From the grimy slums of Nairobi to the high-stakes espionage in Portland and the grim and despicable depths of the organ trade industry, Simon Gervais weaves a fast-paced, racy thriller that keeps you hooked to the jaw-dropping climax.

To be honest, this was my very first book by this acclaimed author. His writing style is fluid, devoid of unnecessary jargon and high-tech linguistics, so those who don't typically devour spy thrillers will find this an engaging and fun read. Graham Halstead does a slick narration of the story and does a good job of modulating his voice to match the different characters. Thank you, Graham, for making this audiobook experience even more enjoyable.

I've read a lot of Robert Ludlum, Ken Follett, and Frederick Forsyth, and Simon Gervais is a must-read author if you enjoyed thrillers by the authors as mentioned above.

Thank you, NetGalley, for letting me have this Audiobook before it was released.

I've already bookmarked other previous bestsellers by this author, so I am grateful to be introduced to a whole new set of thrills in the days to come.

The Elias Enigma is an absolute masterpiece that captivated me from the very first page. This novel artfully blends mystery, science fiction, and psychological depth, weaving a narrative that is both thought-provoking and exhilarating. The story follows Elias, a brilliant yet misunderstood genius who becomes embroiled in a series of enigmas that challenge his understanding of reality and human connections.

The author’s writing is nothing short of mesmerizing; the prose is rich and evocative, drawing the reader deeply into Elias's world. Each character is vividly crafted, with intricate backstories that resonate and evolve throughout the tale. I found myself emotionally invested in Elias's journey, feeling his triumphs and struggles as if they were my own.

What I loved most about The Elias Enigma is how it tackles complex themes of identity, morality, and the quest for knowledge without losing its thrilling pace. The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and just when I thought I had figured it out, new revelations turned everything on its head.

This book is a phenomenal read for anyone who enjoys a fusion of intelligent storytelling and exhilarating suspense. I wholeheartedly give The Elias Enigma five stars and recommend it to anyone looking for a read that will linger in their mind long after the last page is turned.

3.5⭐️ rounded up

I didn’t realise this was book 2 in a series however it can be read as a stand alone as it’s written well enough that it doesn’t seem anything is missing if you haven’t read the first book so I’m not sure if it follows on or not.

It’s a relatively action based audiobook that pretty much gets going from the beginning Caspian finds himself in a really unique position when his parents are taken from a restaurant and he is concerned for their safety due to his job working for the defence clandestine service.

Meanwhile he is entangled in trying to figure out how to navigate his way forward in understanding what is going on when he sees an old flame but how can it be her she shouldn’t be in the same place as he is?!!! Soon they team up and begin to work together to try and ensure the safety of all.

With thanks to NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing for this ELC in return for an honest review 📚🎧🙏🏽❤️

This story was my introduction to Simon Gervais’ work and what an introduction! Fast paced and action packed, your head will be spinning with the hair pin twists and convoluted turns of this book. It is a wonderfully crafted story with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat right to the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

In The Elias Enigma, bestselling author Simon Gervais once again proves his mastery of the thriller genre, immediately immersing readers in a world where stakes are high and pasts are anything but buried. This sequel to The Elias Network sees Caspian Anderson, formerly the black-ops assassin Elias, now attempting to forge a new life with the Defense Clandestine Service. However, his burgeoning relationship with German spy Liesel Bergmann adds a compelling layer of personal complexity to his already dangerous existence. Gervais's signature superb writing and unmatched action sequences are consistently on display.

The narrative propels Caspian and Liesel into the treacherous currents of international espionage. Their joint mission to dismantle a global criminal conspiracy is fraught with peril, exacerbated by the unspoken truths that lie between them. This underlying tension escalates dramatically when the operation uncovers a shocking connection to Caspian's own parents, forcing him to confront deeply personal demons. As the mission’s stakes become intensely personal, Caspian has no choice but to reawaken the formidable skills of Elias.

Gervais expertly orchestrates a symphony of pulse-pounding action and a meticulously constructed plot. Beyond the thrilling pursuit, The Elias Enigma offers a sophisticated exploration of identity, the nuances of loyalty, and the profound sacrifices demanded by love and duty. It's a testament to Gervais's skill that this novel not only delivers unrelenting suspense but also delves into the deceptive nature of truth and the lingering influence of the past. The result is an expertly crafted novel that maintains suspense until the final revelation, further solidifying Gervais's standing as a purveyor of intelligent, high-octane thrillers.

I didn’t read the first in the series so that may explain why I had trouble following this story. Caspian has a secret that comes between him and his lover/partner who happens to be a German spy but they work together on other missions? And now his parents are in the line of fire for their involvement in a major smuggling operation that only Caspian and his partner can penetrate? Korea, Mexico, Nairobi, Maine, this story is literally all over the place!
My suggestion: read the first book in the series before diving into this one. If you did read the first, then you’ll be pleased that the narration of this audiobook is very good and helps keep the suspense.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook for review purposes. Publication date: 8 June 2025.