The Devil's Elixir

By: Raymond Khoury

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Sean Reilly and Tess Chaykin, heroes of Raymond Khoury's best-selling Templar thrillers, return in an edge-of-your-seat story that reaches from the present day back to 1800s Mexico - and possibly beyond.

What if there was an herb, previously lost to history in the jungles of Central America, capable of inducing an experience so momentous it might shake the very foundations of Western civilization? What if powerful forces on both sides of the law got wind of that herb, and launched a violent, uncompromising pursuit to be the first to exploit it?

And what if FBI agent Sean Reilly and his girlfriend, Tess Chaykin, were, unknowingly, the only two people who could keep the lid on this existential Pandora's box, one that's capable of destabilizing the world?

In Raymond Khoury's million-copy-selling Templar novels, Sean and Tess traveled the globe to unravel ancient mysteries with present-day ramifications. In The Devil's Elixir, Sean and Tess find themselves in a race-against the clock, against drug kingpins, and even against the DEA-to merge two divergent trails, one several hundred years old, the other as current as a heartbeat, which together may lead humanity to the brink of annihilation.

Packed with the nonstop suspense and unexpected twists Raymond Khoury's fans delight in, The Devil's Elixir is destined for best seller lists everywhere.

©2011 Raymond Khoury (P)2011 Penguin

Critic reviews

"The author provides enough contextual backstory for new readers without risking vexing loyal fans. His ample cultural references are fresh, and most should withstand the test of time. History, mystery, suspense, and action - Khoury knows the recipe for a good read." (Library Journal)

"A fine thriller to start the new year with. A sure bet for fans of Steve Berry and James Rollins, too." (Booklist)

not as good as first 2 but still enjoyed

I will admit that this isn't as good as the first two but I thoroughly enjoyed this still. didn't love the first person parts of reilly I think the author had found enough ways to tell the people's thoughts in the first two books but it grew on me as the book went on. overall I enjoyed it

A Last Templar book with nothing todo with templar

by itself not a bad story. but the series might as well be named after agent Riley instead of the first book.

A bit too dark for my taste

I have enjoyed the first two books in this series. I like the history aspects with a little adventure. But this was a bit too gorey and sadistic. Not my favorite.

Trippy!

The plot was really well-crafted, and the issues of Psychology were really intriguing. The narrator, as always, does a minimal job.

Solid book that fits Khoury’s style nicely

I must admit, I was happy with the shift away from the Templar theme that drove the story in the last 2 books. On the other hand, it lacked many of the historical asides that I enjoyed with those stories. Nevertheless, it’s on point with Mr. Khoury’s ability to weave details, intrigue, twists, action, and a hint of romance into a book’s pages.

Stick to the earlier Templar books.

This book was advertised as being part of the Templar series. While the central character was in the previous two books, this one has no connection to Templer history, lore,etc. The story line was ok but the violence was too graphic for my tastes. I did like how chapters were told at times from the first person and from third person in others.

Intriguing topic

Captivating story, definitely keeps you hooked. As usual the topic is controversial, and we are kept guessing. From shamanism to reincarnation, you are in for a ride.

Excellent story, poorly read.

Richard Ferrone was either given to mispronunciations and grammatical errors or the editor was remarkably lax...or both.
A good story nonetheless.

love it!

I really enjoyed this book. The narrator does a great job of making you feel immersed in the story. loved it!

20 Minutes in, and I can't listen anymore

As others have stated, the fact that three books into the series, he suddenly decides to have one of the main characters presented in first person, is weird, irritating, and pointless in my opinion. Loved the first two, books, with The Last Templar being on of my favorite books of all time. I do not like first person books, so this was a complete waste of a purchase. After 20 minutes, I cannot finish. Why, Raymond, why did you have to change things up so drastically? It completely changes the way the story flows. Super disappointed. Will definitely make sure I do a ton of research before I ever buy another Khoury novel. I honestly don't think it would be too much to ask for him to re-write this but in the original format of the series...