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The Showstone
A buried relic. An angelic language. A choice between heaven and hell.
When archaeologist Hiram Donovan smuggles a polished disc of black obsidian out of an Iraqi monastery, he’s murdered—and the secret of the “showstone” vanishes with him.
Thirty years later, Harvard religion professor Cal Donovan learns the truth about his father’s death and discovers the stone is real, coveted by believers and fanatics who think it can unlock a lost “49th call” in the angelic Enochian language. Some see a key to paradise. Others, a gateway to something far darker.
From Elizabethan magus John Dee’s notebooks to modern‑day scryers and ruthless enemies, Cal is thrust into a race to find the showstone before it’s used to unleash catastrophe. Expose the secret, and risk the end of everything—or bury it forever.
The Showstone is a fast‑paced religious and historical thriller for fans of Dan Brown and James Rollins.
When archaeologist Hiram Donovan smuggles a polished disc of black obsidian out of an Iraqi monastery, he’s murdered—and the secret of the “showstone” vanishes with him.
Thirty years later, Harvard religion professor Cal Donovan learns the truth about his father’s death and discovers the stone is real, coveted by believers and fanatics who think it can unlock a lost “49th call” in the angelic Enochian language. Some see a key to paradise. Others, a gateway to something far darker.
From Elizabethan magus John Dee’s notebooks to modern‑day scryers and ruthless enemies, Cal is thrust into a race to find the showstone before it’s used to unleash catastrophe. Expose the secret, and risk the end of everything—or bury it forever.
The Showstone is a fast‑paced religious and historical thriller for fans of Dan Brown and James Rollins.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2026
About the author
Glenn Cooper
56 books1,488 followersGlenn Cooper is an internationally bestselling thriller writer.
Glenn was born in New York City and grew up in nearby White Plains. He attended White Plains High School before enrolling at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts where he graduated from Harvard with an honors degree in archaeology. He then attended Tufts University School of Medicine and did his post-doctoral training at the New England Deaconess and the Massachusetts General Hospitals becoming a board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. After practicing medicine, Glenn began a research career in the pharmaceutical industry which culminated in an eighteen-year position as the Chairman and CEO of a biotechnology company in Massachusetts. Glenn began writing screenplays over twenty years ago and his interest in movies prompted him to attend the graduate program in film production at Boston University. He is currently the chairman of a media company, Lascaux Media, which has produced three independent feature-length films. In 2006 Glenn turned his hand to novel-writing. His debut novel, THE LIBRARY OF THE DEAD, the first in a trilogy, became an international bestseller and was translated into thirty languages. All of his seven published books have become top-ten international best-sellers.
Glenn currently lives in New Hampshire.
Glenn was born in New York City and grew up in nearby White Plains. He attended White Plains High School before enrolling at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts where he graduated from Harvard with an honors degree in archaeology. He then attended Tufts University School of Medicine and did his post-doctoral training at the New England Deaconess and the Massachusetts General Hospitals becoming a board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. After practicing medicine, Glenn began a research career in the pharmaceutical industry which culminated in an eighteen-year position as the Chairman and CEO of a biotechnology company in Massachusetts. Glenn began writing screenplays over twenty years ago and his interest in movies prompted him to attend the graduate program in film production at Boston University. He is currently the chairman of a media company, Lascaux Media, which has produced three independent feature-length films. In 2006 Glenn turned his hand to novel-writing. His debut novel, THE LIBRARY OF THE DEAD, the first in a trilogy, became an international bestseller and was translated into thirty languages. All of his seven published books have become top-ten international best-sellers.
Glenn currently lives in New Hampshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 25, 2026
Like most Glenn Cooper novels, The Showstone mixes history, religion and ancient mysticism into a well honed thriller. Toss in a heaping helping of Cal Donovan and you get a treat that will keep you up late reading. The Showstone is an ancient relic that allows one to speak to the angels. Every level can be accessed except for the last one as that will unleash unworldly horrors. Needless to say, many have sought this relic through the ages, and not all for positive reasons.
Cal Donovan risks everything to find this chunk of Obsidian and learn its secrets. He is pursued by others who want it to unlock evil upon the world. Cal's search for answers takes him across the globe. How he ultimately makes out is up to the reader to discover.
