What do you think?
Rate this book
Sam Reilly #19
The Labyrinth Key
Fifteen years ago, 8-year-old Ethan Jones watched a stranger bury something in the mining ruins of the Rhyolite Desert, Nevada.
Even at his young age, he knew what he’d just seen was important.
In present day, a US Navy SEAL takes refuge in a secret chamber beneath the ancient streets of Syria and discovers an unusual stone artifact, like nothing he’d ever seen before.
When news of the discovery reaches Sam Reilly, he is forced to return to his past, where his search for the Master Builders originated – and complete a mission he’d hoped could have stayed unfinished forever.
Even at his young age, he knew what he’d just seen was important.
In present day, a US Navy SEAL takes refuge in a secret chamber beneath the ancient streets of Syria and discovers an unusual stone artifact, like nothing he’d ever seen before.
When news of the discovery reaches Sam Reilly, he is forced to return to his past, where his search for the Master Builders originated – and complete a mission he’d hoped could have stayed unfinished forever.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2019
594 people are currently reading
346 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 4, 2021
I was puzzled with how different Sam and Tom were in this book. Where did the confident, brave heroes go? It felt as if someone had taken over writing. I finished the book as I felt I needed to follow the bigger story. Here’s hoping the next book in the series gets back to the characters I have enjoyed.
November 10, 2019
I really hate to write bad reviews, but I feel compelled to do so here as I found myself becoming increasingly annoyed as the book progressed. I had to force myself to finish this novel to see if it ended better than it read throughout. Sadly, it did not. I find it difficult to believe the same author who began the Sam Reilly series wrote this. The characters were caricatures of their earlier selves. The dialog was stilted and unbelievable, Sam and Tom were portrayed as novice simpletons, and the action...well it was almost non existent. I don’t think I will be reading anything further in this series.
February 14, 2020
Ok, the first third of this book sucked, plain and simple. Way too many questions about why they were even doing what they were doing. No backstory at all.
It got better as it went, but I'm getting tired of stringing out the same thing over multiple books.
Good read... not great sad to say.
It got better as it went, but I'm getting tired of stringing out the same thing over multiple books.
Good read... not great sad to say.
November 6, 2019
Didn't like what was done with the main characters.
October 1, 2025
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Fifteen years ago, 8-year-old Ethan Jones watched a stranger bury something in the mining ruins of the Rhyolite Desert, Nevada.
Even at his young age, he knew what he’d just seen was important.
In present day, a US Navy SEAL takes refuge in a secret chamber beneath the ancient streets of Syria and discovers an unusual stone artifact, like nothing he’d ever seen before.
When news of the discovery reaches Sam Reilly, he is forced to return to his past, where his search for the Master Builders originated – and complete a mission he’d hoped could have stayed unfinished forever.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Action and Adventure
Review:
Book 19 in the Sam Reilly series delivers a masterful blend of suspense, archaeology, and high-octane adventure. The story opens with a haunting childhood memory—Ethan Jones, just eight years old, witnesses a mysterious burial in the desolate Rhyolite Desert. That moment, buried in time, resurfaces fifteen years later with seismic consequences.
Meanwhile, a U.S. Navy SEAL uncovers a strange stone artifact beneath the ancient streets of Syria, setting off a chain reaction that pulls Sam Reilly back into a mission he thought he’d left behind forever. The discovery is not just unusual—it’s otherworldly, and its implications reach deep into the legend of the Master Builders, a secretive group whose influence spans centuries.
This book has everything a great action-adventure novel should offer—plenty of thrilling sequences, a mystery that keeps you guessing, and a likeable hero who anchors the story. The pacing is relentless. Things happen fast, situations shift quickly, and the momentum never lets up.
Fifteen years ago, 8-year-old Ethan Jones watched a stranger bury something in the mining ruins of the Rhyolite Desert, Nevada.
Even at his young age, he knew what he’d just seen was important.
