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Daniel Whitlock #1
The Cosmic Key
An elusive code hidden in the writings of Shakespeare.
A desperate race against time.
An earth-shattering secret concealed for centuries…revealed at last.
While lecturing at a conference, world-renowned researcher of ancient civilizations Daniel Whitlock receives an urgent late-night visit from the FBI. A prominent nuclear physicist has been murdered at Idaho National Laboratory, with a baffling relic found near the body—one seemingly tied to William Shakespeare himself.
Did the famous playwright have a secret?
As Whitlock sorts through the bizarre clues, he follows an archaic cipher hidden in Shakespeare’s earliest printings, revealing an explosive truth about its author—and his true identity.
The stakes are raised when Whitlock learns of a startling link: The relic is directly connected to the Cosmic Key—an ancient artifact whispered to be so powerful that it was once referred to as “all knowledge.” Fiercely guarded by secret societies and passed down through the founding of America, the legend speaks of a trail of clues scattered throughout his works that reveals its location, buried for centuries somewhere in the New World.
Joined by a beautiful Shakespearean scholar and an iconoclastic billionaire, Whitlock is thrust into a vast conspiracy that stretches to the highest levels of power. Caught between mighty adversaries in a frantic race against time, the search begins for the greatest treasure ever bestowed upon humankind.
A thriller told with breathless pace, The Cosmic Key integrates exhaustive research with relentless suspense. From the opening pages to the unpredictable and stunning conclusion, Patrick Donohue delivers a whirlwind adventure that illuminates as much as it entertains.
A desperate race against time.
An earth-shattering secret concealed for centuries…revealed at last.
While lecturing at a conference, world-renowned researcher of ancient civilizations Daniel Whitlock receives an urgent late-night visit from the FBI. A prominent nuclear physicist has been murdered at Idaho National Laboratory, with a baffling relic found near the body—one seemingly tied to William Shakespeare himself.
Did the famous playwright have a secret?
As Whitlock sorts through the bizarre clues, he follows an archaic cipher hidden in Shakespeare’s earliest printings, revealing an explosive truth about its author—and his true identity.
The stakes are raised when Whitlock learns of a startling link: The relic is directly connected to the Cosmic Key—an ancient artifact whispered to be so powerful that it was once referred to as “all knowledge.” Fiercely guarded by secret societies and passed down through the founding of America, the legend speaks of a trail of clues scattered throughout his works that reveals its location, buried for centuries somewhere in the New World.
Joined by a beautiful Shakespearean scholar and an iconoclastic billionaire, Whitlock is thrust into a vast conspiracy that stretches to the highest levels of power. Caught between mighty adversaries in a frantic race against time, the search begins for the greatest treasure ever bestowed upon humankind.
A thriller told with breathless pace, The Cosmic Key integrates exhaustive research with relentless suspense. From the opening pages to the unpredictable and stunning conclusion, Patrick Donohue delivers a whirlwind adventure that illuminates as much as it entertains.
- GenresEbooksMystery Thriller
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2022
399 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Donohue
3 books8 followersAuthor | Mythmaker | Visionary Storyteller
Patrick Donohue crafts thrillers that explore the hidden forces shaping our world. From ancient mysteries and secret histories to corporate conspiracies and the boundaries of consciousness, his work invites readers to journey beyond the familiar and confront deeper questions about existence and power.
He is the author of acclaimed thrillers including The Cosmic Key—a breakout bestseller selected for Amazon’s Prime Readership program—and its gripping sequel, Convergence. His latest novel, Fire Sale, blends legal suspense with speculative science, examining how technology and power collide in ways that affect us all.
Patrick continues to build his body of work while seeking aligned collaborators in publishing, film, and media who share his vision for intelligent, resonant storytelling that transcends genres and inspires curiosity on a global scale.
Patrick Donohue crafts thrillers that explore the hidden forces shaping our world. From ancient mysteries and secret histories to corporate conspiracies and the boundaries of consciousness, his work invites readers to journey beyond the familiar and confront deeper questions about existence and power.
