The Explorer's Code
A Novel
The secrets of an explorer’s journal lead a beautiful oceanographer and a dashing archaeologist on a heart-pounding quest. . . .
When renowned young oceanographer Cordelia Stapleton accepts an award on behalf of her greatgreat- grandfather—a famous Victorian polar explorer—at the dazzling Oceanographic Institute Ball in Monaco, she has no idea of the dramatic changes the night will bring. After the banquet, wealthy archaeologist John Sinclair presents her with a long-lost family heirloom—an Arctic exploration journal from 1908 holding the clue to a valuable land deed. The multi-million-dollar legacy is hers to claim, if she can find the deed. She and John team up for an explosive hunt that sweeps from the glamorous Queen Victoria ocean liner to a dig site in Turkey, from a beautiful old Parisian home to a lavish estate in the British countryside, culminating in the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Behind them every step of the way are a consortium of Russian underworld criminals, Texan religious fanatics, a sinister botanist, and a sexy American spy, all hunting for the deed . . . and all pursuing Cordelia.
When renowned young oceanographer Cordelia Stapleton accepts an award on behalf of her greatgreat- grandfather—a famous Victorian polar explorer—at the dazzling Oceanographic Institute Ball in Monaco, she has no idea of the dramatic changes the night will bring. After the banquet, wealthy archaeologist John Sinclair presents her with a long-lost family heirloom—an Arctic exploration journal from 1908 holding the clue to a valuable land deed. The multi-million-dollar legacy is hers to claim, if she can find the deed. She and John team up for an explosive hunt that sweeps from the glamorous Queen Victoria ocean liner to a dig site in Turkey, from a beautiful old Parisian home to a lavish estate in the British countryside, culminating in the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Behind them every step of the way are a consortium of Russian underworld criminals, Texan religious fanatics, a sinister botanist, and a sexy American spy, all hunting for the deed . . . and all pursuing Cordelia.
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Book details:
- Pocket Books |
- 448 pages |
- ISBN 9781439197240 |
- May 2012
$9.99 List Price
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Praise
“ADVANCE PRAISE FOR THE EXPLORER’S CODE:An intelligent thriller based on discovery, exploration, and real scientists….Wonderful characters lead us on a merry chase through some of the most glamorous and sophisticated places in the world. I learned a lot, and couldn’t put it down.”
– Paula Zahn
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“ADVANCE PRAISE FOR THE EXPLORER’S CODE:An intelligent thriller based on discovery, exploration, and real scientists….Wonderful characters lead us on a merry chase through some of the most glamorous and sophisticated places in the world. I learned a lot, and couldn’t put it down.”– Paula Zahn
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“What a page turner! I always knew Kitty Pilgrim could write down and report the facts. Now she has turned her journalistic skills and keen understanding of the world to pen an exciting novel. The Explorer’s Code takes you on a wild ride to exotic places filled with greed, intrigue, suspense and colorful characters -- rich, beautiful people and villains worth hating. Oh - and the heroes are science geeks! There’s nothing more I could ask for from a thriller. ”– Miles O’Brien, Science Correspondent, PBS New Hour
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“Captivating characters, scientific intrigue, polar exploration, and romantic tension all wrapped up in a mad dash around the world that will leave you breathless! Only Kitty Pilgrim could so deftly bring together this story of Russian oligarchs, the 1918 flu epidemic, St Paul's letter to the Ephesians, the twisted roads of the Cote D’Azur, and the rarified air of the well-heeled into such a vivid and unforgettable novel. I could not put it down.. ”– Christine Romans, CNN host and author of Smart is the New Rich
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“Kitty Pilgrim crafts a rollicking good read in The Explorer’s Code, an intelligent thriller that races from one romantic and exotic dateline to the next, propelled by characters who are smart, sexy and sinister. A must read for anyone who loves adventure with a brain. Guaranteed to leave you chilled, breathless and demanding a sequel! ”– Martin Savidge, International Correspondent, CNN
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“By land, by air, by sea...Kitty Pilgrim spins a fast-paced mystery packed with roller-coaster ups and downs and an irresistible heroine like no other -- Cordelia Stapleton. ”– Nancy Grace, Television host and author of Destiny on the D-List
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“I love a journey filled with adventure, intrigue and twists and turns. In The Explorers Code, Kitty nailed it. Her character development is flawless and in Cordelia Stapleton is an irresistible intellect and strength that draws you into each moment, page by page. You are just waiting for her to fall in love. This adventure surely doesn't disappoint! I'm already looking forward to what's next from Kitty!”– AJ Hammer, "Showbiz Tonight" CNN Headline News
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“A masterful debut sure to appeal to fans of Iris Johansen and Sandra Brown. ”– Carol Haggas, Booklist
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“CNN correspondent Pilgrim's entertaining debut focuses on a classic theme: the search for missing treasure…(There’s) a whirlwind hunt from one exotic locale to the next…a storybook romance, odious and loathsome villains, Hollywood settings--it all works, providing a heady and highly engaging mix. ”– Publishers Weekly
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“By land, by air, by sea...Kitty Pilgrim spins a fast-paced mystery packed with roller-coaster ups and downs and an irresistible heroine like no other -- Cordelia Stapleton. ”– Nancy Grace, Television host and author of Destiny on the D-List
Read an Excerpt
Ephesus, Turkey
For the last hour, John Sinclair had been crouched over a fragment of bone sticking up from the earth. With a small camel-hair brush he flicked away grains of soil.
“Karl, take a look at this,” he shouted over his shoulder. There was no reply.
Sinclair stood and looked around the site. Ephesus was strangely deserted. The silent ruins stretched out for miles in the sunshine, and not a soul was moving among the white chunks of marble. Even the few off-season tourists had left. He glanced at his watch, dustproof, shockproof, and well suited to his work. It was noon.
... see more
Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California
Cordelia Stapleton unzipped her full-body dive skin, peeled it off, and flung it on the deck in a sodden black heap. Underneath was a blue tank suit. She could feel the ocean water evaporate instantly from her back, leaving the sensation of dried salt on her shoulder blades. Her dark hair was still wet, splayed like tentacles over her shoulders.
Dripping, she walked over to the bin of towels. She took one and rubbed her limbs vigorously, conscious of the deep tiredness that comes after swimming for hours. She massaged her leg muscles to warm them up. Cordelia was long and... see more
Villa San Angelo, Anacapri, Capri, Italy
Charles Bonnard looked away from the majestic view of the sea and saw the light blinking on his cell phone. He retrieved it from the stone parapet and sat down in the alcove. After looking at the water, his eyes had to adjust to the shade. It took a moment to register the number of the missed call.
John Sinclair’s international cell number—that was odd. They weren’t supposed to talk until the end of the week. He pressed the voice-mail retrieve button and listened.
“Charles, I’m heading to Monaco a few days early . . .”
... see more
Hotel Metropole, Monaco
John Sinclair leaned over the balustrade of the Hotel Metropole. It was a gorgeous day. The breeze was blowing, the megayachts were bowing to one another in the marina, and the sunlight was sprinkling the sea with diamonds. At 1 p.m., Sinclair was still in his robe and unshaven. His head was pounding from a massive hangover, and the sunlight was searing his corneas.
God damn it, Shari. He remembered how she had looked last night. The breathtaking beauty of her as she walked into the terrace restaurant. Her white silk dress flowing around her magnificent body. She was ethereal. Golden... see more
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Book Reviews
Video
Discovering the Bradford Folio
CNN journalist and author Kitty Pilgrim examines the paintings of William Bradford, an American romanticist painter, photographer, and explorer known for his paintings of ships and Arctic seascapes
Discovering the Bradford Folio
THE EXPLORER’S CODE: Touring the Global Seed Vault
THE EXPLORER’S CODE: Introducing The Alvin
THE EXPLORER’S CODE: Visiting the Arctic Svalbard
