Cotton Malone retired from the high-risk world of elite operatives for the U.S. Justice Department to lead the low-key life of a rare-book dealer. But his quiet existence is shattered when he receives an anonymous e-mail: “You have something I want. You’ re the only person on earth who knows where to find it. Go get it. You have 72 hours. If I don’t hear from you, you will be childless.” His horrified ex-wife confirms that the threat is real: Their teenage son has been kidnapped. When Malone’s Copenhagen bookshop is burned to the ground, it becomes brutally clear that those responsible will stop at nothing to get what they want. And what they want is nothing less than the lost Library of Alexandria. A cradle of ideas–historical, philosophical, literary, scientific, and religious–the Library of Alexandria was unparalleled in the world. But fifteen hundred years ago, it vanished into the mists of myth and legend–its vast bounty of wisdom coveted ever since by scholars, fortune hunters, and those who believe its untold secrets hold the key to ultimate power. Now a cartel of wealthy international moguls, bent on altering the course of history, is desperate to breach the library’s hallowed halls–and only Malone possesses the information they need to succeed. At stake is an explosive ancient document with the potential not only to change the destiny of the Middle East but to shake the world’s three major religions to their very foundations. Pursued by a lethal mercenary, Malone crosses the globe in search of answers. His quest will lead him to England and Portugal, even to the highest levels of American government–and the shattering outcome, deep in the Sinai desert, will have worldwide repercussions. BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Steve Berry’s The Columbus Affair and a Cotton Malone dossier.
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"I really enjoyed this book! It was the second in the Cotton Malone series that I've read and the premise is that the Library of Alexandria has been found and kept secret. That secret that been breached and there is a good reason why the library's knowledge should not be made public. The history of the middle east intertwined with murder, espionage, puzzles and twists kept my interest peaked."
— Kristina (5 out of 5 stars)
" Just entertaining. "
— Gail, 2/18/2014" This was a great book once I got into it. I think anyone who likes the National Tresure movies would like this book. It runs along the same lines, only more detailed and many more characters to get lost in. "
— Anita, 2/14/2014" I liked it - I know it is a little far fetched but it was interesting and liked that they traveled to Portugal. "
— Gelynn, 2/3/2014" A bit of a slow start, but the rest of the book certainly made up for it. A very interesting and, in my opinion, well written book. "
— Henningw, 2/3/2014" A secret group of Guardians protect the secrets and treasures of a hidden library of ancient scrolls and documents. A little bit like "Da Vinci Code" with spies, two-faced government officials, and violence. A good blend of all these pieces. "
— Judy, 1/25/2014" The story keep me wanting to know who was telling the truth and who was lying. I didn't know the truth until the end of the book. It was an interesting plot which was well developed. Though I didn't agree with the author's theology, I did enjoy the story for the fiction it was. I would recommend this book. "
— Janet, 12/30/2013" Love Steve Berry books, but hated the premise of this one. Too implausible, and made me roll my eyes every time a character discussed the "ancient Hebrew." "
— Stacy, 12/29/2013" An easy, fun mystery. "
— Virginia, 11/13/2013" This book read quickly.I really enjoyed the concept of this excellent adventure. Might even read The Knights Templar soon, by same author. "
— Mary, 11/3/2013" I really liked this one. "
— Chris, 10/28/2013" This was my first Steve Berry book, and it moved from page one. Great story with some historical elements mixed in. I like the way Berry moved the action around the world - it definitely held my attention! "
— Gae-Lynn, 10/10/2013" Books that make you get up and do some research of your own to get to relate to the book, is what I like. This is one of them. I loved it. "
— Gloria, 10/6/2013" Very good book, but slow at some parts due to the amount of detail Berry likes to include. "
— Carly, 9/3/2013" He is similar to Dan Brown, but his stories aren't all the same, like Dan Brown's. This is the second in a series. I liked it better than the first one. "
— Jennie, 8/13/2013" Read in Dutch translation. "
— Hans, 5/1/2013" Really disappointed in this book. Had to read over half of it to become interested...went ahead and finished because I had already invested so much time into it. Initially I was going to read this series straight through--I'm thinking I need a break for now. "
— Shauna, 4/1/2013" Got a little too long, with too many things going on but still enjoyable. "
— Christine, 11/3/2012" If you liked the Davinci Code yo probably like this book too. "
— Belle, 5/16/2012" Great plot line although the ending was a bit of a stretch "
— Jim, 5/14/2012" entertainment "
— June, 5/13/2012" This was such a good book! It immediately grabs you, and you had better buckle up because it's a crazy ride! So many good plot twists and turns...I couldn't put it down! Highly recommend. "
— Shelby, 4/15/2012" Great plot, great characters, and I loved the way this book explored the history of the great religions of the world. I think this is the best of the Berry books I have read so far, and I am looking forward to upcoming Cotton Malone books. "
— Andy, 3/24/2012" Reads like an action movie - which isn't all bad. "
— Youndyc, 10/28/2011" This was my first Steve Barry book & I enjoyed it. Yes, it is similiar to The Da Vinci Code, fast paced, religious & puzzle solving. I liked Cotton Malone & his love of books. Looking forward to The Venetian Betrayal. "
— Lladroluv, 10/26/2011" I listened to this story while on a roadtrip... not one of my favorites, but it provided entertainment during a very long trip.<br/>All of these "Dan Brown-esk" books tend to blend together after awhile. "
— Maggie, 5/5/2011" ok, but too chasy, no good archelo/mystical stuff "
— Michelle, 4/1/2011" Dentro do género da Profecia Romanov, lê-se num instante! <br/> "
— Babete, 2/4/2011" Suspensful, lots of twists and turns, love the religous aspects of the story and the way Cotton Malone gets pulled into so many things even though he's "retired." This particular story is made personal to him with lots of high stakes. "
— Mary, 1/17/2011" Alot like Dan Brown, but more action and more heart "
— Jeanette, 1/14/2011Steve Berry is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of seventeen Cotton Malone and four stand-alone novels, among other books and works of short fiction. He has twenty-five million books in print, translated into forty languages. He is an emeritus member of the Smithsonian Libraries Advisory Board and a founding member of International Thriller Writers. With his wife, Elizabeth, he is the founder of History Matters, which is dedicated to historical preservation.
Erik Singer’s theatrical credits include the title role in The Hostage (off Broadway), A Life in the Theatre, Greetings!, and national tours of Othello and The Taming of the Shrew. He has also appeared on All My Children and As the World Turns, and was the voice of Vincent van Gogh in the A&E Biography about Van Gogh and Gauguin. His audiobook narration has twice won him the AudioFile Earphones Award.