The Skeleton Key

A short story.

From New York Times bestselling author James Rollins comes a thrilling short story that delves deep beneath the city of Paris to a dark necropolis, where the only means for escape is... The Skeleton Key.

Seichan is ripped out of the Sigma series for an adventure all her own — but can she survive? The beautiful and elusive assassin wakes in a hotel in Paris with a deadly electronic collar fastened to her throat. Joined by a boy who is similarly threatened, she must rescue the son of a hated enemy, who has fallen under the sway of the nefarious leader of an apocalyptic cult. To survive, she must venture into the dark world beneath the City of Lights, into the infamous catacombs of Paris. Caught between two enemies, she must fight for her life…while time ticks down toward a fiery apocalypse. But in the dark, surrounded by the moldering bones of the dead, even success does not equal survival. In the end, the only true hope for the world lies in a stunning act of betrayal.

Included with this short story is a sneak peek at the first 70 pages of The Devil Colony, where a clue unlocked by The Skeleton Key will play a key role.

Amazon: Check Best Offer

Science Fiction Thriller Adventure

Release date: 2011

Book Order

Your Rating

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Standard Shelves

Join the Discussion

You can post as a guest or sign in for more features.

Have questions about this book or want to share your thoughts? Join the conversation!

James Rollins

James Rollins is an internationally bestselling author renowned for his action-packed thrillers that blend historical mysteries, cutting-edge science, and gripping adventure. With a background in veterinary medicine and a deep passion for history and science, Rollins brings a unique perspective to his writing, often weaving these elements into his Sigma Force novels and other standalone books. His thrilling, page-turning narratives have earned him a loyal fanbase around the world, making him a leading figure in the realm of scientific thrillers and historical fiction.

Rollins’ most famous series, the Sigma Force, introduces readers to a group of elite, highly trained agents tasked with solving global mysteries while unraveling complex conspiracies. His novels often explore the dark corners of history, archaeology, and cutting-edge science, creating a perfect storm of suspense, excitement, and intellectual intrigue. In books such as Sandstorm, The Last Oracle, and The Judas Strain, Rollins delves into lost civilizations, ancient secrets, and groundbreaking scientific discoveries, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with high-stakes action.

His writing style is characterized by fast-paced plots, rich world-building, and meticulously researched details that lend an authentic feel to the action and history portrayed in his books. Rollins’ ability to combine fictional narratives with real-world scientific and historical elements sets his work apart from other authors in the thriller genre, making his novels not just entertaining but thought-provoking as well. The seamless blend of adventure and science makes his books a must-read for fans of action thrillers, historical mysteries, and suspense-filled adventures.

Throughout his career, Rollins has achieved critical acclaim and widespread recognition, with several of his novels appearing on bestseller lists around the world. His books have been translated into numerous languages, and his Sigma Force series, in particular, continues to capture the imagination of readers worldwide. His bestselling novels are known for their intricate plots, relatable characters, and ability to bring scientific and historical subjects to life in an accessible and exciting way.

When he's not writing, Rollins enjoys exploring the world, often drawing inspiration from his travels and experiences in diverse cultures. His background as a trained veterinarian and his interest in cutting-edge technologies and ancient history contribute to the depth and authenticity of the knowledge embedded in his stories. Living in the United States, Rollins has earned recognition as one of the top thriller writers of his generation, and his work continues to captivate readers eager for their next big adventure.

For those who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed novels, historical thrillers, and cutting-edge scientific intrigue, James Rollins is an author whose books promise to deliver an unforgettable reading experience.

Sigma Force

The Sigma Force series is a heart-pounding blend of military thrillers, historical mysteries, and action-packed adventures that have captivated readers worldwide. Created by bestselling author James Rollins, this series has earned critical acclaim for its fast-paced plots, complex characters, and its masterful combination of real-world history and thrilling fictional narratives. Perfect for fans of gripping espionage thrillers, action-packed sagas, and puzzle-filled mysteries, Sigma Force offers an unforgettable reading experience.

At the heart of the series is Sigma Force, an elite covert military unit tasked with solving the world’s most dangerous and mind-bending crises. Comprised of brilliant scientists, former military operatives, and world-class experts, Sigma Force operates in the shadows, preventing global catastrophes before they occur. The series follows the team as they battle dangerous enemies, unravel long-forgotten secrets, and uncover hidden truths buried deep in history. Each novel offers a thrilling ride, blending ancient conspiracies, cutting-edge science, and high-octane action that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

With a unique ability to seamlessly incorporate real-world historical events, ancient artifacts, and scientific advancements into gripping plots, Sigma Force is more than just an action series—it’s an intellectual adventure. From ancient civilizations to advanced technologies, each book in the series offers a deeper exploration of the world around us, weaving together historical intrigue and modern-day stakes. Whether the team is racing against time to prevent a global disaster or unraveling an ancient puzzle, their dynamic personalities and high-stakes missions make every story a compelling read.

The Sigma Force series has garnered a loyal fan base and widespread acclaim for its intricate plots, smart writing, and attention to detail. Each installment combines elements of suspense, historical fiction, and cutting-edge science into a thrilling narrative that stands out in the genre. Fans of action-adventure novels, spy thrillers, and historical mysteries will find themselves absorbed in this bestselling saga, where every twist and turn heightens the stakes.

A must-read for anyone who loves high-energy thrillers, historical puzzles, and global conspiracy narratives, Sigma Force delivers a unique and captivating blend of adventure and intellect. If you’re looking for a series that combines complex characters with world-changing missions and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this series is sure to keep you hooked from start to finish.

Sigma Force consists of eighteen primary books, and includes six additional books that complement the series but are not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.