The Moses Deception

by Stephen Mertz

Archeologists Adam Chase and Lara Newton head an archeological dig in the mountainous, arid no-man's-land on the border of Turkey and Syria, sponsored by an eccentric billionaire recluse, Buckeye Calhoun, whose obsession is Biblical inerrancy. A hillman attached to the dig leads Adam and Lara to a stunning discovery in a remote a hidden ancient fragment of the tablets shattered by Moses upon his first descent from Mount Siani. The fragment indicates a Commandment not among the Ten included in the second set of tablets Moses presented to his people; one that, when revealed, will have an enormous impact on military conflicts. Before Adam and Lara can evacuate the dig site, they're caught up in the bloody civil war gripping the region. Ambushed by rebels, the duo flees the Country with the artifact in hand. Alone, in danger, and not sure who to trust, Adam and Lara must attempt to verify the tablet's authenticity, knowing very well that what they find could change the world forever.

316 pages, Paperback

Published May 8, 2017

About the author

Pen name - Stephen Brett, Don Pendleton, Jack Buchanan, Jim Case, Cliff Banks.

Reviews

[Ben Boulden · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE MOSES DECEPTION, the latest from Stephen Mertz, is a high energy, entertaining chase novel with a unique premise. An eleventh commandment—from a fragment of the original tablets shattered by Moses when he descended Mount Sinai—is discovered on the war-torn border between Turkey and Syria. The discovery threatens the status quo and more than a few powerful individuals and groups are willing to kill to keep the discovery hidden since the new commandment has broad implications for the three major world religions; Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. 

Adam Chase and Lara Newton are leading an archaeological dig on the arid desert site of what they believe is “an ancient proto-Israelite settlement” from “the second millennium BCE,” which could offer evidence that the Biblical story of the Israelite exodus from Egypt is historically accurate. When the Turkish military security detail attached to the dig is ordered away, the archaeologists are forced to abandon the site. As the rest of the dig team decamps, Adam and Lara are enticed to a cave where an ancient box is hidden. Inside the box are stone fragments containing God’s eleventh commandment and the discovery sets in motion a violent and harrowing journey for the two archaeologists.

THE MOSES DECEPTION is an absorbing, action-oriented thriller. Its prose is cinematic: crisp and clear without distortion. The storyline, especially its impetus, is unique and the action moves across Europe—from Turkey to the Vatican to Berlin to the Swiss Alps—with a well-paced shimmer. The characters are heroic and evil with enough in the middle to keep things interesting. A billionaire, Buckeye Calhoun, who is bankrolling the expedition, is exactly what I imagine Ross Perot to be. Eccentric as hell, but likable in a good ole’ boy manner. A few big ideas are discussed without stalling the story and a nicely executed climax left this reader smiling and wishing for more.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under his own name and various pseudonyms, Stephen Mertz has written many of the best action/adventure novels I’ve read, ranging from the classic M.I.A. HUNTER series he created to some of the most popular books in the Executioner/Mack Bolan series, to his new MISSION IMPOSSIBLE-like CODY’S ARMY novels and KILLROY mystery series. THE MOSES DECEPTION has elements of those other Mertz books, including some bloody mayhem. But I think it's a unique entry in his body of work. It's high adventure that mixes elements of Indiana Jones, James Bond, and THE DA VINCI CODE. The lead characters, archeologists Adam Chase and Lara Newton, stumble on a discovery that could change the history of the world by changing a key part of the Bible. Unfortunately for them, it happens in a strife-torn area along the border of the Turkey and Syria. Their dig team is massacred by bandits and they are taken captive by Kurdish rebels. And, that's just the start of a dangerous odyssey that takes Adam and Lara from the Middle East to Rome to the Alps. It's a highly-cinematic tale of adventure with many well-drawn, memorable characters — beginning with an opening Prologue that will never let you think of Moses quite the same. I loved THE MOSES DECEPTION (which I “read” via the Audible edition) and highly recommend it.

[FredM2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE MOSES DECEPTION: This story starts out in the time of Moses and quickly changes to the present. An incredible archeological find starts the action and it never stops until the very end. This 'find' could change the world and there are many that do not want it to see the light of day. Archeologists Adam Chase and Lara Newton ar caught up in this and are literally fighting for their lives as well as the discovery they had found. This action travels from the no man lands of Turkey into Europe with danger always present. It is very hard to put the book down as there is always the need to get Adam and Lara out of danger.

[michael frye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review

I'm not positive about this review. The basic story is sort of plausible with many references to religion versus today's reality. The author did a good job of making biblical points to the actions in the story. But the story was left open at the end. If you like stories with a firm ending this book is not for you. This story makes you think.

[James W. Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully thought provoking.

Great story line, thought provoking idea, continuous action, twist and turns, great characters. Wonderful interaction between the two lead characters. Never a dull moment. Ending guarantees a sequel.

[pamela boseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moses deception

I loved reading this book.I hope to read more from the characters in the book. What a great enjoyable read

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book by any means,but if you read a lot in this genre, and I do, then the story is rather too contrived.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible:I liked this book.It had a lot of action and intrigue.Adam Jeffrey Hanin was a fine narrator.I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

[Marianela]

I enjoyed this action-packed adventure about the discovery of an antiquity of world-wide impact....alabaster tablets with an 11th Commandment! I think it would make a good movie.