In present day, a US Navy SEAL takes refuge in a secret chamber beneath the ancient streets of Syria and discovers an unusual stone artifact, like nothing he’d ever seen before.
When news of the discovery reaches Sam Reilly, he is forced to return to his past, where his search for the Master Builders originated – and complete a mission he’d hoped could have stayed unfinished forever.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Action and Adventure
Review:
Book 19 in the Sam Reilly series delivers a masterful blend of suspense, archaeology, and high-octane adventure. The story opens with a haunting childhood memory—Ethan Jones, just eight years old, witnesses a mysterious burial in the desolate Rhyolite Desert. That moment, buried in time, resurfaces fifteen years later with seismic consequences.
Meanwhile, a U.S. Navy SEAL uncovers a strange stone artifact beneath the ancient streets of Syria, setting off a chain reaction that pulls Sam Reilly back into a mission he thought he’d left behind forever. The discovery is not just unusual—it’s otherworldly, and its implications reach deep into the legend of the Master Builders, a secretive group whose influence spans centuries.
This book has everything a great action-adventure novel should offer—plenty of thrilling sequences, a mystery that keeps you guessing, and a likeable hero who anchors the story. The pacing is relentless. Things happen fast, situations shift quickly, and the momentum never lets up.
July 20, 2020
DNF - I'm putting "The Labyrinth Key" on the Did Not Finish shelf. Hate to but......
I really dislike having to DNF a book but "The Labyrinth Key" by Christopher Cartwright simply didn't do it for me. After frequently dozing off through the first 27 chapters I realized I didn't care what happened in the next chapter, let alone the forty-something remaining chapters I'd have to slog through to finish this book.
I couldn't get invested in any of the characters. They're like cardboard cutouts but it wasn't that I disliked either Sam or Tom, I just didn't care what happened to them. So I skipped all the way to the last two chapters and the Epilogue to find out if I would regret my actions. Nope! Thus my DNF on this pne.
I wish Goodreads would add a DNF category so readers wouldn't be required to award unearned stars. In this case, I felt the writing itself, from a purely grammatical standpoint, deserved three stars. That's the best I can muster for this snoozer.
#TheLabyrinthKey #ChristopherCartwright #SamReillySeries#19 #ReadMyLips.home.blog #Goodreads.SavSandy #Twitter.savsandy #Instagram.sandragarlandhardy #Facebook.SandraGarlandHardy
Amazon.KindleUnlimited
I really dislike having to DNF a book but "The Labyrinth Key" by Christopher Cartwright simply didn't do it for me. After frequently dozing off through the first 27 chapters I realized I didn't care what happened in the next chapter, let alone the forty-something remaining chapters I'd have to slog through to finish this book.
I couldn't get invested in any of the characters. They're like cardboard cutouts but it wasn't that I disliked either Sam or Tom, I just didn't care what happened to them. So I skipped all the way to the last two chapters and the Epilogue to find out if I would regret my actions. Nope! Thus my DNF on this pne.
I wish Goodreads would add a DNF category so readers wouldn't be required to award unearned stars. In this case, I felt the writing itself, from a purely grammatical standpoint, deserved three stars. That's the best I can muster for this snoozer.
#TheLabyrinthKey #ChristopherCartwright #SamReillySeries#19 #ReadMyLips.home.blog #Goodreads.SavSandy #Twitter.savsandy #Instagram.sandragarlandhardy #Facebook.SandraGarlandHardy
Amazon.KindleUnlimited
May 23, 2020
Adventure and action
So disappointed, the characters Tom and Sam have gone from caring, intelligent, interesting characters to whiny brats, throwing tantrums, being confused, mad, forgetful. Unpleasant and stupid, not using the team or their resources. Are the last few books being written by someone else? Has the author gotten bored with the series. Things not tied together well anymore. Who believes a tourist can walk around the pyramids by themselves, no guards, no guide? Who believes that although they've been followed and shot at, with everyone and his brother looking for them, the keys, and the library that all of a sudden three guys can find this all important place by themselves and get others there to view what everyone has searched centuries for while they go looking for something else. Don't know if the characters can be worth following any further. Loved the first stories, lost interest in these last few
So disappointed, the characters Tom and Sam have gone from caring, intelligent, interesting characters to whiny brats, throwing tantrums, being confused, mad, forgetful. Unpleasant and stupid, not using the team or their resources. Are the last few books being written by someone else? Has the author gotten bored with the series. Things not tied together well anymore. Who believes a tourist can walk around the pyramids by themselves, no guards, no guide? Who believes that although they've been followed and shot at, with everyone and his brother looking for them, the keys, and the library that all of a sudden three guys can find this all important place by themselves and get others there to view what everyone has searched centuries for while they go looking for something else. Don't know if the characters can be worth following any further. Loved the first stories, lost interest in these last few
July 17, 2023
It had potential
The story began as a respectable thread. Near the 75% mark, the tale became an erratic jumble of careless writing. The hero, a seasoned adventurer suddenly becomes a bumbling novice. He and his team begin a "planned" trek into a tunnel with little more than a cell phone for lighting. This Marine and SEAL pair are suddenly referred to as having Army experience. The weapons they have carried into this tunnel suddenly become different weapons. Then, the final error, the well educated hero forgets critical archaeology knowledge he had possessed previously in this story. As a result, it was frustrating to complete the read.
The story began as a respectable thread. Near the 75% mark, the tale became an erratic jumble of careless writing. The hero, a seasoned adventurer suddenly becomes a bumbling novice. He and his team begin a "planned" trek into a tunnel with little more than a cell phone for lighting. This Marine and SEAL pair are suddenly referred to as having Army experience. The weapons they have carried into this tunnel suddenly become different weapons. Then, the final error, the well educated hero forgets critical archaeology knowledge he had possessed previously in this story. As a result, it was frustrating to complete the read.
November 7, 2022
Cartwright tells a decent adventure story. His characters are interesting and engaging. This book was too busy, I felt like I needed a score card just to keep everyone straight. There were too many characters that sounded too they only showed up for a scene, after they told people what they needed the character was never mentioned again. It’s like the just ceased to exist. I’m going to continue the series, but I only recommend reading it only to set up the following book.
One last thing, someone needs to buy Mr. Cartwright for Christmas. I’m pretty sure he needs it.
One last thing, someone needs to buy Mr. Cartwright for Christmas. I’m pretty sure he needs it.
April 10, 2020
The Labyrinth Key (Sam Reilly #19), my nineteenth read from author Christopher Cartwright & the nineteenth book in the highly entertaining Sam Reilly series. A well-written rollicking thriller with captivating & well-developed main characters. Reminds me of the writings of Steve Berry, Dan Brown & James Rollins. Next up is The Obsidian Chamber (Sam Reilly #20). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
February 28, 2023
The Keys to The Puzzle of Everything
Book 19 takes us everywhere, it seems -even to the grassy knoll, sort of. This is a heck of a book! Don’t know how Cartwright does it. Clever author with a profound knowledge of all military weapons, air and water craft, etc. etc. Knows a whole lot about caving, diving, etc, as well as ancient history and seemingly everything. Heck of a series!
Book 19 takes us everywhere, it seems -even to the grassy knoll, sort of. This is a heck of a book! Don’t know how Cartwright does it. Clever author with a profound knowledge of all military weapons, air and water craft, etc. etc. Knows a whole lot about caving, diving, etc, as well as ancient history and seemingly everything. Heck of a series!
May 13, 2023
Totally enthralling action
As always with Sam Reilly s tories, this is a totally enthralling, action packed, story about the life of a man who doesn't have any notion of what the words danger, impossible and surrender mean. Sam, together with long known friends Tom and Ethan, sets out on another totally reckless and extremely dangerous quest. Without fear of life or limb is again exploring ancient mysterious diggings to find " the true meaning of life".
