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Michael Thomas Thriller #1
The Absolver: Rome: Saint Michael Thriller Series, Book 1
The Rome, Saint Michael Thriller Series, Book 1
Right now a team of godly men stands ready. Positioned around the globe, they are called to protect us from the deadliest predators on Earth.
As he plunged his attacker’s blade deep into the man’s abdomen, Father Michael Thomas thought he understood the difference between murder and justifiable homicide.
After Church officials learn what happened in that dark back-alley amid the slums of Bogota, they urgently whisked Michael away to an isolated compound in rural Wyoming. Alongside a handful of trainees, he lives under an assumed name, learns the skills of a moral investigator and clandestine operative, and faces the ethical dilemma repeatedly placed before When is a deliberate death a righteous act?
As Michael struggles to answer the question for himself, he fears the faction is hiding secrets of its own and will stop at nothing to protect itself from even the slightest perception of betrayal.
Even if they let him walk away with his life, will Michael get to take his conscience with him?
Also by Gavin
The Enemies
Enemies Domestic (Book One) Enemies Foreign (Book Two) The Alex Landon Case
The Glass Cook (Book One) Room Number Three (Book Two) The Debt Collectors (Book Three) The Misery Merchant (Book Four) Visit www.cyanidepublishing.com and download your free crime/mystery starter library.
Right now a team of godly men stands ready. Positioned around the globe, they are called to protect us from the deadliest predators on Earth.
As he plunged his attacker’s blade deep into the man’s abdomen, Father Michael Thomas thought he understood the difference between murder and justifiable homicide.
After Church officials learn what happened in that dark back-alley amid the slums of Bogota, they urgently whisked Michael away to an isolated compound in rural Wyoming. Alongside a handful of trainees, he lives under an assumed name, learns the skills of a moral investigator and clandestine operative, and faces the ethical dilemma repeatedly placed before When is a deliberate death a righteous act?
As Michael struggles to answer the question for himself, he fears the faction is hiding secrets of its own and will stop at nothing to protect itself from even the slightest perception of betrayal.
Even if they let him walk away with his life, will Michael get to take his conscience with him?
Also by Gavin
The Enemies
Enemies Domestic (Book One) Enemies Foreign (Book Two) The Alex Landon Case
The Glass Cook (Book One) Room Number Three (Book Two) The Debt Collectors (Book Three) The Misery Merchant (Book Four) Visit www.cyanidepublishing.com and download your free crime/mystery starter library.
Audible Audio
Published April 11, 2019
301 people are currently reading
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About the author
Gavin Reese
28 books107 followers[ READ AN INTERVIEW WITH GAVIN: https://gavinreese.com/qa/ ]
Gavin Reese grew up in the rural American Southwest and eventually moved to the Big City with his family. He considers both New Mexico and Arizona “home.” Citing his parents and grandparents as tremendous, motivating role models, Gavin felt an intense call to service and had planned on joining the military after college. Despite having worn his university’s uniform on the playing field and running half-marathons for fun, childhood medical issues prevented him from serving in that capacity. After two lifelong friends became patrol cops, they had Gavin out for a few ride-alongs, and he started the prolonged application process to join them.
Since completing the police academy and field training, Gavin has enjoyed incredible success, and a lot of luck, in acquiring a diverse range of training and experiences that allowed him to be truly effective in almost every situation and service call. As a Jack of All Trades, Gavin’s ongoing course- and case-work in high-risk police operations includes street-level narcotics, combat medical care, international drug trafficking, organized crime syndicates, S.W.A.T. operations, human smuggling, outlaw motorcycle gang investigations, prostitution and sex trafficking, witness protection, hazardous materials incident response, radiation and nuclear terrorism, post-blast explosives investigations, and Dark Web smuggling operations.
Before retiring from active law enforcement, Gavin comforted the dying, talked dozens out of suicide, and saved domestic abuse victims from their assailants. He’s taken child rapists, murderers, and human traffickers into custody, and Gavin’s had the distinct honor of protecting visiting foreign royalty and national American political figures from both sides of the aisle. He’s been trained by a variety of Special Forces operators, as well as those who trained them. Several of his friends and colleagues have been murdered or killed, and he’s occasionally been tasked to pursue those responsible. Despite yesterday’s successes, Gavin wakes up and dons his gun and badge with the sincere hope to again make a positive difference in the lives around him. Someday, he might save enough strangers that they, in turn, will collectively save him.
When not donating his time to crime victims, first responders, and veterans’ groups, Gavin tries to relax with his family. He can frequently be found outdoors and involved in what his wife calls “reindeer games.” With a love of practical jokes and the long-con, Gavin’s been an accused, and occasionally confirmed, shenaniganator for most of his life. He summits tall mountains, swims in deep oceans, brews mediocre beer, and has a strong opinion on the Oxford comma. His curiosity about the world and the peoples and cultures within it have inspired a love of travel, spontaneous adventure, and lifelong learning. Gavin knows his greatest blessing is his wife, and he wakes each morning grateful she continues to play along. A portion of all Gavin’s sales is donated to charities that serve law enforcement professionals, their families and heirs, and honor the memory of our Fallen Heroes.
Gavin Reese grew up in the rural American Southwest and eventually moved to the Big City with his family. He considers both New Mexico and Arizona “home.” Citing his parents and grandparents as tremendous, motivating role models, Gavin felt an intense call to service and had planned on joining the military after college. Despite having worn his university’s uniform on the playing field and running half-marathons for fun, childhood medical issues prevented him from serving in that capacity. After two lifelong friends became patrol cops, they had Gavin out for a few ride-alongs, and he started the prolonged application process to join them.
Since completing the police academy and field training, Gavin has enjoyed incredible success, and a lot of luck, in acquiring a diverse range of training and experiences that allowed him to be truly effective in almost every situation and service call. As a Jack of All Trades, Gavin’s ongoing course- and case-work in high-risk police operations includes street-level narcotics, combat medical care, international drug trafficking, organized crime syndicates, S.W.A.T. operations, human smuggling, outlaw motorcycle gang investigations, prostitution and sex trafficking, witness protection, hazardous materials incident response, radiation and nuclear terrorism, post-blast explosives investigations, and Dark Web smuggling operations.
Before retiring from active law enforcement, Gavin comforted the dying, talked dozens out of suicide, and saved domestic abuse victims from their assailants. He’s taken child rapists, murderers, and human traffickers into custody, and Gavin’s had the distinct honor of protecting visiting foreign royalty and national American political figures from both sides of the aisle. He’s been trained by a variety of Special Forces operators, as well as those who trained them. Several of his friends and colleagues have been murdered or killed, and he’s occasionally been tasked to pursue those responsible. Despite yesterday’s successes, Gavin wakes up and dons his gun and badge with the sincere hope to again make a positive difference in the lives around him. Someday, he might save enough strangers that they, in turn, will collectively save him.
When not donating his time to crime victims, first responders, and veterans’ groups, Gavin tries to relax with his family. He can frequently be found outdoors and involved in what his wife calls “reindeer games.” With a love of practical jokes and the long-con, Gavin’s been an accused, and occasionally confirmed, shenaniganator for most of his life. He summits tall mountains, swims in deep oceans, brews mediocre beer, and has a strong opinion on the Oxford comma. His curiosity about the world and the peoples and cultures within it have inspired a love of travel, spontaneous adventure, and lifelong learning. Gavin knows his greatest blessing is his wife, and he wakes each morning grateful she continues to play along. A portion of all Gavin’s sales is donated to charities that serve law enforcement professionals, their families and heirs, and honor the memory of our Fallen Heroes.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 6, 2018
This was a very cool read! Love the premise, very original. Reese has a great deal of room for more action for St. Michael.
December 20, 2018
Great book. Like how the author deals with the moral issues dealing with vengeance and weaving Biblical verses and views from the Catholic Church. Looking forward to reading more in these series.
March 14, 2019
A new direction for Gavin Reese, and I loved it!
I have already read all of the Alex Landon novels. I posted positive reviews for all of them. Not surprisingly, given Gavin Reese’s current occupation/calling as a police officer, they were engaging stories of a police officer, his work environment, his skills, and his thought processes. I did allow that they could have used some character development.
The Absolver: Rome is a totally different concept, wonderfully conceived and executed. 12 Roman Catholic priests are recruited to be trained for roles that will challenge their understanding and experience of the difference between killing and murder. Like thrillers involving US Navy SEALs, British SAS / SBS, French Foreign Legion, and other elite military forces, their bodies are hardened, operational skills are imprinted, and weapons training makes them proficient in the use of firearms, knives, explosives, and toxins. There is also mission preparation, and how to improvise when the plan encounters Murphy’s Law. Unlike those other special forces, their faith in God and Mother Church, and implications of spiritual understanding with respect to future roles that, for most of the book, are implied, but have yet to be confirmed, are critical elements.
As a Protestant (specifically, of Baptist persuasion), I have little knowledge of Roman Catholicism, and was captivated by the insights into Catechism, confession, and the moral nature of God. There was no proselytizing. This was all part of getting an understanding of the “students” and their trainers.
No sex. The usual temptations. For readers who are turned off by swearing, you won’t be spared this. Initially, I was a bit startled by the overt salty language, but quickly accepted it as part of the character development of the individuals, and in no way was it vicarious. In any case, I am sure that all Roman Catholic priests have heard all of such terms.
The Absolver: Vienna is already on my Kindle. The Absolver: Paris has been pre-ordered.
I have already read all of the Alex Landon novels. I posted positive reviews for all of them. Not surprisingly, given Gavin Reese’s current occupation/calling as a police officer, they were engaging stories of a police officer, his work environment, his skills, and his thought processes. I did allow that they could have used some character development.
The Absolver: Rome is a totally different concept, wonderfully conceived and executed. 12 Roman Catholic priests are recruited to be trained for roles that will challenge their understanding and experience of the difference between killing and murder. Like thrillers involving US Navy SEALs, British SAS / SBS, French Foreign Legion, and other elite military forces, their bodies are hardened, operational skills are imprinted, and weapons training makes them proficient in the use of firearms, knives, explosives, and toxins. There is also mission preparation, and how to improvise when the plan encounters Murphy’s Law. Unlike those other special forces, their faith in God and Mother Church, and implications of spiritual understanding with respect to future roles that, for most of the book, are implied, but have yet to be confirmed, are critical elements.
As a Protestant (specifically, of Baptist persuasion), I have little knowledge of Roman Catholicism, and was captivated by the insights into Catechism, confession, and the moral nature of God. There was no proselytizing. This was all part of getting an understanding of the “students” and their trainers.
No sex. The usual temptations. For readers who are turned off by swearing, you won’t be spared this. Initially, I was a bit startled by the overt salty language, but quickly accepted it as part of the character development of the individuals, and in no way was it vicarious. In any case, I am sure that all Roman Catholic priests have heard all of such terms.
The Absolver: Vienna is already on my Kindle. The Absolver: Paris has been pre-ordered.
September 7, 2021
Absolutely Riveting
Great story. Fr. Michael is a fascinating blend of righteousness and righteous indignation. The story moved along at a captivating pace as the author drew you into the intensive physical and mental training rituals for Michael and his fellow recruits. I really like the character and am reading the next book "Vienna" right away. I recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys chillingly enthralling thrillers.
Great story. Fr. Michael is a fascinating blend of righteousness and righteous indignation. The story moved along at a captivating pace as the author drew you into the intensive physical and mental training rituals for Michael and his fellow recruits. I really like the character and am reading the next book "Vienna" right away. I recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys chillingly enthralling thrillers.
May 31, 2020
I’ve wanted to read this series for about a year and this is book one. Heard the author on a podcast talking about the premise, maybe the best I’ve heard yet.
What if a catholic priest felt he was doing god’s work to kill evil doers who could not be reformed? Ie pedophiles, rapists etc. What if the Catholic Church agreed with the premise that they would be doing these criminals a favour by offering them absolution on their death bed? What if they created the death bed?
Killer premise. Well written and researched. Author is an ex-cop as well and his research materials list is long. If you find the book a little long... fight to get to page 350ish... it all comes together.
What if a catholic priest felt he was doing god’s work to kill evil doers who could not be reformed? Ie pedophiles, rapists etc. What if the Catholic Church agreed with the premise that they would be doing these criminals a favour by offering them absolution on their death bed? What if they created the death bed?
Killer premise. Well written and researched. Author is an ex-cop as well and his research materials list is long. If you find the book a little long... fight to get to page 350ish... it all comes together.
February 4, 2022
I think the series has potential. There were times of ‘teaching’ that added so little to advance the plot. The author did great research but it felt like he needed us to see that he was competent in these areas. I appreciated his presenting moral dilemmas and opposing viewpoints. But the profanity was gratuitous, especially for the priests. I get it, you want us to see them as human. But many of my sailor brothers didn’t cuss as much as these ordained, bona fide parish priests.
I’m going to give it one more book. I really want to like this series. It has great promise for some of the brain-cramping ‘what would you do’ scenarios.
I’m going to give it one more book. I really want to like this series. It has great promise for some of the brain-cramping ‘what would you do’ scenarios.
