Cotton Malone has been sent on a treasure hunt by the Smithsonian Institute. For over 160 years people have been searching for the hidden treasures of the Knights of the Golden Circle. As Cotton and Cassiopeia get close to finding clues, they discover Cotton has a very deep connection to the Order. Their search continues even as thing get dangerous due to the intervening of some very powerful people.

The Knights of the Golden Circle have split into two groups. Both are hoping to find the treasure and ensure their power base. Cotton must deal with the intervention of the widow of a very powerful senator, the Speaker of the House and The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. While Cotton's search is going on his friend Ex- President Danny Daniels is dealing with some issues of his own. Danny and Stephanie Nelles are both in danger, and things may cost one of them their life.

Cotton Malone is a great character with a good supporting cast. I do like that even though Danny Daniels is out of office he has maintained a place in the storyline. It is very interesting to read how he is coping with being a former president and how people now treat him.

Steve Berry once again uses a historical truth to turn out an interesting story. The Knights of the Golden Circle were a real thing and though one hopes not, they could still be around. Steve Berry does his research and then fascinates us with ideas never would have come up with. His story lines are a little predictable, I knew who the leaders were as soon as the characters were introduced, but that doesn't take away from the concept as a whole. THE LOST ORDER is full of political intrigue and historical stories you will find fascinating.