The Delphi Agenda

Lisa Emmer Historical Thrillers #1

by Rob Swigart

Papyrologist Lisa Emmer’s world flips when the Surete meets her at her Metro station with news of the savage murder of the esteemed Paris historian Dr. Raimond Foix, her friend and mentor in the study of ancient documents. Horrified, Lisa finds clues at the crime scene left behind for her by her mentor—clues to a secret kept hidden for centuries. These clues make her a prime suspect in the murder investigation, and also put her directly in the cross-hairs of a deadly commando group that proves to be none other than a contemporary offshoot of the Inquisition.

They want an ancient document that reveals a secret so explosive it could change the world—a document they’ve been tracking for centuries. Led by a sadistic priest and a vicious but very accomplished nun with excellent military cred, their mission is to destroy the document—no matter what the cost in blood.

Desperate to clear her name and to stay alive, with the help of a handsome yet mysterious banker, Lisa must solve the clues and uncover the millennia-old secret before her adversaries can find and destroy it. Since she was a child Lisa had suffered from uncontrollable fugue states. Now she discovers just in time that what she always thought was a liability may in fact be an almost paranormal ability to see things in ways others cannot. The trail leads everywhere from ancient cemeteries and tombs throughout France to Istanbul and Greece, as Lisa and Steve desperately stay one step ahead of their enemies, solving the clues to a dangerous treasure hunt their lives now depend upon.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Amazon, Paranormal

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2012

About the author

Two recent books:

Mixed Harvest: Stories from the Human Past came out in late 2019. In unforgettable stories of the human journey, a combination of compelling storytelling and well-researched archaeology underscore an excavation into the deep past of human development and its consequences. Through a first encounter between a Neanderthal woman and the Modern Human to the emergence and destruction of the world’s first cities, Mixed Harvest tells the tale of the Neolithic Revolution, also called the (First) Agricultural Revolution, the most significant event since modern humans emerged. Rob Swigart’s latest work humanizes the rapid transition to agriculture and pastoralism with a grounding in the archaeological record.

Just out: Python, third in the Lisa Emmer series:

by Rob Swigart (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
Book 3 of 4: The Lisa Emmer Series
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EVERYONE WANTS A PIECE OF HIM…HE HAS A MILLION
VIDEO FOLLOWERS AND HE’S ONLY SIX YEARS OLD—
To his mom, he’s just sweet Félix, a very special six-year-old. She doesn’t understand him, but she loves him to bits.

To his million young video followers, he’s their beloved science teacher.

To the little-known Delphi Agenda, working, as always, for peace and harmony, he’s not only a prodigy, he’s a prophet with the potential to become more powerful even than Lisa Emmer, the current Delphic Oracle. Perhaps even the power to save the world from humanity’s dumpster fire.

But to a few others who understand how enormous his powers are, he’s a pawn they could put to their own use.

So everyone wants a piece of him. Kidnapping is not off the table.

In fact, it’s pretty likely. He and Lisa, his mentor, can see that coming a mile away.
A crooked Cardinal has his own ideas and Python, a pharmaceutical company run by a pair of sketchy twins, needs him for their own “world-changing” project. Then there’s the fanatical cult that first predicted his birth. They want him back.

The Delphi Agenda’s job is to keep him safe. But does he really need them? Half the fun's watching his innocent brilliance effortlessly deflate the kind of twisted, power-hungry villains that threaten the Agenda and its ideals.

Fans of intrepid women sleuths will love Lisa Emmer, as well as anyone smitten with the romance of the ancient world, action-adventure in historical fiction, and thriller conspiracies.

But this thoroughly modern tale of historical sleuthing has a little something for everybody: a high-tech invention that dances on the edges of sci-fi, excursions to various historical locales in Europe to delight armchair travelers, and a literary trail of crumbs to charm puzzle lovers.

In addition, author Swigart offers a wonderfully hopeful worldview that will intrigue not only mystery readers, but devotees of Merlin Sheldrake, Michael Pollan, and the world of fantastic fungi.

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I found the premise of this book hard to take seriously, my real issue with it was the writing. It has little to no believable dialogue, and is dreadfully pedantic. The character development is nearly non-existent, and I find it hard to pick a side and root for it if I don't know anything about it.

[Coralyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Delphi Agenda is an excellent historical mystery with some super twists and turns. Hopefully the principal characters will be further developed in the sequel I am about to begin reading.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than some in the same vein

There are a ton of books out there along the same line. Members of a hidden order of the Catholic church (90% of the time they're the bad guys) are trying to stop the protagonist and hangers-on. There were books like this before DaVinci Code, but since then everyone wants to write one.

I'm not Catholic, so I'm not morally outraged by the "hidden Catholic group" line but *man* - use some imagination. Threaten the world with another boogie man.

I found some of the POV shifts in mid-sentence to be confusing, but all in all it's actually well written. I don't know my way around Paris, but a lot of it was explained very well. I thought all the characters could have used some more development, but then it would have weighed down the book. Most of them were better than cardboard cutouts, though.

Most readers of end-of-the-world thrillers would probably be happier than I was. Really 3 1/2 stars.

[Cydamarie Zoerb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Delphi Agenda is a cheap knockoff of Dan Brown's "Da Vinci Code". The book focuses around a young woman whose mentor, Raimond Foix has just been murdered by a secret sect of the Catholic church that turns out to be the Inquisition still alive after all this time. Turns out he was the last in the continuing line of the Delphic Oracle. Lisa, the protagonist, must follow clues that Raimond left, while evading the secret sect, to discover that she is the new Oracle. The language is confusing and choppy. The facts are not backed up by any sources and are revealed in awkward fashion. The characters are flat and the dialogue stagnant.

[Jonathan Bacon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Religion vs Science in Fiction

While "The Delphi Agenda" does raise the issue of religious opposition to science, the players in this novel are cliched and predictable. It's a flat treatment of why the conflict and the inquisition occurred ( and in some circles) continues today. I failed to see how the novel contributed to a substantive discussion of belief, faith and the continuing search for knowledge.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was free on kindle but it's worth paying for. A fast read, never got boring. Not overdone on the running/hiding/fighting. A very good and interesting read. Thanks for the book.

[Teryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not that I hated it, and the sheer brilliance of the protagonist drew me in, but the story felt familiar. Maybe too many Illuminati arguments over the years...

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corvisart Metro station. Captain Hugo (Paris PD) intercepted Dr. Lisa Emmer (32, Papyrologist) & ask her to come with him.
She is going to miss an important meeting at the Fondation Roullot (Tour Montparnasse).
Lisa is a researcher at the Institut de Papyrologie de la Sorbonne (U of Paris).
Dr. Raimond Foix (Professor, PhD; Greek historian) had been assassinated.

Raimond through his banker had left several important artifacts for Lisa.
She could not make heads/tails of the sheets of paper with block letters on them.
What did the Gabriel Lacatuchi (Prior General) of the Secret Order of Theodosius tell Brother Armand Defago?
Marie (housekeeper) greeted Lisa & Captain Hugo at Raimond’s house.
What does the symbol they found mean?
Étienne Viginaire (35, Canadian, Antoine’s asst., PhD; econ, U of Paris) has been helping Lisa piece the puzzle together.
What are Monk Armand Defago (Order of Theodosius), & Sister Teresa Williams (Dominican nun, former USMC Lieutenant, Order of Theodosius) up to?
Steve Viginaire & Lisa were observing the Alberti cipher. What is the Pythos?
What happened to Alain?
Abbey of St. Théophile. Sister Teresa Williams Dominican nun, former USMC Lieutenant, Order of Theodosius, aka Tisiphone, the Fury, avenger, punisher of murderers, assassin) had gone berserk.
Her killer instinct kicked in.
General Lacatuchi (Rumanian, Order of Theodosius) was the 1st. victim.
Philippe Dupond lay on the floor not moving.
Captain Hugo & Lieutenant Mathieu had arrived on the crime scene.
Brother Armand Defago (Order of Theodosius) was chanting to Sister Teresa.

Warning: This book contains graphic adult content, or violence, which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written historical fiction thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; booksBnimble; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[a u d r e y ♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story: Lisa finds herself in France chasing legend and folklore while discovering who she is and what she want. With the help of Ted, Marianne, and Steve she is able to bring down the mythical order and reign as pytha for the Delphi Agenda. You learn of Greek history and navigate through France while dodging murders and police at every turn.

The rest: the book was written in way that made reading and following the storyline difficult. Names were thrown around without context; launguages (french, italian, Latin) were used and then immediately written in common English. The flow of the story seemed choppy and poorly planned and the dialogue of the characters was more storytelling then true conversation. I will not be continuing.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ciphering the Delphi Agenda

A thriller which makes you think and question all that you believe. Lisa Emmer is a scholar who finds herself embroiled in a conflict which has been fought for a millennium. The ancient Delphi Oracle was ended by the Catholic Church or was it? Lisa must learn the truth and discover why her life is threatened by three shadow groups, only one has her best interests at stake.
This is a thriller where history, religions, conspiracies, shadow groups, and murder are explored by cipher and puzzles. A wonderful read to enjoy! Have fun and discover The Delphi Agenda.

[Erik Sapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Convoluted

The author got too “cute” in this book. It takes too long for the reader to be let in on the “secret” (There is nothing wrong with a little mystery and suspense, but there has to be some hint of resolution.)

The puzzles are too convoluted, and yet the MC managed to solve them all with almost no difficulty. Again, there should be something that the reader can point to and say “oh, that makes sense.” Instead, I felt like I was being drug along.

The ending is unsatisfactory. What happened is not realistic. (A better solution would have been posting the Founding Document on the Internet...)

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the overall premise of the story, the existence of the Delphi Agenda (as described) to be fresh and intriguing. Initially I was thrown off by the opening of the book, almost as if I entered a scene in the middle and was missing something, but quickly became invested in the main character of Lisa Emmer. As her character and the Delphi Agenda's role unfold throughout the book, I was drawn in quickly by the pacing and the well-written, well-edited story. I had to suspend some disbelief overall with the premise but thoroughly enjoyed the journey along with Lisa Emmer to the satisfying conclusion, enough to immediately buy and read the sequel. Overall score is 4.5 out of 5.

[Mmgeric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rob Swigart has done an exceptional job with the characters in The Delphi Agenda. It is a very fast paced novel of mystery and intrigue much in the style of Berry, Brown, etc. The female lead character is unlike the usual wonder woman heroine but instead shows a strong moral side as well as inner strength. Swigart creates a wonderful setting for this adventure, where else but The City of Lights, Paris! The theme of the church vs. the Delphi is an age old battle done up in a very modern way. The supporting characters make for an interesting if not volatile read.

[Julianne Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I love to read books dealing with mysteries, long ago people and places, religious controversies and how we in the modern world react to ideas which might make us a little uncomfortable. This book tells just such a story. The characters are not very fleshed out, but they have enough substance to make you care for them. I am anxious to read the next book in Lisa Emmer's adventures! Recommend for 16+ as there is graphic violence described.

[Donna Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suspenseful and fast paced

The story premise seems far fetched in twentieth century culture. The police are made to look extremely foolish and there is far too much violence and death involved for my entertainment. The characters are unique in a picturesque way. They are vividly portrayed and very memorable. I certainly agree with the ending chapter and wish us all the best and brightest luck.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting

I tend to read a lot of science fiction, so I was expecting more of a sci-fi bent. This is more in the vein of "The DaVinci Code," full of puzzles, intrigue, and action. Given that the ending resolves things very well, I'm very interested to see what the next book is about.

[C.A. Knutsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I thought it fell short of delivering on the promise in the Delphi Agenda. We learned what it was supposed to be but never saw it in action. That would have been interesting. I don't know much about the historical background, but with all the references employed, the story appears to be well researched.

[Michelle Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a sneaking suspicion that I had read this book before. It is quite a story with lots of ancient cults, religions, beliefs etc. It is taking place in modern time and a bit too OTT some of the time. It did not keep me interested till the end (this time) and i give it a three stars because most of it was attention grabbing until one thinks it is too much for a present day situation.

[Subhajit Das · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a slightly better plot with several compact twists in the story line. Though I won't say that I am disappointed, but it tightness of the content was lacking while developing the story. Rather, I should say, the portrayal of the scenes could have been more captivating. Liked the book overall. Recommendable as an one time read. Thank you.

[Paul Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overall great romp! Enough adventure to keep you engaged and enough historical fiction to treat your sweet tooth. It is what I expect it was intended, a nice and easy read to take you away for a bit from reality. If you read for escapism like I do, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it for you.

[Maria E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catches one completely by surprise

Fascinating, well written dive into ancient history tied to the dark side of the Church. Peopled with unforgettable characters, whether saint or sinners whose dance of survival has one breathless throughout. Well worth the read, I highly reccomend to all captivated by history and a high octane adventure!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Delphi agenda was fantastic

I really enjoyed this book. It is very well written the characters are well developed. It starts with a death, and the mystery that unfolds gets more convoluted as the story goes on. Lisa Emmer is a strong character and very believable. The ending was very satisfying tying up loose ends.

[Owlbaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense

This book has so much integrated history in it, I was so amazed! It definitely is a thriller and left me feeling and questioning so much as I read it. So much of the story is just trying to figure out what us actually going on. It is so intense, suspicious, and suspenseful!

[Paul E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a “weird read “ for me. More than most books of recent memory I was drawn into the story for about the first 80% of the novel. But, while I never thought of stopping without finishing, fascination with the novel went way down hill in reading that last paper of the story. I won’t be a spoiler, as I hope others will digest the tale and see if they have whatever caused in me the increasingly disinterested and disengaging from it toward the end!

[Eric Curfman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as I had hoped

The review compared this to Dan Brown. It was not near Brown's books. This book was really slow and took awhile to get in to. Once the pace picked up, it dropped again. Hard to keep up.

[Lauren Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read. Fast paced and we'll written. Interesting premise about an often overlooked but if history.

Good summer book. Fast paced and easy to read. Interesting premise about an often overlooked but if history. Likeable characters.

[Laura Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy historical fiction, jump on in!

Very smooth flowing story, would put it right up there with Dan Brown. If, like me, you question the secrecy of the Roman Catholic Church and aspects of its history...read this one.

[Alma Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delphi agenda

Very well written taking us all over France and back in time to other time periods. All with good characters who you can't help but don't for the good guys and bizarre baddies. Thoroughly enjoyed this and will look out for other works by this author

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of this genre by other very famous author, I was very impressed with the world and character building. The story line pacing sucked me in almost immediately and refused to let me go. I'm about to start the next volume in this series and can't wait!

[Amber Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thriller

I spent most of the beginning just trying to figure out what was going on. About two thirds of the way through I finally understood enough to follow easier but would probably have to read again to understand better.