Cal Donovan risks everything to find this chunk of Obsidian and learn its secrets. He is pursued by others who want it to unlock evil upon the world. Cal's search for answers takes him across the globe. How he ultimately makes out is up to the reader to discover.
March 27, 2026
Intense,believable, and exciting
Wonderful tale with plot twists and turns and an utterly compelling story. The integration of the historically significant events was skillfully integrated and added to the adventure of the tale. I particularly liked the ending which was a way to continue the complexities of linage, genealogy, and kinship. Cooper is a master story teller one that has certainly engaged me for the last eight novels. Thank you for the reading adventures you write.
Wonderful tale with plot twists and turns and an utterly compelling story. The integration of the historically significant events was skillfully integrated and added to the adventure of the tale. I particularly liked the ending which was a way to continue the complexities of linage, genealogy, and kinship. Cooper is a master story teller one that has certainly engaged me for the last eight novels. Thank you for the reading adventures you write.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read this book as a free review copy from NetGalley and this review is my honest feedback about the book based on my reading it.
I have been a fan of Glenn Cooper’s books for a while now, especially the Cal Donovan series. I have read the previous books featuring this character and have always enjoyed the blend of history, mystery and fast paced storytelling that Glenn brings to his thrillers. So when I saw The Showstone available as an ARC on NetGalley, I was genuinely excited to pick it up. It was easily one of my anticipated reads because I was curious to see where Cal Donovan’s story would go next.
For readers who are already familiar with the series, Cal Donovan is a Harvard professor whose academic life often pulls him into mysteries connected to history, religion, and hidden secrets. In this book the story becomes more personal. Years earlier Cal’s father discovered a strange obsidian stone during an archaeological excavation in Iraq. Recognizing that the artifact might be important, he secretly sent it home before he died under suspicious circumstances. Many years later Cal’s mother also dies in what appears to be a tragic incident, but the reappearance of the same mysterious stone suggests there is far more going on beneath the surface.
The artifact at the heart of the novel is known as a showstone, an object historically associated with visions and scrying. Glenn builds an intriguing narrative around the possibility that such an artifact might hold a power people have sought for centuries. As Cal begins to uncover the truth about the stone, he also starts to unravel secrets connected to his own family and to a much larger mystery that stretches across time.
One of the things I have always enjoyed about this series is how Glenn mixes historical elements with a modern thriller storyline, and The Showstone continues that tradition. The book moves between past and present as the history of the stone is slowly revealed. These historical glimpses add depth to the story and make the mystery feel much bigger than the immediate events surrounding Cal.
The pacing is also very strong. The chapters move quickly and the story keeps introducing new clues and revelations that push the mystery forward. It is one of those books that is very easy to keep reading because the tension builds steadily and you always want to know what the next piece of the puzzle will be.
But, there were also several moments across the book where the story felt a little familiar in terms of thriller tropes, especially if you read a lot in this genre and also some collected baggage from the series which regular readers would find repetitive. I also would have liked a little more character exploration in certain sections, particularly given the personal connection Cal has to the central mystery.
Still, as someone who enjoys Glenn’s writing and the Cal Donovan series, I found this to be a very satisfying read. It delivers the kind of historical intrigue, mysterious artifact and unfolding conspiracy that I expect from this author.
Overall, The Showstone was a very enjoyable continuation of the series and one I am glad I had the chance to read early as an ARC.
Four stars. A fast paced and intriguing thriller that will definitely appeal to fans of the series.
I have been a fan of Glenn Cooper’s books for a while now, especially the Cal Donovan series. I have read the previous books featuring this character and have always enjoyed the blend of history, mystery and fast paced storytelling that Glenn brings to his thrillers. So when I saw The Showstone available as an ARC on NetGalley, I was genuinely excited to pick it up. It was easily one of my anticipated reads because I was curious to see where Cal Donovan’s story would go next.
For readers who are already familiar with the series, Cal Donovan is a Harvard professor whose academic life often pulls him into mysteries connected to history, religion, and hidden secrets. In this book the story becomes more personal. Years earlier Cal’s father discovered a strange obsidian stone during an archaeological excavation in Iraq. Recognizing that the artifact might be important, he secretly sent it home before he died under suspicious circumstances. Many years later Cal’s mother also dies in what appears to be a tragic incident, but the reappearance of the same mysterious stone suggests there is far more going on beneath the surface.
