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The Hildegard Seeds
When investigative journalist Hana Sinclair uncovers a cryptic reference to an ancient botanical manuscript left to by her late grandfather, she unravels a thread tied to Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th-century abbess, healer, and mystic. Her findings reveal that Hildegard’s work holds more than historical value—it may conceal the key to curing some of humanity’s most devastating diseases. But someone is determined to ensure her secrets stay buried.
As Hana teams up with Father Michael Dominic, prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives, and Marcus Russo, a Vatican archaeologist, they discover that a powerful biotech corporation, Zentara, has been systematically suppressing cancer cures for profit. Zentara’s reach is vast, its operatives ruthless, and its agenda control the narrative of medical progress at any cost.
The team races to uncover and protect Hildegard’s work, their journey taking them from Geneva to Rupertsberg Abbey, where Hildegard lived and worked, to Zentara’s high-tech laboratories. Along the way, they face betrayal, danger, and the weight of their own convictions. For Hana, the fight becomes deeply personal, challenging her notions of justice and the role of science in society.
But when Zentara accelerates its plans and begins human trials with catastrophic consequences, the stakes grow even higher. Can the team expose the corporation’s crimes, safeguard Hildegard’s legacy, and ensure her healing vision is not lost to history?
A gripping tale of courage, faith, and the pursuit of truth, The Hildegard Seeds explores the timeless struggle between greed and the greater good, weaving historical intrigue with modern-day suspense in a story that will resonate long after the final page.
As Hana teams up with Father Michael Dominic, prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives, and Marcus Russo, a Vatican archaeologist, they discover that a powerful biotech corporation, Zentara, has been systematically suppressing cancer cures for profit. Zentara’s reach is vast, its operatives ruthless, and its agenda control the narrative of medical progress at any cost.
The team races to uncover and protect Hildegard’s work, their journey taking them from Geneva to Rupertsberg Abbey, where Hildegard lived and worked, to Zentara’s high-tech laboratories. Along the way, they face betrayal, danger, and the weight of their own convictions. For Hana, the fight becomes deeply personal, challenging her notions of justice and the role of science in society.
But when Zentara accelerates its plans and begins human trials with catastrophic consequences, the stakes grow even higher. Can the team expose the corporation’s crimes, safeguard Hildegard’s legacy, and ensure her healing vision is not lost to history?
A gripping tale of courage, faith, and the pursuit of truth, The Hildegard Seeds explores the timeless struggle between greed and the greater good, weaving historical intrigue with modern-day suspense in a story that will resonate long after the final page.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2025
432 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Gary McAvoy
36 books481 followersGary McAvoy is an American novelist known for internationally bestselling thrillers that blend historical intrigue, religious scholarship, and modern suspense. A lifelong researcher of rare manuscripts and Church history, he draws on extensive archival study to craft narratives rooted in authentic detail. His work includes the Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers, the Magdalene Chronicles, and the Vatican Archaeology Thrillers. Before turning to fiction, McAvoy built a distinguished career as an entrepreneur, technology consultant, and collector of historical documents. He now writes full time from the Pacific Northwest, where he continues to explore the shadowed crossroads of faith, power, and history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 5, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Gary McAvoy for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager to get my hands on a novel by Gary McAvoy, I was pleased to have been provided this ARC of the latest in the Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers series. McAvoy brings Father Michael Dominic and Hana Sinclair back with a mystery that has strong ties to history and the power of the Church. The book pushes away from the Vatican's importance and thrusts a gift that Hana received into the limelight. With an old manuscript and samples of medicines made in the 12th century, Hana and Father Michael must get to the core of the issue and try to protect it, as a group has plans to profit from the cache. Dodging those who have no respect for life or limb, Hana and Father Michael soon find themselves as targets in Germany and must work to uncover the truth for the benefit of all. McAvoy delivers a thrilling piece once more in this series that never seems to lose its momentum.
