I still don't entirely understand the Book and Pages part of this forum, so I will make another start.  I have no idea what that will come out like, or whether I'll be able to get rid of the hydra-headed monster if I start, but hey...

I notice a whole trend in pot-boiler novels (post Dan Brown) which people are churning out in hope of fame and fortune perhaps.  I may even try to write one for my own amusement - I have plenty of esoteric bits and pieces to incorporate.

Anyway, I decided to create the 'formula' that lies behind these books, and apply it literally...if you can come up with any other 'essential ingredients' let me know.

• Famous Location(s) - Tourist attractions, cathedrals, special cities, etc. which might (or might not) like the publicity your book generates.
• Power spots (see above) - the Pyramids, Montsegur, Machu Picchu, Rosslyn Chapel, Stonehenge, Cathedrals (generally, but Chartres for example, because of Fulcanelli the Alchemist - see below), Rennes-le-Chateau, etc)
  Famous People of the past - Who's been done? Mozart (Freemasons), Van Gogh, Gaudi, Da Vinci (or rather Leonardo) of course, Jesus and Mary, Shakespeare, Kennedy Bros, Elvis, Marilyn.
• Imaginary organisations (or imaginative alternative uses for existing ones) or very secret societies - [eldritch rising organ music]
• Scary events - Bond villain plans for the world – religious prophecies – natural catastrophes – alien invasion – ritual murder – child abduction
• Alternative Historical interpretations of source of civilization/religion, etc
• Money (almost infinite resources to jump on planes, etc)
• Religion - and esoteric belief systems of magic(k) or witchcraft
• Espionage – codes and cyphers
• A MacGuffin everyone is looking for (manuscripts, formula, Holy Grail, magic spear, etc)
• Ingenious methods (technology from Q, magic from Jonathan Creek)
• a couple of investigators - partly qualified but a little out of their depth
• some innocents dragged into the whole thing – often in jeopardy
• plenty of disposable villains (for getting their come-uppance)
• the Grinning Sadist – boss’s sidekick or lone wolf?
• a worthy opponent for our heros (curiously charming - but dangerous - Big Boss, or terrifyingly unhinged tyrant)
• Special helpers (Mycroft Holmes, professors, etc) - usually die, too
• Anonymous super-rich people (malign or benign) – who can provide helicopters, forts, wodges of cash, new ID, etc
• Celebrities (who, like police and spies, have access all areas – assistants, second homes, etc – disadvantage – easily recognised, need disguise)