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''By the Power of these Keys the Head of the Church will be made the Lord of Hell.'
'In late 2012 a cryptic invitation leads a crime novelist to Venice's Island of the Dead. Once there he is captivated by his host's tale, which spans the centuries - but seemingly begins and ends in the dark days of the 1930s . . .
'In 1936, a similarly cryptic invitation brings Grail historian Otto Rahn to an apartment in Berlin. Waiting for him inside is Hitler's right-hand man, Heinrich Himmler, and Rahn's life is turned upside down. For Himmler wants Rahn to locate Les Serpent Rouge, a notorious book of black magic written by Pope Honorius in the 14th century.
'Following a trail from Paris down to Carcassone in the South of France, Rahn discovers a web of deceit and murder. Clearly Himmler is not the only powerful figure in search of the grimoire. A shadowy circle of men are watching Rahn's every move, and they will stop at nothing to possess both the book and the legendary Sixth Key that will unlock its terrifying power . . .' (Publisher's blurb)
Notes
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Author's note:
All secret societies and groups depicted in The Sixth Key exist. All church artwork, architecture, puzzles and grimoires of black magic are factual. -
Dedication:I dedicate this book to Serapis, who taught
me the secrets of the Apocalypse.
And to Loouie, who wore Venetian masks
though she never saw Venice - you taught me
that death is truly brighter than life. -
Epigraph:
'I was looking for divinity, yet I find myself at the gates of Hell.
Still I may continue to walk, to fall, even in flames.
It there exists a way towards Heaven then it crosses Hell.
At least it does for me. Well then...I dare!'
SS Obsturmfuhrer Otto Wilhelm Rahn
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Other Formats
- Also e-book.
Works about this Work
-
Chilling, Thrilling and Willing
2011
single work
review
— Appears in: The Canberra Times , 8 October 2011; (p. 24)
— Review of The Sixth Key 2011 single work novel
-
Chilling, Thrilling and Willing
2011
single work
review
— Appears in: The Canberra Times , 8 October 2011; (p. 24)
— Review of The Sixth Key 2011 single work novel
Awards
- 2012 shortlisted Davitt Award — Best Adult Crime Novel
- Europe,