a pacy, heart-thumping, race-against time thriller guaranteed to have you hooked…

The Lazarus Vault

An action-packed thriller in the bestselling tradition of The Da Vinci Code, The Rule of Four, Equinox and Codex.

From the pen of prizewinning author Tom Harper, this is a high-octane adventure thriller in the bestselling tradition of The Da Vinci Code. With a lingering sense of tension and unease coupled with all-out action and a plethora of twists and turns, it is perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler and Scott Mariani. 
 
'In the tradition of The Da Vinci Code, a page-turner of a novel. Like Dan Brown, Tom Harper knows how to ratchet up the tension.' -- Choice 
'Be warned, you could become so hooked by this big adventure thriller that the tide will be lapping round your deckchair before you notice' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph 
'Brilliant storytelling linking the past to the present! The level of detail and historical and geographical information is amazing.... highly recommended' -- ***** Reader review 
'A story that keeps you guessing and reading. It is hard to put down until the very last page.' -- ***** Reader review 
'A gripping yarn' -- ***** Reader review 
'So far everyone I know who has read this has done so in one sitting, some doing all-nighters to manage it.' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************** 
EIGHT CENTURIES OF DECEIT HIDE A DEADLY SECRET 
 
Deep in the heart of London, the Monsalvat Bank is small, secretive and fabulously wealthy. When Ellie Stanton, an impoverished graduate student, is unexpectedly invited to join the firm, the offer looks too good to turn down. 
 
But the bank is more than it seems. Soon Ellie realises that her life belongs to her employers - and they're watching her every move. For buried in their medieval vaults lies a closely-guarded treasure of immeasurable power - one inextricably bound up with Ellie's own history. 
 
Now Ellie is in a race against time, hunted by the bank and pursued by her past. Her only hope of escape is to unearth the secret hidden in the vault. But getting in is only the beginning...

Tom Harper's latest offering is simply magic

Like Steven Saylor, the master of the ancient Roman historical, Harper effortlessly draws the reader into an unfamiliar time, bringing alive the characters and their motivations

Tom Harper (real name Edwin Thomas) won the CWA debut award in 2001 for The Blighted Cliffs. He also wrote The Mosaic of Shadows, Knights of the Cross, Siege of Heaven, Lost Temple and Book of Secrets, all published by Random House. He lives in York.

From the pen of prizewinning author Tom Harper, this is a high-octane adventure thriller in the bestselling tradition of The Da Vinci Code. With a lingering sense of tension and unease coupled with all-out action and a plethora of twists and turns, it is perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler and Scott Mariani. 
 
'In the tradition of The Da Vinci Code, a page-turner of a novel. Like Dan Brown, Tom Harper knows how to ratchet up the tension.' -- Choice 
'Be warned, you could become so hooked by this big adventure thriller that the tide will be lapping round your deckchair before you notice' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph 
'Brilliant storytelling linking the past to the present! The level of detail and historical and geographical information is amazing.... highly recommended' -- ***** Reader review 
'A story that keeps you guessing and reading. It is hard to put down until the very last page.' -- ***** Reader review 
'A gripping yarn' -- ***** Reader review 
'So far everyone I know who has read this has done so in one sitting, some doing all-nighters to manage it.' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************** 
EIGHT CENTURIES OF DECEIT HIDE A DEADLY SECRET 
 
Deep in the heart of London, the Monsalvat Bank is small, secretive and fabulously wealthy. When Ellie Stanton, an impoverished graduate student, is unexpectedly invited to join the firm, the offer looks too good to turn down. 
 
 But the bank is more than it seems. Soon Ellie realises that her life belongs to her employers - and they're watching her every move. For buried in their medieval vaults lies a closely-guarded treasure of immeasurable power - one inextricably bound up with Ellie's own history. 
 
 Now Ellie is in a race against time, hunted by the bank and pursued by her past. Her only hope of escape is to unearth the secret hidden in the vault. But getting in is only the beginning...

an action-packed thriller spanning continents and countries that will set your heart racing…

The Book of Secrets

An action-packed thriller in the bestselling tradition of The Da Vinci Code, The Rule of Four, Equinox and Codex

From the pen of prizewinning author Tom Harper, this is a high-octane adventure thriller in the bestselling tradition of The Da Vinci Code. Jam-packed with murder, mystery and mind-blowing revelations, it is perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler and Scott Mariani. 
 
'In the tradition of The Da Vinci Code, a page-turner of a novel. Like Dan Brown, Tom Harper knows how to ratchet up the tension.' -- Choice 
'Be warned, you could become so hooked by this big adventure thriller that the tide will be lapping round your deckchair before you notice' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph 
'Really enjoyed this book... the "can't put it down" variety :-)' -- ***** Reader review 
'Very enjoyable story, lots of suspense, murder and adventure' -- ***** Reader review 
'Very much recommended!' -- ***** Reader review 
************************************************************************* 
A TRAIL INTO THE HEART OF A FIVE-HUNDRED-YEAR-OLD MYSTERY 
 
In a snowbound village in the German mountains, a young woman discovers an extraordinary secret. Before she can reveal it, she disappears, leaving no trace other than a picture of a mysterious medieval playing card that has perplexed scholars for centuries. 
 
Nick Ash does research for the FBI in New York. Six months ago his girlfriend Gillian walked out and broke his heart. Now he's the only person who can save her - if it's not too late. Within hours of getting her message, Nick finds himself on the run, delving deep into the past, asking questions that people don't want answered...Hunted across Europe, Nick follows Gillian's trail into the heart of a five-hundred-year-old mystery. 
 
But across the centuries, powerful forces are closing around him. There are men who have devoted their lives to keeping the secret, and they will stop at nothing to protect it.

Be warned, you could become so hooked by this big adventurous thriller that the tide will be lapping round your deckchair before you notice.

The Book of Secrets is an action-packed thiller that will be enjoyed by Da Vinci Code addicts.

The story is an entertaining and intriguing one, written a little more intelligently than similar novels.

Tom Harper (real name Edwin Thomas) won the CWA debut award in 2001 for The Blighted Cliffs. He also wrote The Mosaic of Shadows, Knights of the Cross, Siege of Heaven and Lost Temple, all published by Random House.

an unmissable, action-packed and high-octane thriller that will take you deep into the past…

Lost Temple

In the bestselling tradition of The Da Vinci Code, The Rule of Four and The Historian, with the pace of an Indiana Jones film, The Lost Temple promises a breathtaking adventure across the ruins of the post-war Mediterranean, through the myths and literature of lost civilisations, and into the heart of an ancient mystery.

In the bestselling tradition of The Da Vinci Code, this is a breath-taking, all-action adventure from the pen of prizewinning author Tom Harper. This page-turner will take through the myths and legends of lost civilisations and into the heart of an ancient mystery...If you like Dan Brown, Clive Cussler and Scott Mariani, you'll love this! 
 
'Like Dan Brown, Tom Harper knows how to ratchet up the tension.' - Choice 
'Totally fascinating' -- ***** Reader review 
'Really good book, I find it hard to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'So thrilling I was reading it whenever I could' -- ***** Reader review 
'This is an amazing book, well written. My only critisism is that I couldn't put it down' -- ***** Reader review 
********************************************************************** 
A DEAD MAN. A HIDDEN CODE. A DEVASTATING SECRET. 
 
For three thousand years, the world's most dangerous treasure has been lost. Now the code that reveals its hiding place is about to be broken ... 
 
Sam Grant is a disgraced ex-SOE soldier and an adventurer by trade. But he has a secret: six years ago, a dying archaeologist entrusted him with his life's work - transcripts of mysterious writing found in a hidden cave on Crete. Deciphered, it could lead to one of the greatest prizes in history. 
 
But the treasure is as dangerous as it is valuable. The CIA wants it; so does the KGB. Helped by a brilliant Oxford professor, and a beautiful Greek archaeologist with her own secrets to hide, Grant is plunged into a labyrinth of ancient cults, forgotten mysteries and lost civilisations. But time is running out. 
 
The secrets of the distant past may hold the key to the newest threats of the modern world...

In the tradition of The Da Vinci Code, a page-turner of a novel. Like Dan Brown, Tom Harper knows how to ratchet up the tension

Tom Harper (real name Edwin Thomas) won the CWA debut award in 2001 for The Blighted Cliffs. He also wrote The Mosaic of Shadows, Knights of the Cross, and Siege of Heaven, published by Random House.