The artifact at the heart of the novel is known as a showstone, an object historically associated with visions and scrying. Glenn builds an intriguing narrative around the possibility that such an artifact might hold a power people have sought for centuries. As Cal begins to uncover the truth about the stone, he also starts to unravel secrets connected to his own family and to a much larger mystery that stretches across time.
One of the things I have always enjoyed about this series is how Glenn mixes historical elements with a modern thriller storyline, and The Showstone continues that tradition. The book moves between past and present as the history of the stone is slowly revealed. These historical glimpses add depth to the story and make the mystery feel much bigger than the immediate events surrounding Cal.
The pacing is also very strong. The chapters move quickly and the story keeps introducing new clues and revelations that push the mystery forward. It is one of those books that is very easy to keep reading because the tension builds steadily and you always want to know what the next piece of the puzzle will be.
But, there were also several moments across the book where the story felt a little familiar in terms of thriller tropes, especially if you read a lot in this genre and also some collected baggage from the series which regular readers would find repetitive. I also would have liked a little more character exploration in certain sections, particularly given the personal connection Cal has to the central mystery.
Still, as someone who enjoys Glenn’s writing and the Cal Donovan series, I found this to be a very satisfying read. It delivers the kind of historical intrigue, mysterious artifact and unfolding conspiracy that I expect from this author.
Overall, The Showstone was a very enjoyable continuation of the series and one I am glad I had the chance to read early as an ARC.
Four stars. A fast paced and intriguing thriller that will definitely appeal to fans of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Supernatural Religious Thriller
Cal Donovan #4
The story:
Iraq 1989, Hiram Donovan mails an archeological piece found on a dig to his wife back in the United States. Hiram dies a few days later.
Then the story moves forward thirty years later with Cal, Hiram’s son, a Harvard professor on a summer furlough learning that his mother was murdered and nothing seemed taken out of place in her house. Why was she killed? Later on, while cleaning his mother’s house he had the answer: an envelope mailed from his father in Iraq was found containing a black obsidian stoned and a note card with Dr. John Dee’s name on it, what was this all about? Researching the provenance Cal discovers the Showstone was used for scrying, an ancient art of magic and connecting with God through an angel tongue…..from then on, strange happenings and the story morphs into a trek around the globe…
My thoughts:
I have been a fan for many years and I have enjoyed the out of the ordinary sagas Mr. Cooper has penned although I admit this time he has overdid it. This latest still blends true historical events with fictional characters and happenings masterfully but I found it to be so mystifying the story lost my attention mid way, I had a very hard time sticking with it from then on.
The showstone yield spiritual visions once studies by Elizabethan alchemist and astrologer John Dee. Of course, the bloody quest is continued for the artifact and follows a predictable and boring course till the very end. Good and evil, angels and fallen angels and past and present….here we go back and forth and a lot of time spent on historical background. The story drags on and on…. I presume you guessed by now this thriller was not my cup of tea but that is me please judge by yourself.
I received this ARC from the Book Whisperer via Netgalley for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.
Cal Donovan #4
The story:
Iraq 1989, Hiram Donovan mails an archeological piece found on a dig to his wife back in the United States. Hiram dies a few days later.
Then the story moves forward thirty years later with Cal, Hiram’s son, a Harvard professor on a summer furlough learning that his mother was murdered and nothing seemed taken out of place in her house. Why was she killed? Later on, while cleaning his mother’s house he had the answer: an envelope mailed from his father in Iraq was found containing a black obsidian stoned and a note card with Dr. John Dee’s name on it, what was this all about? Researching the provenance Cal discovers the Showstone was used for scrying, an ancient art of magic and connecting with God through an angel tongue…..from then on, strange happenings and the story morphs into a trek around the globe…
My thoughts:
I have been a fan for many years and I have enjoyed the out of the ordinary sagas Mr. Cooper has penned although I admit this time he has overdid it. This latest still blends true historical events with fictional characters and happenings masterfully but I found it to be so mystifying the story lost my attention mid way, I had a very hard time sticking with it from then on.
The showstone yield spiritual visions once studies by Elizabethan alchemist and astrologer John Dee. Of course, the bloody quest is continued for the artifact and follows a predictable and boring course till the very end. Good and evil, angels and fallen angels and past and present….here we go back and forth and a lot of time spent on historical background. The story drags on and on…. I presume you guessed by now this thriller was not my cup of tea but that is me please judge by yourself.
I received this ARC from the Book Whisperer via Netgalley for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.
March 13, 2026
The Showstone by Glenn Cooper is a Cal Donovan book and veers away from the religious tone the first two books set. This is told over two time periods with two sets of characters, well, more really, but two main ones. Cal’s father was a Harvard archeologist who died on a dig some thirty years earlier. He apparently had found something of great importance and had the foresight to mail it to his wife before he was murdered for it. The murder appeared to have been an accident. The men responsible spent the next thirty years listening for word of the artifact. Cal was notified by phone that his mother had been murdered. This was no accident. They had torn up her apartment looking for something. Only when Cal and his girlfriend, Jessica, were clearing out the apartment for resale did Jessica find something hidden deep in a closet. The envelope had never been opened. It was then that Cal started looking into John Dee, who worked, sometimes, for Queen Elizabeth I, and his scryer.
Cal is a good character. He drinks way too much and is a womanizer, although that has slowed down with Jessica in the picture. He is well-educated, curious, and has tons of contacts. He is a Harvard professor, after all. He finds a book written by a young woman in Arizona who appears to be a modern day scryer: someone who speaks to angels. He makes contact with her and shows her his artifact and immediately she is in touch with angels who can help her and inform her. The man looking for the artifact has Cal firmly on his radar, but Cal is no fool so manages to escape, nearly un-ravaged. It is a fascinating story, full of history, if some of it is fiction, and Cal Donovan once more manages to win the day. No one escapes unblemished.
I was invited to read The Showstone by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #GlennCooper #TheShowstone
Cal is a good character. He drinks way too much and is a womanizer, although that has slowed down with Jessica in the picture. He is well-educated, curious, and has tons of contacts. He is a Harvard professor, after all. He finds a book written by a young woman in Arizona who appears to be a modern day scryer: someone who speaks to angels. He makes contact with her and shows her his artifact and immediately she is in touch with angels who can help her and inform her. The man looking for the artifact has Cal firmly on his radar, but Cal is no fool so manages to escape, nearly un-ravaged. It is a fascinating story, full of history, if some of it is fiction, and Cal Donovan once more manages to win the day. No one escapes unblemished.
I was invited to read The Showstone by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #GlennCooper #TheShowstone
March 11, 2026
Glenn Cooper has done it again! The Showstone is part of the Cal Donovan Vatican Conspiracy Thriller series. This novel is based on a stone (believed to be a showstone) that is discovered during an archeologist dig in Iraq in 1988 by Cal’s father Hiram Donovan who was a professor at Harvard before his death. Hiram smuggles the stone out of Iraq before his murder. Along with the stone are pieces of papyrus with writing. Could this writing be connected to the stone and thought by believers that it is a way to speak with angles? Thirty years after the stone is uncovered and thought lost, a deathbed confession reopens the search and along the way bodies are piling up. I don’t want to give away too much but let’s just say the ride is very entertaining with twists and turns and lots of action. Cooper’s writing takes you to the past where this showstone was used by John Dee and Edward Kelly in an attempt to communicate with angles through scrying and then the next chapter brings you to the present day with followers of the Enochian magic that are searching for the ability to reach the 49th call. By the end of the novel Cooper has tied all the pieces together and shows you how they all fit. A great read that I had a hard time putting down.
Thank you NetGalley, Book Whisperer and Glenn Cooper for this advance reader copy for a review.
Thank you NetGalley, Book Whisperer and Glenn Cooper for this advance reader copy for a review.
March 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the DRC of this book. I love all Glenn Cooper books, but this one was a little different formula from the previous Cal Donovan books. Although there is still a strong historical foundation, and there is the thread of faith, it is less Catholic heavy than the previous books in the series. This is an introduction into scrying, a practice I had never heard of before. Although it sounds a little magical or mystical, it is presented more as a religious enlightenment phenomenon. I love the book cover, which helps to understand the levels of power in the practice. What I want to point out is that the book was originally published in 2019, yet the surprising end reflects our current day political situation ... could Cooper be a Scryer himself?!? There was a lot of new historical information and exciting exploration, and the story was as fast-action as the previous books. Although this was a little different than expected, Cal does not let us down as he investigates his father's past errors and the murders of his parents. If you haven't yet met Cal Donovan, you are missing out on history, theology, religious archaeology, Catholic practices, and thrilling world travel with a killer on your heels -- this series has it all!
March 16, 2026
Review: This starts off ok. A little edge to the Indiana Jones themed novel. Necks breaking etc. despite the impossiblily of snapping a grown mans neck with your hands. Throw in a religious artifact that evil middle Eastern Christian villians need to possess and BINGO!
So super big dickus, Cal Donovan by way of the military, daddy's money and Harvard springs into action to save the day. He's a reluctant hero, built with same capacities as Kevin Costner but biggus-er. He has a hot, rich GF that prowls the Country Club like a feral cougar then aww shucks his way to Harvard.
The authors bio reads like all the others pulled from the school of Chad Robicheaux. Harvard, honors degree in bio flong glurking foo, Doctor Who of the universe, biotech CEO writing screenplays that the world must slurp from his golden hands. His work translated into 80 languages including Farsi, Euskara and Ainu. He even telepathically babbles in tongues.
No surprise that this novel is smug from beginning to end. There is no creativity within the story line. The characters are formulaic, lack depth and fail to grow with the movement. One of the worst novels I have attempted to read in a long time.
1.0/5
So super big dickus, Cal Donovan by way of the military, daddy's money and Harvard springs into action to save the day. He's a reluctant hero, built with same capacities as Kevin Costner but biggus-er. He has a hot, rich GF that prowls the Country Club like a feral cougar then aww shucks his way to Harvard.
The authors bio reads like all the others pulled from the school of Chad Robicheaux. Harvard, honors degree in bio flong glurking foo, Doctor Who of the universe, biotech CEO writing screenplays that the world must slurp from his golden hands. His work translated into 80 languages including Farsi, Euskara and Ainu. He even telepathically babbles in tongues.
No surprise that this novel is smug from beginning to end. There is no creativity within the story line. The characters are formulaic, lack depth and fail to grow with the movement. One of the worst novels I have attempted to read in a long time.
1.0/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
368 pages
4 stars
This book is a great entry into the Cal Donovan series. The storyline is unique and interesting. I found it to have a touch of the supernatural with religious overtones. I truly enjoyed the characters and their motivations.
The scryers as described in the novel are those who can see and speak to angels in a special language. The scrying is facilitated by a “showstone.” This can be a special object, such as a stone, or water, or even a hallucination.
The push-pull between the tendency to do good versus evil is a major theme. The human need for revenge, also played a part in the motivations of certain characters
The plot is a tense, action-packed race to locate and obtain an obsidian showstone found and subsequently looted by Cal’s father, Hiram. One man is determined to obtain it to further his own ends.
I want to thank NetGalley and Book Whisperer for forwarding to me a copy of this book. The opinions expressed in the review are solely my own.
4 stars
This book is a great entry into the Cal Donovan series. The storyline is unique and interesting. I found it to have a touch of the supernatural with religious overtones. I truly enjoyed the characters and their motivations.
The scryers as described in the novel are those who can see and speak to angels in a special language. The scrying is facilitated by a “showstone.” This can be a special object, such as a stone, or water, or even a hallucination.
The push-pull between the tendency to do good versus evil is a major theme. The human need for revenge, also played a part in the motivations of certain characters
The plot is a tense, action-packed race to locate and obtain an obsidian showstone found and subsequently looted by Cal’s father, Hiram. One man is determined to obtain it to further his own ends.
I want to thank NetGalley and Book Whisperer for forwarding to me a copy of this book. The opinions expressed in the review are solely my own.
June 24, 2026
I'm a Glenn Cooper fan through and through. His books have always kept me completely captivated, and this one called to me the moment I read the description. I chose it partly because his stories are exactly the kind my father loved, and we shared that in common.
I have to be honest: I haven't been able to read it yet. My father passed away, and somehow this book and the rest of the Cal Donovan series became something I'm not quite ready to pick up. I think the moment I can finally sit down with it will be the moment I know I'm starting to find my way through the grief.
I don't know how Glenn Cooper's work hasn't been turned into films or a series yet. It deserves it. And this book deserves a proper review, one I fully intend to write when the time is right. My star rating is based on previous books and my personal preference for this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I have to be honest: I haven't been able to read it yet. My father passed away, and somehow this book and the rest of the Cal Donovan series became something I'm not quite ready to pick up. I think the moment I can finally sit down with it will be the moment I know I'm starting to find my way through the grief.
I don't know how Glenn Cooper's work hasn't been turned into films or a series yet. It deserves it. And this book deserves a proper review, one I fully intend to write when the time is right. My star rating is based on previous books and my personal preference for this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 3, 2026
A solid story with an engrossing and twisty plot, three varying timelines as well as travelling to add to the mix. The Showstone has a lot of similarities to the Robert Langdon series especially in this installment where Cal Donovan comes into possession of an ancient obsidian artifact known as The Showstone and against two men of a different faith (one of whom wants to obtain the stone for his own power hungry and evil means) Cal must dig deep to keep the stone safe alongside his friend Eve and to save the world from being destroyed.
I enjoyed the budding friendship and slight romance between Cal and Eve as well as the way in which they collaborated in order to see justice be served as well as to finish what Cal's father had started. An exciting and fast paced thriller that made for a one sitting read.
Thankyou to Net galley and Book Whisperer for an arc of this book.
I enjoyed the budding friendship and slight romance between Cal and Eve as well as the way in which they collaborated in order to see justice be served as well as to finish what Cal's father had started. An exciting and fast paced thriller that made for a one sitting read.
Thankyou to Net galley and Book Whisperer for an arc of this book.
March 10, 2026
4.5⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for this Arc.
This is my second book of Glenn Cooper and I really enjoyed it.
This book was such an intriguing mix of history, mystery and occult elements.
The story follows Cal Donovan as he investigates a mysterious obsidian stone which is linked to his parent’s death and to the enigmatic Elizabethan figure John Dee.
I found the concept of scrying fascinating and loved how the origin of showstone was described.
The story pacing was good and involved different timelines.
And the ending wow I did not except that. It took me a moment to process it.
Also one thing was I expected Cal to think that something was off the moment his mom was murdered. I feel he was careless at many parts of the story.
Overall a gripping historical thriller with mystery involved.
Thank you NetGalley for this Arc.
This is my second book of Glenn Cooper and I really enjoyed it.
This book was such an intriguing mix of history, mystery and occult elements.
The story follows Cal Donovan as he investigates a mysterious obsidian stone which is linked to his parent’s death and to the enigmatic Elizabethan figure John Dee.
I found the concept of scrying fascinating and loved how the origin of showstone was described.
The story pacing was good and involved different timelines.
And the ending wow I did not except that. It took me a moment to process it.
Also one thing was I expected Cal to think that something was off the moment his mom was murdered. I feel he was careless at many parts of the story.
Overall a gripping historical thriller with mystery involved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Interesting battle between good and evil, angels and fallen angels, and past and present as Cal discovers a showstone his father had sent home days before his death. Others have been looking for it as well, and are killing to get it. I liked the story, but I felt to much time was spent on historical background — that’s when the story seemed to drag. I missed Cal and his special relationship with the Vatican. His cheatyon Jessica was also a negative. Even though it was in character. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review,
March 16, 2026
The main issues in The Showstone are the battle between good and evil, angels and fallen angels, vengeance and power. Cal will discover that his father's death is linked to his mother's and that probably that same individual is also trying to kill him and those who are helping him understand the power that the showstone has upon certain people and why his father stole it from the excavation he was doing in Iraq many years ago. It's an interesting read and a good addition to the series.
I thank the author, hispublisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, hispublisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really thank the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. That’s because this book was exceptionally well written and I enjoyed it immensely as you can tell by my rating. It’s the kind of book that keeps you up late at night wondering what will happen next. When it is called a thriller, it definitely is. I wholeheartedly recommend Showstone to anyone who wants to spend time with a unique storyline that completely draws you in to the action.