He is the author of acclaimed thrillers including The Cosmic Key—a breakout bestseller selected for Amazon’s Prime Readership program—and its gripping sequel, Convergence. His latest novel, Fire Sale, blends legal suspense with speculative science, examining how technology and power collide in ways that affect us all.
Patrick continues to build his body of work while seeking aligned collaborators in publishing, film, and media who share his vision for intelligent, resonant storytelling that transcends genres and inspires curiosity on a global scale.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 17, 2022
If you are looking for a light, entertaining frothy book - this isn't it.
If you want strange other worlds, mystical creatures or alien visitors - this isn't it.
But if you want a thriller - lots of action, inter-related developments, twists and turns when you think you're on a straight road -interesting people and compelling circumstances -
If you want a book that will educate you about real world mysteries and odd bits of history that defy contemporary explanation -
If you want a book that brings the plot to a conclusion and at the same time leaves open the door for future developments -
Then THIS is the book. Educational - compelling - exciting - not Moby Dick but long enough to let the author develop characters and plot -
It's not always an easy read, but worth it - and you will find yourself finding ways to make extra time in your life to read just a little more.
If you want strange other worlds, mystical creatures or alien visitors - this isn't it.
But if you want a thriller - lots of action, inter-related developments, twists and turns when you think you're on a straight road -interesting people and compelling circumstances -
If you want a book that will educate you about real world mysteries and odd bits of history that defy contemporary explanation -
If you want a book that brings the plot to a conclusion and at the same time leaves open the door for future developments -
Then THIS is the book. Educational - compelling - exciting - not Moby Dick but long enough to let the author develop characters and plot -
It's not always an easy read, but worth it - and you will find yourself finding ways to make extra time in your life to read just a little more.
March 29, 2023
An entertaining tale reminiscent of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.
The preface regarding facts presented by the author was troubling. The question regarding Shakespeare has been litigated to death. Donohue’s insistence that Shakespeare was a bumbling illiterate buffoon is nonsense. Other “facts” presented in the text are false truths claims. This weakens the story.
Addendum- I went back and re-read the preface to this book. The author should be ashamed of himself for perpetuating the nonsense he states as fact. Additionally, the author’s note “All references to literature, ciphers, monuments, and historical sites in this novel are accurate” is laughable at best and dangerous at worse.
The preface regarding facts presented by the author was troubling. The question regarding Shakespeare has been litigated to death. Donohue’s insistence that Shakespeare was a bumbling illiterate buffoon is nonsense. Other “facts” presented in the text are false truths claims. This weakens the story.
Addendum- I went back and re-read the preface to this book. The author should be ashamed of himself for perpetuating the nonsense he states as fact. Additionally, the author’s note “All references to literature, ciphers, monuments, and historical sites in this novel are accurate” is laughable at best and dangerous at worse.
November 30, 2024
4.5 stars! Honestly, when I got this book I was in search for a read that was similar to Dan Brown and I definitely got it. The pace, the plot, and the characters constantly reminded me of those books but still maintained its own original quality. For a kindle unlimited book this really is a wonderful read and I am very excited to read the sequel! Highly recommend.
July 23, 2023
Don’t expect Dan Brown
I don’t understand the high ratings for this book. It’s as if the owner of a head shop was a conspiracy theorist and decided to write a book including every theory he knew.
Spoiler:
Early on the Director of the FBI fingers the protagonist for the murder, even though he was in another state. It’s stuff like that which made me quit the book early.
I don’t understand the high ratings for this book. It’s as if the owner of a head shop was a conspiracy theorist and decided to write a book including every theory he knew.
Spoiler:
Early on the Director of the FBI fingers the protagonist for the murder, even though he was in another state. It’s stuff like that which made me quit the book early.
October 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of action....the "holding your breath" kind. It was every bit as good as National Treasure and DaVinci Code. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.
October 23, 2024
An absolutely AWESOME book! One of the most unputdownable books I’ve ever read! Not only is Donohue an excellent writer and story teller, he’s based the protagonist – Daniel Whitlock – on a gentleman whose work I’ve been following for approximately 25 years: David Wilcock of Divine Cosmos dot com. The majority of what Donohue has written here regarding the Great Pyramid Timelines and Ascension, in particular, has been taught by Wilcock through his website, Divine Cosmos, and through his numerous books and Ascension courses and additional work through his website and accompanying courses, The Disclosure dot com.
While this review IS for Patrick Donohue and how you really should read this series if you are at all interested in these subjects – it is also a shout out to David Wilcock and his current The Michael Prophecies books and video courses which can be found on The Disclosure dot com. Additionally, the next book in Donohue’s Daniel Whitlock series is Convergence: the name for the video production that David Wilcock and a Hollywood Screenwriter (Jim Hart and possibly Patrick Donohue?) have been working on for several years and hope to release soon. Whatever the case, this information was phenomenally presented, with most (at least) of it being true as far as I know. Highly recommended!
While this review IS for Patrick Donohue and how you really should read this series if you are at all interested in these subjects – it is also a shout out to David Wilcock and his current The Michael Prophecies books and video courses which can be found on The Disclosure dot com. Additionally, the next book in Donohue’s Daniel Whitlock series is Convergence: the name for the video production that David Wilcock and a Hollywood Screenwriter (Jim Hart and possibly Patrick Donohue?) have been working on for several years and hope to release soon. Whatever the case, this information was phenomenally presented, with most (at least) of it being true as far as I know. Highly recommended!
October 2, 2024
In an intense, action-packed drama, a team of no-nonsense, objectivity-minded law enforcement agents pursue several leads simultaneously, as they follow a popular university professor, a rich industrialist, and a hot-shot lawyer, travelling cross-country in search of a magnificent grand prize.
The professor specializes in archeology and ancient civilizations. The billionaire industrialist wants to capitalize on their quest. The lawyer has a certified pilot's license and considerable knowledge about "William Shakespeare," both of which eventually proves useful in their endeavor.
It so happens that the trio is attempting to locate a door to "the Twilight Zone," as it were, if you can believe the accumulating evidence, in order to unlock a great mystery of the universe, before the F.B.I. can catch up with them. As you can well imagine, the straight-forward presentation of facts bearing on the case in the investigation has been subject to considerable scrutiny, interpretation, and speculation.
Happy hunting to all parties concerned!
The professor specializes in archeology and ancient civilizations. The billionaire industrialist wants to capitalize on their quest. The lawyer has a certified pilot's license and considerable knowledge about "William Shakespeare," both of which eventually proves useful in their endeavor.
It so happens that the trio is attempting to locate a door to "the Twilight Zone," as it were, if you can believe the accumulating evidence, in order to unlock a great mystery of the universe, before the F.B.I. can catch up with them. As you can well imagine, the straight-forward presentation of facts bearing on the case in the investigation has been subject to considerable scrutiny, interpretation, and speculation.
Happy hunting to all parties concerned!
March 4, 2023
The Cosmic Key was certainly a very enlightening and entertaining novel. Not only is there plenty of action / adventure, but there is lots of historical and archeological information that I found to be interesting – especially if it is factual.
If you want to know more about the Pyramids of Giza, the Rosicrucians, the early English settlers in North America, the origin of some Shakespearean characters, and the possible author of many Shakespearean plays – you should read The Cosmic Key. It will give you much to think about. The information that is inserted throughout the story elevate this series of chase scenes into a thought-provoking novel.
5 thumbs-up
If you want to know more about the Pyramids of Giza, the Rosicrucians, the early English settlers in North America, the origin of some Shakespearean characters, and the possible author of many Shakespearean plays – you should read The Cosmic Key. It will give you much to think about. The information that is inserted throughout the story elevate this series of chase scenes into a thought-provoking novel.
5 thumbs-up
October 31, 2023
Cosmic Key
The book was advertised to be one to not put down, but I had trouble getting into the book. But it didn't take long to begin to read about the Roast order of old. Then the Knights Templar began reaching out. Both of these concepts were rather familiar.
Shakespeare was new to me. Other than having read some of his plays in high school, it was new to me. And the idea that his work was perhaps the work of Francis Bacon was new to me.
The author was painstaking in bring these subjects together in an interesting manner, kept me turning the pages. It was quite interesting and I enjoyed it greatly.
The book was advertised to be one to not put down, but I had trouble getting into the book. But it didn't take long to begin to read about the Roast order of old. Then the Knights Templar began reaching out. Both of these concepts were rather familiar.
Shakespeare was new to me. Other than having read some of his plays in high school, it was new to me. And the idea that his work was perhaps the work of Francis Bacon was new to me.
The author was painstaking in bring these subjects together in an interesting manner, kept me turning the pages. It was quite interesting and I enjoyed it greatly.
November 20, 2022
A Bit Below Par Compared to The DaVinci Code
This is a mediocre suspense thriller -- written along the lines of The DaVinci Code, but not as good. Still, this book presents an amusing, seemingly fast-paced but actually slowly played out tale, purportedly including many different branches of human learning. I don’t particularly care for the last chapters to this book, and there was quite a bit of text repeated in multiple places (surely to help pad how many pages The Author produced)!
This is a mediocre suspense thriller -- written along the lines of The DaVinci Code, but not as good. Still, this book presents an amusing, seemingly fast-paced but actually slowly played out tale, purportedly including many different branches of human learning. I don’t particularly care for the last chapters to this book, and there was quite a bit of text repeated in multiple places (surely to help pad how many pages The Author produced)!
September 16, 2024
A fascinating, mind boggling adventure!!
The book holds the reader in its spell from the word Go!! The way it enraptures the reader is indescribable in words! It combines history, archeology, math, science, technology and engineering along with Shakespeare and Sir Francis Bacon in such a way that the reader is constantly referring to various resources to make sure that no detail is missed, however slight!!
The best book I have read in the recent past!
Thank you for such a fascinating, extraordinary and amazing reading experience, Patrick!!
The book holds the reader in its spell from the word Go!! The way it enraptures the reader is indescribable in words! It combines history, archeology, math, science, technology and engineering along with Shakespeare and Sir Francis Bacon in such a way that the reader is constantly referring to various resources to make sure that no detail is missed, however slight!!
The best book I have read in the recent past!
Thank you for such a fascinating, extraordinary and amazing reading experience, Patrick!!
October 14, 2022
Took a long time
There are so many lectures about the esoteric stuff I thought I would never get to the next plot point. I get why it was necessary. It was listed as a paranormal tale, but it's science fiction, really. So now I want to find out what happens next. It reminds me of "Childhood's End," by Clarke I think. It would've gotten 4.5 or 5 stars from me if the lectures weren't so damned dry and hard to get through. I don't know if there is any way for Donohue to fix that.
There are so many lectures about the esoteric stuff I thought I would never get to the next plot point. I get why it was necessary. It was listed as a paranormal tale, but it's science fiction, really. So now I want to find out what happens next. It reminds me of "Childhood's End," by Clarke I think. It would've gotten 4.5 or 5 stars from me if the lectures weren't so damned dry and hard to get through. I don't know if there is any way for Donohue to fix that.
May 4, 2024
fascinating
Fascinating. Well-researched. Whenever, during my reading, I wondered if any of this was based on fact, I looked up the characters from early history and there they were! I found some of it slow, but still gave it a 5. Really interesting. Looking forward to sequels. Also made me want to visit Williamsburg again with a new ‘eye’. Also, inspires hope for the future. Thank you, Patrick Donahue!
