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ANATHEMA: A Mystery Thriller

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From the author of The Ancient Code comes a new thriller for all fans of Dan Brown, Michael Crichton, and mystery adventures.

A stand-alone novel that also serves as a fourth book in the Ex Libris Series.

The Pope is dying.

Someone in the halls of the Vatican has poisoned him.

As they enter a world of secrets, rival factions, and ancient power struggles, Patrick and Sarah must risk everything to unmask the murderer... otherwise the next man to claim the papacy will be the killer.

Disclaimer: The book obviously has religious themes. Those are purely used for the purpose of entertainment and aren't meant to present arguments in any kind of theological discussion.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2025

50 people are currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

T.S. Falk

26 books90 followers
T.S. Falk is a lifelong adventure enthusiast and when a certain pandemic hit, he started writing the books he would like to read.

THE AUTHOR HAS NO SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES AND ALL PROFILES OUT THERE ARE FAKE AND NOT CONNECTED TO THE AUTHOR AT ALL! HE DOES NOT HAVE A WEBSITE!

If you want to reach him, you find an e-mail address to do so at the end of each book!

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5 stars
138 (67%)
4 stars
54 (26%)
3 stars
11 (5%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Maria Fledgling Author  Park.
987 reviews52 followers
November 21, 2025
A Historical Thriller? Truth or Fiction?

Anathema: To be not only excommunicated from the Holy Roman Church and to have your soul forever banished from the forgiveness of Divine God, but to further be separated from the presence of God for all eternity.

T.S. Falk has written a powerful, insightful and provoking book about the Catholic Church. Indeed, even a fictional account that feels so possible that it is hard to distinguish it from an historical work.

His characters are familiar from the previous Ex Libris series. Dr. Patrick Bauer, the author of the largest AI cross-referenced multiple works database in history. Sarah Wilderman, the disgraced intern in archeology studies who turns out to have a brilliant investigative mind. And others who have worked for Truth and Justice.

Anathema is an exciting and thrilling adventure that doesn't let up until the very last minute. It is also a piercing look at an ancient institution that will leave you with many unresolved questions.

It is my fondest hope that T.S. Falk continues to write for many years. Each book is a new world unto itself. I believe this makes this author quite different from his peers. I'm already looking forward to the next book with great anticipation.
Profile Image for Chuck Woodbury.
384 reviews
November 22, 2025
Bravo Bravo Bravo

Best Ex Libris so far. Dr Bauer and Sarah have their hands full investigating who murdered the Pope, and at the Pope’s request no less. Sarah is one of my favorite characters. Beautiful, tenacious, stubborn as hell and oh so very flawed. It makes for a great story and you get to go along for the ride. Thank you TS Falk, hope there are more mysteries in store.
Profile Image for Barry Jenkins.
345 reviews5 followers
December 2, 2025
So so

This is a really good story on the inner workings of the Catholic church and the Vatican. It was an enjoyable read with the exception of one thing hence the 3 star rating I give it. The character Sarah really diminishes the story, an amoral woman, with a really filthy mouth which for me takes away from the story. It would have been much better without her. Instead Isabella could have done what was needed, and now she ......well never mind..
5 reviews
November 21, 2025
another compelling read.

Another fine read. Mr Falk has keep this alive by changing main characters from supporting ones. He managed to build all of his characters up in the process.
65 reviews
November 22, 2025
What one would do in the name of Religion

This novel was packed with suspense. Exposure of the inner struggle of the Church and what one would do in the name of church, of religion.
7 reviews
November 30, 2025
well worth the read.

Excellent fast paced adventure and intrigue. Beautifully written with rich, descriptive prose. Love the writing style and will anxiously wait for the next one.
10 reviews
December 13, 2025
A plot worthy of being a movie

Great read and plenty of twists. You will not put this story down until you are finished reading. Great blend of Vatican history and new technology with much intrigue.
11 reviews
November 23, 2025
masterful

As good a tale as I have ever heard! So intriguing, so engaging, so braided into diabolical details! Enjoy it!
Profile Image for Patrick.
915 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2025
Anathema

This is an another exciting, book by Falk. He has a knack for interesting stories that keep you involved in book. This is no exception. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Annette Mordec.
243 reviews4 followers
December 21, 2025
Real Roman Conspiracy

How the corruption and lies of Catholic Church never end. True story even if used in a novel.
As usual great storyline and characters. Great series.
7 reviews
January 26, 2026
This series was absolutely gripping—each book was hard to put down, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the next one. I’m genuinely sad to see it come to an end.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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