In the bestselling tradition of The Da Vinci Code, this is a breath-taking, all-action adventure from the pen of prizewinning author Tom Harper. This page-turner will take through the myths and legends of lost civilisations and into the heart of an ancient mystery...If you like Dan Brown, Clive Cussler and Scott Mariani, you'll love this! 
 
'Like Dan Brown, Tom Harper knows how to ratchet up the tension.' - Choice 
'Totally fascinating' -- ***** Reader review 
'Really good book, I find it hard to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'So thrilling I was reading it whenever I could' -- ***** Reader review 
'This is an amazing book, well written. My only critisism is that I couldn't put it down' -- ***** Reader review 
********************************************************************** 
A DEAD MAN. A HIDDEN CODE. A DEVASTATING SECRET. 
 
For three thousand years, the world's most dangerous treasure has been lost. Now the code that reveals its hiding place is about to be broken ... 
 
 Sam Grant is a disgraced ex-SOE soldier and an adventurer by trade. But he has a secret: six years ago, a dying archaeologist entrusted him with his life's work - transcripts of mysterious writing found in a hidden cave on Crete. Deciphered, it could lead to one of the greatest prizes in history. 
 
 But the treasure is as dangerous as it is valuable. The CIA wants it; so does the KGB. Helped by a brilliant Oxford professor, and a beautiful Greek archaeologist with her own secrets to hide, Grant is plunged into a labyrinth of ancient cults, forgotten mysteries and lost civilisations. But time is running out. 
 
 The secrets of the distant past may hold the key to the newest threats of the modern world...

(The Crusade Trilogy: III): a powerful, fast-paced and exciting adventure steeped in the atmosphere of the First Crusade

Siege of Heaven

A powerful novel of intrigue, sacrifice, savagery and holy war, by the author of the Mosaic of Shadows and Knights of the Cross.

If you love Conn Iggulden, Lindsey Davis and Steven Pressfield, you will love this breathtaking historical adventure, brimming with murder, betrayal, bloodshed and romance, from the pen of prizewinning author Tom Harper. 
 
'Harper's portrayal of Byzantium and the intrigues that threaten its destruction is vivid and convincing.' -- Sunday Times 
'Harper effortlessly draws the reader into an unfamiliar time bringing alive the characters and their motivations' -- Publisher's Weekly 
'A must read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Superb read. Thoroughly enjoyed it' -- ***** Reader review 
'A real joy to read. Keeps you wanting to read more, griping and exciting right to the end'-- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************************* 
 
BETRAYAL AND BLOODSHED. WHO WILL CONQUER? 
 
August, 1098: after countless battles and sieges, the surviving soldiers of the first crusade are at last within reach of their ultimate goal - Jerusalem. But rivalries fester and new enemies are massing against them in the Holy Land. 
 
Demetrios Askiates, the Emperor's spy, has had enough of the crusade's violence and hypocrisy and longs to return home. But when a routine diplomatic mission leads to a deadly ambush, he realises he has been snared in the vast power struggles which underlie the crusade. The only way out now leads through the Holy City. 
 
From the plague-bound city of Antioch to the heart of Muslim Egypt, Demetrios must accompany the army of warlords and fanatics to the very gates of Jerusalem. 
 
But what awaits him there is an apocalypse of pillage, bloodshed and slaughter...Who will be the victor? 
 
Siege of Heaven ends the Crusade trilogy. Have you read The Mosaic of Shadows and Knights of the Cross?

Tom Harper writes with strident clarity in this epic tale of murder and betrayal, bloodshed and romance. Gripping from the first page, the reader is swept up in this colourful and convincing portrayal of an Emperor and his realm, under siege. Well-researched, and cinematic in its imagery, this is a fast-paced and exciting debut.

Tom Harper's speciality is a hitherto unvisited era in historical crime fiction- It's a world which Harper brings exuberantly to life, clearly revelling in its teeming, tumultuous extravagance.

Harper effortlessly draws the reader into the court intrigues and conspiracies of 11th-century Byzantium in his outstanding debut

Scholarly but speedy narrative, steeped in medieval horrors ranging from flogging to famine, all anchored in what feels like a passion for history and spelling out the way things were

Tom Harper (real name Edwin Thomas) won the CWA debut award in 2001 for The Blighted Cliffs. He also wrote The Mosaic of Shadows and Knights of the Cross, published by Random House.

If you love Conn Iggulden, Lindsey Davis and Steven Pressfield, you will love this breathtaking historical adventure, brimming with murder, betrayal, bloodshed and romance, from the pen of prizewinning author Tom Harper. 
 
'Harper's portrayal of Byzantium and the intrigues that threaten its destruction is vivid and convincing.' -- Sunday Times 
'Harper effortlessly draws the reader into an unfamiliar time bringing alive the characters and their motivations' -- Publisher's Weekly 
'A must read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Superb read. Thoroughly enjoyed it' -- ***** Reader review 
'A real joy to read. Keeps you wanting to read more, griping and exciting right to the end'-- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************************* 
 
BETRAYAL AND BLOODSHED. WHO WILL CONQUER? 
 
August, 1098: after countless battles and sieges, the surviving soldiers of the first crusade are at last within reach of their ultimate goal - Jerusalem. But rivalries fester and new enemies are massing against them in the Holy Land. 
 
 Demetrios Askiates, the Emperor's spy, has had enough of the crusade's violence and hypocrisy and longs to return home. But when a routine diplomatic mission leads to a deadly ambush, he realises he has been snared in the vast power struggles which underlie the crusade. The only way out now leads through the Holy City. 
 
 From the plague-bound city of Antioch to the heart of Muslim Egypt, Demetrios must accompany the army of warlords and fanatics to the very gates of Jerusalem. 
 
But what awaits him there is an apocalypse of pillage, bloodshed and slaughter...Who will be the victor? 
 
Siege of Heaven ends the Crusade trilogy. Have you read The Mosaic of Shadows and Knights of the Cross?

the extraordinary story of the First Crusade  - gripping from the first page

Knights Of The Cross

The extraordinary story of the crisis of the First Crusade, a powerful novel of intrigue, sacrifice, savagery and holy war, by the author of the Mosaic of Shadows.

Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, Lindsey Davis, Steven Pressfield, this breathtaking and captivating novel brings the Crusades to life in all their triumphant and tragic glory. 
 
'Gripping from the first page, the reader is swept up in this colourful and convincing portrayal of an Emperor and his realm under siege.' - Ink 
'Superb read. Thoroughly enjoyed it' -- ***** Reader review 
'Highly enjoyable read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Brilliant.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Holds your interest from [the first] to the last page' -- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************************** 
AN ASSASSIN IS ON THE LOOSE...AND AN EMPIRE STANDS IN PERIL 
 
Byzantium, 1096: When a mysterious assassin fires his arrow at the Emperor, he has more than a man in his sights; as the keystone of a crumbling empire, if he falls, then the mightiest power in Christendom will be torn apart. Aware of the stakes, the Emperor hires Demetrios Askiates, the unveiler of mysteries, to catch the would-be-killer. 
 
But Demetrios is entering an unknown and mysterious world and must edge his way through a glittering maze of treachery and deceit before time runs out. Nor are all enemies within the city walls. With the Turks rampant across Asia, the Emperor has sent to the west for mercenaries to reinforce his position. 
 
When a great army, tens of thousands strong, appears before the gates, he gets more than he bargained for. The first crusaders have arrived, intent on making their fortunes in war, and they have no allegiance to an empire they eye with jealousy and suspicion. 
 
As the armies of east and west confront each other, and the assassin creeps ever closer to his prey, Demetrios must untangle the golden web of intrigue which surrounds the Emperor before the city - and the empire - are drowned in blood.

'Gripping for its portrayal of the Crusader leaders ... this is a great example from a trustworthy historian'

Excellent. Like Steven Saylor, the master of the ancient Roman historical Harper effortlessly draws the reader into an unfamiliar time, bringing alive the characters and their motivations

Tom Harper (real name Edwin Thomas) won the CWA debut award in 2001 for The Blighted Cliffs. He also wrote The Mosaic of Shadows.

(The Crusade Trilogy: I): a thrilling epic of murder, betrayal, bloodshed and intrigue in the age of the Crusades

The Mosaic Of Shadows

A thrilling epic of murder and intrigue in the age of the Crusades from the author of swashbuckling historical novel The Blighted Cliffs, winner of the Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger award. The Mosaic of Shadows is the first in the historical adventure 'Crusade' series and a wonderful historical fiction account of the rise of the Ottoman Empire.

An epic tale of murder and betrayal, bloodshed and romance. Gripping from the first page, the reader is swept up in this colourful and convincing portrayal of an Emperor and his realm, under seige. Well-researched and cinematic in its imagery, this is a faced-paced and exciting debut

Harper's...portrayal of the Byzantine city and the intrigues that threaten its destruction is vivid and convincing

It’s a world which Harper brings exuberantly to life, clearly revelling in its teeming, tumultuous extravagance

Tom Harper is the pseudonym for author Edwin Thomas. Writing as Thomas, he won the Crime Writers' Association debut award in 2001 for his swashbuckling naval historical novel The Blighted Cliffs, the first book in the 'Reluctant Adventures of Lieutenant Martin Jerrold' series. This is his second novel and his first as Tom Harper.

Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, Lindsey Davis, Steven Pressfield, this breathtaking and captivating novel brings the Crusades to life in all their triumphant and tragic glory. 
 
'Gripping from the first page, the reader is swept up in this colourful and convincing portrayal of an Emperor and his realm under siege.' - Ink 
'Superb read. Thoroughly enjoyed it' -- ***** Reader review 
'Highly enjoyable read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Brilliant.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Holds your interest from [the first] to the last page' -- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************************** 
AN ASSASSIN IS ON THE LOOSE...AND AN EMPIRE STANDS IN PERIL 
 
Byzantium, 1096: When a mysterious assassin fires his arrow at the Emperor, he has more than a man in his sights; as the keystone of a crumbling empire, if he falls, then the mightiest power in Christendom will be torn apart. Aware of the stakes, the Emperor hires Demetrios Askiates, the unveiler of mysteries, to catch the would-be-killer. 
 
 But Demetrios is entering an unknown and mysterious world and must edge his way through a glittering maze of treachery and deceit before time runs out. Nor are all enemies within the city walls. With the Turks rampant across Asia, the Emperor has sent to the west for mercenaries to reinforce his position. 
 
 When a great army, tens of thousands strong, appears before the gates, he gets more than he bargained for. The first crusaders have arrived, intent on making their fortunes in war, and they have no allegiance to an empire they eye with jealousy and suspicion. 
 
As the armies of east and west confront each other, and the assassin creeps ever closer to his prey, Demetrios must untangle the golden web of intrigue which surrounds the Emperor before the city - and the empire - are drowned in blood.

Tom Harper

an utterly compelling action-packed thriller – guaranteed to have you hooked…

Fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler and Scott Mariani will love this high-octane, edge-of-your-seat international thriller from the pen of prizewinning author Tom Harper. It has everything you could want: great plot, great pace, great suspense and a great twist... 
 
'In the tradition of The Da Vinci Code, a page-turner of a novel. Like Dan Brown, Tom Harper knows how to ratchet up the tension.' -- Choice 
'FANTASTIC FANTASTIC FANTASTIC' -- ***** Reader review 
'A page-turner: not a single moment of boredom' -- ***** Reader review 
'Could not put it down!' -- ***** Reader review 
********************************************************************************** 
A BRUTAL MURDER. A DAMAGED SURVIVOR. A RACE AGAINST TIME... 
 
In a villa on the coast of Montenegro, Abby Cormac witnesses the brutal murder of her lover, diplomat Michael Lascaris. The last thing she remembers is a gun pointed directly at her and wakes to find herself alone and at the centre of a diplomatic nightmare. Everyone wants an answer but no one wants to listen. Even her employers at the Foreign Office believe she's hiding something. 
 
 As Abby tries to piece together the last few months of Michael's life in order to get at the truth, she soon realises that he wasn't quite what he seemed. What exactly was his relationship with one of the most ruthless men in the Balkans? And what links Michael's gift to her of a gold necklace, a 4th century manuscript left in the shadow of Emperor Constantine's palace at Trier and an inscription on a tomb in Rome? 
 
 When Abby investigates further, it becomes clear that someone wants to suppress a secret, one that has been kept hidden for centuries. And they will stop at nothing to do so...

Tom Harper

Books by Tom Harper

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter