying up way past one's bedtime as I've done. I read an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
A terrible secret, London and enough facts about ancient cultures to make a geek like myself squeal on sheer glee.
This is a really interesting, full of suspense and compelling book, a truly fitting end for the trilogy. The characters are engaging, with a well-paced plot and a smooth writing.
This is a strong, exciting thrill ride from beginning to end, filled with excitement and history. Duncan Simpson's created another 5 star masterpiece. I hope you'll read it and write a review too, to let people know what you think of it. ☺
A search for an ancient relic leads to murder by the Teacher of the people who he feels know where the Logos stone is located. Blake and Mary, along with the dog, has to dodge the people hunting them and try to solve the mystery of the Logos stone and rod.
As a fan of this genre, I always like to check out different authors. Duncan does not disappoint. The details are fascinating and of course Vincent is too. I love that he seems human enough to be fearful at times.
A perfect hat trick and worth waiting for #3. I absolutely love his writing and the attention to detail of historical and geographical facts is incredibly interesting without distracting the reader from the gripping action as the drama unfolds.
This book is full of adventure and intrigue. I was really worried that evil was going to prevail. This book has it all. You get to guess at who the bad guy is and cruse when good guys get killed and wonder in awe at the revelations, all the while looking up historical facts and places. Loved it.
Like the previous novel, I found this book hard to put down. A real page turner. I would have given it five stars if the historical references were less wordy.
Wow. What an intriguing mystery. Vincent is an intiquities investigator. He’s called in when two Freemasons are killed. Impossible to stop once you start reading.