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The Pyramid Code
An ancient secret. A terrorist cell. The truth will change everything.
Former soldier Marc O’Hara is acting as a reader for an intelligence service in London when the call comes in. He's to be re-activated as a field agent and assigned to solve a 13th century alchemical riddle.
A terrorist cell called the Red Death has the same goal. If the terrorists solve the clues first, they will unleash an ancient flesh-eating toxin. Even more alarming, they will possess the key to the most shrouded secret in history.
O’Hara and his partner, Kim Shahrokh, must follow obscure clues from Paris, to Egypt and Syria. Along the way, they discover hidden chambers full of lost ancient books, medieval automatons and moldering creatures, some not as dead as they should be.
The more they uncover, the more O’Hara isn’t sure who to trust in this quest. Is history a myth? Or has he simply ventured into a world populated by murderous madmen and fanatics.
Join agent O'Hara in this exhilarating Archeological Thriller from debut author Richard Bradley, where the past, present, and future all collide in a web of intrigue and deception.
Former soldier Marc O’Hara is acting as a reader for an intelligence service in London when the call comes in. He's to be re-activated as a field agent and assigned to solve a 13th century alchemical riddle.
A terrorist cell called the Red Death has the same goal. If the terrorists solve the clues first, they will unleash an ancient flesh-eating toxin. Even more alarming, they will possess the key to the most shrouded secret in history.
O’Hara and his partner, Kim Shahrokh, must follow obscure clues from Paris, to Egypt and Syria. Along the way, they discover hidden chambers full of lost ancient books, medieval automatons and moldering creatures, some not as dead as they should be.
The more they uncover, the more O’Hara isn’t sure who to trust in this quest. Is history a myth? Or has he simply ventured into a world populated by murderous madmen and fanatics.
Join agent O'Hara in this exhilarating Archeological Thriller from debut author Richard Bradley, where the past, present, and future all collide in a web of intrigue and deception.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
368 people are currently reading
2529 people want to read
About the author
Richard Bradley
475 books16 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
Other authors publishing under this name are:
Richard (John) Bradley, British archaeologist
Richard Bradley
Richard Bradley, Music
Other authors publishing under this name are:
Richard (John) Bradley, British archaeologist
Richard Bradley
Richard Bradley, Music
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 24, 2025
A pulse-pounding blend of historical mystery and modern-day espionage, Red Death is a gripping archaeological thriller that will keep you guessing until the last page—perfect for fans of Dan Brown and James Rollins
June 28, 2025
Action packed
This book was a fun read. Lots of history, riddles, and action. Definitely keeps you in your toes and guessing.
This book was a fun read. Lots of history, riddles, and action. Definitely keeps you in your toes and guessing.
June 20, 2025
exciting and history
Enjoyed characters and history lesson as well as intriguing story. Would read again looking for next book. I throughly enjoyed reading book.
Enjoyed characters and history lesson as well as intriguing story. Would read again looking for next book. I throughly enjoyed reading book.
June 15, 2025
not my usual genre..
But an edge-of-your-seat thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. I normally gravitate to historic fiction, so this satisfied my historical curiosity
But an edge-of-your-seat thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. I normally gravitate to historic fiction, so this satisfied my historical curiosity
April 19, 2025
The Pyramid Code by Richard Bradley
From the very first page, The Pyramid Code throws you headfirst into a pulse-pounding archaeological thriller that never lets up. Richard Bradley’s debut novel is a riveting blend of history, espionage, and ancient mystery that will appeal to fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, or Steve Berry, but with a grit and modern urgency that’s all its own.
Marc O’Hara, the no-nonsense ex-soldier turned intelligence reader, gets pulled back into the field with a mission unlike anything he’s encountered before: solve a cryptic 13th-century alchemical puzzle or watch a terrorist group known as the Red Death unleash a flesh-eating toxin. It’s the kind of setup that had me hooked instantly. What begins as a cerebral hunt through history quickly spirals into a globe-trotting race against time, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.
I loved how Bradley weaves real historical elements with thrilling fiction. The locations, Parisian libraries, dusty tombs in Egypt, and ancient Syrian ruins, are brought to life with rich detail. And then there are the eerie discoveries: lost texts, medieval automatons, decaying corpses that may not be quite as lifeless as they appear. These creepy, atmospheric moments gave me major Indiana Jones-meets-X-Files vibes in the best way possible.
O’Hara and Kim Shahrokh make for a compelling team. There’s great chemistry and tension between them, and I appreciated that Kim is more than just a sidekick, she’s sharp, fearless, and pivotal to the unraveling of the mystery. As the clues deepen, so do the questions about trust, loyalty, and whether history itself has been one big lie. The stakes rise quickly, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, Bradley pulls the rug out from under you with a twist that’s genuinely shocking.
Verdict: The Pyramid Code is a cinematic, brainy, and action-packed thrill ride that hits all the right notes. Richard Bradley has arrived with a bang, and if this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see where he takes us next.
5/5 stars — A must-read for thriller junkies and history lovers alike.
