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Sam Reilly #31
The Elixir of Life:
Kelly Robinson, a 24-year-old economics doctoral student, spent the day on a perilous climb to Abuna Yemata Guh, a 5th-century monolithic church carved into a sheer cliffside in Ethiopia.
Inside, the chapel walls were covered with vibrant frescoes, their colors deep and rich, depicting serene biblical figures, saints, and angels.
But then something happened that science couldn’t explain.
Within hours, the video Kelly captured of the incident went viral.
Thousands of miles away, the crew of the Tahila watched in disbelief. If the footage was real, it meant one terrifying the Elixir of Life had been found.
And the world was now in grave danger.
To make matters worse, Sam Reilly was missing…
Inside, the chapel walls were covered with vibrant frescoes, their colors deep and rich, depicting serene biblical figures, saints, and angels.
But then something happened that science couldn’t explain.
Within hours, the video Kelly captured of the incident went viral.
Thousands of miles away, the crew of the Tahila watched in disbelief. If the footage was real, it meant one terrifying the Elixir of Life had been found.
And the world was now in grave danger.
To make matters worse, Sam Reilly was missing…
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2025
152 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Cartwright
109 books255 followersChristopher Cartwright writes spellbinding mysteries and suspense novels. Often with a backdrop of ocean adventure. Born in 1983, he has a background as a paramedic, and is an avid sailor and SCUBA diver.
He holds degrees in paramedics, nursing and emergency management.
Chris currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.
He holds degrees in paramedics, nursing and emergency management.
Chris currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 28, 2025
The Elixir of Life is a continuation of Christopher Cartwright’s previous novel, The Relic Hunter, with many moving parts and many subplots in a variety of countries. It would help to read The Relic Hunter first because there are several threads that connect the two stories. The common theme for both stories is a pursuit of knowledge from the “Master Builders” and the Relic Hunter acting as their chief nemesis.
In this Sam Reilly episode, a tourist accidentally discovers a sample of the “Elixir of Life” while exploring a 5th century monastery that is tucked into the side of an Ethiopian stone cliff, Abuna Yemata Guh. Her discovery (and associated video recording) sets off a frantic race to obtain and control this special (and dangerous) liquid substance.
The descriptions of Abuna Yemata Guh and the other religious locations in Ethiopia made for an interesting backdrop for this story.
In this Sam Reilly episode, a tourist accidentally discovers a sample of the “Elixir of Life” while exploring a 5th century monastery that is tucked into the side of an Ethiopian stone cliff, Abuna Yemata Guh. Her discovery (and associated video recording) sets off a frantic race to obtain and control this special (and dangerous) liquid substance.
The descriptions of Abuna Yemata Guh and the other religious locations in Ethiopia made for an interesting backdrop for this story.
January 25, 2025
spectacular read
Cartwright just never misses. Book 31 in this series yet still a fresh captivating story that I couldn’t put down. Our hero’s remain the same but forever changing and keeping the surprises coming. No story is the same but the next always more captivating than the last. Cartwrights gift is of the charts as I find myself waiting for book 32!
Cartwright just never misses. Book 31 in this series yet still a fresh captivating story that I couldn’t put down. Our hero’s remain the same but forever changing and keeping the surprises coming. No story is the same but the next always more captivating than the last. Cartwrights gift is of the charts as I find myself waiting for book 32!
January 23, 2025
great book and characters
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
March 2, 2025
Very exciting
Very exciting storyline. Never a dull moment. Sam never disappoints me. In fact I have read quite a lot of Cartwright books and have never been disappointed with any of them.
Very exciting storyline. Never a dull moment. Sam never disappoints me. In fact I have read quite a lot of Cartwright books and have never been disappointed with any of them.
January 17, 2025
love Sam and Tom
The book was what I’ve come to expect. Full of excitement on every page. A must read for Sam and Tom followers.
The book was what I’ve come to expect. Full of excitement on every page. A must read for Sam and Tom followers.
February 13, 2025
The Elixir of Life
This is a great novel with a terrific ending. Thoroughly recommended reading. Christopher Cartwright has woven a superb plot in this book.
This is a great novel with a terrific ending. Thoroughly recommended reading. Christopher Cartwright has woven a superb plot in this book.
February 19, 2025
Another good read
I've read all of the Sam Reilly books and have never been disappointed with any of them they are all extremely good stories and very enjoyable.
I've read all of the Sam Reilly books and have never been disappointed with any of them they are all extremely good stories and very enjoyable.
March 17, 2025
The Spider of Life
A fantastic book. Lots of action, and suspense. Answered a loot of questions. Thrilling reading. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
A fantastic book. Lots of action, and suspense. Answered a loot of questions. Thrilling reading. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
May 8, 2025
Top Notch Science Fiction!
August 29, 2025
Saving the best for last?
The stories keep getting better and better. The verse of the Tahila is in for more than us readers can imagine.you.
Please keep your mind sharp.
The stories keep getting better and better. The verse of the Tahila is in for more than us readers can imagine.you.
Please keep your mind sharp.
Read
January 20, 2026It was very good reading with plenty of action and food for thought.
June 29, 2025
It’s good and the story is quite predictable but it’s what you expect from a Sam Reilly book
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews