The Witch of Babylon

“Ancient history and alchemy combine to terrorize us in this stunning historical thriller. A terrific read.” —Louise Penny, #1 New York Times–bestselling author   Winner of the Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Award   John Madison was raised by his older brother Samuel, a famed Mesopotamian scholar. John’s world changes forever when Samuel’s relentless obsession with the recovery of a priceless relic looted from Iraq’s National Museum collides with a deadly game of revenge staged by a childhood friend.   Aided by Tomas, an archaeologist, and Ari, an Iraqi photojournalist—men who have secrets of their own—his quest brings him to Iraq in search of a treasure trove of unparalleled value. To find it, John must discover the link between an ancient witch and a modern-day one, and tread a path fraught with life-threatening danger.   First in the thrilling Mesopotamian trilogy, The Witch of Babylon is perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Raymond Khoury, and Scott Mariani.   “Rich in characters, puzzles, and historical significance, this shivery thriller is so good I wish I had written it.” —Eric Van Lustbader, New York Times–bestselling author   “More erudite than Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, McIntosh’s complex thriller incorporates notes about Babylonian and Mesopotamian cultures plus a bibliography.” —Kirkus Reviews   “Should keep readers glued to their seats . . . Highly recommendable to fans of James Rollins, Steve Berry, Clive Cussler’s Fargo Adventures, and Raymond Khoury.” —Booklist