Read to me like a cross between Wilbur Smith and Dan Brown with the shade of H Rider Haggard lurking in the background. Set in Africa this time, they're hunting Solomon's Mine following previous explorers. At the same time into the country involved there is an attempt to exploit it using a coup, the man in charge is unhinged.

There's a certain tinge of "Africa is all corrupt" though Saint-Sylvestre is both scary and efficient. Sometimes it does come across as a bit patronising about the locals. It's an okay read but nothing earth-shattering. I accidentally read this one out of sequence but I don't think it really matters for the plot. Felt a bit lacking, but I can't put a finger on exactly what it is lacking. ( )

This is the 5th book in the Templar series and I enjoyed this one more than the last couple. It dealt more with the Templar legend and viking history than the last few. So, it at least lives up to having "Templar" in the title. ( )