The Moroni Deception

by Jack L. Brody

Identical ritual murders two thousand miles apart.  A missing Mormon relic long thought to be just a myth.  Investigating the connection, what reporter Michael Chenault uncovers may not only determine the next Presidential election, but cause an entire religion to come tumbling down.  If he can stay alive.

In the tradition of Steve Berry, Raymond Khoury, and Dan Brown, The Moroni Deception is a cleverly conceived, twisting tale of political and religious intrigue by a new master of the conspiracy thriller.  Here's what thriller writer extraordinaire Brad Meltzer and several top Amazon reviewers had to say:

". . .(check out) first time author Jack Brody's The Moroni Deception. . ." -author Brad Meltzer

". . .this story is riveting. . .If you like action and mysteries. . .then I highly recommend this book."  -Dave Edmiston (Amazon Top 500 Reviewer)

"Well researched and a very nicely wound plot. . . . An eye opener.  Contains some history and mystery." - R. Bennett

"This is a great book.  I like how easy it flowed and the story line was great.  Brody is on par with Dan Brown!" - C. Blose

". . .a sharp, intricate, political thriller." -J. Metzger

"It is similar to Brown and Stieg and very well written." -M. Stewart

"A historically accurate "edge of your seat" novel with lots of twists and a surprise ending. You will find it difficult to put this book down. . .I'm an ex-Mormon and I loved it; I found nothing religiously offensive about it at all."  -George H.

"Very well written, great story line with lots of interesting twists in the story. The author managed to make history fun and interesting. If you enjoy reading political and or religious thrillers you will love this book." - N. Negron

"Fantastic characterizing and strong plot. It is one of those special books you can't put down." -Ray

"This is a page-turning political thriller that will leave you wanting more.  If you like Dan Brown's novels then you'll love this. . . Definitely one of the better books that I have read recently." -Emily

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2012

About the author

Please check out the new book trailer under my profile and try your hand at putting all the clues together in the book and trailer to find $3000 in gold. No kidding. Since there was a scavenger/treasure hunt of sorts in the novel, thought I would tie it in to a unique promotion. First clues are found on the website at www.TheMoroniDeception.com . Good luck. -JB

I'm a writer, ex-military, and an avid traveler. After my Army stint and then deciding to pass on law school, I went to film school, wrote screenplays, and held a number of jobs which ran from everything to working for a newspaper for one day (typing up obituaries), to film production, to then going into real estate (with at least five others along the way). I'm fascinated by history, politics, and architecture, all of which play a part in my novels (yes, I already have a couple more in the works). When not writing, I can often be found hiking with my faithful dog, occasionally breaking out the old BMW bike for a ride though the mountains, or playing volleyball or bar trivia with my friends. After reading Jon Krakauer's bestselling "Under the Banner of Heaven," I was inspired to undertake a full year of research in preparation for the novel. Taking what I'd learned, along with a bit of imagination, the result was the conspiracy thriller, "The Moroni Deception." Go to http://themoronideception.com/ for more information about the novel and to read the first chapters for free.

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I was right. The author chose to include only LDS characters who had left the church; people who actually were church members were portrayed as stupid idiots; or worse as members of the fringe groups of polygamists who were lumped together with the mainstream church, although the church does not consider them to be members in real life. The premise of the story was interesting, but I would not go so far as to compare it to the Da Vinci Code. At least in the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, in spite of the criticisms of the Catholic church, there were a few good Catholic characters. It would have been more credible to actually do some research into LDS members and portray them more accurately. The author's intent seemed to be to discredit the church, and also to discredit Mitt Romney by implication. Yes, there are unsavory chapters in Mormon history, but I don't think that means we have to lump together all members of the church as being part of the few miscreants.

[Erik Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like political thrillers, a good whodunit, or if you just want to learn more about the sometimes sordid history and dubious origins of the Mormon church, then check out Brody's debut offering! This is a fast paced, can't put it down, election year thriller; well researched and well presented, rhetorical without ever turning into a screed. The DaVinci Code comparisons are inevitable, but don't dismiss this as a Dan Brown knock-off. It deserves a place on your shelf. Looking forward to the next offering!!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whodunit with political, religious, and character intrigue, author Jack Brody has set The Moroni Deception in a world that few of use have exposure to us - even if we live in the same country!

Found the books a good page turner with a lot of interesting insights into historic and speculative areas of the melting pot society we live within.

A good read - recommended!

[Eustacia Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many of you know about Mormonisn (otherwise known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)? I suppose not many. After a quick Google search, I found out that there are a few thousand Mormons in Singapore. Yet, it’s a fairly unknown religion.

Well, even if you know nothing about Mormonism, feel free to read The Moroni Deception. The book is a tightly written thriller, similar to Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code but, I think, more accurate. Again, I googled some events mentioned in the book, and it seems like the author was quite accurate in his depiction of events.

The Moroni Deception stars Michael Chenault, an investigative reporter for The New York Times. After being tipped off about two strange murders, he starts investigating into these two ritualistic-seeming murders. And the implications may decide the next President of the United States.

I noticed two main themes running through the book – a critique of Mormonism, and a critique of the censorship of the news.First, the critique of Mormonism. There’s no other way to say this, but the facts revealed are quite unflattering to Mormonism. As Joseph Fielding Smith, the tenth LDS prophet said (and this was quoted in the book)

“Mormonism must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground. If Joseph was a deceiver who willfully attempted to mislead people, then he should be exposed, his claims refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false."

I am disgressing, but I’ll like to talk about this quote. Firstly, this sounds quite like C.S. Lewis’s Trilema, which he wrote about in Mere Christianity. And second, I don’t believe that Joseph Smith was appointed and commissioned. Mormonism is based on a “new revelation” and a “new translation” from God to Joseph Smith, something that directly contradicts Revelations 22: 18-19

"And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.” (New Living Translation)

Ok, on to the next thread – the censorship. Michael Chenault is a reporter, and while he tries to present the truth, he is pressured by his superiors to drop this case. And why? Because someone even higher up is pressuring them. In addition, Chenault loses a Pulitzer prize because his story was politically too controversial. This book really made me think, how polarised are we as a society? Can we really say what we think?

In conclusion, this is an excellent book. It’s a tightly written thriller, and it raises many interesting topics to think about.

Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review.

First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile

[Ragen Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! And if you like fast paced political thrillers then you will too. From the beginning of the book it keeps you interested and needing to know what is going to happen next. It kept me guessing the whole time with all the twists and turns and the ending was unexpected. With this book being about a Mormon Presidential Candidate, this is very relevant to our times. It is very well written with a great cast of characters that you really come to care about. I can't wait to see what happens with Michael Chenault next!

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack L. Brody’s The Moroni Deception is an exciting page-turner in the tradition of The DaVinci Code, one that will be relished by fans of suspense thrillers.

The presidential election is just around the corner and it looks as though charismatic Republican candidate and Utah senator Brockston Ratchford is going to win. The fact that his wife has been brutally murdered and his daughter kidnapped has only gained him public sympathy.

However, his wife isn’t the only one whose throat has been cut from ear to ear and whose forehead has been marked with strange symbols. A retired history professor by the name of Martin Koplanski has suffered the same fate, and the fact that he’s the author of a book that apparently doesn’t sit well with the powers that be in the Mormon Church doesn’t look like a coincidence.

New York Times journalist Chenault begins working on the story. With the help of Rachel Potter, a fledgling reporter for the The Salt Lake Tribune, he sets out to investigate the murders. Soon, a dark grim history begins to emerge, one of ancient artifacts, secret societies, and a mysterious prophecy that points to none other than Senator Ratchford.

Who, in fact, is The Prophet? Who is meant to be The Great Restorer? As the clock ticks and the presidential election approaches, the bodies pile up.

I enjoyed this novel immensely. The Moroni Deception is a hell of a ride. The pace is quick, the characters compelling, the stakes high. I really liked Chenault. He’s smart and sympathetic and has a good heart. I especially like that he’s not one of those tortured journalist heroes with a bitter past and prone to drinking. That was refreshing. The ending is surprising and satisfying.

The Moroni Deception is a controversial novel in the same way as The DaVinci Code is. So if you enjoy thrillers with religious and historical undertones, you’ll get a kick out of this one.

[Kristin (Kritters Ramblings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings

I read that this book could be compared to a Dan Brown religious adventure and I completely agree; although what made it different is the contemporary feel compared to Dan Brown's historical angle. Chenault, the main character, is a journalist and by happenstance is thrust into this scavenger hunt for the unknown at the beginning and then finally a certain religious object that may validate or invalidate the Mormon faith.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I could see happening in real-time as a movie as I read it. The characters are so vivid that I found myself casting it without even thinking about it. One TV character you will definitely recognize immediately, but many of them I could see with great lead actors or character actors in the roles.

I don't always visualize movies, but with this one I did. I read it in two sittings and my wife read it in one. It flows quickly, and clearly the suspense made me (and my wife) want to get right to the end to see how it all ends (note: neither of us saw the twist coming at the end, but were both very much okay with that). It is a good story with some historical backdrop and is certainly timely given the impending U.S. Presidential election. I highly recommend it.

[Jenniferhornberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant exposure of the Mormon religion and historical events. Incredible timing with upcoming presidential election the book is a quest for Michael Chenault to uncover the mysterious murders that have a thread of connection and theological underpinnings. Insightful and well written.

[Ryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. I received this as part of a First Reads giveaway, here on Goodreads. (Thank you SO much!!). I was excited when I won it because the premise of the book seemed interesting; some intrigue, both political and religious, a smattering of romantic connection, and a couple of murders that needed solving. All-in-all, I felt it would be a great weekend read. It was!

I read it quickly because the chapters were small. They said what needed to be said and propelled the reader into the next chapter. Many times over I said, "just one more" before forcing myself to lay it down and go to sleep, or make an appointment on time. I, just-one'more'd, so many times I was done the book in a couple days.

Near the end of the book I felt I figured out the twist. And I sort of did. But, the best part, was that even though I had an inkling, there was much more that I didn't see coming at all. And I was delighted from page one to the very last. I remarked often to my husband, for two days after, about how much I enjoyed this book. Very entertaining to read. Thank you, Jack L. Brody. I look forward to more of your books!!

[Emily Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a page-turner political thriller that will keep you wanting more! If you like Dan Brown's novels then you will certainly love this book! The Dan Brown comparisons are inevitable, however this book has been well researched and presents facts about the Mormon religion that I did not know. This book is very relevant to our political times particulary now and I think that anyone would find it a very interesting, exciting, and enlightening novel. Definitely one of the better books that I have read recently! I hope that the author has another book that I can read!

[Deb Ribak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I received this as part of a First Reads giveaway, here on Goodreads. (Thanks!!). It was being compared to The Da Vinci Code, which I really loved reading. I can see why: there is suspense, intrigue, politics, religion, humor (yes, that's right) and romance. So I was excited when I found out I had won a copy.

I read it pretty quickly (4 nights) because I never wanted to stop. Over and over I had to force myself to put it down and go to sleep. It was so engaging and suspenseful and I really enjoyed the characters. Every time I thought I had something figured out, there was another twist. And the ending REALLY caught me by surprise!

I enjoy learning about religions that are different than mine, even though this did not paint a very flattering picture of the Mormon faith. You have to remember that it is a STORY! There is certainly some truth to the information and history, but this is fiction.

The only negative thing I have to say is that it was not edited very well. That is a BIG pet peeve of mine. There were quite a few grammatical errors - especially toward the end. Mr. Brody, if you ever want me to edit for you - I'd be happy to read another one of your books!

[TAMMY CUEVAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

New York Times journalist Michael Chenault is minding his own business when NYPD detectives show up at his door in the middle of the night to accuse him of murder. When Michael receives a photo of Presidential candidate Brockston Ratchford's murdered wife, it appears that she was murdered in the same way as the first victim, with the same mysterious character written on her forehead in blood. It appears that the first victim, Martin Koplanski, was killed for an ancient Mormon relic, so Chenault heads to Salt Lake City to investigate. What Chenault uncovers there could change the course of political and religious history; that is, if he survives.



Reminiscent of Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code, this suspenseful page-turner asks serious "What if?" questions of a long-established religion. While the ending was somewhat predictable, the plot kept my interest until the last page.



The character of Michael is likeable enough, even though a couple of times I thought he was a little slow to figure out a major plot point. Now to the most obvious character in the book. Ummm.....was the author watching the Presidential campaign last year when he wrote this? No offense to Mitt Romney, but Brockston Ratchford has Romney written all over him. I couldn't help but see his face every time the character was mentioned.

I'm sure that many LDS believers will be offended by this book, as many Catholics and Protestants were offended by The DaVinci Code. However, if the reader sees this as a fictional novel, or is not a member of the LDS faith and is comfortable with novels that cause them to question long-established beliefs, this is a great read.

5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Buy the Book book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The good:
The mystery is an awesome one! Ancient relics, thought my millions to be fake, but through the research of an ex-communicated history professor, may turn out to be real? An investigative journalist whose curiosity drives the story at a good pace. Whose intrigue may be the death of him if he's not careful where he snoops. Short chapters that make it easy to pick up and put down the book whenever possible. Tense scenes that can make the reader hold their breath. Murder, deceit, intrigue, and what a good mystery story can't be without, a really good mystery!

The bad:
Found myself wanting more of the story from many character's perspectives. It's not a complete story. It's only apart of one. I don't mean that I think there should be another book giving us more, I think there should be more from the characters that I only saw a few times. The protagonist is terrifically fleshed out, but he's the only one that is.

Overall, it has the potential to be a really awesome mystery novel, but it's just not there yet.

[Cassandra. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book because it was compared to THE DA VINCI CODE, historical fiction with a modern-day mystery thrown in. Instead of the history being about early Christian events & beliefs, the focus in THE MORONI DECEPTION is the history concerning early events & beliefs of the Mormon Church. The mystery concerns modern-day murders and their connection with the discovery of "The Golden Plates". Good character development & a fast read. The mystery was a bit underdeveloped, but it was a debut novel.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrillers - my favorite genre. And there is nothing worse than figuring out what is going to happen before the author reveals it. I always approach a new author thinking to myself, "PLEASE don't be transparent!" Mr. Brody kept me happily guessing. Given that we recently had a Mormon presidential candidate, the arrival of this novel could not have been better planned. Kudos to Mr. Brody on a great read!

[Karl Nehring · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, but after reading the first dozen chapters, I literally threw this book in the trash. The author's conflation of cultist LDS offshoots with the mainstream LDS Church just got to be too much to bear. I am not a knee-jerk Mormon apologist who buys into the "Visitors Center" portrait of LDS history, but this book comes across as an unappealing combination of ignorance and/or willful hostility.

[Sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was suggested to me from Amazon because I buy LDS books. This is a hats book and full of lies of the LDS church. It covers the FUNDAMENTAL LDS which does not follow the original LDS church. Some of the statements and claims to not even apply to the FLDS. It talks about rules from the Lamb of a God. It makes Utah and all LDS look like criminals and low life's.

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has a twisty turny plot and interesting thoughts about LDS Church

[Guerre Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well edited thriller with predictable, unrealistic ending

I was curious about this book because it was mentioned as the basis, some said ripoff, for several recent books of a very similar plotline.

It seems possible, although I think I've seen similar plotlines on TV and movies. The foreshadowing was excellent as the author skillfully left his bread crumbs of clues as to "who dunnit".

I found the killer/mastermind not entirely believable. They couldn't have pulled off the scale of what they did without a lot of outside help and money. The "evil" 2nd in command of the unscrupulous politician would have known/run the whole operation. Also the sciopathic "True Believer"(TB) killer would have not been able to pull off the necessary empathy and deep level of caring to fool the obviously self aware MC. TB's have no reasoning abilities when it comes to their loyalties. That is also true of their feelings. The TB killer would never have any regrets or second thoughts about carrying out their duty.

I can recommend this book, but I found myself skimming over large parts about 2/3 the way through. His exposition at the begining half was good and lots of the explaining after that was just too verbose.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this thriller by Jack L. Brody, a totally new author to me, after I received a free copy in return for posting an honest review through the unflagging bounty of the Goodreads Giveaway program. Through the giveaways, I had been exposed to new reading experiences I would not have otherwise discovered that I found decidedly stimulating and worthwhile. Moreover, I delighted in the opportunities to share with fellow readers a positive experience with a great writer's work who was not only new to me but new to publishing generally -- to have the joy of first tipping off others about a new and great reading experience to be had.

I expected The Moroni Deception to be a fast-paced, suspenseful read with minimal thematic exposition and psychological insight into characters. That is, I expected Brody's creative resources to be laser-focused on compelling the reader's interest with a pageturning plot. If successful, the novel would deliver story, story, story nonstop -- and I can go in for that sort of light read sometimes. My expectations concerning the type of reading experience this novel would offer were not disappointed at all. Indeed, Brody demonstrates a bona fide talent for storytelling that is so essential to his craft and so hard to cultivate where no foundation of this type of creativity exists beforehand. Brody definitely has the chops to deliver exciting reads that surprise and entertain veteran readers of this genre.

The author's successful craft is critically marred by an imprudent thematic emphasis. The plot centers around corruption and various nefarious elements within and around the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Such a plot is superficially similar to Dan Brown's casting of the Vatican as a source of conspiracy and villainy to foil his heroes' quests (e.g. as in The Da Vinci Code. There is a critical difference at the core of the choice made by Brody however that dooms his depiction of the Mormon powers to unseemliness at best, which charitably could be attributed to mere foolishness on Brody's part mingled with a certain amount of ignorance. Viewed less generously, at its bare worst, the plot gives the appearance of shamefully baiting sentiments of fearful ignorance and downright religious bigotry among certain members of his audience in order to better captivate reader attention.

The difference is this: the history of the Catholic Church and its modern incarnation is well-represented in various American media and in communities in several regions of the country. Most Americans do not know any Mormons and people from this community are not depicted in popular stories and their specific beliefs are not included to any extent as part of the larger social, political and moral American discourse in general (which tends to be broadly Judeo-Christian). Misconceptions and prejudices against Mormons are widespread today.

Brody has made the egregious error of using a relatively voiceless unknown creed as the boogeyman for his story's cynical display of religious power. It's too bad; my three star rating is based on a very charitable view of the author's intentions; the best person I have ever known was a faithful Mormon. I've read the Book of Mormon several times and while I do not subscribe to that faith, one-dimensional and negative depictions of this community strike me as quite gross.

I should have set forth the fact of many Mormons' offense at the content of this novel; I think people being offended is probative of underlying offensive content. Of course, my own reading did not raise any questions as to the reasonable and ample basis for these negative reactions by Mormon readers.

I hope this author salvages his talent by depicting minority groups positively in any future work. Thanks for reading my ideas about this book; I hope they're helpful for some of you.

[Jordan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an awful book. Not only is it unfairly biased against one faith group, it is poorly written and missing many connections between scenes and points. Brody also refuses to use the "showing" technique, instead telling us everything about a person within the first few pages they are introduced. I want to find out through their actions or dialogue that someone is lazy and self centered or sociopathic, not just told.

Also, I am not Mormon, will never be, nor do I have any connection to the faith. But the viewpoint presented is completely unfair and prejudiced. If you are going to have extremist characters from a certain religion, then you need to make sure that it is clear they are extremist. This is nothing like Dan Brown and should not have been recommended to ANYONE.

[P Karr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. Many have compared it to the Da Vinci code..but in my mind, nothing can compare to the Code..in fact, any comparisons are unfair.

Here's what I think about Moroni Deception.

Its a good fast read, interesting enough to keep you turning pages. Will it match any expectations you have? Depends!

[Morgan Buckler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book. Only book I've read by Brody and was recommended after finishing The Lost Symbol. Pretty simple plot and relatively well written, I'm not a literary buff but I didn't think it was entirely gripping. The plot twist was better than I was expecting while reading the book however, so it pretty much saved the story for me. Worth a read if you're interested in religious fiction as I quite liked the use of Mormons as the main religion instead of the usual go-to Catholics.

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm definitely not a fan of Mormonism but this book seemed like a thinly veiled expose of the Mormon church and perhaps a slap at Romney whom I'm also not fond of. The story was kind of predictable and not very compelling. I would never compare it to a Dan Brown book. I wouldn't recommend it.

[Diane Rapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spot on!

This was an accurate exposee of the " one true faith" wrapped in an interesting fictional story. Any one who thinks Mormonism is benign has to start their investigation with this book then branch out with "No man knows my history" by Fawn Brodie.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome like angels and demons

Thank you Brad Meltzer for recommending this book was fantastic
Can't wait to read more from this authur
If you like religious mysteries this is a great one

[Cynthia T Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting tale of suspense and politics

Sideline dip into the uses and abuses of power in politics and sex. Also really liked the hero being from New Orleans. This was a suspense filled book.

[Lise · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is desperately in need of a decent edit.

[Travis Pace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt rushed and shallow