Lords and Thieves

Jake Sanders has spent two decades as a celebrated reporter for The New York Times, covering presidents, royalty, and world events. Just as he prepares for a well-earned retirement, the brutal murder of Hollywood starlet Delilah Waterman pulls him back into the field. But Delilah isn't the only victim. As celebrities and politicians begin dropping one by one-including a U.S. presidential candidate-Jake uncovers a chilling pattern: each body bears a mysterious brand tied to an ancient cult. When his investigation leads him to London, Jake teams up with fellow journalist Chinara Robinson and a skeptical nun with hidden knowledge. Together, they uncover the legend of Valhalla, a cult linked to an ancient Babylonian prophecy and a goddess who may be rising again. As chaos spreads across continents and the body count grows, Jake must race to piece together history, myth, and modern power plays before the world comes to an end.