As always with Sam Reilly s tories, this is a totally enthralling, action packed, story about the life of a man who doesn't have any notion of what the words danger, impossible and surrender mean. Sam, together with long known friends Tom and Ethan, sets out on another totally reckless and extremely dangerous quest. Without fear of life or limb is again exploring ancient mysterious diggings to find " the true meaning of life".
July 27, 2023
Not his best work
I've read, and thoroughly enjoyed, every Sam Reilly book Christopher Cartwright has written. Not so this one. Facts were a jumbled mess. Plot line was hard to track and the jumps from one section to the next were hard to follow. Multiple times he contradicted earlier statements. As I said, not his best work. I hope the next one, which I will read, is back to the old Sam Reilly series we have all enjoyed.
I've read, and thoroughly enjoyed, every Sam Reilly book Christopher Cartwright has written. Not so this one. Facts were a jumbled mess. Plot line was hard to track and the jumps from one section to the next were hard to follow. Multiple times he contradicted earlier statements. As I said, not his best work. I hope the next one, which I will read, is back to the old Sam Reilly series we have all enjoyed.
August 17, 2023
I had high hopes for this plot, especially because of earlier established connections to the titular labyrinth, but the ending felt really rushed for me. I wasn’t in love with the characters in this one, and Sam spends most of his time away from his core crew, trying to resolve something from his past. I liked the idea, but not the execution. It felt separated from the series overall, even though its locations might have connected better with the overall storyline.
February 3, 2025
Review of this book.
I loved the whole book. Very exciting! New characters were introduced. A real bombshell was dropped at the end. No, I will not say what. The next reader will love it. There was a lot of action, shooting, and close shaves. Sam and Tom are an unstoppable team. There was a betrayal that I did not see coming. It changed the dynamics of the story. All around great book!
I loved the whole book. Very exciting! New characters were introduced. A real bombshell was dropped at the end. No, I will not say what. The next reader will love it. There was a lot of action, shooting, and close shaves. Sam and Tom are an unstoppable team. There was a betrayal that I did not see coming. It changed the dynamics of the story. All around great book!
August 4, 2023
Editing is Abysmal
Marines become SEALs; SEALs become Marines - which is it?
Marines is generally uppercase. You have both.
The chapters are all over the place. I’m getting whiplash from trying go back and forth in this story.
I hope you hire someone who will help you edit these books. Storytellers need great editors.
Marines become SEALs; SEALs become Marines - which is it?
Marines is generally uppercase. You have both.
The chapters are all over the place. I’m getting whiplash from trying go back and forth in this story.
I hope you hire someone who will help you edit these books. Storytellers need great editors.
September 14, 2023
Book 19
Well researched book by Mr. Cartwright , but then its like the others that I have read. He takes you on a journey and you makes you turn each page to keep on reading. Finished this and am waiting to get into number 20. Anyone who likes adventure stories and military will enjoy his plotlines. Sam and Tom are new heroes you will want to read about.
Well researched book by Mr. Cartwright , but then its like the others that I have read. He takes you on a journey and you makes you turn each page to keep on reading. Finished this and am waiting to get into number 20. Anyone who likes adventure stories and military will enjoy his plotlines. Sam and Tom are new heroes you will want to read about.
September 26, 2023
Face paced and action packed.
Really enjoyed the book! Couple of things that bug me is that the Master Builder theme is getting old. And secondly, major historical error. Ernest Shackleton's ship is referenced but the WRONG ship! It was RMS Endurance that Shackleton took to Antarctica. Not Discovery. Huge difference.
Really enjoyed the book! Couple of things that bug me is that the Master Builder theme is getting old. And secondly, major historical error. Ernest Shackleton's ship is referenced but the WRONG ship! It was RMS Endurance that Shackleton took to Antarctica. Not Discovery. Huge difference.
