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The Mason Files #1

The Alchemy Code

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A fast-paced, gripping novella from the #1 bestselling author of the chart-topping Jed Mason series.

In the Vatican, an ancient secret with implications for the future has just fallen into the wrong hands.

Former British MI6 officer Jed Mason wants out of the espionage game, but he just keeps getting pulled back in. Busy working on his beloved olive grove in a hidden Portuguese valley, Mason is dragged back into the sinister and mysterious machinations of Vatican politics when a piece of a newly discovered Michelangelo fresco is stolen, and the conservator restoring it is murdered.

The chase is on to track down the killer and only Mason can retrieve the stolen fresco and deliver the results needed by the Vatican, but are those closest to him lying about who they are and what is really going on?

Readers are gripped by Rob Jones

“If you like books by Ernest Dempsey or Dan Brown you should like this” Goodreads reviewer. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Similar type of adventures to Andy McDermott and Scott Mariani” Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“It keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time, wondering what will happen next” Goodreads reviewer. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Exciting ride from page one” Amazon reviewer. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Top-notch action-adventure book” Amazon reviewer. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“If you love adventure, thrills and spills, mystery and being on the edge of your seat with your heart in your mouth, you will love these books” Amazon reviewer. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“What a gripping read, didn’t want to put it down” Amazon reviewer. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I couldn’t put the book down, lots of twists and turns and excitement” Goodreads reviewer. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fast paced, full of action. I read this in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down” Goodreads reviewer. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2023

97 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Rob Jones

61 books79 followers
International bestselling author of twenty-five thrillers, including fourteen in the Joe Hawke action-adventure series and The Hunter Files. All available for the Amazon Kindle.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
132 (49%)
4 stars
76 (28%)
3 stars
46 (17%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Neelabh Pratap  Singh.
Author 40 books26 followers
May 15, 2025
The Alchemy Code by Rob Jones kicks off The Mason Files with a bang. An exhilarating mix of cryptic symbols & breakneck chases. Jack Mason is a former military operative turned investigator. He's thrust into a globe-spanning conspiracy that combines ancient alchemical secrets with modern-day stakes. Rob Jones has a knack for weaving historical intrigue into a present-day thriller, and the pacing rarely lets up.

The action scenes are sharply written and cinematic, and the code-breaking elements reminiscent of Dan Brown but with a grittier, more visceral punch.

The reason for one star short is some exposition-heavy sections slow the momentum, and a few twists feel more convenient than earned. However, these are minor issues in an otherwise gripping read.
Profile Image for Boyd Crombie.
21 reviews
March 17, 2024
Gripping Jed Mason

Another great book from beginning to end topic fantastic the research that must go into this is superbly gathers and incorporated into the book
22 reviews
March 27, 2024
Jed Mason at his best

Fast moving, action packed.
Lots going on in this story.
Wanted to read it all at once.
Well worth the read
1 review
August 20, 2024
Good read


Fast moving action all the way.
Jed Mason is the all action hero.
And I recommend this book and look forward too many more adventurous.
95 reviews
July 16, 2025
Another good read. I like the characters and how the story is linked to the past.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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