After learning of the death of her grandfather, Hana Sinclair discovers references to a historical manuscript purported to belong to a 12th century healer. Tapping into her career as an investigative journalist, Hana seeks to know more about Hildegard von Bingen and what she did while working at a German monastery. Enlisting the help of her close friend and fiancé, Father Michael Dominic, the pair begin another of their intense adventures. This may not be something emanating from the Vatican Secret Archives, but it will likely be just as captivating the more history comes to the surface.
After exploring more of the manuscript, Hana realises that it is a botanical tome that could hold clues to some of the most powerful natural healing properties to combat diseases that have plagued modern times for centuries. She knows the importance, but also the danger that awaits her. Even arriving in Germany, Hana and Father Dominic cannot be sure what they will find or who might be looking to grab their own bit of the action.
Gathering a few others to help with the investigation, Hana and Father Dominic begin to find truths long buried in the manuscript and inside the walls of the Rupertsberg Abbey. A powerful Swiss biotech firm comes sniffing around with rumors of what Hildegard may have had in her possession and the fight is on, where significant sums of money await. From Geneva to the Black Forest in Germany, no stone will go unturned to get to the truth, though some are more ruthless than others. What awaits everyone is a discovery like no other that could truly shape disease management well into the future. A stunning story and development of yet another strong branch in the Vatican Secret Archives series, showing just how versatile Gary McAvoy can be.
I have enjoyed the work of Gary McAvoy for years, as he always knows just what to do to keep things edgy and enticing. The series builds well and provides readers with something well worth their time, while also educating with various portions of history guiding the way. The narrative clips along, keeping the reader in the middle of the action, while also sending them on a mission like no other. As the story clips along, there is little time to wonder, though mysteries compound and provide many moments to learn about history and the influence of the Church. Characters add depth to their backstories, at least those who are series regulars, and there is a real sense of newness for those who emerge for the first time. Plot points keep the surprises coming and the action never-ending, as the reader is surprised with many parts of the book while they hope to predict at least a few aspects for their own peace of mind. I am eager to see where things are going, as I was sure there might be a clear-cut ending, just as McAvoy tosses new twists into the mix.
Kudos, Mr. McAvoy, for another great thriller that explores pieces of history I had no idea existed.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always eager to get my hands on a novel by Gary McAvoy, I was pleased to have been provided this ARC of the latest in the Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers series. McAvoy brings Father Michael Dominic and Hana Sinclair back with a mystery that has strong ties to history and the power of the Church. The book pushes away from the Vatican's importance and thrusts a gift that Hana received into the limelight. With an old manuscript and samples of medicines made in the 12th century, Hana and Father Michael must get to the core of the issue and try to protect it, as a group has plans to profit from the cache. Dodging those who have no respect for life or limb, Hana and Father Michael soon find themselves as targets in Germany and must work to uncover the truth for the benefit of all. McAvoy delivers a thrilling piece once more in this series that never seems to lose its momentum.
After learning of the death of her grandfather, Hana Sinclair discovers references to a historical manuscript purported to belong to a 12th century healer. Tapping into her career as an investigative journalist, Hana seeks to know more about Hildegard von Bingen and what she did while working at a German monastery. Enlisting the help of her close friend and fiancé, Father Michael Dominic, the pair begin another of their intense adventures. This may not be something emanating from the Vatican Secret Archives, but it will likely be just as captivating the more history comes to the surface.
After exploring more of the manuscript, Hana realises that it is a botanical tome that could hold clues to some of the most powerful natural healing properties to combat diseases that have plagued modern times for centuries. She knows the importance, but also the danger that awaits her. Even arriving in Germany, Hana and Father Dominic cannot be sure what they will find or who might be looking to grab their own bit of the action.
Gathering a few others to help with the investigation, Hana and Father Dominic begin to find truths long buried in the manuscript and inside the walls of the Rupertsberg Abbey. A powerful Swiss biotech firm comes sniffing around with rumors of what Hildegard may have had in her possession and the fight is on, where significant sums of money await. From Geneva to the Black Forest in Germany, no stone will go unturned to get to the truth, though some are more ruthless than others. What awaits everyone is a discovery like no other that could truly shape disease management well into the future. A stunning story and development of yet another strong branch in the Vatican Secret Archives series, showing just how versatile Gary McAvoy can be.
I have enjoyed the work of Gary McAvoy for years, as he always knows just what to do to keep things edgy and enticing. The series builds well and provides readers with something well worth their time, while also educating with various portions of history guiding the way. The narrative clips along, keeping the reader in the middle of the action, while also sending them on a mission like no other. As the story clips along, there is little time to wonder, though mysteries compound and provide many moments to learn about history and the influence of the Church. Characters add depth to their backstories, at least those who are series regulars, and there is a real sense of newness for those who emerge for the first time. Plot points keep the surprises coming and the action never-ending, as the reader is surprised with many parts of the book while they hope to predict at least a few aspects for their own peace of mind. I am eager to see where things are going, as I was sure there might be a clear-cut ending, just as McAvoy tosses new twists into the mix.
Kudos, Mr. McAvoy, for another great thriller that explores pieces of history I had no idea existed.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 5, 2025
4.5 stars. I am always pleased to receive a new book in Gary McAvoy's Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers. 'The Hildegard Seeds' is the 10th book in the series. The author brilliantly combines adventure, mystery, and historical facts into exciting, fast-paced stories that are both entertaining and informative.
This book is based on the works of an influential, accomplished woman, Hildegard of Bingen, who lived in Germany in the 12th century. She was a rebel ahead of her time and a scholarly writer of theology, medicine, and natural science. She was an abbess and preached in the male-dominated Church. Hildegard was a composer of music, a philosopher, and a mystic who studied the curative power of various plants and their galls on specific diseases. She believed that wisdom, faith, and science must be combined, resulting in truth and faith prevailing over greed and corruption.
Hana's grandfather, Armand St. Clair, has died, leaving his estate to Hana. She also possesses Hildegard's documents, a packet of seeds, and material in test tubes that must be analyzed. Packets of Hildegard's main seeds can still be bought today, and her music is available online.
The book focuses on the struggle between good and evil, with a medical twist. It brings back the predominant characters: Father Michael Dominic, his fiance Hana, an investigative reporter; Marcus Russo, the Vatican archaeologist; and Karl and Lukas, Swiss guards. Eloise joins them with her scientific lab analysis and several religious figures in this heart-pounding investigation of Hildegard's journals and the seeds of plants that she used to treat illnesses. Some of her writing was in a secret code used to express mystical and spiritual thoughts and needs to be deciphered. Their journey takes them to Germany and Switzerland.
The group, led by Father Michael, Hana, and Marcus Russo, speculate that Hildegard's writings may reveal a natural cure for cancer. They are determined to find it in Hildegard's writings and specimens if it exists. The dangerous Zentara opposes them, as they have suppressed or destroyed any potential natural cures and are connected to several leading pharmaceutical companies. Zendara aims to keep patients only partially cured and needing more treatment while their profits increase. They are also conducting unethical experiments leading to death. Zentara has learned that Father Michael, Hana, Marcus Russo, and Eloise may have discovered a possible cure and are ready to kill to steal their documents and specimens. There seems to be a traitor who is passing on knowledge to Zentara. Can Karl and Lukas protect the group and its work? Action is swift and lethal. Is there a way they can keep Zentara from operating?
I highly recommend this book and the previous ones in the series for high adventure, exciting investigations, and intriguing characters.
This book is based on the works of an influential, accomplished woman, Hildegard of Bingen, who lived in Germany in the 12th century. She was a rebel ahead of her time and a scholarly writer of theology, medicine, and natural science. She was an abbess and preached in the male-dominated Church. Hildegard was a composer of music, a philosopher, and a mystic who studied the curative power of various plants and their galls on specific diseases. She believed that wisdom, faith, and science must be combined, resulting in truth and faith prevailing over greed and corruption.
Hana's grandfather, Armand St. Clair, has died, leaving his estate to Hana. She also possesses Hildegard's documents, a packet of seeds, and material in test tubes that must be analyzed. Packets of Hildegard's main seeds can still be bought today, and her music is available online.
The book focuses on the struggle between good and evil, with a medical twist. It brings back the predominant characters: Father Michael Dominic, his fiance Hana, an investigative reporter; Marcus Russo, the Vatican archaeologist; and Karl and Lukas, Swiss guards. Eloise joins them with her scientific lab analysis and several religious figures in this heart-pounding investigation of Hildegard's journals and the seeds of plants that she used to treat illnesses. Some of her writing was in a secret code used to express mystical and spiritual thoughts and needs to be deciphered. Their journey takes them to Germany and Switzerland.
The group, led by Father Michael, Hana, and Marcus Russo, speculate that Hildegard's writings may reveal a natural cure for cancer. They are determined to find it in Hildegard's writings and specimens if it exists. The dangerous Zentara opposes them, as they have suppressed or destroyed any potential natural cures and are connected to several leading pharmaceutical companies. Zendara aims to keep patients only partially cured and needing more treatment while their profits increase. They are also conducting unethical experiments leading to death. Zentara has learned that Father Michael, Hana, Marcus Russo, and Eloise may have discovered a possible cure and are ready to kill to steal their documents and specimens. There seems to be a traitor who is passing on knowledge to Zentara. Can Karl and Lukas protect the group and its work? Action is swift and lethal. Is there a way they can keep Zentara from operating?
I highly recommend this book and the previous ones in the series for high adventure, exciting investigations, and intriguing characters.
March 31, 2025
Will they have the Gall to Succeed
An absolutely fabulous Gary McAvoy thriller. His new direction in expanding his characters from Father Michael Dominic and Hana Sinclair to include Marcus Russo, the head of the Vatican Archeology department, is brilliant.
In this novel, Hana Sinclair takes the lead as her father, Armand St. Clair, has passed away, leaving the bulk of his banking estate to her. He leaves a mysterious bequest to her in a hidden place.
This discovery takes Hana, Father Michael Dominic, Marcus Russo, and the two Swiss Guards, Karl and Lukas, to the reconstructed Abbey Home of Hildegard von Bingen, the mystic Saint nun of the 12th century.
Before long, Hana and Michael are on the run from the nefarious pharmaceutical company, Zentara, who wants what the Abbey has been protecting for 900 years. In complete protection mode, the gang from the Vatican is running full out to save Hildegard's secret.
Hildegard's Seeds is one of the most exciting books I've read in ages. The plot moves around so much that you'll be guessing until the end about the outcome. Will our Vatican heroes be able to protect Hildegard's secret? Only those who read the book will know.
An absolutely fabulous Gary McAvoy thriller. His new direction in expanding his characters from Father Michael Dominic and Hana Sinclair to include Marcus Russo, the head of the Vatican Archeology department, is brilliant.
In this novel, Hana Sinclair takes the lead as her father, Armand St. Clair, has passed away, leaving the bulk of his banking estate to her. He leaves a mysterious bequest to her in a hidden place.
This discovery takes Hana, Father Michael Dominic, Marcus Russo, and the two Swiss Guards, Karl and Lukas, to the reconstructed Abbey Home of Hildegard von Bingen, the mystic Saint nun of the 12th century.
Before long, Hana and Michael are on the run from the nefarious pharmaceutical company, Zentara, who wants what the Abbey has been protecting for 900 years. In complete protection mode, the gang from the Vatican is running full out to save Hildegard's secret.
Hildegard's Seeds is one of the most exciting books I've read in ages. The plot moves around so much that you'll be guessing until the end about the outcome. Will our Vatican heroes be able to protect Hildegard's secret? Only those who read the book will know.
April 1, 2025
Another great one in the Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers Book series. This one was particularly exciting for me to read since I love McAvoy's thrilling fight between good and evil that happens in every book, but he also put a medical twist to this one that really got me. I love a good medical thriller and to pair that with the already thrilling Father Dominic, Hana and gang stories of intrigue and drama just made this one exceptional to read. If you haven't started this series yet I highly recommend you do and if you're hooked on them like me this one will surely grab you. Happy Reading!
April 2, 2025
States of life
Hana has been given a great responsibility. When her grandfather died, she found a box in the safe that held the plant and some seeds along with a gold material in a test tube. This is where the journey begins as she and her to be husband Dominic try to save this sentry old secret from a very evil person. I recommend this book for all who like a thriller..
Hana has been given a great responsibility. When her grandfather died, she found a box in the safe that held the plant and some seeds along with a gold material in a test tube. This is where the journey begins as she and her to be husband Dominic try to save this sentry old secret from a very evil person. I recommend this book for all who like a thriller..
May 5, 2025
Very inspiring book
This entry in the series opened my eyes to all kinds of new things. A saint I had ever heard of, both theological & botanical concepts, all masked in a gripping story that's main characters have become friends of mine.
This entry in the series opened my eyes to all kinds of new things. A saint I had ever heard of, both theological & botanical concepts, all masked in a gripping story that's main characters have become friends of mine.
March 31, 2025
Fantastic, as always!!
From the first book I read, “The Magdalene Chronicles,” through all ten of “The Vatican Secret Archives,” Gary McAvoy’s stories have enthralled me! I cannot recommend his books enough. The mysteries of the Vatican and its shrouded history have always intrigued me (even as a Lutheran!). I highly encourage you to begin with “The Magdalene Chronicles” and read the entire series! Starting “The Hildegard Seeds” last night, I felt like a child on Christmas morning and “yes, I did get that puppy!” Once again, I await the next book in the series from this fantastic author!
From the first book I read, “The Magdalene Chronicles,” through all ten of “The Vatican Secret Archives,” Gary McAvoy’s stories have enthralled me! I cannot recommend his books enough. The mysteries of the Vatican and its shrouded history have always intrigued me (even as a Lutheran!). I highly encourage you to begin with “The Magdalene Chronicles” and read the entire series! Starting “The Hildegard Seeds” last night, I felt like a child on Christmas morning and “yes, I did get that puppy!” Once again, I await the next book in the series from this fantastic author!
May 24, 2025
I really love Mr. McAvoy's books. He has a unique way of writing history into his books and yet keeping you interested with mystery and intrique. This book about the 12-century abbess Hildegard von Bingen is somewhat different than his previous books; but, yet has the historical factor to it that he has brought to his other books. Father Michael Dominic and Hana Sinclair still play a major role in this book as they have in others and are joined by new characters Marcus Russo and French scientist Elysie. He gives such time and descriptions to his new characters that you feel like you've known them before you read about them here. Mr. McAvoy writes in a way that you don't want to put down the story until the very end. Each chapter leads you into the next quite seamlessly. I look forward to his next book/books!
May 11, 2025
Saint Bingen Highlight
Reading about Hildegarde von Bingen was the interesting highlight in this episode of Father Michael.
Big Pharmacy companies make such an easy target. Conspiracies also appeal to the masses and the powerless.
These books are entertaining.
Reading about Hildegarde von Bingen was the interesting highlight in this episode of Father Michael.
Big Pharmacy companies make such an easy target. Conspiracies also appeal to the masses and the powerless.
These books are entertaining.
July 2, 2025
Creative and compelling
A very entertaining story that has roots with a fascinating historical woman. The author is at his best in this tale that weaves some dramatic “ what ifs” into a tense non stop tale of corporate greed verses honorable heroes.
Happy to see most of the established series characters working at their best together to deals with the challenges thrown at them. Love the history and education included in this book.
A very entertaining story that has roots with a fascinating historical woman. The author is at his best in this tale that weaves some dramatic “ what ifs” into a tense non stop tale of corporate greed verses honorable heroes.
Happy to see most of the established series characters working at their best together to deals with the challenges thrown at them. Love the history and education included in this book.
September 5, 2025
Probably the slowest book in this series. Interesting information but in no way should this have the word "Thriller" on the cover.
June 10, 2025
This novel by Gary McAvoy had several themes running through it. (1) The discovery of a secret plant (created by a 12th century nun) that had the potential to defeat cancer, and the race to keep it from a nefarious drug company. (2) It's a love story between Father Michael and Hana. It's a love story blessed by the church, but still goes against long-standing, past Catholic practices.
June 6, 2025
spine tingling
This one I couldn’t put down. Excellent read. One of Gary McAvoy’s best works
Can’t wait to find out when Michael and Hana get married
This one I couldn’t put down. Excellent read. One of Gary McAvoy’s best works
Can’t wait to find out when Michael and Hana get married
May 1, 2025
Another great read in the Father Michael Dominic series.
Gary McAvoy has done it again, a great read filled with intelligent and interesting facts from true life situations and woven into a thrilling cat and mouse adventure of good over evil. A truly masterful novel with just enough romance to keep it real.
Gary McAvoy has done it again, a great read filled with intelligent and interesting facts from true life situations and woven into a thrilling cat and mouse adventure of good over evil. A truly masterful novel with just enough romance to keep it real.
May 1, 2025
Excellent series
Wonderfully written. Will keep you engaged. If you love mysteries and history you will loves these books. Be careful once you start you won't be able to stop.
Wonderfully written. Will keep you engaged. If you love mysteries and history you will loves these books. Be careful once you start you won't be able to stop.
June 2, 2025
Vatican treasures
Another thriller filled with fascinating stories and some interesting facts of medieval times that kept me captivated to the very last page. As always I enjoy all the characters and feel like I am right there with them on their fascinating adventures. And congrats to Father Michael and Hana for their continuing relationship !
Another thriller filled with fascinating stories and some interesting facts of medieval times that kept me captivated to the very last page. As always I enjoy all the characters and feel like I am right there with them on their fascinating adventures. And congrats to Father Michael and Hana for their continuing relationship !
May 15, 2025
Health and Healing
I have truly enjoyed this Book especially since I have been interested in letting Nature heal one. Plus I’m not sure that the Reference towards Big Pharma is totally fiction
I have truly enjoyed this Book especially since I have been interested in letting Nature heal one. Plus I’m not sure that the Reference towards Big Pharma is totally fiction
April 26, 2025
Hildegard is quite the Saint
As a Catholic I was aware of St. Hildegard and some of her amazing and interesting talent used in service of her community, humanity in general, and above all service to our God. This story is in some way, A testament to her talent. The story is interesting, as it exposes her various talents; while providing a great action narrative to hold one's interest in "how does it turn out?". It's another very readable adventure from McAvoy!
As a Catholic I was aware of St. Hildegard and some of her amazing and interesting talent used in service of her community, humanity in general, and above all service to our God. This story is in some way, A testament to her talent. The story is interesting, as it exposes her various talents; while providing a great action narrative to hold one's interest in "how does it turn out?". It's another very readable adventure from McAvoy!
April 27, 2025
Hildegard was for real.
The truth about Hildegard blended with Hanna and Father Dominic made for an interesting story. Also the pharmaceutical industry hiding cures for cancer and other diseases isn’t as far fetched as publicly thought, in my opinion. Good book. Looking forward to the next one.
The truth about Hildegard blended with Hanna and Father Dominic made for an interesting story. Also the pharmaceutical industry hiding cures for cancer and other diseases isn’t as far fetched as publicly thought, in my opinion. Good book. Looking forward to the next one.
May 31, 2025
Best book yet
Gary McAvoy keeps getting better and better. This has been one of my favorite books. Loved how he incorporated botany and history and theology.
Gary McAvoy keeps getting better and better. This has been one of my favorite books. Loved how he incorporated botany and history and theology.
April 22, 2025
A Stretch
I don’t know about this one, it seems a bit of a stretch to me when no one seems to act with common sense. Entertaining, yes, but still a stretch for me. Enjoyable writing style but so much seems convenient to the book. How can so few people know so much.
I don’t know about this one, it seems a bit of a stretch to me when no one seems to act with common sense. Entertaining, yes, but still a stretch for me. Enjoyable writing style but so much seems convenient to the book. How can so few people know so much.
April 18, 2025
the best so far
I love this series of books but I feel this is the best in the series by far. Highest recommendation!
I love this series of books but I feel this is the best in the series by far. Highest recommendation!
July 5, 2025
REVEALING STORY OF A POLYMATH AHEAD OF HER TIME
History is full of stories about famous people and well-known events, but many talented figures whose accomplishments have shaped our world in profound ways, seem to have been forgotten with time. That is why this latest book by Gary McAvoy is so enlightening. It delves into the life of a remarkable individual whose impact on humanity seems to have been left in the shadows; and offers a fresh insight into one of history’s inspiring individuals whose impressive achievements require more than just a little attention.
Hildegard von Bingen, a polymath ahead of her time, was a German Benedictine abbess, a mystic, philosopher, writer, composer and medical practitioner. Born in the middle Ages, she was also inventor of the Lingua Ignota and founder of the Monasteries of Rupertsberg and Eibingen.
Through this revealing novel we are indoctrinated into her astonishing life and aptitudes. With his vivid imagery, the author explores her unusual existence during the inexorable march of time, skillfully combining facts of her legendary vocation with lyrical story-telling relative to the present day, to make this read so very fascinating.
The main characters are once again cleverly portrayed in this particular tale. Hana Sinclair the sole heiress to the estate and fortune of her illustrious grandfather, who has just passed, discovers an important secret, while filing through his papers and preparing for his funeral. That leads to the beginning of a new and exciting adventure which transports us from Switzerland to Italy and Germany. Our other favourite characters Father Michael Dominic, in charge of the Vatican Archives, Swiss guards Karl and Lukas join forces with Hana. They must decipher hidden messages in the hitherto concealed mysterious manuscripts, and confront dangers that have arisen due to word of the discovery having accidentally gotten out. Along with some new characters, scientific, religious and diabolical, they navigate the complex landscape to prevent an evil disaster and create for us another historic thriller.
Twists and turns keep us on pins and needles throughout this gripping novel.
History is full of stories about famous people and well-known events, but many talented figures whose accomplishments have shaped our world in profound ways, seem to have been forgotten with time. That is why this latest book by Gary McAvoy is so enlightening. It delves into the life of a remarkable individual whose impact on humanity seems to have been left in the shadows; and offers a fresh insight into one of history’s inspiring individuals whose impressive achievements require more than just a little attention.
Hildegard von Bingen, a polymath ahead of her time, was a German Benedictine abbess, a mystic, philosopher, writer, composer and medical practitioner. Born in the middle Ages, she was also inventor of the Lingua Ignota and founder of the Monasteries of Rupertsberg and Eibingen.
Through this revealing novel we are indoctrinated into her astonishing life and aptitudes. With his vivid imagery, the author explores her unusual existence during the inexorable march of time, skillfully combining facts of her legendary vocation with lyrical story-telling relative to the present day, to make this read so very fascinating.
The main characters are once again cleverly portrayed in this particular tale. Hana Sinclair the sole heiress to the estate and fortune of her illustrious grandfather, who has just passed, discovers an important secret, while filing through his papers and preparing for his funeral. That leads to the beginning of a new and exciting adventure which transports us from Switzerland to Italy and Germany. Our other favourite characters Father Michael Dominic, in charge of the Vatican Archives, Swiss guards Karl and Lukas join forces with Hana. They must decipher hidden messages in the hitherto concealed mysterious manuscripts, and confront dangers that have arisen due to word of the discovery having accidentally gotten out. Along with some new characters, scientific, religious and diabolical, they navigate the complex landscape to prevent an evil disaster and create for us another historic thriller.
Twists and turns keep us on pins and needles throughout this gripping novel.
April 3, 2025
How has an abbess from the 12th century remain relevant today? What is her secret language? What does the perfect of the Vatican Secret Archives and his fiancé have in common with her? Let’s meet her: Saint Hildegard von Bingen OSB was a German Benedictine abbess and polymath active as a writer, composer, philosopher, mystic, visionary, and as a medical writer and practitioner. Do pharmaceutical companies only want you to become ‘almost’ cured so you continue to seek treatment which of course adds additional monies to their bottom line? Are there natural cures for many illnesses that are suppressed and/or destroyed to foster R & D for profit? Can one megalomanic control the outcomes? All is revealed in McAvoy’s newest historical fiction novel. Saint Hildegard’s spiritual journey is history. Her musical compositions are still sung, and her scores are still orchestrated; her visions, mysticism, and philosophies are still studied; and her sermons are still relevant. How do the Black Forest, Frankfurt, and Bingen am Rhein contribute to the plot? Why are the Swiss Guard in Germany?
In conclusion, St. Hildegard was the personification of faith, science, and wisdom being symbiotic as a means to the Truth and the resilience of faith prevailing over greed and corruption. Calm seas do not a master ship captain make.
In conclusion, St. Hildegard was the personification of faith, science, and wisdom being symbiotic as a means to the Truth and the resilience of faith prevailing over greed and corruption. Calm seas do not a master ship captain make.
October 25, 2025
Another great read by Gary McAvoy! This is a continuation of the Vatican Secret Archive series. The main characters, Hana Sinclair and Father Michael Dominic, are once again thrust into mystery and uncovering long ago secrets. In this story, the focus is on a gift Hana is bestowed upon her grandfather’s death. This story takes you from Switzerland to Germany. The mystery surrounds around an Abbey founded by Hildegard von Bingen and the secrets it holds that Hildegard discovered in the 1200’s. Her discovery and protection has been guarded for centuries for if in the wrong hands, could cause major problems for humanity. The story is fast paced and really grabbed me as Hana, Father Michael and friends try to stay ahead of those seeking Hildegard’s seeds. A great read!
September 7, 2025
Gary McAvoy's Vatican Secret books have been an incredible, enjoyable read. He mixes truth and fiction to write a compelling story that holds the reader's attention. This time they came across the writings of Hildegard von Bingen, held in trust by Armand, Hana's grandfather. The story lead to the discovery of a plant with amazing anticancer properties. Like all the stories there was an adversary out there that wanted to find and keep all of these secrets for their own use.
A satisfying read and wonderful story.
A satisfying read and wonderful story.
October 31, 2025
Since I have enjoyed Hildegard's ethereal music for over 20 years and read a couple of her books, this was especially interesting. Fast-paced mystery, much like Dan Brown's early books. I love the interplay between Hana and Michael, and I look forward to going back and reading this series from the beginning.
A favorite quote from the book is " Faith and knowledge aren't enemies. They're two sides of the same coin, both essential to understanding the world and our place in it."
A favorite quote from the book is " Faith and knowledge aren't enemies. They're two sides of the same coin, both essential to understanding the world and our place in it."
June 19, 2025
The writing was sophomoric with exhaustive repetition. Some of the story was ludicrous; eight hundred year old manuscript being handled by everyone-sans gloves, while the persons reading it were having coffee and pastries! Eight centuries old ladder that was still functional. Overall the story was just too far predictable.
September 4, 2025
I love these books. The stories are fascinating, being most often based on people and or places or objects I know about. They’re not necessarily true stories, but they’re quite believable. I think, anyway.
But then I probably have an inclination to believe in this sort of story, anyway.
I also really like Michael and Hana, especially Hana!
But then I probably have an inclination to believe in this sort of story, anyway.
I also really like Michael and Hana, especially Hana!
October 12, 2025
keeps you engaged
As always with this authors this book pulls you in to the adventure. The mix of lovely characters and the mix of fact and fiction makes for a good read. The four rating is due to what I see as two inconsistencies that nagged at me throughout. I’ll let you discover those because explaining them would certainly lead to spoilers!
As always with this authors this book pulls you in to the adventure. The mix of lovely characters and the mix of fact and fiction makes for a good read. The four rating is due to what I see as two inconsistencies that nagged at me throughout. I’ll let you discover those because explaining them would certainly lead to spoilers!
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