A debut crime novel focuses on a cult that seeks world domination.

An organization called the Ancient and Accepted Order of Light is not a group to be trifled with. This cult stole arcane knowledge from the ancient Egyptians—wisdom that is unlike anything else in the world. The material is so potent it “has the power to transmute the bearers into divine gods.” When in the wrong hands, it can keep most of the human population in either figurative or literal enslavement. In modern-day Houston, four people are murdered in a brutal fashion. A woman named Tina Johnson even has her tongue cut out. For police detective Trinidy, it all reminds him of the murder of his wife, Candice, five years ago. Candice’s killing was what inspired Trinidy to become a homicide detective. When he comes across a video made by Candice, he learns that the Order of Light has plans to release a virus to start a war. Unfortunately, the organization has members at all levels of government. Meanwhile, a man in prison named Amon undergoes esoteric training by utilizing a kind of transcendental meditation. While Amon, a man sentenced to life behind bars, may not appear to be a hero who will save the world, when one can access the soul plane, anything is possible. Seddique’s narrative incorporates the various characters and their different motivations very quickly. Soon after readers start following Trinidy and Amon, there are other cops and criminals and someone called the White Worshipful Master to contend with. Even Candice has an extensive backstory that relates to her father. Yet the horrific nature of the initial murders will keep readers intrigued. Why did Tina, a seemingly innocent food server, get her tongue cut out? Who among the many individuals in the narrative can actually be trusted? There are clearly some crazy developments in store. These twists, along with flying bullets and a runaway virus, will keep readers guessing about how the riveting tale will end.

A wild and gripping occult adventure full of ancient knowledge and modern violence.