Fascinating. Well-researched. Whenever, during my reading, I wondered if any of this was based on fact, I looked up the characters from early history and there they were! I found some of it slow, but still gave it a 5. Really interesting. Looking forward to sequels. Also made me want to visit Williamsburg again with a new ‘eye’. Also, inspires hope for the future. Thank you, Patrick Donahue!
January 22, 2023
Fabulous
Great writing along with a terrific story. Every character was well developed, the plot twists were awesome and the historical information, whether it's all true, partially true, or just wild theories, it was all tremendously fun and exciting. I wish so much that it was all real. Writing this at 5 a.m. because I simply couldn't sleep till I finished it. Great work.
Great writing along with a terrific story. Every character was well developed, the plot twists were awesome and the historical information, whether it's all true, partially true, or just wild theories, it was all tremendously fun and exciting. I wish so much that it was all real. Writing this at 5 a.m. because I simply couldn't sleep till I finished it. Great work.
March 8, 2023
Loved it!
I really enjoy when a sifi goes into anything other than space opra, dystopian and or end of the world themes. They're so overdone.
This novel is surprising in its originality and was a pick up and read to the end and then put down even if the kids are cooking hot dogs on the living room floor. Kudos Mr. Donohue, I'm glad we met.
I really enjoy when a sifi goes into anything other than space opra, dystopian and or end of the world themes. They're so overdone.
This novel is surprising in its originality and was a pick up and read to the end and then put down even if the kids are cooking hot dogs on the living room floor. Kudos Mr. Donohue, I'm glad we met.
June 30, 2023
Wow!!!
This story had me hooked from the the first few pages. Plenty of action, but enough mystery to keep you guessing. I learned a lot about things I had only briefly head of. This book has sparked my appetite to do some research into several of the main themes. I am looking forward to the other books in this series. Bring them on!!!!!
This story had me hooked from the the first few pages. Plenty of action, but enough mystery to keep you guessing. I learned a lot about things I had only briefly head of. This book has sparked my appetite to do some research into several of the main themes. I am looking forward to the other books in this series. Bring them on!!!!!
August 7, 2023
Very exciting book!
I thought at the beginning that this story was written about some really lost happening. Extremely well written and keeps you on your toes the whole way to the end! I will be waiting for the next book from this author. Couldn't put it down until the last page. Well done!!!
I thought at the beginning that this story was written about some really lost happening. Extremely well written and keeps you on your toes the whole way to the end! I will be waiting for the next book from this author. Couldn't put it down until the last page. Well done!!!
October 20, 2023
The Cosmic Key
I ABSOLUTELY love this book. It captured me from the first page until the last page. I loved the mystery about the Great Pyramid and its connection to Jesus and our creator mighty God. I.loved the characters Daniel, Sarah, McKinney and even the villain Thiel. Mr Patrick Donohue keep these books coming. I would love to hear more about Daniel Whitlock.
I ABSOLUTELY love this book. It captured me from the first page until the last page. I loved the mystery about the Great Pyramid and its connection to Jesus and our creator mighty God. I.loved the characters Daniel, Sarah, McKinney and even the villain Thiel. Mr Patrick Donohue keep these books coming. I would love to hear more about Daniel Whitlock.
November 28, 2023
Strange occurrences
An archeologist named Whitelock is brought by the FBI to a secret location where a murder has been committed and a very dangerous explosive device has gone missing!
It seems that the device has strange possibilities that lead to a very intriguing chase by Whitelock and the FBI and a billionaire!
An archeologist named Whitelock is brought by the FBI to a secret location where a murder has been committed and a very dangerous explosive device has gone missing!
It seems that the device has strange possibilities that lead to a very intriguing chase by Whitelock and the FBI and a billionaire!
February 29, 2024
Da Vinci Code meets National Treasure
Great story! Hopefully the beginning of a new series? If you’re asking yourself if this book is for you, then remember: it is a well researched story, where you’ll learn something about history, and have fun with the somewhat fictional characters.
Great story! Hopefully the beginning of a new series? If you’re asking yourself if this book is for you, then remember: it is a well researched story, where you’ll learn something about history, and have fun with the somewhat fictional characters.
August 13, 2024
A great adventure for those who love history and puzzles
From the beginning, I was pulled into the academic revelations and curious where the puzzles were leading. A great game of cat and mouse, more than once I wondered who was really telling the truth and was pleasantly surprised by the twists along the way. Highly recommend this book
From the beginning, I was pulled into the academic revelations and curious where the puzzles were leading. A great game of cat and mouse, more than once I wondered who was really telling the truth and was pleasantly surprised by the twists along the way. Highly recommend this book
November 24, 2022
Dan Brown Pattern
Formula book...follows Dan Brown's formula to the end. Still an ok read.
It has all the excitement, chases, hidden knowledge as a Dan Brown book, but with a different puzzle.
Formula book...follows Dan Brown's formula to the end. Still an ok read.
It has all the excitement, chases, hidden knowledge as a Dan Brown book, but with a different puzzle.
January 25, 2023
Good stuff!
Very fast moving with all sorts of interesting little historical tidbits, twists, and turns. I enjoyed all the conspiracy theories stuff mixed with math, history, and enlightenment.
Very fast moving with all sorts of interesting little historical tidbits, twists, and turns. I enjoyed all the conspiracy theories stuff mixed with math, history, and enlightenment.
May 23, 2023
exciting and fascinating read
A great novel and a lot of interesting information. That the plot of the book and the revelations and introductions of interesting topics are able to be presented in such an entertaining way is quite an accomplishment in itself.
A great novel and a lot of interesting information. That the plot of the book and the revelations and introductions of interesting topics are able to be presented in such an entertaining way is quite an accomplishment in itself.
August 17, 2023
When my husband asked what I was reading I described it to him as reminiscent of a Dan Brown book, with almost otherworldly characteristics.
I really enjoyed it and was NOT expecting the plot twist at all. My only regret is that it ended and I still have questions and want more!
I really enjoyed it and was NOT expecting the plot twist at all. My only regret is that it ended and I still have questions and want more!
May 10, 2024
The Cosmic Key
This book was very good. I appreciated the use of Francis Beacon as the story begins. Shakespeare is a mystery for the age's! I felt there were many magical events in the story to go along with the very excellent book!
This book was very good. I appreciated the use of Francis Beacon as the story begins. Shakespeare is a mystery for the age's! I felt there were many magical events in the story to go along with the very excellent book!
August 21, 2024
Thought Provoking
What if all we've been told throughout history is based upon lies ?
This story captivated me from the first page to the last word, I highly recommend this book, by a fabulous author.
This great work of fiction brings forth some incredible opinions.
What if all we've been told throughout history is based upon lies ?
This story captivated me from the first page to the last word, I highly recommend this book, by a fabulous author.
This great work of fiction brings forth some incredible opinions.
September 9, 2024
Complex
Extremely well-researched tale of mysteries we have yet to know. Fascinating knowledge of more mysteries than I ever knew existed. Told in a way that was intriguing and suspenseful. Would we ever know if all this was going on right beneath our noses?
Extremely well-researched tale of mysteries we have yet to know. Fascinating knowledge of more mysteries than I ever knew existed. Told in a way that was intriguing and suspenseful. Would we ever know if all this was going on right beneath our noses?
April 25, 2025
The Cosmic Key
Good blend of history and the present world. Story was well told. Plenty of action and suspense. Characters were developed nicely. The main characters seemed to be old friends by the end of the book. Good twist at the end. Recommended
Good blend of history and the present world. Story was well told. Plenty of action and suspense. Characters were developed nicely. The main characters seemed to be old friends by the end of the book. Good twist at the end. Recommended
October 11, 2022
A wonderful book of mysteries.. On to the next one.
A beginning or perhaps the next day. We shall await the arrival of the next book in this series soon.
A beginning or perhaps the next day. We shall await the arrival of the next book in this series soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews