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Vatican Secret Archive #6
The Galileo Gambit
Father Michael Dominic, prefect of the Vatican Secret Archive in Rome, is entrusted with the mission of transporting the original 17th-century trial documents of Galileo to Loyola Law School in Chicago. The stage is set for a modern historical moot courtroom trial of Galileo’s original heresy charges, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the legendary event.
In this riveting reenactment, Galileo’s fate lies in the hands of the Vatican’s current chief prosecutor—a cunning bishop from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and his defense, a distinguished law professor harboring a mysterious past. All the while, the Pope’s deteriorating health has the Roman Curia on edge, as ambitious contenders jockey for position in the anticipated papal election.
But the plot thickens when priceless historical exhibits vanish the night before the trial. With no time to lose, Father Michael’s team is forced to divide and conquer, pursuing every lead to recover the stolen treasures. As they face perilous twists and turns, they must also contend with shadowy plots from rival factions.
The stakes are high as Father Michael and his team race against time to uncover the truth behind this pulse-pounding mystery. With hidden agendas emerging from the shadows and help materializing from the most unexpected sources, loyalties are put to the ultimate test. Hold onto your seats and prepare for a tense ride as Father Michael courageously battles to unravel the enigmatic conspiracy known as The Galileo Gambit.
In this riveting reenactment, Galileo’s fate lies in the hands of the Vatican’s current chief prosecutor—a cunning bishop from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and his defense, a distinguished law professor harboring a mysterious past. All the while, the Pope’s deteriorating health has the Roman Curia on edge, as ambitious contenders jockey for position in the anticipated papal election.
But the plot thickens when priceless historical exhibits vanish the night before the trial. With no time to lose, Father Michael’s team is forced to divide and conquer, pursuing every lead to recover the stolen treasures. As they face perilous twists and turns, they must also contend with shadowy plots from rival factions.
The stakes are high as Father Michael and his team race against time to uncover the truth behind this pulse-pounding mystery. With hidden agendas emerging from the shadows and help materializing from the most unexpected sources, loyalties are put to the ultimate test. Hold onto your seats and prepare for a tense ride as Father Michael courageously battles to unravel the enigmatic conspiracy known as The Galileo Gambit.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
629 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Gary McAvoy
38 books481 followersGary McAvoy is an American novelist known for internationally bestselling thrillers that blend historical intrigue, religious scholarship, and modern suspense. A lifelong researcher of rare manuscripts and Church history, he draws on extensive archival study to craft narratives rooted in authentic detail. His work includes the Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers, the Magdalene Chronicles, and the Vatican Archaeology Thrillers. Before turning to fiction, McAvoy built a distinguished career as an entrepreneur, technology consultant, and collector of historical documents. He now writes full time from the Pacific Northwest, where he continues to explore the shadowed crossroads of faith, power, and history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 16, 2023
The Galileo Gambit is the latest book in the Vatican Secret Archives series. This is the most thrilling, thought-provoking, and suspenseful addition to the series of historical adventures by Gary McAvoy in collaboration with Ronald H. Moor. I admire how the principal characters continue to develop in a deep and believable manner. Minor characters from the past return and play a more substantial role. Even the most deluded or evil are fascinating. The books can be enjoyed by readers with or without any religious beliefs.
Father Michael Dominic is to transport the original Galileo documents kept in the Vatican Archives and a telescope of Galileo's to the Xavier Cabrini Law School in Chicago. They are to be on display by the law school for their reenactment of the trial of Galileo. Father Michael has also been charged with the safe transport of additional files kept at a different site and gathered under the instruction of Bishop Sharma. Accompanying Michael will be Swiss Guards, Karl and Lucas for security, Ian and Kat, and Hana. Hana is a journalist and Michael's long-time friend. Her wealthy father provided the plane to transport the group and the historic Galileo exhibits to Chicago.
Father Michael's assistant, Ian, worked in the archives with a Roma girl, Kat, busy restoring and preserving the files. They gathered the pertinent Galileo documents, cataloguing and packing them for safe transport. The records were carefully packed in two cases, locked and sealed and arrive safely in Chicago. Kat has a shady past and special artistic talents. There is a budding romance between the two that distracts them from their work. The files from the Vatican Archives and Bishop Sharma's were stolen overnight when Ian and Kat were supposed to be on guard. Michael blames himself for the lapse of security, a misjudgement on his part, resulting in the loss of the precious exhibits.
The reenactment of Galileo's trial must proceed without the exhibition of the documents, but copies are available. Bishop Sharma will act as the prosecutor and introduce the original evidence and arguments to the jurors. Professor Thomas Anderson is defending Galileo by using modern legal rules. Galileo's trial in 1663 was a symbol of the Church's opposition to scientific progress and emphasized faith over science. The debate between literal interpretations of the Bible and how it was resolved over the centuries is part of the well-researched history that provides a factual basis underlying this compelling fictional story. It was not until 1922 that the Pontifical Academy overturned Galileo's conviction. Today in the USA, some fundamentalist preachers have taken a position against scientific truths when they contradict literary Biblical pronouncements.
Pope Ignatius is dying, but he urges Michael to go to Chicago. Cardinal Caputo, Sharma's treacherous boss, will use any devious means to damage Father Michael and Pope Ignatius and have them ousted in disgrace. He intends to be the next pope when Ignatius dies or is dismissed. At the beginning of the trial, Bishop Sharma casts Father Michael in a terrible light aiming to damage his reputation.
Hana is in Texas hoping to expose the obnoxious and wealthy TV evangelist Pastor Gabriel Darwin as a charlatan and hypocrite. Darwin has employed R. Shapiro to steal Galileo exhibits for his museum. How are his rapidly spreading churches and elaborate buildings worldwide being funded? The answer is mind-boggling.
The story brings back Gurani, head of the Roma clan in France and his two bandit sons, Colonel Scarpe, commander of the Swiss Guards, and some surprising CIA activity. Aaron, a friend of Michael and Hana, flies to Chicago with proof of deception and fraud provided by Viggo, his student. Will the historical documents ever be recovered?
The book contains violence, explosive action, heart-pounding moments of tension, greed, theft, and coercion that kept me riveted to my seat. Recommended! My favourite book of the series and will be high on my list of favourite books of the year.
Father Michael Dominic is to transport the original Galileo documents kept in the Vatican Archives and a telescope of Galileo's to the Xavier Cabrini Law School in Chicago. They are to be on display by the law school for their reenactment of the trial of Galileo. Father Michael has also been charged with the safe transport of additional files kept at a different site and gathered under the instruction of Bishop Sharma. Accompanying Michael will be Swiss Guards, Karl and Lucas for security, Ian and Kat, and Hana. Hana is a journalist and Michael's long-time friend. Her wealthy father provided the plane to transport the group and the historic Galileo exhibits to Chicago.
Father Michael's assistant, Ian, worked in the archives with a Roma girl, Kat, busy restoring and preserving the files. They gathered the pertinent Galileo documents, cataloguing and packing them for safe transport. The records were carefully packed in two cases, locked and sealed and arrive safely in Chicago. Kat has a shady past and special artistic talents. There is a budding romance between the two that distracts them from their work. The files from the Vatican Archives and Bishop Sharma's were stolen overnight when Ian and Kat were supposed to be on guard. Michael blames himself for the lapse of security, a misjudgement on his part, resulting in the loss of the precious exhibits.
The reenactment of Galileo's trial must proceed without the exhibition of the documents, but copies are available. Bishop Sharma will act as the prosecutor and introduce the original evidence and arguments to the jurors. Professor Thomas Anderson is defending Galileo by using modern legal rules. Galileo's trial in 1663 was a symbol of the Church's opposition to scientific progress and emphasized faith over science. The debate between literal interpretations of the Bible and how it was resolved over the centuries is part of the well-researched history that provides a factual basis underlying this compelling fictional story. It was not until 1922 that the Pontifical Academy overturned Galileo's conviction. Today in the USA, some fundamentalist preachers have taken a position against scientific truths when they contradict literary Biblical pronouncements.
Pope Ignatius is dying, but he urges Michael to go to Chicago. Cardinal Caputo, Sharma's treacherous boss, will use any devious means to damage Father Michael and Pope Ignatius and have them ousted in disgrace. He intends to be the next pope when Ignatius dies or is dismissed. At the beginning of the trial, Bishop Sharma casts Father Michael in a terrible light aiming to damage his reputation.
Hana is in Texas hoping to expose the obnoxious and wealthy TV evangelist Pastor Gabriel Darwin as a charlatan and hypocrite. Darwin has employed R. Shapiro to steal Galileo exhibits for his museum. How are his rapidly spreading churches and elaborate buildings worldwide being funded? The answer is mind-boggling.
The story brings back Gurani, head of the Roma clan in France and his two bandit sons, Colonel Scarpe, commander of the Swiss Guards, and some surprising CIA activity. Aaron, a friend of Michael and Hana, flies to Chicago with proof of deception and fraud provided by Viggo, his student. Will the historical documents ever be recovered?
The book contains violence, explosive action, heart-pounding moments of tension, greed, theft, and coercion that kept me riveted to my seat. Recommended! My favourite book of the series and will be high on my list of favourite books of the year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Gary McAvoy for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Returning for another Father Michael Dominic story, Gary McAvoy dazzles once more. As McAvoy utilises the insights of Ronald L. Moore to enrich the story, the reader is treated to another stunning story, steeped in history, religious perspective, and thrilling development. When Father Dominic is invited to Chicago to attend a legal conference with a modern retrying of Galileo for heresy against the Catholic Church, things take a significant turn and old wounds are opened once more. With more enemies than Father Dominic can count, the action is sure to grow exponentially as the danger mounts. McAvoy does a stellar job and his foundation is only strengthened by Moore’s addition.
When Father Michael Dominic receives a call about attending a legal conference in Chicago, he is quite excited. As Prefect of the Vatican Secret Archive, he is in possession of many documents the Church holds dear, including a collection of trial documents from Gallileo’s heresy charges, which happens to be the theme of the conference. On the 400th anniversary of the event, Loyola College hopes to reinvigorate the debate into the scientist’s trial and have a new jury pronounce his guilt or innocence.
Travelling with a small retinue, which includes his close friend, Hana Sinclair, Father Dominic makes his way across the Atlantic, hoping that he will be able to see the law in action. Heading up the Church’s case is a bishop for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith—the modern term for Inquisition—who has a mysterious past and an apparent vendetta. When the documents are stolen, many wonder who could be behind it all and for what means. While the trial is still moving forward, Father Dominic cannot spend too much time worrying, as he is pulled in other middle of a blindsiding cross-examination. It appears this is meant more to discredit him than prove the Gallileo angle. With a photo being scandalously misinterpreted and Father Dominic’s parentiage the fodder for gathering gossip, he finds himself caught in a web.
All the while, the pope’s health is deteriorating back in Rome and it may only be a short tie before he is gone. He worries for Father Dominic, watching events unfold in Chicago. Tossed into the mix is a televangelist who will stop at nothing to get his hands on some of the valuable Galileo artifacts, in order to show his own perspective on Catholic handling of religious events over the years. All while the collection from the Vatican remains lost. Someone lurks in the shadows with a plan that could bring Father Dominic and the Vatican to its knees. A stunning story that keeps McAvoy and Moore in the driver’s seat, while series fans are left to wonder what could be next.
There have been few series that have captivated my attention like Gary McAvoy’s Vatican Archives. Over the years, I have slowly been introduced to the likes of Father Michael Dominic, Hana Sinclair, as well as a core group, all of whom find themselves on many adventures around the world, pertaining to secret items within the Vatican’s archives. The authors keep the narrative moving effectively and provide wonderful pathways to strong storytelling through this foundation. The characters, many of whom are returning from book to book, enrich the story with their own development, while others continue to cast shadows of deception and doubt. This provides great contrast and allows the author to keep the thrills high. While the plot twists are many, the core struggle is clear from the outset, matched with some historic event that is retold and explained through the modern lens. McAvoy and Moore do a fabulous job pulling history and moder interpretations together, allowing the reader to bask in the best aspects of both. At the heart of it all is the trial, which takes a few liberties, but pushes someone fo the tenets raised by the Church all those years ago, while turning things into a Kangaroo Court to destroy Father Domenic. As I have said before, these books are less about the inculcation of religious beliefs on the reader than showing how the power of the Church and Christianity can still bend people in certain direction. A formidable addition to the series that has me wanting more and to see just how Father Dominic will handle some of his most recent struggles.
Kudos, Messers. McAvoy and Moore, for never taking your collective foot off the literary gas!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Returning for another Father Michael Dominic story, Gary McAvoy dazzles once more. As McAvoy utilises the insights of Ronald L. Moore to enrich the story, the reader is treated to another stunning story, steeped in history, religious perspective, and thrilling development. When Father Dominic is invited to Chicago to attend a legal conference with a modern retrying of Galileo for heresy against the Catholic Church, things take a significant turn and old wounds are opened once more. With more enemies than Father Dominic can count, the action is sure to grow exponentially as the danger mounts. McAvoy does a stellar job and his foundation is only strengthened by Moore’s addition.
When Father Michael Dominic receives a call about attending a legal conference in Chicago, he is quite excited. As Prefect of the Vatican Secret Archive, he is in possession of many documents the Church holds dear, including a collection of trial documents from Gallileo’s heresy charges, which happens to be the theme of the conference. On the 400th anniversary of the event, Loyola College hopes to reinvigorate the debate into the scientist’s trial and have a new jury pronounce his guilt or innocence.
Travelling with a small retinue, which includes his close friend, Hana Sinclair, Father Dominic makes his way across the Atlantic, hoping that he will be able to see the law in action. Heading up the Church’s case is a bishop for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith—the modern term for Inquisition—who has a mysterious past and an apparent vendetta. When the documents are stolen, many wonder who could be behind it all and for what means. While the trial is still moving forward, Father Dominic cannot spend too much time worrying, as he is pulled in other middle of a blindsiding cross-examination. It appears this is meant more to discredit him than prove the Gallileo angle. With a photo being scandalously misinterpreted and Father Dominic’s parentiage the fodder for gathering gossip, he finds himself caught in a web.
All the while, the pope’s health is deteriorating back in Rome and it may only be a short tie before he is gone. He worries for Father Dominic, watching events unfold in Chicago. Tossed into the mix is a televangelist who will stop at nothing to get his hands on some of the valuable Galileo artifacts, in order to show his own perspective on Catholic handling of religious events over the years. All while the collection from the Vatican remains lost. Someone lurks in the shadows with a plan that could bring Father Dominic and the Vatican to its knees. A stunning story that keeps McAvoy and Moore in the driver’s seat, while series fans are left to wonder what could be next.
There have been few series that have captivated my attention like Gary McAvoy’s Vatican Archives. Over the years, I have slowly been introduced to the likes of Father Michael Dominic, Hana Sinclair, as well as a core group, all of whom find themselves on many adventures around the world, pertaining to secret items within the Vatican’s archives. The authors keep the narrative moving effectively and provide wonderful pathways to strong storytelling through this foundation. The characters, many of whom are returning from book to book, enrich the story with their own development, while others continue to cast shadows of deception and doubt. This provides great contrast and allows the author to keep the thrills high. While the plot twists are many, the core struggle is clear from the outset, matched with some historic event that is retold and explained through the modern lens. McAvoy and Moore do a fabulous job pulling history and moder interpretations together, allowing the reader to bask in the best aspects of both. At the heart of it all is the trial, which takes a few liberties, but pushes someone fo the tenets raised by the Church all those years ago, while turning things into a Kangaroo Court to destroy Father Domenic. As I have said before, these books are less about the inculcation of religious beliefs on the reader than showing how the power of the Church and Christianity can still bend people in certain direction. A formidable addition to the series that has me wanting more and to see just how Father Dominic will handle some of his most recent struggles.
