Great Cotton Malone adventure. Also gives long time readers a resolution to the issue of Cotton finding out Gary is not his birth son. (Although this does not affect first time reader enjoyment.) I enjoy Steve Berry's writing style, he keeps the story moving at a quick pace. I had trouble trying to figure out who was on what side, the tables kept turning throughout the novel. Keeps you guessing. I was missing some of the characters from previous novels, this was a whole new cast with the exception of his son, Gary, and the occasional phone call to his boss, Stephanie Nell.

I find the Cotton Malone stories so enjoyable because the historical twists are so plausible. Mr. Berry does his research, and weaves te reality with the fantastical elements so well. The secrect Queen Elizabeth was protecting? For me, it did seem possible by the end of the book. Great series, looking forward to the next installment.

i would rate this at 4 1/2 stars, but since goodreads doesn't have half stars...