"Sign of the Cross", by Glenn Cooper

Cal Donovan book #1,

A religious conspiracy of the crucifixion

The story in a few words:

Abruzzo, Italy: a young priest suffers the stigmata of the crucifixion. From the Vatican, the Pope calls on Harvard professor Cal Donovan to investigate the truth of Padre Gio claim. Cal is determined to uncover the truth and the cause of the mysterious wounds.

Berlin, Germany: a neo-Nazi organisation believes the priest is the key to an earth-shattering secret. A secret that can be used as a deadly weapon.

When the priest is abducted, a perilous race against the clock begins. Only Cal can track down the ruthless organisation and stop it, before an apocalyptic catastrophe is unleashed.

My thoughts:

There is a lot going on in this book as it toggles from the current day story to back in time to the stories of the men who were involved in the kidnapping of padre Gio. This backstory lays the groundwork for the plot and all eventually comes together at the conclusion. But I admit for a good part of this story I was overwhelmed trying to piece all parts together. It appeared disjointed and quite a challenge to stay with it but as I got further into the storyline it does eventually blend nicely and I was happy to have stuck with it. The action takes us from Italy to Germany in search of the truth about the padre condition and who was behind his kidnapping.

I was glued to Cal quest when he teamed up with Gio sister Irene and they set out in a perilous race against the clock and unravel the mystery and track down and save Gio. This part was exciting and very suspenseful. The fast-paced narrative that intertwine historical and religious themes is engaging and the exploration of religious relics although less than original was nevertheless captivating.

If you are interested in a story with a religious twist, you may enjoy this one.
I wish to thank the publisher Book Whisperer for this eBook which I received via Netgalley

"Passport to Spy", by Nancy Cole Silverman

Kat Lawson Mystery #2

Kat is an investigative reporter for the Phoenix Gazette behind this facade she is an undercover traveling journalist working for the FBI. Her assignment is to get close to Hans von Hausmann, a charming museum curator suspected to be hiding artwork stolen from Jewish families during WW11, specifically the Gerhardt Hoard. The story tells us the relationship between Kat and Hans and the unknown dangers Kat has to travers and along the way who can be or cannot be trusted.

My thoughts:

This well paced plot overflows with heart-pounding moments and intrigue and filled us with excitement as we follow Kat crisscross unknow dangers. The plot gives us so many unexpected twists and turns that from the beginning I was hooked. Love this story, this mix of actual facts and vivid imagination is very well-done. Kat does get close to Hans and his sister Erika Schonburg in hope to find out is there is truth to that rumour and where these treasures might be hidden….but fate got in the way and a Russian got in the picture…

The author has a knack of capturing the Bavarian culture and mentality and has enclosed all this in a story filled with spies, secrets and the boot a beautiful setting and wonderful characters.

Well said and well done

I received this review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

"Kashmir", by Ty Patterson

Zeb Carter book #16

Zeb and his crew are sent to Kashmir to gather intelligence on the ground realities in Kashmir: their mandate is clear….to observe and report. Not to intervene. What they don’t know is their friend Meera Bhosle, an Indian intelligence agent is also there undercover to expose drug networks…..all worked well till she’s burned. Nothing Zeb wouldn’t do for his friend even if it comes with catastrophic risk.

My thoughts:

Mr. Patterson is sticking to his great formulae: sent his team on a risky mission in an exotic or troubled region and have them save the day. Along the way give his readers an exciting story with lots of action and suspense to keep them captive till the very last page. How can he keep us, his long-time fans, glued to each word till we reach the finale: quality of writing, exceptional storyline, knowledge of regions, custom and languages and outstanding characters.

After gazillions of books, I am not tired reading Ty Patterson’s thrillers: keep the good work coming and thank you for the hours of enjoyment you have given me through the years.