Kudos, Messers. McAvoy and Moore, for never taking your collective foot off the literary gas!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
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August 26, 2025
1.5-Stars ^ 2-Stars DNF @ 64%
A disappointing episode in this formerly enjoyable series.
Not even Will Damron's splendid narration was able to convince me to hear it to the end!
Thoughts from my Listening Activity:
April 23, 2025 @ 48%: "This is my sixth book in "Vatican Secret Archive" series , but I don't think I will make it through to #10, despite enjoying #1 to #4, all 4-Stars ratings. I've 'paused' my listening of #6 @ 48 % and will try to finish it shortly."
May 06, 2025 @ 64%: "I remain disappointed with this this book. I resumed listening last night, but I am still not convinced that it is worth finishing. I have tried, but now it is a DNF and will be returned to Audible for a credit refund ."
A disappointing episode in this formerly enjoyable series.
Not even Will Damron's splendid narration was able to convince me to hear it to the end!
Thoughts from my Listening Activity:
April 23, 2025 @ 48%: "This is my sixth book in "Vatican Secret Archive" series , but I don't think I will make it through to #10, despite enjoying #1 to #4, all 4-Stars ratings. I've 'paused' my listening of #6 @ 48 % and will try to finish it shortly."
May 06, 2025 @ 64%: "I remain disappointed with this this book. I resumed listening last night, but I am still not convinced that it is worth finishing. I have tried, but now it is a DNF and will be returned to Audible for a credit refund ."
June 16, 2023
I have read all of McAvoy's novels and I think this may be the best one yet. That's probably because I have degrees in physics and theology and I have long been a student of the intersection of science and Scripture, the topic explored in this novel. The plot centers on the particular conflict that arose from the Catholic Church declaring as truth their interpretation of Scripture, that the earth was at the center. That did not correspond with what Galileo and earlier, Copernicus, observed, the sun being at the center. While the issue here is with the Catholic Church, I have seen the same kinds of conflict with Protestant declarations.
I like how McAvoy has taken this important issue and woven an engaging plot around it. Unlike the previous novels in this series, there is some suspense but Michael is not involved in very much of it. I like that as it allowed more of a focus on the Church and science issue as well as Michael as an individual and priest. There is a serious attack on his character and getting closer to the end of the novel had me holding my breath.
I appreciate McAvoy identifying fact and fiction in an afterward. I appreciate that most of the information about Galileo was factual. I liked learning some history from this novel. While it is down the line in series of novels featuring priest Michael, it reads well on its own and would be a good one to read to be introduced to how McAvoy blends history and intrigue in his novels.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I like how McAvoy has taken this important issue and woven an engaging plot around it. Unlike the previous novels in this series, there is some suspense but Michael is not involved in very much of it. I like that as it allowed more of a focus on the Church and science issue as well as Michael as an individual and priest. There is a serious attack on his character and getting closer to the end of the novel had me holding my breath.
I appreciate McAvoy identifying fact and fiction in an afterward. I appreciate that most of the information about Galileo was factual. I liked learning some history from this novel. While it is down the line in series of novels featuring priest Michael, it reads well on its own and would be a good one to read to be introduced to how McAvoy blends history and intrigue in his novels.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 8, 2023
A Father's Trial
I keep expecting Gary McAvoy to run out of fantastic situations to put Father Michael Dominic into and yet, he has proved again, that Vice in the Vatican is alive and kicking. The Galileo Gambit is such a convoluted plot that you will never see what's coming around the corner.
Father Michael is participating in a reenactment of the 16th century ecclesiastical trial against Galileo Galilei for heresy. Held in Chicago, the trial is supposed to be a exercise in philosophy and to start the tenure of the new female dean of an older law school off with some excitement.
