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Sam Reilly #24
Medusa's Curse
In 1829 the Spanish slave ship, Midas, left Mendiland (modern-day Sierra Leone) loaded with slaves, cannons, and muskets, headed for the Americas.
During the dangerous Atlantic crossing, the slaves revolted, taking control of the ship. In the years that followed, Midas became a pirate vessel, attacking Spanish slavers and merchants alike, until the rogue captain and crew decided to return to Africa with their spoils.
The Midas was never seen again.
In present day, while hunting for the Midas, news reaches Sam Reilly of an escalating number of mysterious deaths, superstitiously whispered to be the fault of Medusa’s Curse. . . and the only clue to stopping it is deciphering a Greek myth thousands of years in the making...
During the dangerous Atlantic crossing, the slaves revolted, taking control of the ship. In the years that followed, Midas became a pirate vessel, attacking Spanish slavers and merchants alike, until the rogue captain and crew decided to return to Africa with their spoils.
The Midas was never seen again.
In present day, while hunting for the Midas, news reaches Sam Reilly of an escalating number of mysterious deaths, superstitiously whispered to be the fault of Medusa’s Curse. . . and the only clue to stopping it is deciphering a Greek myth thousands of years in the making...
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2021
125 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Cartwright
104 books254 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 26, 2021
Not up to the mark, in my opinion.
While I've enjoyed all Sam Reilly's adventures till now, this one was not up to the same level of excitement as the earlier ones.
There are the following principle reasons of the same (spoilers):
1) The slow nature of the narrative in the first half of the book, with overly detailed descriptions, which are a bit too verbose in nature. They could have been put as footnotes, rather than main text
2) There is an even deadlier pandemic going on, but the effects of the pandemic and its deadly seriousness is not brought out at all. Except for a few graphic descriptions of victims' sufferings, and passing notes of a more intense global lockdown and riots, the pandemic just passes by. Casualties as percentage of Earth's population gone, number of illegal organ harvests, global riots and unrest, etc. could have been brought in to show the seriousness of the virus and its deadliness - bringing some seriousness into the issue
3) They literally stumble across the solution, with all opposition and villains from the next book, rather than the current one
4) An awkward romance develops between Sam and the new lady protagonist, who has natural shooting and diving skills, introduced as deux ex machina
Hence, this felt more like a filler, than a true Sam Reilly thriller and adventure.
While I've enjoyed all Sam Reilly's adventures till now, this one was not up to the same level of excitement as the earlier ones.
There are the following principle reasons of the same (spoilers):
1) The slow nature of the narrative in the first half of the book, with overly detailed descriptions, which are a bit too verbose in nature. They could have been put as footnotes, rather than main text
2) There is an even deadlier pandemic going on, but the effects of the pandemic and its deadly seriousness is not brought out at all. Except for a few graphic descriptions of victims' sufferings, and passing notes of a more intense global lockdown and riots, the pandemic just passes by. Casualties as percentage of Earth's population gone, number of illegal organ harvests, global riots and unrest, etc. could have been brought in to show the seriousness of the virus and its deadliness - bringing some seriousness into the issue
3) They literally stumble across the solution, with all opposition and villains from the next book, rather than the current one
4) An awkward romance develops between Sam and the new lady protagonist, who has natural shooting and diving skills, introduced as deux ex machina
Hence, this felt more like a filler, than a true Sam Reilly thriller and adventure.
January 9, 2024
Listened over winter break and into the new year. I enjoy the Sam Reilly books - although the author can get a bit repetitive in their description. I don't need to know a person is out of breath when you say they're running for their life. And then you tell me they're straining for breath, as if they were running for their life. I love the descriptions of the place settings and I found that I google where the events take place and the kernels of history that the author puts in the book. Absolutely fascinating.
(Yes it's the same review for prior books, because it's true for all the books IMO.)
(Yes it's the same review for prior books, because it's true for all the books IMO.)
October 15, 2021
A good historical reference, at the beginning of the novel. Could have done without the soft-core French porn narrative. But as a love story, it does circle back in the end to make a somewhat happy ending. At least for that plotline, the other plotlines are too quickly solved or just left open-ended. The ending felt rushed and too many plotlines were solved without any explanation. This novel just did not have the feel as the previous novels felt. It was too rushed and scatter-brained.
September 24, 2021
does not disappoint
Like all Sam Reilly adventures Medusas Curse keeps you on the edge of your seat. A stay up all night book packed with fun interesting history and geography. Fast paced action on the go. Finished up and has you ready for the next installment. Worthy of a Movie or made for TV series. Christopher Cartwright never disappoints…
Like all Sam Reilly adventures Medusas Curse keeps you on the edge of your seat. A stay up all night book packed with fun interesting history and geography. Fast paced action on the go. Finished up and has you ready for the next installment. Worthy of a Movie or made for TV series. Christopher Cartwright never disappoints…
July 10, 2022
Great! Interesting!
I really enjoyed "Medusas Curse". As always Christopher Cartwright brings together the current with the past to create a intriguing story. He also brings you around the globe to make the story believable and more realistic. In this case he even brings in remnants of Covid. I highly recommend.
I really enjoyed "Medusas Curse". As always Christopher Cartwright brings together the current with the past to create a intriguing story. He also brings you around the globe to make the story believable and more realistic. In this case he even brings in remnants of Covid. I highly recommend.
August 31, 2025
Many, Many Eye Rolls
This reads more like a comic book than a novel. The characters are paper thin. The story flows from one ridiculous improbability to the next. The hero should be wearing a cape and constantly flash an ultra bright smile. I did like some of the descriptive information on locales, flora, and fauna but that’s about all this work had to offer.
This reads more like a comic book than a novel. The characters are paper thin. The story flows from one ridiculous improbability to the next. The hero should be wearing a cape and constantly flash an ultra bright smile. I did like some of the descriptive information on locales, flora, and fauna but that’s about all this work had to offer.
September 23, 2021
Brilliznt, smashing,exciting.
Everything you have come to expe tfrom this sensational author. thoroughly
enjoyable and over far too soon sucha pity we have to wait for the next edition.
Everything you have come to expe tfrom this sensational author. thoroughly
enjoyable and over far too soon sucha pity we have to wait for the next edition.
September 29, 2021
Mesmerizing from page 1
I love Sam Reilly! Cartwright just seems to get better with each offering. The story captures you from the first page and takes you on such a ride you do t want to get off. I was so engrossed I read this in one sitting. Fantastic read!
I love Sam Reilly! Cartwright just seems to get better with each offering. The story captures you from the first page and takes you on such a ride you do t want to get off. I was so engrossed I read this in one sitting. Fantastic read!
October 3, 2021
Lots of typos
Love Sam and his adventures. Yet this is the first time I've seen any typos. Even so this doesn't disappoint. Looking forward to part two of this book. Or the continuation of the story line.
Love Sam and his adventures. Yet this is the first time I've seen any typos. Even so this doesn't disappoint. Looking forward to part two of this book. Or the continuation of the story line.
October 6, 2021
christopher Carteright did it again!
This book like any other Cartwright’s books keep you interested all thru the book. But then the end has arrived and you have to wait for the next story. So exciting, captivating. Read and be mesmerized.
This book like any other Cartwright’s books keep you interested all thru the book. But then the end has arrived and you have to wait for the next story. So exciting, captivating. Read and be mesmerized.
October 14, 2021
Great Story plenty of history
This one is probably my favorite in the series. Sam and Tom are always knee deep on trouble and action. This story has a great twist. Got to read it to understand, it won't disappoint.
This one is probably my favorite in the series. Sam and Tom are always knee deep on trouble and action. This story has a great twist. Got to read it to understand, it won't disappoint.
October 17, 2021
Sam Reilly vs a deadly virus
Once again, an interesting story line that is unique and gripping with a lot of action and new characters along with the usual Tom, Genevieve and even Caliburn. Enjoyable read!
Once again, an interesting story line that is unique and gripping with a lot of action and new characters along with the usual Tom, Genevieve and even Caliburn. Enjoyable read!
December 9, 2021
Two nights
I read for pleasure, typically a chapter or two a night. I could not put this one down and finished it in two nights! I’m a big Sam Reilly fan and I can’t wait for the next one!
I read for pleasure, typically a chapter or two a night. I could not put this one down and finished it in two nights! I’m a big Sam Reilly fan and I can’t wait for the next one!
March 20, 2022
Great read...
I have read all of the books in this series and loved them all! I really like the two main characters and all of the other characters that come in their interactions with the people in the stories! Always a page turner with good action.
I have read all of the books in this series and loved them all! I really like the two main characters and all of the other characters that come in their interactions with the people in the stories! Always a page turner with good action.
October 21, 2025
Another Sam Reilly adventure/suspense story. This has all the usual suspense/action that keeps you reading. Although the story line was supernatural and not likely it was really an enjoyable read. It leads into the next book that I will definitely want to read.
October 2, 2021
Another great Christopher Cartwright book
I love the San Reilly series and eagerly await the next one. Always enjoyable and full of action. Recommend any of this authors books
I love the San Reilly series and eagerly await the next one. Always enjoyable and full of action. Recommend any of this authors books
October 18, 2021
Great read as usual
Good story looking forward to the next book. Always ends in a cliff hanger. Follow up should be good and worth reading
Good story looking forward to the next book. Always ends in a cliff hanger. Follow up should be good and worth reading
October 25, 2021
Wow. Keeps getting better and better
December 28, 2021
Sam Reilly
Hooked on the series and can't wait for book 25 which is not due out until August 22. Too long
Hooked on the series and can't wait for book 25 which is not due out until August 22. Too long
March 28, 2022
Travel with your belts tight.
Have fun and use a map to know where you are traveling with Sam. Now to learn how to scuba dive better.
Have fun and use a map to know where you are traveling with Sam. Now to learn how to scuba dive better.
June 17, 2022
Always entertaining!
A fun read. And as always I'm looking forward to the next book. Lots of action and adventure. And I like the characters.
A fun read. And as always I'm looking forward to the next book. Lots of action and adventure. And I like the characters.
January 31, 2023
Top Notch Science Fiction, even though you don’t call it Science Fiction! I must read the rest of this series!
May 3, 2025
as good as it gets
Plenty of action and suspense from start to finish. They set the hook at the end so it’s on to the next book to see what happens next
Plenty of action and suspense from start to finish. They set the hook at the end so it’s on to the next book to see what happens next
January 17, 2023
I have not read the book. I am reading it now and will rate it when I finish.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews