A gruesome trophy. A fateful promise. A desperate search. Jack Rogan, celebrated author and incorrigible adventurer, finds himself drawn into a haunting mystery when Tristan, a close friend blessed with psychic powers, seeks his help. As his notorious uncle's life is ebbing away beside him, a casualty of a violent gang skirmish, Tristan makes a fateful vow—to recover a gruesome battlefield trophy torn from the body of a Māori warrior-chief in a brutal act of desecration and return it to where it belongs. Little does he know that this promise will plunge him and his friends into a dark web of ancient tribal secrets and dangerous truths. Joined by an intrepid band of companions—Isis, a billionaire rockstar adored by fans the world over, Mademoiselle Darrieux, a colourful Paris socialite, and Claude Dupree, a resourceful French detective—Jack and Tristan set out to reclaim the lost trophy. As the sands of time slip away, their quest leads them down a treacherous path, where hidden clues unveil a frightening realm of occult secrets that threaten to consume them. As they delve deeper into the murky spirit world of mediums, fortune-tellers, and the Tarot, Jack, and Tristan confront evil forces determined to foil their quest.
Can they retrieve the macabre trophy and help the tortured soul of the fallen warrior enter the afterlife, or will they succumb to the sinister powers lurking in the shadows, ready to condemn the restless spirit to eternal sorrow?Unlock the secrets of the past with The Bone Scraper Legacy. Join Jack Rogan and his daring companions as they unravel ancient mysteries and face supernatural dangers head-on.
Don't miss out on this electrifying adventure—secure your copy now and immerse yourself in a world of courage, friendship, and spine-tingling suspense. order now and let the journey begin. The mystery awaits!
Gabriel Farago is the USA TODAY Bestselling and Multi-Award-Winning Australian Author of the Jack Rogan Mysteries Series for the thinking reader and culturally curious.
As a lawyer with a passion for history and archaeology, Gabriel had to wait for many years before being able to pursue another passion—writing—in earnest. However, his love of books and storytelling started long before that.
Born in Budapest, Gabriel grew up in post-War Europe, and after fleeing Hungary with his parents during the Revolution in 56, he went to school in Austria before arriving in Australia as a teenager. This allowed him to become multi-lingual and feel ‘at home’ in different countries and diverse cultures. Shaped by a long legal career and experiences spanning several decades and continents, his is a mature voice that speaks in many tongues.
Gabriel holds degrees in literature and law, speaks several languages and takes research and authenticity very seriously. Inquisitive by nature, he studied Egyptology and learned to read the hieroglyphs. He travels extensively and visits all of the locations mentioned in his books.
‘I try to weave fact and fiction into a seamless storyline,’ he explains. ‘By blurring the boundaries between the two, the reader is never quite sure where one ends, and the other begins. This is of course quite deliberate as it creates the illusion of authenticity and reality in a work that is pure fiction. A successful work of fiction is a balancing act: reality must rub shoulders with imagination in a way that is both entertaining and plausible.’
Gabriel lives in the Blue Mountains in Australia just outside Sydney, surrounded by a World Heritage National Park.
If you like historical thrillers, excitement, mystery and suspense, if you enjoy exotic settings, colourful characters and fast-paced action, if you like to learn about interesting, well-researched subjects that tease your intellect and imagination, then once your step inside, Gabriel will show you his world; the world of the storyteller.
Shaped by a long legal career and experiences spanning several decades and continents, his is a mature voice that speaks in many tongues.
His first book – The Empress Holds the Key – will take you on an exciting quest for a holy relic mysteriously erased from the pages of history. You will be transported far back in time to the reign of Akhenaten, the heretic pharaoh of ancient Egypt, and King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. You will discover a dark secret guarded by the Knights Templar and feared by the Vatican, a mystery that has haunted the Catholic Church for centuries, and can challenge the very foundations of Christianity.
His second book – The Disappearance of Anna Popov – will thrill you in a different way. You will enter the dangerous world of an outlaw bikie gang. You will travel to the remote dreamtime wilderness of outback Australia where the ruler is an evil master, outcasts are heroes, and cruelty and violence are admired and rewarded. You will meet Cassandra, an enigmatic psychic. Using her occult powers to avenge an old, deep wrong, she sets the scene for an epic showdown where the stakes are high and the loser faces death and oblivion.
His third book –The Hidden Genes of Professor K – a medical thriller, was released in July 2016. Cutting-edge medical research meets the ruthless, dangerous world of pharmaceutical empire billionaires, where unbridled ambition and greed threaten to destroy the dreams of a visionary scientist with the power to change the future of medicine, and the journey of man.
A writer like Gabriel, sees the world through a different lens. Using creativity and imagination, He endeavours to weave fact and fiction into seamless stories that have only one aim: to entertain you.
Jack Rogan was a journalist and a writer, but above all he is an adventurer. When he receives a call in Venice that The Bone Scraper (Parema te Pahau) is dying, he heads to New Zealand with Tristan, the Bone Scraper’s nephew. Before his death he asks Tristan for a favor. The original Parema te Pahau was a Māori warrior who died in the 1800s. He was decapitated and his head was taken. Now it is up to Tristan, as the last of the family line, to find the head and return it to his people . A picture of the head was painted by a famous artist. Jack and Tristan’s first task is to find the painting so that they can verify the facial tattoos that would confirm the authenticity of the skull. From a gallery, to an auction house and finally Japan, they trace the painting to a temple, where they are provided photos of the skull. With the help of their friends, the skull is ultimately traced to France. It had been used as a prop in seances performed by a criminal involved in the occult. He is their best bet for finding the skull and possibly solving a murder. Gabriel Farago keeps the action at a steady pace and fills his story with bits of history and Māori tradition. Jack is aided by characters who have appeared in his previous adventures, but if you are new to the series you will be delighted to meet them and look for them to appear again in Jack Rogan’s further adventures. I received a copy of this book from the author.
Prepare to be truly inspired and totally entertained as Jack and Tristan set off on a remarkable adventure to keep a promise to a dying man and repatriate the remains of one of Tristan’s long dead ancestors. Things are never straight forward in the world of Jack Rogan, though, and what unfolds is an engaging mystery spanning decades and continents that Jack and Tristan must unravel to fulfill that promise. As always, a full complement of vibrant characters including some old friends, as well as some new acquaintances, will play a part in guiding the journey of our intrepid heroes. If you enjoy the work of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, or Ian Caldwell, you can be assured of a delightful journey with the offerings of Gabriel Farago. The beautifully detailed and artfully crafted descriptions of locales, foods and music will transport you right into the story while the riveting suspense will keep you engaged and flipping pages late into the night. I have found each Jack Rogan mystery to be absorbing, educational and a highly rewarding reading experience. This book is no exception. I have no reservation about offering my highest recommendation for this story and for the entire series.
The latest work by Gabriel Farago, The Bone Scraper Legacy, is absolutely fascinating. Not only is Jack Rogan on another adventure, but the main question and mystery revolve around Tristan, who up to this time has been quite a mysterious character. With this story you get to learn almost his whole background story. Most of the story involves the history of the Māori people of New Zealand. Because of the wonderful descriptions Gabriel provides, you can easily visualize the locations, actions and appearances of the people. This encouraged me to do my own research on the Māori, including the meanings behind the haka dance and the moko tattoos. What an amazing people, and the tragedies they have endured throughout history. Of course there is always a villain that Jack has to discover and vanquish. That is quite exciting itself. I always learn so many new things about different parts of the world and different cultures whenever read in one of Gabriel’s books. I can’t wait for the next one. Do yourself a favor and make sure to read The Bone Scraper Legacy.
Gabriel Farago has done it again. This latest novella is a masterpiece weaving historical references into stories that have you tumbling through the book with one goal in mind - to find Tristan’s ancestor and return it to its home. Well done !
Follow Jack and Tristan as they travel the globe in search of a Maori head and Tristan's roots. The research and information lends the reality and splendor of this novel the drama and emotion we have grown to know in every Farago book. Spectacular. Highly Recommended.
Fascinating. Every novel and novella is full of history and mystery. I found this story particularly engaging. The growth of the characters from the first novel to the present is subtle and realistic. The cast of characters is ever expanding. Gripping plot lines with a touch of the paranormal.
Such a likeable bunch of eclectic characters. A clever, twisting tale that has one rapidly turning the pages. Always such interesting historical titbits in this author’s tomes which adds another dimension to what are otherwise rollicking good puzzle-solving adventures.
Now comes the patient? wait for the next Jack Rogan and company’s outing.
Review of the Bone Scraper Legacy by Gabriel Farago
This novella is the most recent in the series of Jack Rogan adventures. At dinner one evening Tristan is beckoned to answer a call. He returns to reveal the essence of the call; his uncle, a Maori in New Zealand, has asked that Tristan come see him soon as he, the uncle,does not have long in this world and needs to impart something of importance to his nephew. Jack offers to accompany Tristan on the trip and Tristan happily accepts Jack's offer.
The pair does arrive in time for Tristan to hear his uncle's dying request. The uncle reveals that in the 1800's a revered Maori chief, Bone Scraper, was killed in a battle, but that his remains were never returned to the family. Tristan promises his uncle, his only known living relative, that he will recover the remains of Bone Scraper and return them to the family for burial, thereby allowing Chief Bone Scraper peace.
Farago's research, as always, is impeccable, flawlessly leading us, quite delightfully, into the world of the Maori. I have never read an author who is so determined to get the facts correct and yet able to take that data to lead us into a fictional quest, this time to find the warrior's remains so important to Tristan's family.
This book is one of several that Farago has written in the Jack Rogan series, so we can count on Jack to help seek out solutions as he and Tristan engage in this quest. If you have not read any of the Jack Rogan series, this is as good place to start as any. I am sure that once you have read one book in the series, you will be hungry for more. I heartily recommend this story.
A Promise to the Past Jack Rogan and his psychic friend, Tristan, are off on another globe trotting adventure in The Bone Scraper Legacy, by Gabriel Farago. This time the mission is personal. Tristan's uncle, a renowned Maori warrior known as The Bone Scraper, is dying and has requested Tristen's presence at his bedside. There he entrusts Tristan with a family quest - the recovery of his grandfather's mummified head which was taken as a battle trophy. The Bone Scraper himself has long searched for the head, called a mokomokai, wishing to bring it home to New Zealand for a proper burial. But he had no luck finding it. Now he wants to pass on his promise to do so to Tristan. From Farago, who carefully researched the Maori and their customs, we learn a little history of the Maori people and how the heavily tattooed heads of Maori warriors taken in battle were mummified and kept as trophies. At one time these mokomokai were sought after oddities. Many were traded to the British in exchange for muskets. They found their way into collections and many became property of museums as part of cultural displays. Over time most were returned to the culture where they originated but this particular head seems to have vanished. How are Jack and Tristan to find it? Follow the clues they uncover and solve the mystery.
A captivating plot, the emotions, the characters were so real, I thought. Couldn't turn pages fast enough to know the ending. Well written and I recommend Given arc for my voluntary review.
Another great addition to the Jack Rogan series! Tristan comes into his full heritage when his uncle dies and passes on the Māori legacy to Tristan, the last survivor in his family. He promised his uncle to search for their relatives head so he can be laid to rest and fine peace.
I really don't know how Mr Farago does it! His story here is as compelling as any I've read so far. And the tie-in to the Māori culture and customs was an education in itself. Jack and the "team" are all together again to pull the rug out from yet another ner-do-well villain who, with generations even before him, have absconded with a cultural treasure. Great reading. Thank you, sir, for keeping the quality at an outstanding level, and raising the bar for others to try to follow.
The Bone Scraper Legacy: A Historical Occult Mystery (The Jack Rogan Mysteries), my sixth read from author Gabriel Farago. 252 pages. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Not as captivating & well-written as the other books I'd read in this series, never-the-less I liked it enough that I went out and purchased a copy. I look forward to more from this author and more in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
The incorrigible Rascal is back for another round with Tristan and the gang to solve another outback mystical occult adventure! Kept me turning pages while the well developed characters rise to solve an epic quest to find a mummified head and return it to the place where it belongs! Isis returns to help with the recovery with a fabulous seance that will impress the skeptical reader! Highly recommend!
This book captivates reader from the beginning and hold captive till the end. Reader follows Jack Rogan and his friends, especially Tristan, around the globe, starting in Venice, through New Zealand, Japan and Europe to finish in New Zealand. Jack is helping Tristan to find historical item connected with his family. They engage a lot of people in their search. Author wrote intriguing story with unique characters. This is one of the page turning books.
This book is another excellent book about Jack Rogan and friends. It is a great standalone read, exciting and enthralling. However if you haven’t read any of the previous books I strongly recommend that you search for them as you won’t be disappointed. Gabriel Farago is a brilliant writer who seamlessly blends fact and fiction.
This book has a unique plot. I have read thousands of books. Never before have I encountered such a brilliant concept for a mystery. All of the series' favorite characters are included in this book. I couldn't put it down. You won't be disappointed.
All of us who are fans of the Jack Rogan Mysteries series want you to read The Bone Scraper Legacy. It’s that good!
Gabriel Farago is that fabulous and detailed researcher extraordinaire for his books. His inspirations are many and varied. And his ability to weave his thoughts and ideas with facts is definitely one of his gifts.
In The Bone Scraper Legacy, you will have an initial learning curve about certain macabre aspects of the Māori warriors occurring in 1840. Hang in there because you’ll soon meet the wonderful Jack Rogan at Palazzo da Baggio in Venice in 2023 to begin this adventure in earnest. And what an Adventure it is! You will love meeting his eclectic friends, who add much to help Rogan in his quest to right ancient wrongs for his special friend, Tristan. You will be amazed at how quickly the end arrives because you won’t want to stop reading once you start!
Prepare to be truly inspired and totally entertained as Jack and Tristan set off on a remarkable adventure to keep a promise to a dying man and repatriate the remains of one of Tristan’s long dead ancestors. Things are never straight forward in the world of Jack Rogan, though, and what unfolds is an engaging mystery spanning decades and continents that Jack and Tristan must unravel to fulfill that promise. As always, a full complement of vibrant characters including some old friends, as well as some new acquaintances, will play a part in guiding the journey of our intrepid heroes. If you enjoy the work of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, or Ian Caldwell, you can be assured of a delightful journey with the offerings of Gabriel Farago. The beautifully detailed and artfully crafted descriptions of locales, foods and music will transport you right into the story while the riveting suspense will keep you engaged and flipping pages late into the night. I have found each Jack Rogan mystery to be absorbing, educational and a highly rewarding reading experience. This book is no exception. I have no reservation about offering my highest recommendation for this story and for the entire series.
In this Immensely satisfying historical mystery we finally learn about Tristan and his Māori background. I always look forward to Gabriel’s books, for I learn so much about different parts of the world, cultures and history through the Jack Rogan’s thrilling escapades. The case of the missing Māori head is very well written novella, fast paced and full of unexpected twists . All our popular characters are of course involved and Iris is fun to watch. I finished the reading in two sittings and wish, that the story would just continue. Well done Gabriel! Thank you. Lida
Review of “The Bone Scraper Legacy” by Gabriel Farago
With excited anticipation I began my read of Gabriel Farago’s latest Jack Rogan novel. How would it compare with the others in the series?
Having read all published books by Gabriel (see list below), I have developed an insight into how the Bonescraper may develop, and look forward to meeting some of the regular characters as well as new ones.
Character development, both within and beyond each novel, is a distinctive aspect of Farago’s writing, as are his demanding intellectual challenges. I look forward to experiencing both.
In the introduction, reference is made to the writings of G I Gurdjieff which have stimulated Farago to write this novel. Wikipedia, explaining Gurdjieff’s style, states: “He believed that knowledge which comes without any effort from the student is useless. He believed that true knowledge comes from personal experiences and individual confrontations actualized by one's own intentions.” This appears to support Farago’s style of intellectual writing.
One of the regular characters, appearing in possibly every Jack Rogan novel, is Tristan. It came as a surprise to me to learn that one of his ancestors was Maori. Also, apparently, Tristan has facial tattoos, called “moko”.
Farago’s technique of revealing information through the eyes of others is on display here: “‘I’m glad one of us knows what to do because I certainly don’t,’ said Tristan, who was getting many sideways looks because of his tattooed face. In Japan, tattoos were mainly the province of the notorious Yakuza, the traditional crime syndicates, and facial tattoos like Tristan’s moko were a curiosity rarely seen in public.”
Isis is another of Gabriel’s characters, and this scene shows her at her dramatic best: “Isis linked arms with Jack and swept into the elegant foyer, well aware she was turning heads. For an attention seeker like Isis, being noticed was ego-oxygen she couldn’t live without.”
Gabriel researches deeply and extensively, frequently travelling to locations around the world to add authenticity to his novels. One good example of this is: “The splendid afternoon tea, showcasing Claridge’s signature tasty morsels, both sweet and savoury, served on traditional Bernardaud china platters with jade and blue chevrons, added a touch of elegance and class that had given Claridge’s such an enviable reputation that even the Royal Family had found irresistible over the years. Prince Albert had started it all in the 1890s, and the Queen Mother had been a frequent visitor over the years, enjoying her famous gin and Dubonnet before lunch.”
As one comes to expect, an important meeting is called in Paris at a real place: La Closerie des Lilas. Google maps clearly shows it on Bd du Montparnasse.
Next we are whisked to a beautiful chateau where the owner Mademoiselle Darrieux, had parked her 1980 Citröen 2CV.
The atmosphere vibrates with reality. What is fact and what is fiction, and at what point do they diverge? Farago delights in tantalising his readers, but eventually you come to expect this, and in fact look forward to it.
As the plot plays out, Farago explains “Often, complex investigations came down to a single question, a small piece in the puzzle, where all the fate lines intersected and held all the answers.” Farago refers frequently to fate, and when one explores his own life story you will become aware that he speaks from personal experience.
Lapointe, a retired French detective, is described briefly yet effectively: “While his appearance may have been unremarkable, his face wasn’t. Radiating intelligence but also sadness and compassion, the eyes had seen a little too much brutality and violence, and the deep lines around his mouth and prominent chin suggested a determination to do something about it.”
Another character is introduced to us: “Bare-breasted and wearing a black skirt too short to leave much to the imagination, but with her face hidden behind an exquisite Venetian gold Clorinda mask that gave her a mysterious, exotic appearance, she was the perfect hostess for such an exclusive event.”
When reading Gabriel Farago, it can be wise to have the Internet close by, to explore more deeply the details he provides. This rarely disappoints, as research into the mentioned mask will reveal.
Suddenly we are immersed in the subject of the book’s title: “A human head. It once belonged to a Māori warrior killed in battle, who was able to communicate with the spirit world. And he can still do so now if you listen carefully, and follow my instructions.”
As we approach the closing pages of the book, the wonderful story coming to its exciting conclusion, Gabriel Farago becomes philosophical “‘Someone once told me that we are but temporary custodians of other men’s genius,’ said Tristan.” I can see that this is really a story within a story embedded within a deeper and more profound story, the story of Gabriel himself as he digs deeply into the meaning of existence.
I warmly recommend this novel to those who enjoy thinking deeply and being entertained by one of the best.
The Bone Scraper Legacy by Gabriel Farago Review by Shirley Weidner 5-25-24
Once again Gabriel Farago doesn’t disappoint! I’m a complete fan and totally enjoy his books! One, I always learn something new. Two, his writing is extremely enchanting with the various descriptions of foreign places that accompany the books. Third, the author always incorporates a fascinating history of place into his novels.
The Bone Scraper Legacy begins in New Zealand with depictions of Parema Te Pahau, a Mauri leader of his iwi (tribe) in 1840. Pateme Te Pahau is fierce and brave. He also has unusual tattoos on his face to intimidate other tribes. A battle takes place and the agile fighter is taken down by a warring rival tribe.
Jack Rogan’s is the wealthy protagonist who has many colorful characters from his past adventures that he calls upon to help him and his friends. Jack’s friend, Tristan, has a gift of an uncanny 6th sense. When Tristan’s only living uncle calls him for help, the adventure begins.
The author takes you on a journey from Venice, Auckland, Singapore, Chatham Island, Kyoto, Japan, Paris and London.
Countess Kuragin, a socialite and Isis, a flamboyant rock star, and many other characters from Gabriel Farago’s former books flutter through the novel. The author gives full descriptions of the characters and adventures they have together. Mr. Farago’s books are stand alone or wonderfully read in sequence.
I received an advance copy of this book as a gift, and this is my review.
In this novella, Mr. Farago gives us another exciting, globe-trotting adventure.
Best selling author and incorrigible rascal, Jack Rogan is approached by his dear friend the psychic Tristan. Tristan’s uncle is dying and he wishes to see Tristan before he passes.
Since Tristan’s uncle is the leader of a fractious New Zealand gang, the journey to visit the uncle is fraught with tension. Tristan then makes a promise to his dying uncle to recover the preserved head of an ancestor known as the Bone Scraper. The head should be repatriated to New Zealand so that the Bone Scraper can rest in peace.
The ancestor was killed in a battle with another warring tribe during a period when the Maori tribes were still cannibals. He had a very distinctive facial tattoo.
Jack and Tristan are on the trail. Along the way, all of Jack’s old friends are pulled into the search. I very much like this part of Mr. Farago’s novels. I feel like I’m visiting with familiar acquaintances. I know their backstories. They all jump to assist in the search.
The book discusses much of Maori history. I really appreciate this as I am an avid learner of other cultures.
I want to thank Gabriel Farago for forwarding to me a copy of this wonderfully exciting novella. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
The Bone Scraper Legacy is driven by the spiritual realm of Tristan Te Papatahi as he moves from hearing “the whisper of angels…” to hearing a “chorus of heavenly voices”. If you’re a first-time reader of The Jack Rogan Series, you’re in for a real treat because it’s “all about destiny”. And if you’re a Jack Rogan groupie, welcome to a big family reunion. I’ll not spoil the surprise of who attends but of course the “incorrigible rascal” is front and center with Tristan. The Māori play a very important role in Tristan’s quest as well as aspects of the Rosicrucians, the Freemasons, and the mystic G. I. Gurdjieff. In addition to “glimpses of eternity”, there is murder, international travel, mental illness, investigations, seances, performances, idol worship, the Paris Hilton Hotel during WW II, prostitution, antiquities, museums, temples, dharma, miracles, and a missing mummified head. The legacy must continue, and this is Gabriel Farago at his BEST
Tristan makes a promise to his dying uncle to take up the mantle and find a Māori warrior's missing head. Traveling around the world with help from his friends will Tristan be able to keep his promise?
One of the best Jack Rogan Mysteries yet! The characters are relatable and well written in all the Jack Rogan books but this one provides a bit of the backstory for Tristan. This book stands well on it's own but the entire series is absolutely fabulous and this is one of the best so far. A real page turner that you don't want to end. A beautiful blend of historical accuracy and fiction that adds realness to the adventures. Love how the breadcrumbs of destiny follow Jack even when he's just helping a Tristan with his own destiny. If you only read one book this year make it this one! Truly a well written fantastic adventure!
It is difficult to review this book without giving too much away about the storyline, but I think it's safe to say that it involves the search for a New Zealand Maori relic that has a deep connection to one of the characters. I have read all of the books by this author about Jack Rogan a great character and an 'incorrigible rascal' and his very eclectic friends who rally round to help him when he is in need of it. This is one of the best so far. It is a very fast moving, exciting adventure which moves to lots of locations across the globe and does have an element of the occult, one of the characters, Tristan 'hears the whispers of angels' and can 'glimpse eternity' and the climax of the book is a seance. In the interest of clarity I did receive an advance copy of this book, but this is an honest review based on my personal opinion. Edit
This is another brilliant read in the Jack Rogan series of books. This one is even more of a page-turner than others which is saying something! It was an exciting story which, through Gabriel's excellent research, exposes the reader to interesting areas of history that they have probably never heard of e.g. Musket Wars. It was good how the transition from one place in the world to another was achieved with main characters discussing what had happened so far and what they hope to happen next. This helped with the natural progression of the story.
I can recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an interesting and exciting read.
I received my copy by being part of the author's launch group.