May 10, 2026
Good story. I do enjoy this author very much and have read quite a few of his books. I did get a little annoyed at one point in the story where Cal let the killer walk away instead of taking him down, which is what anyone with common sense would do so they do not have a chance to come at you again or hurt anyone else... but I assume the author did that because he needed that character to stay in the storyline.
May 15, 2026
I generally enjoy books where I can empathise with at least one character, but I found this difficult in this book. Also the book follows three characters from three different timeframes, which affected the flow of the book too much for me. The inclusion of real historical figures, John Dee and Edward Kelley along with their likely fabricated Enochian language does bring some real interest to the story but sadly not enough to rescue it for me.
Review of advance copy
A well written narrative, plunging into the depths of age old history, religious beliefs, scrying and murder. Cal finds himself in the midst of it all as he discovers that the not so accidental death of his father, is where it all began. Very in-depth and an excellent read. I received an ARC from Book Whisperer/Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2026
I enjoy the Cal Donovan series by Glenn Cooper. When I saw Netgalley had Showstone, I HAD to read it. There was a great description of showstones, the angels they summon, and the 49th call --- you'l have to read the book to see what it is about and then shudder!
Unfortunately, so many deaths in this book, including Cal's parents.
Glenn Cooper's writing gets better and better!
Unfortunately, so many deaths in this book, including Cal's parents.
Glenn Cooper's writing gets better and better!
August 12, 2026
Grabs you from the first page!
From the first book Cal Donovan is a character you can visualize in your minds eye. Mr. Cooper describes him so that there is no doubt what kind of man he is and how human.
Starting the next book right away! Hoping that Mr. Cooper won’t put him on the shelf anytime soon.
From the first book Cal Donovan is a character you can visualize in your minds eye. Mr. Cooper describes him so that there is no doubt what kind of man he is and how human.
Starting the next book right away! Hoping that Mr. Cooper won’t put him on the shelf anytime soon.
March 13, 2026
People are dying around Cal and he needs to find out why. Journey with him back in time and to the present again as he races for answers. There are so many aspects to this story and it will keep you spellbound until the end. I have really enjoyed all the Cal Donovan series.
March 20, 2026
Thrilling. ✅
Interesting History. ✅
Enthralling Storytelling and character development. ✅
So many amazing things to say about this book. Well written with a captivating storyline. Enjoyed reading this book immensely.
Interesting History. ✅
Enthralling Storytelling and character development. ✅
So many amazing things to say about this book. Well written with a captivating storyline. Enjoyed reading this book immensely.
April 22, 2026
Read through NetGalley for an honest review. Another great book by one of my favorite authors. This is another Cal Donovan book and like all the others I have read, it really hold your interest. Definitely a must read.
October 5, 2026
Great read
Glenn Cooper's Cal Donovan Vatican Conspiracy series is a fun read. He has twists and turns down to a fine science. All 3 books in the collection are a must read. KathyB
Glenn Cooper's Cal Donovan Vatican Conspiracy series is a fun read. He has twists and turns down to a fine science. All 3 books in the collection are a must read. KathyB
Review of advance copy
Not a genre I normally gravitate towards but I couldn't put it down. This book has excellent writing and is suspenseful and thrilling. Might be worth a step out of your comfort zone.
March 17, 2026
not as much action as usual. to me it was quite boring through most of the story banking and unpaid loans are not that interesting
March 18, 2026
Another exceptional adventure with Cal Donovan. A thrilling story with some terrifying characters and scenes. Fictional but very intense and real.
March 24, 2026
The Showstone
This was a great read.I always liked historical stories especially about John Dee,a interesting person.The story was great,hope a part two is on the way.
This was a great read.I always liked historical stories especially about John Dee,a interesting person.The story was great,hope a part two is on the way.
July 5, 2026
great story
The jumping from the past to the present was nicely done. Characters are well developed and the story itself is based on certain historical facts
The jumping from the past to the present was nicely done. Characters are well developed and the story itself is based on certain historical facts
August 1, 2026
Riveting! A fascinating tale with numerous historical insights as well as a focus on human fraility. Suspense filled story with so many supernatural threads. A
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