A quick-paced treasure hunt thriller with plenty of action and treasure codes. Ben Hope is tortured by his missing sister who disappeared under his watch. He now devotes his life to rescuing kidnapped children. He's been recruited to locate an ancient manuscript containing a formula to save a dying child. This trail leads Ben and Dr Roberta Ryder from Paris to ancient Cathar to find Fulcanelli's elixir. Very enjoyable read and reading book 2 next.