I first came across Gary McAvoy’s writing in 2021, and since then I’ve read all of his books featuring Father Michael Dominic and the Vatican Secret Archives. I just finished The Apostle Conspiracy, the 12th book in the series.
The Apostle Conspiracy delves into the legacy of St. Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles and, according to Catholic tradition, the first Pope. Father Dominic is planning an exhibition of St. Peter’s bones to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of their resanctification. As the Church’s most important relics, these bones are considered the foundation upon which the Church was built. For Elliot Voss, a tech billionaire, the bones represent something else entirely – the potential key to immortality. According to an ancient scroll he had recently discovered, something in St. Peter’s DNA held the secret to cell regeneration and longevity. If he could only get his hands on the bones, his scientific prowess could allow him to achieve immortality and godhood. Of course, the Vatican would never allow anyone to take its most sacred relics and subject them to scientific testing for a sacrilegious goal. Voss works up an elaborate plan to steal the bones during their exhibition under heavy security, but he has to get through Father Dominic, who suspects Voss of nefarious motives and proves to be every bit as shrewd as the tech titan.
Meanwhile, one of Dominic’s colleagues, Marcus Russo, the Vatican’s chief archaeologist, is digging around under St. Peter’s Basilica when he stumbles upon a discovery that could upend two millenia of Church tradition. Tombs and inscriptions are found indicating that perhaps Peter was not the singular rock upon which the Church was built, contrary to Church teachings. There might have been someone else who was a co-leader with Peter, challenging the entire doctrine of papal supremacy. This discovery could potentially re-write the early history of the Church and change its power structure, which would of course threaten certain vested interests. Michael has to tread carefully to not create havoc (i.e. dead bodies) in his search for the truth.
One almost has to feel sorry for Michael Dominic. It seems like every other week the poor priest discovers something that could threaten the very foundations of the Catholic Church, and he’s had to deal with more than his share of cunning villains. His blood pressure should be well into hypertension range, so readers of the Vatican Secret Archives series will be glad to see him finally get his long-awaited happy moment towards the end of the book.
The Apostle Conspiracy was highly enjoyable and well-researched, and Gary McAvoy showed impressive knowledge of ancient languages and the art of forgery. Elliot Voss represents an interesting villain, one whose motives are almost understandable (when one is that successful and has conquered everything in life, it’s hardly surprising that there is a heavy dose of narcissism and a desire to conquer death as well). Indeed, there are tech billionaires today that are funding research into human immortality. Unlike some of McAvoy’s past villains, however, Voss is capable of self-reflection and seems redeemable (unlike, for example, Cardinal Dante). I hope to see Voss return in some capacity in a future book.
Overall, I had a great time reading The Apostle Conspiracy and highly recommend you pick it up.