December 25, 2018
Absolutely riveting! Grabs you from the first page and takes you on a thrill ride
Wow what a fantastic story! Solid believable characters, action packed plot with twists and turns galore. So well written I could visualize the scenes in my head like I was watching a movie. Can't wait to read the next book. Hopefully there will be more in the series.
Wow what a fantastic story! Solid believable characters, action packed plot with twists and turns galore. So well written I could visualize the scenes in my head like I was watching a movie. Can't wait to read the next book. Hopefully there will be more in the series.
October 27, 2021
Hard to review
This is a difficult book for me to review, since I am neither Catholic nor practicing Anglican. Interesting idea of a Catholic Church hit squad, long training, a lot of philosophical discussion. Not my normal read, yet I wanted to finish it. Interesting is a slight too strong, that’s why 3 stars. ENJOY!
This is a difficult book for me to review, since I am neither Catholic nor practicing Anglican. Interesting idea of a Catholic Church hit squad, long training, a lot of philosophical discussion. Not my normal read, yet I wanted to finish it. Interesting is a slight too strong, that’s why 3 stars. ENJOY!
February 17, 2020
Bible camp
Well this is a totally different take on bible camps! I'm not sure if the quotes are correct but the story flows well and the characters are fully developed. Good story. I will get the next one.
Well this is a totally different take on bible camps! I'm not sure if the quotes are correct but the story flows well and the characters are fully developed. Good story. I will get the next one.
January 10, 2022
I enjoyed the book but caution readers that it's characterization of Catholic thought is not accurate. I would not like to think readers do not take it seriously. However, I do hope it leads them to read the Catechism, St Thomas Aquinas, and St Augustine.
August 11, 2022
The Absolver
This is a different kind of book. It is hard to describe the story other than it is kind of different.
This is a different kind of book. It is hard to describe the story other than it is kind of different.
June 3, 2023
Exciting Page-Turner
A really fun read, especially for those who have similar backgrounds to the protagonist. But priest-assasins? Really? Like I said, fun.
A really fun read, especially for those who have similar backgrounds to the protagonist. But priest-assasins? Really? Like I said, fun.
May 31, 2023
Just ‘meh’
May 7, 2019
A bit of a different turn for the author to venture into an area of avengers seeking to absolve the wicked of their sins before the dispatch. I enjoyed the story and felt like I got a bit of education on archangels and Catholicism. Bravo! Good show.
July 1, 2019
Michael Thomas, former cop now priest, discovers the power of justifiable homicide over
murder. So much so that his employers pull him into a shadow organization that the Catholic
church is using to rid the world of those lost forever to heaven.
Using priests to sanctify the killings of monsters amongst us, and allowing those priests
to administer the last rites and absolution at the time of death, is a storyline explored by many.
Opus Dei and the Illuminati have been broached by many a novelist. This novel reminds me a
little of David Morrell’s “The League of Night and Fog.”
Whisked away to rural Wyoming, to a six month boot camp from which all but a few are expected to
graduate, Thomas and his cohorts are sent through a vigorous physical and religious training run by a zealot
who was probably a Marine Corp sergeant major in another life. As their skills are honed, they wonder what
exactly is in store. They’re kept in the dark the whole time waiting to see why they were chosen for this type
of intense training.
When the plot all comes together, we go along for the journey as Reese, a former cop himself, guides
us through the moral morass that these absolvers find themselves tangled in. It is an exciting rush, and the
author prepares us well, as the trainers did for the assassins in waiting.
This is the first in what I hope is a long series of novels as we are transported around the world seeking
monsters to destroy.
murder. So much so that his employers pull him into a shadow organization that the Catholic
church is using to rid the world of those lost forever to heaven.
Using priests to sanctify the killings of monsters amongst us, and allowing those priests
to administer the last rites and absolution at the time of death, is a storyline explored by many.
Opus Dei and the Illuminati have been broached by many a novelist. This novel reminds me a
little of David Morrell’s “The League of Night and Fog.”
Whisked away to rural Wyoming, to a six month boot camp from which all but a few are expected to
graduate, Thomas and his cohorts are sent through a vigorous physical and religious training run by a zealot
who was probably a Marine Corp sergeant major in another life. As their skills are honed, they wonder what
exactly is in store. They’re kept in the dark the whole time waiting to see why they were chosen for this type
of intense training.
When the plot all comes together, we go along for the journey as Reese, a former cop himself, guides
us through the moral morass that these absolvers find themselves tangled in. It is an exciting rush, and the
author prepares us well, as the trainers did for the assassins in waiting.
This is the first in what I hope is a long series of novels as we are transported around the world seeking
monsters to destroy.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews