The Fifth Gospel
A Novel
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4.2 • 339 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
The instant New York Times bestseller from the author of the international sensation The Rule of Four combines a lost gospel, a contentious relic, and a dying pope’s final wish into a “deliciously labyrinthine” (Providence Journal) intellectual thriller that “kicks off at ninety mph and doesn’t slow down” (Associated Press).
A mysterious exhibit is under construction at the Vatican Museums. The curator is murdered at a clandestine meeting on the outskirts of Rome a week before it opens. That same night, a violent break-in rocks the home of Greek Catholic priest Father Alex Andreou. When the papal police fail to identify a suspect in either crime, Father Alex decides that to find the killer he must reconstruct the secret of what a little-known, true-to-life fifth gospel known as the Diatessaron reveals about the church’s most controversial holy relic. But just as he begins to understand the truth about his friend’s death and its consequences for the future of the Christian church, Father Alex discovers a ruthless stalker is hunting him—an enemy with a vested stake in the exhibit that he must outwit to survive.
Rich, authentic, erudite, and emotionally searing, The Fifth Gospel is a riveting novel of suspense and a feast of biblical history that satisfies on every level.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Caldwell follows 2004's The Rule of Four (cowritten with Dustin Thomason) with another superior religious thriller, notable for its existential and spiritual profundity. Set in 2004 in and around the Vatican, the story revolves around two brothers: Alex Andreou, a married Greek Catholic priest who's estranged from his wife and lives with his five-year-old son; and Simon Andreou, a Roman Catholic priest who works as a diplomat. Both brothers are involved with a controversial museum exhibit involving the Shroud of Turin. Dr. Ugolino Nogara claims that he has proven that the carbon tests dating the shroud to the medieval period are wrong, and that it is indeed the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. When the exhibit's curator is found murdered and Simon is arrested, Alex sets out to find the truth and becomes entangled in a grand-scale conspiracy that could resurrect a "poisonous ancient hatred." An intelligent and deeply contemplative writing style, along with more than a few bombshell plot twists, set this one above the pack, but it's the insightful character development that makes this redemptive story so moving.
Customer Reviews
Fantastic Read
To say that I loved this book would be an understatement. Impressively researched and a storyline that grips. I learnt so much about the Vatican, and the catholic faith while being immersed in a great story with characters you really care about.
Interesting but Slow
I stopped and started the book a half dozen times because it just wouldn't get to the point! That said a lot of detail about the inner workings of VaticanCity.
Great Story!
It took 10 years to complete and it is evident in every page. Great storyline, characters, and truly heartwarming. And, I'm a Roman Catholic!