The Devil's Elixir (Sean Reilly and Tess Chaykin Series #3)

A definite Christmas wishlist must have.

A masterfully written thriller, " The Devil's Elixir", is a combination of action packed adventure, with just enough thought provoking science fiction, that leads Sean and Tess on an adventure neither thought possible, with surprises around every corner makes it hard to put down.

Sean's 1 st person dialogue pulls you into his world, you' re not just a reader you' re a part of his every thought, feeling, want, need, and desire. This intimate insight leaves you with a breathless passion and sense of urgency that can only be shared with Sean Reilly and Raymond Khoury.

By, Leisa Lisic

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

anticipating the next novel...

Reviewed by Stephen B for Readers Favorite

Sean Reilly, FBI agent, only wants to enjoy a short respite from an exasperating case over the July Fourth holiday. He can try to recharge from some emotional stress in his relationship with his girlfriend, Tess Chaykin, former archaeologist, with whom he’s had a few adventures. However, his ex-girlfriend, Michelle Martinez, calls pleading for help. Michelle and her four year old son, Alex, just escaped a kidnapping. She also tells Reilly that he is Alex’s father. Hours later, he arrives in San Diego only to almost immediately step into a gunfight with the kidnappers that ends with Michelle’s death. Sean is plunged into a mystery that involves a biker gang, a Mexican drug lord, and recent kidnappings of scientists. Reilly’s past comes back to haunt him, specifically, an operation in Mexico five years earlier where a life or death decision left him with unresolved guilt. Working with local agents and with the aid of Tess, Reilly uncovers a plot to introduce a new super drug to the unsuspecting populace. However, more secrets lie in wait for discovery, including Alex’s strange behavior.

This is a thriller with a lot of action from the get-go. Khoury doesn’t take you on a worldwide tour as in his previous novels, but settles in on the California scene with a few background details in Mexico. I really enjoyed the puzzles being solved. There is a bit of science fact along with the fiction, some ‘mind blowing’ possibilities, a little profanity (but not too much), and some edge-of-your-seat action scenes. I have been a fan of Khoury’s from his first novel and was not disappointed in the least with this latest effort. There is always a bit of the mystical and speculation in his novels. "The Devil’s Elixir" is no exception and finishing it left me disappointed that it had to end. Guess I’ll have to wait, anticipating the next novel.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A fabulous read, as usual from Mr. Khoury

Raymond's new book is exactly as I expected it to be... a page turner! I love the way Sean is written in first person and the other characters are not, well done sir. I always must start his books early in the morning, since I can't put them down! The character development between Tess and Sean provides more insight into their relationship and past life... Raymond Khoury never disappoints this reader!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Could have been so much more

I love the templer series, but this latest effort fell flat

The Devil's Elixir is yet another disappointment by Ray Khoury a

The Devil's Elixir is yet another disappointment by Ray Khoury and his second book that I put aside before completing (The Sign was the other). He failed to develop the historical connections and related modern day action it should generate that he did so well in The Last Templar and again in Templar Salvation. In fact, it was hard to follow any connection back to the meager historical account he presented in the opening while the modern day story was only a monotonous repetition of police and FBI busts and narco-mob counter actions.

Decent read

Interesting

Not his best work O Bo Not his besst work

I kept waiting for the action to pick up like it did in his previous books but then i got to the last page and it was over. Still a decent read, just not what i have come to expect from this author.

can't get a book to download eventhough it is paid for.

Not good

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Not my favorite, but good read

I could hardly wait for this book to come out. I anxiously waited, and started reading it, as soon as it came out for nook. THe plot was good, story line well written, but he lost me once the book took a turn with memories. It became unbelievable to me. I finished the book, and gave it 3 stars. I will read Khoury's books again, this one just does not make it to my favorite book list.

THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR - A 5 Star Treat!

Author Raymond Khoury is at the top of his game in The Devil's Elixir, a riveting, edge of your seat, roller coaster ride of a tale. If I were not already a bona fide Raymond Khoury fan, The Devil's Elixir would cinch the deal for this reader. I highly recommend this book!

Intense storyline!

Just as I expected, Raymond Khoury has not disappointed me. It is another masterpiece of his that blew me away. Raymond has proved many times that he has an amazing talent and many great ideas, he knows how to keep you entertained and he is able to pull you fully into the plot so you actually have the feeling that you are part of it. Not many books did this to me. His books always do that. He is bringing back his well-known characters, FBI agent Sean Reilly and his archaeologist girlfriend Tess Chaykin into the game, but this time they are not after any Templar related secrets.

Reilly gets a call from his former girlfriend and former DEA agent, whom he hasn't seen for years and who used to work with him on drug related operation in Mexico and south of the US border and who tells him she needs his help because she is in serious danger. She also casually informs him that they have a son together. Reilly immediately flies across the country from NY to California without hesitation, to help her and when he learns more about the problem, things get nasty and the woman dies. Now he is left with a small son and many questions in his head. He calls Tess and explains her the situation. She comes to his aid and together, they find out that the scale of the problem is bigger than it seemed. Mexican narco kingpin who was thought to be dead has risen again, and is causing lot of unfortunate situations.

Raoul Navarro (alias El Brujo) has been in hiding and he has been spending time with native tribes in Central American jungle where he learned about a medicinal herb (which he has taken himself) and he wants to introduce this herb on the drug market. He wants this herb to be synthetized into a pill form, so it is easy to sell and would be very convenient for users.

Tess discovers strange link between the herb and Reilly's son Alex. This herb is a drug so powerful that the entire civilization is at stake, and they decide to locate it and prevent its spreading which would have catastrophic consequences.

What is different in this book is the use of a first-person narrative, from Reilly's point of view, which makes it easier to read and also it makes it feel more personal as it introduces detailed description of Reilly's thoughts.

Raymond Khoury is once again not giving you chance to put the book down, until you finish reading it. It is full of exciting and gripping plot and those who have read Raymond's book before, know that there are always some unexpected twists in the story which would keep you on your toes at all times. This book would make a terrific movie. Highly recommended.

Jela Mackova

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