The Patmos Deception

by Davis Bunn

An Ancient Island Holds an Ancient Secret . . .

Nick Hennessy, a young Texas journalist yearning for his big break, finds himself in Europe--his assignment, to investigate the alarming disappearance of invaluable Grecian antiquities. Nick has the credentials--and cover ID--to unearth the truth. And he knows just the researcher to help him...

Carey Mathers, fresh from her studies in forensic archeology, has accepted a job with the prestigious Athens Institute for Antiquities--a dream come true, really, particularly when the Greek isle of Patmos, where the Apostle John received his vision of the Apocalypse, was a particular focus of her research.

Dimitri Rubinos, for whom the Greek islands represent his life, holds on by his fingernails to the family charter boat business. But his country's economic chaos isn't the only thing that has turned his world on its head...

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Christian, Thriller, Suspense, Greece

330 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2014

About the author

Davis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than eight million books in twenty languages.

Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.

His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.

Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).

Reviews

[J. Else · Rating 2 out of 5]

To sum it up: this book finds no closure. It also takes over 1/2 the book to get to the "ancient secret" hinted at on the back of the book. I was left feeling really disappointed.

Bunn spends a great deal of time developing Carey in the first half. She makes friends who disappear in the second half of the story, so I was left wondering why so much time was spent developing her friends since they were forgotten about later. I did enjoy the developing relationship with Dimitri. But I was not sure why there was also a developing romantic relationship with Nick. Why was a love triangle necessary to the plot line? And it ended up being another element that did not resolve. Suddenly, both men propose to Carey, and then the book ends. Whaa....???

The historical elements brought in the excitement for me. I loved learning more about the history of John's exile to the island. Then when I learned about the "big secret" that lay hidden beneath the monastery, I got SUPER excited! I thought to myself, "no way would the author create such an item and then NOT share it with the readers, right?" Nope, not right. In fact, you get the ultimate tease before the book ends. This upset me SO MUCH! There needs to be a payoff for the readers. If you're going to let the characters in on the secret, the readers deserve to be in the know as well.

Bunn switched between different points of views at odd times. There were too many moments where a character went off to think about something, and then the point of view switched, so as a reader you were never let in on thought processes of how the clues were fitting together. In fact, the views seemed to switch to create awkward moments in the love triangle. I was also extremely disappointed in not being let in on spiritual discussions. When Dimitri and Carey talk about faith, it just sort of happened. The moment seemed to change them both and deepen their relationship, but the reader was not privy to any portion of the conversation. Even when another character asked about it, nothing was revealed. So moments of character growth were never fleshed out in the story. Why bring up that things happened if you're not going to explore them?

When Carey went to the cave with Dimitri's grandmother, she had a profound spiritual moment. But the setting details were very sparse. I could not picture the environment well. I was hoping for some serious descriptive prose which would transport my imagination to this mystical and significant Biblical setting. But I felt the descriptions were extremely basic in both setting and emotional weight. I barely felt anything when Carey had her moment. In fact, Carey seems to experience a lot of profoundness, but these things happen when she's not the narrating point of view. Again, a strange literary choice.

I had very high standards for this book. But when I got to the epilogue, I never found out who the master mind was in the thefts, one of the main players in the thieving was not arrested, character relationships got more confusing, and I never got to experience WHY the secret document was so momentous. Sure, it was written to Jesus' mother. But maybe it was a recipe for a new way to cook fish. I mean, come on. Give us some type of moment! The ending was unsatisfying on multiple levels.

[Sarah Vigue · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also posted on Book by Book.

The Patmos Deception by Davis Bunn was a nice change of pace from the romance I have been reading recently. With a mystery to solve, a crime to stop, an investigation to complete, this novel had me intrigued from start to finish. Each of the main characters fits nicely into the novel’s premise with unique passions and pursuits and I enjoyed seeing them crossing paths and interacting to figure out what was really happening. Additionally, the peeks into Greece’s past and present, rich in detail and culture, fascinated me and I learned quite a bit. Overall, The Patmos Deception is a fantastic read and I would recommend it.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley, I received a copy of The Patmos Deception and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

What kind of ending is that? It left me hanging with no promise of a sequel. How disappointing! Anyway the rest of book was great. There are thefts of ancient treasures from Greece that are happening and Nick and Carey are asked to investigate. The story had great promise but there could have been more suspense. And the ending! Oh the ending! How unsatisfactory. I would have expected more from Davis Bunn. Let's hope for a sequel to tidy things up.

[Sarita · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book took a while to read. Paperbacks do take me longer due to limited time, but I also found myself forcing to make time to read. I also went through periods of liking the story, wondering what will happen to being disinterested. And then ending was “bleh”. No real conclusion and you have the main lady sitting on a choose without the reader knowing what she will choose.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm dead. Dead dead dead. That. Ending. WHAT IS THAT ENDING, BUNN?!?? WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?? It's fine, it's fine, it's fine, I'll just be in the corner with my feelings that I don't know what to do with... It's fine. Frick.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A nice, quick, easy read, this was another great story from Davis Bunn. It wasn't as suspenseful as his previous works, but it still moved quickly and kept me turning pages. I loved the peek into the familial Greek culture, and the family in Athens had me smiling a lot!

My one complaint? The end. WHAT?!?
All I can say is this: There had better be a sequel. ;)

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christian Fiction Novel by Davis Bunn, full of mystery, danger and romance, the outcomes of which are molded by Christian faith and values. Informative and in-depth, the story is set in Greece after the crash and tells of historical religious treasures that smugglers are after. Carey is a forensic archeological specialist, Nick is an investigative journalist, and Dimitri is the owner of a family boat used for fishing and now tourism. Young people with special talents, pulled into a crisis that hones their skills, faith and trust in others. As in other Davis Bunn novels, you learn more about the country and its history, and meet characters with much to teach. You come to know each of these individuals, their families and their lives, and end up feeling that you are a part of that special group. A skilled story teller, Davis Bunn has another hit!

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and Betheny House in return for my honest review.

[Sarah TheAromaofBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I felt kind of mediocre about this book the whole time I was reading it, but a good ending could have rescued it... and that didn't happen. The ending was amazingly smooth - every single coincidental piece needed fell into place at just the right time - and somewhat inconclusive. And what's the point of an epilogue that doesn't actually tell the reader anything conclusive about the future lives of the characters? What even.

[Bobbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in this book because several years ago we visited Greece and Patmos which included the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse. The book did include some interesting information on the island and history but I think the plot could have been more interesting. But I did enjoy the book overall.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davis Bunn is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. This book was full of historical information on the economic crisis in Greece, yet it never got overwhelming. It gave me a much better understanding of the impact it had on ordinary people. The effects were staggering.

More than that, I enjoyed the suspense and the mystery that Carey and Nick set out to solve. Someone is stealing precious Greek artifacts and potentially one such item from John the Baptist’s time on Patmos. The stakes are high. Dimitri, a Greek ship owner, becomes embroiled in a dangerous game that could cost him his life and everything he holds dear.

The very day Carey arrives in Greece and finds her promised job to be non-existent, Carey meets a unique lady who will quickly adopt her into her family. This family reminds me of the Portokalos family in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” When she goes to meet Nick at the airport, the whole family has to come along and check him out. They add some humor and lightness as well as the poignancy of a caring family.

Bunn is great at building and describing his characters. Carey “knew how to make a nickel complain over being pinched too hard and too long” (location 57). She is a beautiful woman who LOVES everything she is experiencing in Greece. She is the one you would want to travel with because she enjoys everything and finds delight in all around her. Her grandmother, however, sees the glass as not just half empty but “also laced with poison” (location 156). HA!

The relationships are wonderful. Carey has known Nick all her life and had a huge crush on him once upon a time. Dimitri is an intriguing Greek man with “moonshine eyes” that make all kinds of promises. Despite his past history with women, which he realizes was quite empty, I couldn’t help liking him and rooting for him a bit. I hope all these characters and rich relationships will be fleshed out still more in a future book.

This book has everything I look for in a book….humor, rich characters, action, great writing, suspense, amazing growth in characters. It was a fascinating book. I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed THE PATMOS DECEPTION for the most part but the ending left me very unsatisfied. The way it was written led me to believe there was a sequel, but I can't find any mention of one in any listing of Davis Bunn's books. Since it was published in 2014, I would expect one to be out by now. Though the book was slow moving at times, mainly in the passages about the history of Patmos and the other islands, there was enough action at other times to keep me interested. The Greek mamas and aunts made me laugh at times. If the book had a more resolved ending, or if there was a sequel that continued the story, it would be easier to recommend it. As is, I can say if you enjoy history with some action, you might enjoy this book, but don't expect to feel good at the ending. Davis Bunn has written enough books that he should know better than to end a book in the way he did.

[Krista Pilon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't read the epilogue. It leaves you with more questions than answers. To me, the ending makes the book and the ending did not come close to doing it for me.

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priceless antiquities are disappearing, with no official acknowledgement of the crimes... because people in positions of power are involved in the scheme. At least that's what journalist Nick Hennessy's UN contact believes. Nick teams up with forensic archaeologist Carey Mathers to find the truth.

On the other side of the law, Patmos tour-boat operator Dimitri Rubinos finds himself forced to do as his ancestors have done in previous times of economic disaster: work for smugglers.

This is one of the most satisfying adventure novels I've read in a while, complete with intrigue, chases and danger. It's also much more. The characters are richly layered, facing their individual struggles as well as the external one. Carey idolized Nick in her youth, but past experience has left her unwilling to risk loving this new, more mature, Nick.

For his part, Nick can't let himself fall in love when he has to focus on the investigation. And Dimitri? He's a heart-breaker who's tired of "the life" and knows something's missing inside. His grandmother says Carey will change his world. Does that mean she's the one for him? Or will Carey's vibrant faith help Dimitri find his answers?

The Patmos Deception evokes a strong sense of the Greek culture and mindset. I've never been to Greece, so I can't prove it's authentic, but it feels that way. As well as Dimitri, his father and grandmother, we meet Elini and her extended family, who "adopt" Carey at the beginning of the novel. They're caring, protective and fierce people, culturally accustomed to hardship and resilient enough to not break. We also meet Greek villains and bullies, like we'd find in any ethnic group, but Elini's and Dimitri's people are a delight.

Carey's a delight, too. Where Nick's journalism has taught him to view everything as an observer, mentally framing how he'd write it, Carey lives with her eyes wide open, experiencing the moment.

And Dimitri? He's a man of courage who'll do whatever it takes. His "moonshine eyes" and charm make him a danger to women's hearts, but maybe he can change – or be changed.

Favourite lines:

Nana Pat possessed a whole dictionary of sighs. She cold express anger or frustration or displeasure without speaking a word. She sighed now, and Carey realized the conversation was over. Nana Pat had run out of steam. [p. 27]

In Dimitri's view, morning was the most beautiful time of day. The sunrise cast fresh promise in the golden light... Down below, the harbour remained cast in shadow and in the mystical wonder of hours not yet spent. [p. 38]

With each loss she seemed to shrink further, until she was reduced to the very essence of who she once had been. But she remained a woman of good cheer and unshakable faith. [p. 39, about Dimitri's grandmother, Chara.]

This is one of those stories I kept wanting to go back to once it ended. On the bright side, the ending sets up a potential sequel...

The Patmos Deception is the latest novel from prolific and award-winning author Davis Bunn. For more about the author and his books, visit davisbunn.com, and if you're curious which character in The Patmos Deception he identifies with most strongly, see this post on his blog. Note, the giveaway is over, but it's an interesting insight into an author's thoughts.

[Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.]

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously good. Bunn immerses his readers into the Greek culture from the very first page. Sights, sounds, emotions -- we feel it all right along with Carey as she soaks in her first impression of the country. I love how she gets swept away by a large, boisterous and definitely opinionated Greek family. They nearly smother her but it's just what she needs when she first arrives and they definitely provide some levity in an otherwise tense plot.

Nick has perfected the cool detachment of a seasoned journalist. He's ready to make his mark in his chosen profession and approaches his assignment with passionate single-mindedness. Such a contrast to Carey's wide-eyed wonder. Love watching the two play off each other and even though Carey is somewhat naive, she can hold her own with Nick. Familiarity from growing up together certainly helps.

And then there's Dimitri whose life is as far removed from the Americans as you can get. He and his family are struggling to survive after the collapse of the Greek economy. His story line is fascinating and plunges the reader into intrigue and danger. The author expertly weaves a complicated plot with some serious twists and turns that kept me on my toes. And I really appreciated the vibrant spiritual thread that builds to a startling conclusion. My only complaint with The Patmos Deception is that it ended...and with a few cliff hangers (including the romantic kind) that will hopefully be cleared up in the next book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I was chosen a First Reads winner, and received a paperback copy of The Patmos Deception from Bethany House in the mail. That in no way influenced the review that follows.

First, let me say that I am assuming another book will follow. Otherwise, I'd revise my rating down to three stars.

I was totally drawn into the plot from the start and really liked the way the author wove the separate story lines together. The Christian legends of Patmos that are incorporated into the plot, however, I found frustrating. They are featured enough that I felt like they needed to be fleshed out more, even if this is fiction, instead of being left rather shallow.

The best part of this book, for me, was its Greek setting and the characters who are native to the islands -- which includes one of the main characters and several secondary characters. I'd have loved to read more of these locals' involvement, and hope that they will also figure in a second book.

This novel is definitely character-based, but it leaves the reader with major unresolved questions when it ends -- one regarding the relationships and one regarding the artifacts. Since those two aspects were pretty much the entire thrust of the book, I was disappointed that neither was resolved. But it definitely paves the way for the story to continue.

[Carolyn Wagner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I listened to this on audiobook, and I might have changed my rating a bit if I read the physical book. So 2-stars indicates the book was "ok." And it was "ok." I got no suspense, no thrill, no anticipation from the story. About halfway through, I was ready for the book to be done. Again, part of that may have been because I listened to the audiobook. The story just seemed very superficial to me. Important characters seemed to come and go at random. Almost an "oops! I forgot them - I need to throw them back into the story somehow!" feeling. And the non-resolution of the love triangle at the end made me roll my eyes hard. That's how you chose to end it??? Ugh. I'm glad this wasn't the first Davis Bunn book I've read; if it was, I probably wouldn't read any others.

[Lynn M. Ludeke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Lot of Flaws, but Still Worth Reading

First, I hate love triangles enough to give this book 1 star. It makes Carey come off as disloyal and the men are too cold. Second, the dialogue was super corny and choppy. Next there were a lot of sexual innuendos for a "Christian" book. And I hated the lame non-ending (unless there is a sequel). Oh and did I mention how annoying it is that the main players are ridiculously good looking? Now, with that said,the history and geography lessons are worth the read. Also the book is entertaining without being violent and keeps your attention. All in all I would recommend, but not for the un romantic story line (neither man is likable and Carey doesn't seem like someone 2 men would fight over for any reason other than her looks, she is too fickle) but for the action and history.

[Mary Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Davis Bunn has written some good books, but this one isn't my favorite. There are so many changes in the plot strands, and the main character is hard to figure out. The main plot of the book centers around men wanting a treasure that is hidden somewhere on Patmos. With the economical problems Greece has been suffering, many men have resorted to stealing and breaking the law to survive and to become rich. I would have liked for there to have been a stronger conclusion to the novel.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good and quick read and I genuinely enjoyed it overall....but I am really frustrated with the character endings. That is all I will say, but really?? Who does that?? Just completely unrealistic in that regard. That is why this is only getting 3 rather than 4 stars.

[Deva J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to follow the story line of this book and actually went back and re-read part of it to get a better grasp of the characters. I was eager to "unseal" the mystery and to see who wins Carey's heart. The abrupt ending left both of these unanswered and wanting closure.

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book: filled with archaeology, mystery, suspense, ancient secrets, romance, and modern day Greece. I inhaled it.

[Lois Luyster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the book. Hated the ending...if you can call it an ending. Learned a lot of history about Greece and Patmos that was interesting.

[Martic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad ending-left wide open with no sequel to follow.

[Dakota Falcon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the history, the time at sea, the different perspectives and characters. I felt like I myself took a trip to Greece and it was a delight A good journey to got through. I would have given it three stars but the historical background and nautical tidbits really brought it around to my four stars and added to the pleasant journey. I did not expect the Christianity influence that at one point I felt like I was trying to be converted and later on I realized it added to the plot of the lost scroll and why it was so important. Laid it on pretty thick though for my liking since I myself am not christian but I can appreciate its vast history. (Did not see until now that it is Christianfiction on goodreads, the cover didn’t say lol) The book had me rooting for Dimitri and still kind of does, I feel like Carey doesn’t have to tiptoe around him when it comes to emotions and takes life by the reigns like she does. I bet he wouldn’t mind taking her on an all day stroll to museums and ruins on the different islands without complaint. Their life together makes more sense. All the more I may have cursed the author a bit for lack of conclusion. So, four stars.

I can applaud the POVs and where they were placed in the story to move the story forward. Each time it was switched we got substantial knowledge of the characters and how the country was viewed in their perspective conversely how they think and what their values are. I really didn’t truly appreciate it until the second half of the book when the plot starts thickening. It really made their first meeting feel very not out of place and yet felt like we were meeting Dimitri for the first time like they were. (That interaction was wild. Plus I peeped that Dimitri practically asked her out on a date and did it before what’s his face. And off to sea no less. ) The most action packed scene for me was when Dimitri and Sophia were at sea and they used all kinds of tricks and methods to escape or smuggle smartly. Probably my favorite part in the book.

I have nothing more to say, but that ending. I didn’t get it.

[Greg · Rating 2 out of 5]

A couple of things wrong with this one for me:

The Ending - What kind of ending is that? I can't even begin to imagine this is how it was intended. For one, from 3/4 of the way through until the ending felt extremely rushed. It was almost like the author was up against a deadline and had to put it to paper or lose it. The epilogue gave no closure what so ever. It feels like a sequel was intended? Either way it was awful.

The plot - over 3/4 of the way through and we just learn of the actual "secret". I feel like I was led on for so long and then when I finally know what it is...that's it. Nothing even happens after that with the plot. We go from finding out the secret to ending. We don't even know any details of the ENTIRE POINT OF THE BOOK....EVER. I am trying not to spoil for readers who have yet to read it however I am finding it hard not to reveal the point of the story because if I did, it would literally be a few words.

The characters were well done. I think Carey was really well developed. Nick was as well however maybe not as fleshed out as Carey. The other, minor characters in the story were well done. I liked the feel of the story with the characters as a family. You go from hearing from some of them every page to nothing until the epilogue, which is a little jarring but it didn't ruin the flow for me.

I feel like this book could have been so much more. Maybe it isn't fair to judge it on what it could have been however I can't help but think back on it and wonder what exactly the point of the book was. Was it supposed to be a romance with some history thrown in to cover a genre?

I gave it two stars because I did enjoy parts of it and the characters but I can't get past reading over 300 pages and still wondering what the point was. And that ending...

[Nae · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, my mistake for not noticing that it was listed under "christian fiction" as one of its genres, but ugh this book has all sorts of moments based around God & faith that feel so over the top and unnecessary. I find it preachy to bring faith into a book so often that the characters keep mentioning it and the plot somehow relies on it. And the main character keeps crying because she feels so overwhelmed and transformed by God or something...honestly it was uncomfortable.

The plot is mangled and a bit boring, so I found myself skimming through parts to find out what happened, but not feeling fully engaged in the story. There isn't much conclusion to this big conspiracy plot they have going on and the connections between all of the missing artifacts are never explained, other than to make this last artifact seem like the most important one and the reason for the whole mission?

The main character is stuck between two guys but doesn't know which one to choose because neither of them are religious - what? Stupid ending to a mediocre plot and this book definitely should not be under the category of "romance" at all.

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wild adventure thru Greece with apostolic history possibilities that will have you pondering.

Davis Bunn is one of my favorite authors. He writes across many genres with characters who have stayed with me for long periods of time. They are drawn with honesty and believability and these two young couples are no exception.

None of these couples are actually traditional couples; not dating or married or anything else altho’ the American researcher and reporter have a lifelong attraction, of sorts. The fisherman/tourist guide and first mate are absolutely just friends.

Greece is in the midst of political and financial upheaval leading the American couple to be aided/adopted by a Greek family that feeds, houses and works with them, eventually figuring into key aspects of the storyline. There a fun snippets of Greek culture, family life and generational interactions to offset the tension from the thriller plot. I enjoyed these secondary characters immensely.

A fast moving thriller that takes place on land and sea and is safe for your 14 year old📚

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all around enjoyable, truly fun read with Davis leaving us all sitting on the edge of your seats and smiling.

I can only imagine the fun that Davis Bunn had writing a tale filled with such enjoys characters, beautiful scenery and moving moments. Best of all is how he managed to create in each of the main male characters a personal journey from a false life to one at the brink of true fulfillment in the same way that the long secret letter is revealed and about to be read. We are left wondering what will their lives be like? What will be in the letter? We’re left wondering with a smile.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the paths of a journalist, a forensic archeologist, and a charter boat captain cross on the islands of the Aegean Sea, the discoveries are not limited to disappearing treasures. Each must also confront a question or challenge of their own along the way.

As Bunn's characters move from island to island, they gradually reveal more of themselves, and their worlds. While they each change from the beginning of the book to the end, the ending left a feeling of unsettledness, as if their journey weren't quite complete at the end. Personally, I would have liked to see a little more emphasis on unraveling the mystery, but of you are in it for the characters, then this might be for you!