From the very first page, The Pyramid Code throws you headfirst into a pulse-pounding archaeological thriller that never lets up. Richard Bradley’s debut novel is a riveting blend of history, espionage, and ancient mystery that will appeal to fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, or Steve Berry, but with a grit and modern urgency that’s all its own.
Marc O’Hara, the no-nonsense ex-soldier turned intelligence reader, gets pulled back into the field with a mission unlike anything he’s encountered before: solve a cryptic 13th-century alchemical puzzle or watch a terrorist group known as the Red Death unleash a flesh-eating toxin. It’s the kind of setup that had me hooked instantly. What begins as a cerebral hunt through history quickly spirals into a globe-trotting race against time, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.
I loved how Bradley weaves real historical elements with thrilling fiction. The locations, Parisian libraries, dusty tombs in Egypt, and ancient Syrian ruins, are brought to life with rich detail. And then there are the eerie discoveries: lost texts, medieval automatons, decaying corpses that may not be quite as lifeless as they appear. These creepy, atmospheric moments gave me major Indiana Jones-meets-X-Files vibes in the best way possible.
O’Hara and Kim Shahrokh make for a compelling team. There’s great chemistry and tension between them, and I appreciated that Kim is more than just a sidekick, she’s sharp, fearless, and pivotal to the unraveling of the mystery. As the clues deepen, so do the questions about trust, loyalty, and whether history itself has been one big lie. The stakes rise quickly, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, Bradley pulls the rug out from under you with a twist that’s genuinely shocking.
Verdict: The Pyramid Code is a cinematic, brainy, and action-packed thrill ride that hits all the right notes. Richard Bradley has arrived with a bang, and if this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see where he takes us next.
5/5 stars — A must-read for thriller junkies and history lovers alike.
May 8, 2025
“The Pyramid Code” is an action/mystery thriller that merges with several other genres. It’s also an espionage caper, an archaeological and historical treatise, a travelogue of far-away and often frightful places, and a reflection on modern-day fanatical terror. Action and danger accelerate on the book’s third page and recur like clockwork. Almost every chapter has a plot twist, propelling a reader to an ending that resolves it all and opens a window for a sequel.
The book shows painstaking research, visiting sites from London to Paris, Germany, Egypt and Syria with precise and illuminating historical detail. The theft of an ancient manuscript sends the narrator, agent Marc O’Hara, on a mission to find the thief and decode the manuscript’s meaning. He endures constant danger from a cult with a Medieval recipe for the worst weapon imaginable. This threat and other secrets that O’Hara begins to unravel could shake the foundations of society. His personal history, though, suits his mission, and his accomplice, Kim Shahrokh, is a match for the task as well. She also is, of course, beautiful.
Unlike many popular mystery novels these days, this one is not particularly a quick, easy read. Much of the vocabulary and the historical, religious and even architectural references lend a richness that engages. Many might find themselves, as I did, sometimes pausing to grasp, reflect and learn from particular passages. But the action, the plot and the character studies always moved me onward.
The book shows painstaking research, visiting sites from London to Paris, Germany, Egypt and Syria with precise and illuminating historical detail. The theft of an ancient manuscript sends the narrator, agent Marc O’Hara, on a mission to find the thief and decode the manuscript’s meaning. He endures constant danger from a cult with a Medieval recipe for the worst weapon imaginable. This threat and other secrets that O’Hara begins to unravel could shake the foundations of society. His personal history, though, suits his mission, and his accomplice, Kim Shahrokh, is a match for the task as well. She also is, of course, beautiful.
Unlike many popular mystery novels these days, this one is not particularly a quick, easy read. Much of the vocabulary and the historical, religious and even architectural references lend a richness that engages. Many might find themselves, as I did, sometimes pausing to grasp, reflect and learn from particular passages. But the action, the plot and the character studies always moved me onward.
July 14, 2025
If you enjoy books like The Da Vinci Code or Sigma Force, then this archaeological thriller will be right up your alley. The Red Death delivers a heart-pounding mix of historical mystery, covert ops, and globe-trotting adventure, with just the right dash of the supernatural to keep you on edge.
Marc O’Hara is a compelling lead former soldier turned intelligence reader, who gets pulled back into the field to solve a centuries-old alchemical riddle. Alongside his sharp and resourceful partner Kim Shahrokh, the duo races against time and a ruthless terrorist cell, chasing obscure clues from Paris to the Middle East.
The book’s strength lies in its immersive detail from dusty catacombs and hidden libraries to bizarre medieval automatons and eerie undead threats. The pacing is tight, and the plot unfolds like a cinematic treasure hunt, with just enough twists and betrayals to keep you guessing.
What I loved most was how the novel plays with the idea of truth, how history can be manipulated, lost, or weaponized. And while the villains were a bit over-the-top at times, the stakes felt real and terrifying.
This is a strong debut with loads of potential. A perfect read if you're into thrillers with brains, ancient puzzles, and action that doesn’t let up. Looking forward to what Richard Bradley writes next.
Marc O’Hara is a compelling lead former soldier turned intelligence reader, who gets pulled back into the field to solve a centuries-old alchemical riddle. Alongside his sharp and resourceful partner Kim Shahrokh, the duo races against time and a ruthless terrorist cell, chasing obscure clues from Paris to the Middle East.
The book’s strength lies in its immersive detail from dusty catacombs and hidden libraries to bizarre medieval automatons and eerie undead threats. The pacing is tight, and the plot unfolds like a cinematic treasure hunt, with just enough twists and betrayals to keep you guessing.
What I loved most was how the novel plays with the idea of truth, how history can be manipulated, lost, or weaponized. And while the villains were a bit over-the-top at times, the stakes felt real and terrifying.
This is a strong debut with loads of potential. A perfect read if you're into thrillers with brains, ancient puzzles, and action that doesn’t let up. Looking forward to what Richard Bradley writes next.
July 25, 2025
Indiana Jones Meets 24, With a Dose of Existential Dread
This book was everything I hoped it would be, ancient puzzles, deadly secrets, a high-stakes global race, but what caught me off guard was how creepy it was at times. Those chambers with rotting creatures and forgotten tech genuinely freaked me out in a good way.
What really stood out, though, was the mood. There’s this constant sense of unease, not just from the Red Death, but from the idea that maybe history isn’t what we think it is. O’Hara's doubt, paranoia, and grit made the story feel real and raw.
If you want something that blends intellect, danger, and atmosphere, this is your next read.
This book was everything I hoped it would be, ancient puzzles, deadly secrets, a high-stakes global race, but what caught me off guard was how creepy it was at times. Those chambers with rotting creatures and forgotten tech genuinely freaked me out in a good way.
What really stood out, though, was the mood. There’s this constant sense of unease, not just from the Red Death, but from the idea that maybe history isn’t what we think it is. O’Hara's doubt, paranoia, and grit made the story feel real and raw.
If you want something that blends intellect, danger, and atmosphere, this is your next read.
May 27, 2025
I am a periodic reader. When I do pick up a book it needs to capture my attention right out of the gate otherwise I move on. I have to say that this book was an excellent read. It was compeling, thought provoking And chock full of historical references that really kept me enthralled. My wife reads a mystery a week and spoke highly of this book and could not put it down until she was finished. I concur with this conclusion as I did not want to put it down until I was all the way through. I really look forward to the next book from this author in this series.
July 19, 2025
If the Davinci Code and National Treasure has a baby...
If the Davinci Code and National Treasure has a baby... But like not a great baby, it would be this book. The choppy writing was distracting at times. And things were solved too quickly. I almost gave it two stars but at least there was some things that surprised me in it. I won't read the next ones. But this one was fine. I didn't hate it.
If the Davinci Code and National Treasure has a baby... But like not a great baby, it would be this book. The choppy writing was distracting at times. And things were solved too quickly. I almost gave it two stars but at least there was some things that surprised me in it. I won't read the next ones. But this one was fine. I didn't hate it.
July 22, 2025
This book is a wild ride from start to finish! With ancient riddles, secret chambers, and a deadly terrorist plot, [The Pyramid Code ] delivers nonstop suspense. Marc O’Hara is a smart, relatable hero, and the historical twists kept me hooked. Perfect for fans of The Da Vinci Code and action-packed mysteries. Can’t wait to read more from Richard Bradley!
August 28, 2025
This book sounds like an absolute page-turner! Ancient riddles, secret chambers, lost books, and a terrorist cell racing against time everything I love about historical thrillers is here. O’Hara feels like a gripping lead, and the international chase adds nonstop excitement. Fans of Dan Brown and James Rollins will definitely want to dive into this one.
September 5, 2025
You need to be into archaeology and be able to follow all kinds of words and phrases related to archaeology, history, etc. it’s very intricate with those details.
I’m a well educated person but not in those areas and found myself having to look up many words and phrases to follow what was happening — this became worse midway through the book. It really dampened my enjoyment of the book.
I’m a well educated person but not in those areas and found myself having to look up many words and phrases to follow what was happening — this became worse midway through the book. It really dampened my enjoyment of the book.
August 1, 2025
Very entertaining, well written and lots of fun scientific ideas and information, whether real or not, is thought-provoking. The possibilities keep one's mind working. Thank you Richard for your great mind!
September 9, 2025
The Pyramid Code is a fast-paced, gripping thriller full of ancient secrets, dangerous enemies, and nonstop action. Marc O’Hara is a strong, engaging hero, and the mix of history and suspense makes this an excellent debut that fans of Dan Brown will love.
April 26, 2025
Very stuffy writing style
July 20, 2025
I received an excellent review on Amazon that I wanted to share here on Goodreads. It is for my novel The Pyramid Code, an archeological thriller:
***** Must read if you love thrillers!
This book was an absolute pleasure to read from beginning to end. The writing was engaging, the pacing kept me hooked, and the characters were incredibly well-developed. The author has a real talent for drawing the reader in and creating a vivid, immersive world. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and enjoyable read. I hope the author continues this series!
Reika
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLXHRC58
***** Must read if you love thrillers!
This book was an absolute pleasure to read from beginning to end. The writing was engaging, the pacing kept me hooked, and the characters were incredibly well-developed. The author has a real talent for drawing the reader in and creating a vivid, immersive world. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and enjoyable read. I hope the author continues this series!
Reika
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLXHRC58
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews