The Ossuary: Kabbalah and the Templar Legacy

Templars in America #18

by David S. Brody, Kimberly A. Scott

A cryptic code embedded in the pages of a Masonic encyclopedia ties back to an ancient mystery linked to the Knights Templar. When an elderly Freemason is found with his throat slashed, historian Cameron Thorne realizes more is at stake here than a mere encyclopedia entry. The clues lead him to Kabbalah—the ancient, mystical form of Judaism—and to 19th-century robber baron Henry Clayton Frick and his intriguing ties to the crypt of Mary Magdalene. Looming in the background, seemingly orchestrating everything, are the medieval Knights of Malta, age-old rivals of the Templars. Has Cam found himself in the middle of a 700-year-old monastic blood feud?

Based on actual historical sources, and illustrated.

Publishers Weekly says of the author, "BRODY DOES A TERRIFIC JOB OF WRAPPING HIS RESEARCH IN A FAST-PACED THRILL RIDE."

This is a stand-alone novel with recurring characters. The books in this series can be read in any order.

Genres: Adventure

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2024

About the author

David S. Brody is a Boston Globe bestselling fiction writer named Boston's "Best Local Author" by the Boston Phoenix newspaper. A graduate of Tufts University and Georgetown Law School, he is a former Director of the New England Antiquities Research Association (NEARA) and is an avid researcher in the subject of pre-Columbian exploration of America. He has appeared as a guest expert on documentaries airing on History Channel, Travel Channel, PBS and Discovery Channel.

Reviews

[Ryan Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Brown should now move aside as David Brody takes his place with his new novel. This is definitely Brody as his very best and I’m confident it will become a Blockbuster Best Seller. Of course, we have the Knights Templar in America hiding the ossuary (always a treasure). However, we also have the Knights of Malta, the Jewish Royalty, a wealthy family’s coverup, the entrepreneurs, the Freemasons – all with their own agendas related to the ossuary and high mysticism of Kabballah. And, you can’t have this many factions without a corrupt politician. It would be criminal to leave out the Divine Feminine, the Goddess aspect of spirituality. There is also a surprise small family reunion. I’m serious when I say that you won’t want to put the book down until you’re finished. I also believe there should be a movie in the mix. Enjoy and don’t forget to leave your reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and BestBub.
I have the privilege and honor to beta read for Dave with the caveat that I leave an honest review.

[Birgit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched, I am sure, but maybe the story would have gained from fewer quotations and explanations of sources?
However, this was the first book in this series I read from this author, and I must say, it had everything a good narration needs: interesting topic (similar to Dan Brown), very likeable characters, a fast-paced narration, tense moments and enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. And exactly the right amount of information a reader requires from the previous 17 (imagine!) books in this series.
Highly recommendable.
Now to get Book 1 and catch up.

[Beth McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Brody success!

Brody's books are never disappointing, and this one is fantastic! The way he weaves a story is amazing, with enough facts mixed in to make it believable (or, at least, possible!), and enough fiction to make it captivating ( you have to pay attention to keep up!). The story is amazing - that is worth repeating. The characters are loveable and the book is well written with smooth, but exciting, flow. You will not want to put this down once you get started. You will also want to read more of this series. Thanks for a great read!

[Paul Bennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series that dives straight into the action at the beginning. As with previous books in the series, it challenges current beliefs and this time the story links to the Kabbalah.

Although a very good story, I did find this book to be more challenging than the earlier books in the series. This was because there were a variety of different groups involved in the story and I sometimes lost track of who was with who!

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this

Being someone who loves history and visiting old churches the story really appealed to me. It is fast paced and hard to put down, lots of twists and turns all the way. Yes it does in some ways resemble Da Vinci code and it refers to that book at times but I found this book more interesting, more intriguing. Well written and all characters come to life along the way.

[Paul Peloquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent addition to the Templars in America series. Were the Templars involved with the teachings of the Kabbalah? Cam is drawn into the mystery which unravels bit by bit as he works to decode an ancient cypher that may lead to remains of none other than Mary Magdeline - who some believed to be a close associate if not wife of Jesus. David Brody is always an entertaining read, and I look forward to more installments in Cam and Astarte's stories.

[Steven Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the title and looking forward to reading this book. While I found it to be entertaining, I also found it to be derivative, at least in part, from the DaVinci Code. Mary Magdalene, a dangerous Catholic society, Knights Templar, Berenger Sauniere, bloodline...all to familiar. There were some new twists involving Kabbalah and Jewish bloodlines.

The story is a pleasant enough read but it is not nearly as engrossing as Brown's work.

[Tansy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Template, Kabbalah, the Church and Mary Magdalene.........

The lengths some will go to to deny something or prevent it seeing the light of day.
Cam and Shelby once again in the middle of of a conspiracy, with Astarte and Matthias along for the ride as well.
Brilliant and entirely believable as always.
Waiting with baited breath for the next installment

[Dai · Rating 5 out of 5]

just finished the 18 in sequence

I’ve read many of the 18 previous but decided to read them in sequence. If that isn’t the best endorsement I don’t know what is.
In my opinion better than Dan Brown but with a touch of the Scooby Doo about them.
A hell of a journey & sure I’ll be lost without them. Hopefully a new novel will come along soon

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Religious education wrapped up in a mystery

I was fascinated by the Masonic and Templar information. I have actually been on Malta when they fired the canons and didn't understand what it was about.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I have enjoyed all of the Cameron Thorne books and this one continues my approval.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series. I love the history and how he weaves such a great story around things that exist. Cam never gives up and figures out the awesome ending!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating!

I really enjoyed this book, as I have many of the other Brody & Scott works. Thank you very much for such an interesting ride!

[Jack Durrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What about Astarte?

Great read, as usual. I am curious as to why the money didn't flow to Astarte, being she was a direct descendent of Mary Magdelene?

[Walter Lide · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read…

With one exception, I’ve lived every book in this series. But in this book, the chapters were way too long.

[Daniel Deitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one

I do really like this series with it’s mixture of reality and storytelling. This particular one seems a little less polished and less believable.

[Ian McGaffey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this story takes place in our present world while still being a good adventure. It's neat to have tie-ins to the DaVinci code and the templars as well as the current situation in Ukraine.

[Paul Peloquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always A Great Read

David Brody always has an interesting story. Real artifacts are used to craft a story that has intrigue, action, and suspense with well-rounded and complicated characters. I look forward to seeing what adventures are in store for Cam & Astarte.