Well, to say the least, excitement is what they get. Along with secret cabals, involvement from foreign and domestic governments, high rolling televangelists, gypsies and even more exotic participants, Father Dominic and friends are up to their ears in alligators. Gary McAvoy really knows how to spin a story. This one had me up until 4am.
One of my criteria for a five star read is a book that completely transports me out of my present life and this one definitely did that. It's a horrible catch 22 because it's a fabulous read yet so awful when it ends, however, hopefully, McAvoy will keep writing Father Michael Dominic books for a long time to come.
I keep expecting Gary McAvoy to run out of fantastic situations to put Father Michael Dominic into and yet, he has proved again, that Vice in the Vatican is alive and kicking. The Galileo Gambit is such a convoluted plot that you will never see what's coming around the corner.
Father Michael is participating in a reenactment of the 16th century ecclesiastical trial against Galileo Galilei for heresy. Held in Chicago, the trial is supposed to be a exercise in philosophy and to start the tenure of the new female dean of an older law school off with some excitement.
Well, to say the least, excitement is what they get. Along with secret cabals, involvement from foreign and domestic governments, high rolling televangelists, gypsies and even more exotic participants, Father Dominic and friends are up to their ears in alligators. Gary McAvoy really knows how to spin a story. This one had me up until 4am.
One of my criteria for a five star read is a book that completely transports me out of my present life and this one definitely did that. It's a horrible catch 22 because it's a fabulous read yet so awful when it ends, however, hopefully, McAvoy will keep writing Father Michael Dominic books for a long time to come.
June 5, 2023
"What an amazing book. I was immersed in the story immediately and I could not put it down. It portrays the mock trial of Galileo for his heresy in today’s Chicago. Father Dominic is asked to provide the historical documents and help with the trial. Well, soon enough the conspiracy and the theft of the documents puts him in trouble. Of course , he will try to get the help from his friends and …
The real drama evolves fast during the trial. Authors make you forget about history and shock you with the amount of the lawlessness, dirty tricks and lies of “DA” and others. (Does anything really change?ever?!) This fantastic thriller is the fast page turner and makes your mind scream.
Buy the book and be ready for emotions and tension like never before. Excellent unique court drama in and out. It will stay with me for a long time. Thank you Gary. Lida
The real drama evolves fast during the trial. Authors make you forget about history and shock you with the amount of the lawlessness, dirty tricks and lies of “DA” and others. (Does anything really change?ever?!) This fantastic thriller is the fast page turner and makes your mind scream.
Buy the book and be ready for emotions and tension like never before. Excellent unique court drama in and out. It will stay with me for a long time. Thank you Gary. Lida
August 30, 2023
Yet another captivating book that I could not put down. This time the group of Michael, Hana, Karl and Lukas went to Chicago to be involve in a mock trial of Galileo's. Joining them were Ian and Kat. And once again the Roma clan (although also involving different ones) were involved in taking the documents and telescope that were brought along for an exhibit. Fast moving adventure involving once again unscrupulous individuals associated with the Vatican and the church. An excellent read and I for one hope that the author plans more in this series.
Thank you, Gary McAvoy, for several engrossing tales, both enjoyable and exciting.
Thank you, Gary McAvoy, for several engrossing tales, both enjoyable and exciting.
August 30, 2023
Another great story
After several books we know who the central heroes/good guys are. The bad guys are well described, and there are several from earlier excursions. Please don't read this and condemn the Roman Catholic Church. It is a good institution full of human beings like you and me; better educated to be sure, but people who get caught up in the devil's constant barrage, maybe with wider bad results, because of who they are and where they are. But, what an adventure for us to read about!
After several books we know who the central heroes/good guys are. The bad guys are well described, and there are several from earlier excursions. Please don't read this and condemn the Roman Catholic Church. It is a good institution full of human beings like you and me; better educated to be sure, but people who get caught up in the devil's constant barrage, maybe with wider bad results, because of who they are and where they are. But, what an adventure for us to read about!
August 15, 2023
Another Outstanding Adventure
I can't get enough of the Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers. The storyline keeps me glued to the pages and the characters are awesome. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
I can't get enough of the Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers. The storyline keeps me glued to the pages and the characters are awesome. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
July 21, 2023
Great historical content
I love this series of book. The characters have become friends of mine. And with thus one I learned new things about Galileo. All that adds up to a good read.
I love this series of book. The characters have become friends of mine. And with thus one I learned new things about Galileo. All that adds up to a good read.
July 18, 2023
Still enjoying this series. Thanks, Mr. McAvoy for another adventure.
December 31, 2023
The Galileo Gambit
I enjoyed reading about Galileo. I think it's about how the Church has used their laws to keep their power in their own hands.
I enjoyed reading about Galileo. I think it's about how the Church has used their laws to keep their power in their own hands.
December 29, 2023
Another great story!
The thing I love most about Mr. McAvoy's stories are, as a history buff, I find his stories historically plausible. I love his characters, too. I hope this book is not the end of a great reading journey.
The thing I love most about Mr. McAvoy's stories are, as a history buff, I find his stories historically plausible. I love his characters, too. I hope this book is not the end of a great reading journey.
September 29, 2023
Another A++ book by Gary McAvoy!! If you enjoy historical literature, Vatican information, scenic and restaurant menu information and a mystery which is a page turner, pick up any of Mr. McAvoy's books or get them on Kindle. You won't be disappointed!! It's best to start with his first books (3), The Magdaline Chronicles which give you information on the characters which appear all throughout his books.
October 3, 2023
Really enjoyed this series, particularly the historical aspects of the novels
June 27, 2023
Father Michael is again off and running; however, at first he thinks he is merely attending an exhibit of some Vatican Archives. If you've read any of his adventures, you know you're about to enter a rollercoaster adventure. If this is your first introduction to Father Michael, hang on to your hats. Adventure, intrigue, mystery, secrets, conspiracy, Roma clans, evangelicals, hardline and progressive Catholicism, murder, duty, love affairs, the unexpected...it's all in this fast paced historical fiction novel. And as in all lines of business, including the Church, there's always someone who thinks they can do better than the one in charge and will do anything to be able to do so.
June 27, 2023
These stories never cease to amaze me. Father Michael, Hana, Lukas and Karl go to this US this time.
The scene is a mock trial of Galileo. As always, I learn a lot of his trial for heresy during the Inquisition. In course of the trial, Father Michael and his father the Pope are also put on trial by a group of Roman Catholic cardinals who don't want the church to change to progress to modern times.
I loved that the Romas are once again featured. As much as I hate the Darwin character he does add much to the story. Nice to see Aaron once again entering the story.
Can't wait until the next book.
The scene is a mock trial of Galileo. As always, I learn a lot of his trial for heresy during the Inquisition. In course of the trial, Father Michael and his father the Pope are also put on trial by a group of Roman Catholic cardinals who don't want the church to change to progress to modern times.
I loved that the Romas are once again featured. As much as I hate the Darwin character he does add much to the story. Nice to see Aaron once again entering the story.
Can't wait until the next book.
July 5, 2025
Father Dominic finds himself again in the hot seat as foes of his father the Pope, attempt a complicated gambit to discredit both of them. A mock trial of Galileo is enacted in Chicago and a host of bad people (an out-of-control evangelical preacher from Dallas among them) try to influence the trial's outcome. Fortunately, Father Dominic has his allies and some of them are involved in the outcome in ways unexpected.
June 16, 2023
The Galileo Gambit is another winner from Gary McAvoy. Whenever I start reading one of his books the world stops until I finish it. His writing is engaging and - m y favorite compliment - grabs your interest from the first chapter. Gary's knowledge of the Catholic Church and historical knowledge along with the footnotes at the end of his books citing factual vs. fictional make his novels a compelling read. Not to reveal anything about this novel, but I grew up in Chicago and know the areas that are referenced there. Great job!! When is the next one coming out??
June 17, 2023
Great Story
Another fantastic and entertaining story featuring Father Michael and his friends. It brings to light that greed and power can affect even those who supposedly follow Christ, but forget to "Love your neighbor" . Always lots of twists and turns that keep you engaged from start to finish. Highly recommended.
Now the wait for the next book.
Another fantastic and entertaining story featuring Father Michael and his friends. It brings to light that greed and power can affect even those who supposedly follow Christ, but forget to "Love your neighbor" . Always lots of twists and turns that keep you engaged from start to finish. Highly recommended.
Now the wait for the next book.
June 22, 2023
Father Michael at it again....
Maybe not as exotic as previous adventures, this story still keeps the reader interested, especially twists and turns of the storyline in regards to the church. As always scheming, trying to bring the main character down.
Wondering where the story will take us next..
Maybe not as exotic as previous adventures, this story still keeps the reader interested, especially twists and turns of the storyline in regards to the church. As always scheming, trying to bring the main character down.
Wondering where the story will take us next..
July 10, 2023
These stories keep getting better.
One forgets that most hierarchies have political aspects which don't agree with each other. Both the Pope and Michael are sympathetic characters who test the church's doctrine. I've read all of your works, and please, more of these exciting adventures.
One forgets that most hierarchies have political aspects which don't agree with each other. Both the Pope and Michael are sympathetic characters who test the church's doctrine. I've read all of your works, and please, more of these exciting adventures.
July 10, 2023
This is the best book in this entire series. Unfortunately, one needs to be familiar with the characters and that requires reading most of the previous books! This one was a fast read and very well-written. Some sections still get a bit confusing, but at least McAvoy has stopped describing every meal the characters eat in such excruciating detail.
June 20, 2023
Enthralling
Well documented, excellent story. The protagonists really come alive. The premise of the story is great. Truly enjoyable.
Only one tiny comment, the museum is Field Museum. Was Fielding intentional? Conrad Samayoa.
Well documented, excellent story. The protagonists really come alive. The premise of the story is great. Truly enjoyable.
Only one tiny comment, the museum is Field Museum. Was Fielding intentional? Conrad Samayoa.
July 9, 2023
This Author Never Fails
I simply cannot put these books down, readable to the point of excitement and certainly knowledge on the machinations within the Vatican. Thank you and continue to entertain us.
I simply cannot put these books down, readable to the point of excitement and certainly knowledge on the machinations within the Vatican. Thank you and continue to entertain us.
July 30, 2023
Another Great Vatican Secret Archive Thriller
A modern Chicago retrial of Galileo's original 17th century confrontation with the Vatican provides multiple twists and turns in this page turner.
A modern Chicago retrial of Galileo's original 17th century confrontation with the Vatican provides multiple twists and turns in this page turner.
July 31, 2023
another amazing book!
Another adventure for Father Dominic and his aides. The characters are so well written they seem like friends! The back story of the relationships between the characters gives it an extra edge. More please!!
Another adventure for Father Dominic and his aides. The characters are so well written they seem like friends! The back story of the relationships between the characters gives it an extra edge. More please!!
March 24, 2025
Edgy
This one keeps you on the edge of your seat. I appreciate the variety that is found in this series and the constant cycling in of new characters while given others a rest. Additionally, you are really swayed to have deep emotions about the characters, good and bad.
This one keeps you on the edge of your seat. I appreciate the variety that is found in this series and the constant cycling in of new characters while given others a rest. Additionally, you are really swayed to have deep emotions about the characters, good and bad.
June 14, 2023
McAvoy delivers again!
June 16, 2023
I’ve read all the books by Gary McAvoy about Father Michael and absolutely love this series! While not a Catholic, they delve into the hierarchy of the the Vatican and its workings, which I find fascinating. They are part thriller, mystery and even a tiny bit of romance. I hope Gary McAvoy keeps going!
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