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John Decker #8
Cryptid Quest
Deep in the Amazon jungle, a world beyond imagination.
In the dense and dangerous Amazon, the crew of the supernatural reality series, Cryptid Quest, makes a stunning discovery. A Bronze Age fortress of Mayan design, hidden by impenetrable jungle and far from where it should be. But that’s not all. They also find tantalizing evidence of Egyptian and Greek influence—An impossible collision of ancient cultures that leaves them baffled. Then, without warning, they disappear without a trace.
Determined to find out what happened, John Decker travels to South America. Arriving in the humid Amazonian jungle, he joins a team of specialists pulled together from all corners of the globe, including a ghost from his past—An old flame he thought was out of his life forever.
But this is the least of Decker’s worries because when the group treks deep into the overgrown and unexplored jungle, they find themselves trapped in a forgotten land where death lurks around every corner, and the nightmares of the ancient world live on. Cut off from civilization, and under siege, they must solve the riddle of the ancient ruins and find a way out, or die trying...
This is book eight in the John Decker series, but it can be read as a standalone novel.
If you are a fan of James Rollins, Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child, and Clive Cussler, you will love the John Decker series.
In the dense and dangerous Amazon, the crew of the supernatural reality series, Cryptid Quest, makes a stunning discovery. A Bronze Age fortress of Mayan design, hidden by impenetrable jungle and far from where it should be. But that’s not all. They also find tantalizing evidence of Egyptian and Greek influence—An impossible collision of ancient cultures that leaves them baffled. Then, without warning, they disappear without a trace.
Determined to find out what happened, John Decker travels to South America. Arriving in the humid Amazonian jungle, he joins a team of specialists pulled together from all corners of the globe, including a ghost from his past—An old flame he thought was out of his life forever.
But this is the least of Decker’s worries because when the group treks deep into the overgrown and unexplored jungle, they find themselves trapped in a forgotten land where death lurks around every corner, and the nightmares of the ancient world live on. Cut off from civilization, and under siege, they must solve the riddle of the ancient ruins and find a way out, or die trying...
This is book eight in the John Decker series, but it can be read as a standalone novel.
If you are a fan of James Rollins, Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child, and Clive Cussler, you will love the John Decker series.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2021
607 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 13, 2025
Man, this one was a skimmer. As in I kept skimming it automatically and then had to force myself to go back and read slowly. I didn’t love it. Honestly I hated the Emma drama, I wanted more description of the crazy monsters, and the dialogue…it killed me! It was so wooden and just unrealistic. Bummer!!
January 26, 2025
4.5⭐️
Not my favorite of the series, I can’t really pinpoint why. It wasn’t overall action packed.. still fast paced but I wasn’t as hooked as usual.
Not my favorite of the series, I can’t really pinpoint why. It wasn’t overall action packed.. still fast paced but I wasn’t as hooked as usual.
March 16, 2022
Yesss, finally we got some more of that character progression I've been wanting with John! We get a glimpse into his past and make some headway with his future. The plot was interesting, as always, with monsters and scenes to make you cringe and block your eyes. On to the next one!
August 20, 2023
I’m just eating this series up. Thorough entertainment.
September 12, 2021
Mesmerizing Read!!
This book is the eighth book in this series and it had a mesmerizing hold on myself throughout the book, every page, chapter from the first page to the last page turned. It has supernatural elements which are from the underworld in the book. But John Decker ends up fighting monster's which we come to expect from this series and sometimes they are human. It had all the action too which catapults you through the book. This story though is a little lighter of horror and gore elements but addictive as the previous books in this series are.
John Deckers character, hmmm well what can I cannot get enough of this character, but this author's has the baddies that just get on your nerves too, all our together an awesome read.
My only concern with reading this author's book is I never want the story to end or put the book down. I literally have finished the book minutes ago and said ready for book nine where is it, oh dear am going to have to wait now damn!!
Looking forward to my next John Decker fix!!
This book is the eighth book in this series and it had a mesmerizing hold on myself throughout the book, every page, chapter from the first page to the last page turned. It has supernatural elements which are from the underworld in the book. But John Decker ends up fighting monster's which we come to expect from this series and sometimes they are human. It had all the action too which catapults you through the book. This story though is a little lighter of horror and gore elements but addictive as the previous books in this series are.