December 15, 2023
Enjoyable
Love reading about Sam Reilly. Enjoy the quest with all it's Drama I liked the President Harris adventure near the end which explained the beginning
New character Ethan is a great addition and I am hoping he features in next chapter of this quest
Now l have to go locate the next book
Love reading about Sam Reilly. Enjoy the quest with all it's Drama I liked the President Harris adventure near the end which explained the beginning
New character Ethan is a great addition and I am hoping he features in next chapter of this quest
Now l have to go locate the next book
May 16, 2020
Good Thriller
Another excellent Sam Reilly story continuing the search for information based upon the Master Builders. There were several twists and turns with a surprising ending...leading to the next adventure.
Another excellent Sam Reilly story continuing the search for information based upon the Master Builders. There were several twists and turns with a surprising ending...leading to the next adventure.
Read
June 25, 2020Intense
Well written story about a team looking for something built by the Master Builders that sends them on a quest through multiple countries and many interesting locations. Great read
Well written story about a team looking for something built by the Master Builders that sends them on a quest through multiple countries and many interesting locations. Great read
July 5, 2020
Always a great read...
I enjoyed this book and will continue to the next book in this series! I get so caught up in the story and the characters. All of these books are great reading! Start from the first book and you will too!!!
I enjoyed this book and will continue to the next book in this series! I get so caught up in the story and the characters. All of these books are great reading! Start from the first book and you will too!!!
April 1, 2022
Great storyline
Fun story with unexpected twist plots. The only down side is some sloppy writing. There are two Times when the story line messes up. They are locked in a place then with no explanation they ate free. It felt like this book was rushed to get to print.
Fun story with unexpected twist plots. The only down side is some sloppy writing. There are two Times when the story line messes up. They are locked in a place then with no explanation they ate free. It felt like this book was rushed to get to print.
April 25, 2023
Another great Sam, Riley book!
Although confusing at first, with the changes in actors, purposes and scenery, it all comes together towards the end, and makes a lot more sense. Very exciting and enthralling.
Although confusing at first, with the changes in actors, purposes and scenery, it all comes together towards the end, and makes a lot more sense. Very exciting and enthralling.
May 8, 2023
Was this really written by Chris Cartwright? The content and storylines seemed a poor imitation of previous books in this series. On the whole it was an easy read, but this just didn’t seem to be the same hero Sam Reilly that I have got to know and love.
May 11, 2023
Locked Secrets
Main characters are engaging. Seeking a legendary lost world and knowledge surpassing human capabilities. Treasury hunter and archaeological enthusiasts will be engrossed.
Main characters are engaging. Seeking a legendary lost world and knowledge surpassing human capabilities. Treasury hunter and archaeological enthusiasts will be engrossed.
May 22, 2023
To the end of the world and back
Another great adventure full of travel, thrills and lots of twists and action. A little bit of change in the cast, but this made the book more interesting to read. Recommended.
Another great adventure full of travel, thrills and lots of twists and action. A little bit of change in the cast, but this made the book more interesting to read. Recommended.
July 20, 2023
Captivating action adventure
Kept my interest and attention from the opening line to the last. Engaging and interesting. wonderful character development. A most engaging action packed escape!
Kept my interest and attention from the opening line to the last. Engaging and interesting. wonderful character development. A most engaging action packed escape!
August 16, 2023
another edge turner
Held my interest from page one to the end but was expecting a BUG EXPLOSIVE ENDING but was left still wanting more. Never the less it’s on to the next book in the series
.
Held my interest from page one to the end but was expecting a BUG EXPLOSIVE ENDING but was left still wanting more. Never the less it’s on to the next book in the series
.
June 9, 2020
Interesting
I enjoyed this book much more than the Tomb of Eldorado. The story seemed to flow along better for me. I still get bogged down in all the technical jargon.
I enjoyed this book much more than the Tomb of Eldorado. The story seemed to flow along better for me. I still get bogged down in all the technical jargon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews