How to Read the Sean Reilly & Tess Chaykin Series
If you are diving into the action-packed world of FBI Special Agent Sean Reilly and archaeologist Tess Chaykin, the recommended reading path is simple: read the books in order of publication. Because the characters' personal lives, relationship dynamics, and recurring story arcs—such as the kidnapping and brainwashing of Sean's son—evolve significantly from book to book, jumping in out of order will spoil major plot points and leave you confused about the underlying character motivations.
Here is the complete reading order for the main novels:
- The Last Templar (2005)
- The Templar Salvation (2010)
- The Devil's Elixir (2011) – Also published under the title Second Time Around
- Rasputin's Shadow (2013)
- The End Game (2016)
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
In this series, the publication order and chronological order are identical. Raymond Khoury writes the books as a continuous linear progression. The Last Templar establishes the partnership and chemistry between the cool-headed, duty-bound FBI agent Sean Reilly and the brilliant, spirited archaeologist Tess Chaykin during a violent museum heist in Manhattan. The subsequent novels pick up later in their lives, moving forward in time as their careers, family secrets, and romantic connection deepen.
The Core Books: A Closer Look
1. The Last Templar (2005)
During a glamorous gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, four horsemen dressed as Templar knights storm the building, stealing an ancient codex. Tess Chaykin witnesses the heist, and FBI agent Sean Reilly is assigned to the case. Together, they embark on a dangerous global chase across three continents to decode secrets that could threaten the foundations of the global religious order.
2. The Templar Salvation (2010)
Following the events of the first book, the stakes become intensely personal. Tess is kidnapped by a rogue operative, and Sean is forced to infiltrate the secret archives of the Vatican to retrieve a document that has been hidden for centuries. This installment digs deeper into Templar history, church politics, and the dangerous lengths people will go to protect or exploit historical truths.
3. The Devil's Elixir / Second Time Around (2011)
This novel takes a step away from purely medieval history to focus on a drug-fueled conspiracy. The plot centers on a mysterious plant extract first discovered by Spanish conquistadors in 1700s Mexico that causes vivid hallucinations. The narrative takes Sean and Tess into a fast-paced battle against a powerful drug lord and secret government experiments. Note that this book was originally released in hardcover as The Devil's Elixir but was re-released in paperback under the title Second Time Around.
4. Rasputin's Shadow (2013)
Blending Russian imperial history with modern geopolitical tension, this adventure focuses on a device rumored to have belonged to Grigori Rasputin. When a prominent researcher is found dead in his locked office, Sean and Tess find themselves tracking a weapon that can control human minds, tracing its roots from the fall of the Romanovs to the modern Kremlin.
5. The End Game (2016)
The fifth novel brings Sean Reilly's personal struggles to a dramatic head. While searching for the mysterious CIA operative who kidnapped his son, Sean is framed for murder and becomes a fugitive. While evading the law, he uncovers a sinister Dark Web assassin network and confronts long-buried secrets about his own father's supposed suicide. Tess Chaykin returns to help him navigate his most dangerous trial yet.
What to Know Before You Start: Adaptations and Beyond
Before diving in, there are a few interesting companion adaptations to keep on your radar:
- The Television Miniseries (2009): NBC adapted The Last Templar into a two-part miniseries starring Mira Sorvino as Tess Chaykin and Scott Foley as Sean Reilly. While the adaptation takes some creative liberties with the plot and tone, it remains a fun visual companion to the debut novel.
- The Graphic Novel Series: If you enjoy visual storytelling, Cinebook published a six-volume graphic novel adaptation of the Templar novels (originally released in French as Le Dernier Templier). Scripted by Miguel Lalor and illustrated by Bruno Rocco, these albums capture the fast-paced, cinematic nature of Khoury's work.
- Standalone Novels: Raymond Khoury has written several other standalone thrillers, including The Sanctuary, The Sign, and Empire of Lies (also published as The Ottoman Secret). While these share Khoury's signature blend of history and high-stakes action, they do not feature Sean Reilly or Tess Chaykin and are set in completely separate universes.