John Deckers character, hmmm well what can I cannot get enough of this character, but this author's has the baddies that just get on your nerves too, all our together an awesome read.
My only concern with reading this author's book is I never want the story to end or put the book down. I literally have finished the book minutes ago and said ready for book nine where is it, oh dear am going to have to wait now damn!!
Looking forward to my next John Decker fix!!
October 5, 2021
Please note: I was given a copy of this book and have voluntarily decided to give it this honest review.
Cryptid Quest, a popular television show, is filming a special expedition to the Amazon. They are there to follow up on an story, told by a local native, of an ancient city built by the original inhabitants of the jungle that is protected by prehistoric creatures. Despite being warned not to go, they set out and discover a pyramid in the middle of the jungle with ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, as well as ancient Greek, carved all over the sides of the pyramid. This exploration is cut short when they discover that the powerful creatures said to protect the city really do exist and they are powerless against their attacks. John Decker, formally a homicide detective for New York City, is now working for CUSP, an agency that investigates and captures dangerous supernatural creatures, and he is sent to investigate. This mission will be far more deadly than anyone could have expected.
I enjoyed reading this book with the references to the ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures. It kept you guessing whether or not the characters would make it out alive from the jungle up until the last chapter,
Cryptid Quest, a popular television show, is filming a special expedition to the Amazon. They are there to follow up on an story, told by a local native, of an ancient city built by the original inhabitants of the jungle that is protected by prehistoric creatures. Despite being warned not to go, they set out and discover a pyramid in the middle of the jungle with ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, as well as ancient Greek, carved all over the sides of the pyramid. This exploration is cut short when they discover that the powerful creatures said to protect the city really do exist and they are powerless against their attacks. John Decker, formally a homicide detective for New York City, is now working for CUSP, an agency that investigates and captures dangerous supernatural creatures, and he is sent to investigate. This mission will be far more deadly than anyone could have expected.
I enjoyed reading this book with the references to the ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures. It kept you guessing whether or not the characters would make it out alive from the jungle up until the last chapter,
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June 27, 2023I feel like the John Decker series is really starting to hit its stride over the last few entries. Cryptid Quest is another fun story, this time featuring Decker venturing into the Amazon jungle to track down a reality TV crew who have disappeared, all the while avoiding bizarre monsters straight out of Greek Mythology.
This will be a little too far fetched for some (in which case avoid this series altogether because this is one of the series' less absurd storylines so far) but its definitely entertaining. It does feel like this story could be about 50 pages longer with some more detailed explanations of why things are happening. I am really liking that the author is putting together an overreaching story arc, rather then just having these be stand alones where Decker finds a monster, kills/captures it and moves on. A couple of characters from previous novels return here and we're getting more and more hints at an entire organization of villains opposing Decker's group, CUSP. I'm also happy I'm not getting cliffhanger endings on these books while the overall story is being developed!
If you're OK with not taking a story too seriously, these Decker books can be a lot of fun. Moving on to Book 9!
This will be a little too far fetched for some (in which case avoid this series altogether because this is one of the series' less absurd storylines so far) but its definitely entertaining. It does feel like this story could be about 50 pages longer with some more detailed explanations of why things are happening. I am really liking that the author is putting together an overreaching story arc, rather then just having these be stand alones where Decker finds a monster, kills/captures it and moves on. A couple of characters from previous novels return here and we're getting more and more hints at an entire organization of villains opposing Decker's group, CUSP. I'm also happy I'm not getting cliffhanger endings on these books while the overall story is being developed!
If you're OK with not taking a story too seriously, these Decker books can be a lot of fun. Moving on to Book 9!
September 11, 2021
Suppose the mythical creatures of ancient Egypt and Greece were real. This is the premise of the latest John Decker thriller. Anthony Strong has a knack for producing novels that ask the reader to suspend all sense of reality. This is what makes them so much fun. One reads this kind of novel for pure escapism, at least I do.
In "Cryptic Quest," John Decker is tasked with rescuing a reality tv crew who met an unknown disaster deep in the Amazon jungle. Along the way, he is reunited with a former lover who makes him question his current relationship and has to evade a group of assassins intent in killing him. The missing television crew isn't even met until midway through the book. There's plenty of action to keep the reader's interest in the meantime, however.
This is the third John Decker novel I've read. I will read more of them.
In "Cryptic Quest," John Decker is tasked with rescuing a reality tv crew who met an unknown disaster deep in the Amazon jungle. Along the way, he is reunited with a former lover who makes him question his current relationship and has to evade a group of assassins intent in killing him. The missing television crew isn't even met until midway through the book. There's plenty of action to keep the reader's interest in the meantime, however.
This is the third John Decker novel I've read. I will read more of them.
September 4, 2021
Received this as an ARC from the author.
Really enjoyed this book, this was my first Anthony Strong book and first John Decker novel. I've been on a cryptid reading streak lately, so this fell right into that. Liked the creatures a lot - all of them were new to me in a horror novels rather than in the Greek literature I loved in college. The action was good and the characters were decent.
I think I would have liked this more if I had read other John Decker novels in the past, just because there was references I didn't get to past stories and you lose some character development jumping into a series so late. However, I enjoyed a book enough that I think I'm going to revisit some earlier books in the series.
Really enjoyed this book, this was my first Anthony Strong book and first John Decker novel. I've been on a cryptid reading streak lately, so this fell right into that. Liked the creatures a lot - all of them were new to me in a horror novels rather than in the Greek literature I loved in college. The action was good and the characters were decent.
I think I would have liked this more if I had read other John Decker novels in the past, just because there was references I didn't get to past stories and you lose some character development jumping into a series so late. However, I enjoyed a book enough that I think I'm going to revisit some earlier books in the series.
September 9, 2021
My new favorite of the series! For this outing John Decker heads to the darkest corner of the Amazon and gets into more than he bargained for. This story has more action than some of the past stories and could be broken into two parts. In the first part Decker has to make it to the jungle and is nearly as action packed and suspenseful as when he actually gets to there for his mission. A couple of characters from earlier Decker books return as well as what appears to be the beginning of a series subplot. Well thought out and excellent historical research and attention to detail. Overall, a thrilling story that was hard to put down, I read it in two days! I volunteered to review a complimentary copy of this book but I highly recommend it!
September 15, 2021
Mythical ...or maybe not.... creatures and a collision of 2 worlds.
John Decker accepts a mission that, it seems to him, most definitely smells distinctly of several rats before he's even embarked upon the journey to get there.
Aside from the dangers of the mission itself and the many perils that this presents, unbeknown to him : a former enemy is also out to get him, backed by a team of professionals.
He really should have refused this time, and instead enjoyed a restful vacation with Nancy, but then of course we would not have this gripping new story. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for leaving an honest review.
John Decker accepts a mission that, it seems to him, most definitely smells distinctly of several rats before he's even embarked upon the journey to get there.
Aside from the dangers of the mission itself and the many perils that this presents, unbeknown to him : a former enemy is also out to get him, backed by a team of professionals.
He really should have refused this time, and instead enjoyed a restful vacation with Nancy, but then of course we would not have this gripping new story. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for leaving an honest review.
November 5, 2021
This series is a fun adventure series. An entertaining re-writing of the myths and legends most of us grew up reading about.
This latest installment includes the Amazon jungle, a pyramid, Greek and Egyptian myths.
How does all that work together? You need to read it to find out!
Looking forward to The Last Resort which should be released in February 2022.
While each story could be read in it’s own I suggest starting from the beginning as there are a couple of continuing storylines that might confuse someone jumping in in the middle of the series although the author does explain the past without retelling all the previous books.
This latest installment includes the Amazon jungle, a pyramid, Greek and Egyptian myths.
How does all that work together? You need to read it to find out!
Looking forward to The Last Resort which should be released in February 2022.
While each story could be read in it’s own I suggest starting from the beginning as there are a couple of continuing storylines that might confuse someone jumping in in the middle of the series although the author does explain the past without retelling all the previous books.
January 28, 2022
For about the first 2/3 of this book, it felt like a "lighter" version of some of James Rollins' early adventure novels. The main part of the story took place hidden in Northern Brazil, although it seemed like it took a long while for John Decker and his associate, Rory, to get to their destination. As with many of Anthony Strong's novels, the main character has to deal with both mythological beings and a sinister group out to get him. As some of the other reviewers indicated, you need to suspend some belief in some of the actions and conclusions reached. That said, it was still a fun, adventuresome read.
February 28, 2022
What An Amazing Thrill Ride of A Book!!!
This AMAZING book had me on the edge of my seat until the very last word!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the "trip" through the Amazon jungle with John Decker and his team, as they searched for a lost film crew. Their experiences were very frightening, but this author truly knows how to take the reader right a long on the characters journey. This book was very well written and the characters were great!! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good adventure and some scary monsters! I can't wait for the next John Decker adventure!!!
This AMAZING book had me on the edge of my seat until the very last word!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the "trip" through the Amazon jungle with John Decker and his team, as they searched for a lost film crew. Their experiences were very frightening, but this author truly knows how to take the reader right a long on the characters journey. This book was very well written and the characters were great!! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good adventure and some scary monsters! I can't wait for the next John Decker adventure!!!
March 9, 2022
Another slam bam John Decker adventure. As I think I've mentioned in the past, these books are the literary equivalent of a large bowl of popcorn. They go down easy and are very satisfying even if they aren't great literature. This was a fun, scary story and I loved every minute. While there were a few surprises and lots of qction. I must admit, though, the answer to "how could this be possible" was a bit farfetched but it was still a fun book. My next read in this series is going to be the series prequel as a few things seemed to refer it it. As I close in on the latest entry in the series I'm putting out a special request to the author to please keep 'em coming.
March 16, 2024
This wasn't one of my favorites of the John Decker series. Had a rather slow start to it. It wasn't until about 60% into the story that it really begins to pick up. This story departs a bit from the norm. John Decker is sent in with a rescue team to find and extract a TV series crew that has been lost in a remote part of the Amazon jungle. Only to find the team scattered throughout the area. They find cool new discoveries of two ancient civilizations that clash in and around a hidden pyramid. What mythological creatures will they find and will the team be saved? It was a good read in atypical Anthony Strong fashion.
September 6, 2021
Another hit in the John Decker adventure series. I was, of course, expecting monsters in the Amazon as this was a John Decker book. However, I was not expecting the monsters contained in the pages of this book. Tight story that moves along at a very good pace. Some interesting newish characters that possibly may pop up again in this universe and the return of others from John's past, a nice combo. I love the John Decker series and always await the next eagerly.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased review.
September 5, 2021
I like the John Decker mysteries. He is a relatable character who tries to do his best in really weird situations and battling the supernatural. The stories are always exciting and the mystery keeps you guessing. This is the eighth book in the series, but can be read alone. There is some backstory referred to, but doesn't take much away from the story itself. I didn't want to put the book down until it was done.
September 5, 2021
Both my husband and I enjoy the John Decker series so much that I was able to get an ACR of the latest in the series: Cryptid Quest. It is an action-packed, sleigh-ride, adventure story. I love the endearing characters in this book. The action of John and Co living on a knife’s blade always staying just ahead of the bullets flying from the bad guys is a real page turner. This is a book that I would read again and again! Great job!
March 10, 2022
I read this purely for escapism/relaxation and it WAS that: not the best but not the worst. If you like your thrillers with a heavy dose of FB's Ancient History and similar sites, this one is for you. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Mayan civilization and mythology mixed up together in a Lost World scenario created by a prehistoric meteor crash. Great horror movie fodder--the visuals would be fantastic!
May 3, 2023
Cryptid Quest
“To quote Howard Carter,” Yates said with a flourish, “wonderful things. Which is why we should waste no more time here. I have a feeling there are bigger discoveries yet to be made.” And with that, he turned and strode off into the jungle, machete swinging.
Oh... If only he knew what was in store for him and his crew....
Myth, magic and mayhem explode onto the page! Non stop action and intrigue!
“To quote Howard Carter,” Yates said with a flourish, “wonderful things. Which is why we should waste no more time here. I have a feeling there are bigger discoveries yet to be made.” And with that, he turned and strode off into the jungle, machete swinging.
Oh... If only he knew what was in store for him and his crew....
Myth, magic and mayhem explode onto the page! Non stop action and intrigue!
September 8, 2021
A Welcome Respite
This book is a fun read. It takes you out of the daily drumbeat of bad news into a world you can thoroughly enjoy as a spectator. Yes, it's fantastical, but if you're a fan of the series you already know this - it's why you like it.
And if you're not already a fan of John Decker, what are you waiting for?
This book is a fun read. It takes you out of the daily drumbeat of bad news into a world you can thoroughly enjoy as a spectator. Yes, it's fantastical, but if you're a fan of the series you already know this - it's why you like it.
And if you're not already a fan of John Decker, what are you waiting for?
September 14, 2021
An excellent quest!
Anthony M. Strong has done it again. Another great thriller with my favorite monster hunter, John Decker. This book has a whole cast of monsters with an excellent storyline to go with them. Mr. Strong's stories just get better and better. Now I will anxiously wait for the next book. Highly recommend!
Anthony M. Strong has done it again. Another great thriller with my favorite monster hunter, John Decker. This book has a whole cast of monsters with an excellent storyline to go with them. Mr. Strong's stories just get better and better. Now I will anxiously wait for the next book. Highly recommend!
December 31, 2021
Please hire an editor.
Someone's highschool English teacher should have held them back a grade.
If you can avoid being distracted by misused homonyms, apostrophes, and capitalization; it's a good story. Sadly, it's so hard to ignore when she peals her shirt off in the Stern of the ship as they try to avoid monster's.
Someone's highschool English teacher should have held them back a grade.
If you can avoid being distracted by misused homonyms, apostrophes, and capitalization; it's a good story. Sadly, it's so hard to ignore when she peals her shirt off in the Stern of the ship as they try to avoid monster's.
April 24, 2022
Terror in the Amazon Jungle
John Decker and his team are sent to the Amazon jungle to rescue the crew of a supernatural reality series. Unfortunately there is more than snakes and jaguars trying to kill John and his team. Fascinating thrills in this installment of John Decker series. Onto the next adventure!
John Decker and his team are sent to the Amazon jungle to rescue the crew of a supernatural reality series. Unfortunately there is more than snakes and jaguars trying to kill John and his team. Fascinating thrills in this installment of John Decker series. Onto the next adventure!
July 29, 2022
Fun Supernatural Read
It is a good escapism read. It has monsters from Greek mythology, Egyptian pyramid building, how it influenced the Mayan culture and how the Egyptiansand Greeks were in the Americas long before any other civilization. I would recommend it to myth lovers, adventure lovers, fans of Indiana Jones among many others.
It is a good escapism read. It has monsters from Greek mythology, Egyptian pyramid building, how it influenced the Mayan culture and how the Egyptiansand Greeks were in the Americas long before any other civilization. I would recommend it to myth lovers, adventure lovers, fans of Indiana Jones among many others.
September 15, 2022
John Decker meets one eye
I enjoyed the book. It was fast moving and a little crazy. I liked the explanation the author came up for all the beasts. I appreciated that the author felt he could write a book without all the language other writers feel must be in their books. Thanks Mr Strong.
I enjoyed the book. It was fast moving and a little crazy. I liked the explanation the author came up for all the beasts. I appreciated that the author felt he could write a book without all the language other writers feel must be in their books. Thanks Mr Strong.
February 17, 2023
John Decker is looking forward to a quiet Christmas, however that dram is dashed, as a TV crew has gone missing in the Amazon. Sent in to find them and the origins of a power source, he comes across mythical monsters and a traitor in his own team. Good story, that also builds on the on going battle with the mystery organisation.
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August 14, 2023This book had about every ancient monster from long ago cultures. I really enjoyed the book, too.
I am going to have to take a break from the Decker books as James Rollins' thriller/Sigma force book comes out tomorrow. I read them pretty quick and I will return to the adventures of Decker and Cusp afterwards.
I am going to have to take a break from the Decker books as James Rollins' thriller/Sigma force book comes out tomorrow. I read them pretty quick and I will return to the adventures of Decker and Cusp afterwards.
May 7, 2024
Not enough info
It would have been helpful to know that I needed to read the prequel!!!
I was totally lost when there was a referral to an affair between Drake and Emma!!!
I have read every book in order, so I was very confused!!
It definitely interfered with my enjoyment of this book!!l
It would have been helpful to know that I needed to read the prequel!!!
I was totally lost when there was a referral to an affair between Drake and Emma!!!
I have read every book in order, so I was very confused!!
It definitely interfered with my enjoyment of this book!!l
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews