The Amalfi Secret

by Dean Reineking, Catherine Reineking

WINNER of a 2025 Book-of-the-Year Award from BestThrillerscom

When Gabe Roslo arrives in Amalfi, Italy, a long-awaited reunion with his grandparents takes a tragic turn. His beloved grandfather is dead—and a cryptic diary left behind is Gabe’s only clue to the mystery surrounding his sudden death. But what starts as a personal tragedy quickly spirals into a high-stakes international puzzle.

Teaming up with Anna, a resourceful Roman local, Gabe follows a trail of hidden truths that stretches from the stunning Amalfi coast to the corridors of global power. Secret codes, powerful enemies, and a legacy of deception pull them into a world where nothing is as it seems. With each twist, they are forced to question their allies and uncover dark secrets that could shift the global balance of power.

But as the walls close in, Gabe and Anna must risk everything to expose the truth before it’s buried forever. Will they decipher the mystery and reveal the sinister forces at play? Or will they become the next victims of The Amalfi Secret?

Perfect for fans of Dan Brown and Robert Ludlum, The Amalfi Secret is a pulse-pounding thriller that will keep you guessing until the final, breathtaking twist.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

376 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Dean and Catherine Reineking have been collaborating on writing projects and life for decades. Dean was an investment and financial consultant for over 30 years and is now writing full-time with Catherine while managing the family’s small resort near Glacier National Park. Catherine is a retired teacher of creative writing and trained marriage and family counselor. She and Dean are both students of history and enjoy traveling worldwide in pursuit of a good story. They are bicycling enthusiasts and live in Memphis where they raised their three children and enjoy a vibrant life in the community.

Reviews

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Amalfi Secret” by Dean Reineking and Catherine Reineking is a powerful, thought-provoking, suspenseful, and intense novel. This is a deep and dark novel which discusses good and evil, and how it effects everything throughout history, such as politics, religion, power, and manipulation. One example is how the authors discuss 911 and contrast both the evil and gook that has come from that. The Genres for this well written provocative masterpiece are: Political Thriller, International Mystery, Suspense and Crime, Espionage, Adventure and Fiction. The Author vividly describes his dramatic, flawed, complex and complicated characters. There are so many questions that I have, and so many “What ifs” that my head is spinning.

One of the male protagonists Gabe Roslo, arrives in Amalfi, Italy to visit his grandparents. Tragically he finds that his grandfather is dead, and has left a diary, and some other clues. Gabe gets involved with keeping his grandmother safe, and at the same time enters a dangerous world of espionage, murder, kidnappings, secrets, codes, dangerous times in history, and puzzles to figure out. Along for the ride is Anna, a brilliant Catholic Italian young woman., who helps him.Gabe finds himself meeting a high ranking member of the Church, and also finds himself involved with government agencies and possibly the mafia. Gabe discovers that both his grandfather and his great-grandfather were politically involved, and had their differences. Gabe is also surprised to find that his deceased grandfather was working on a secret, special assignment for the government. Nothing is as it seems, and strange threading letters and notes in codes are disturbing. As Gabe reads his grandfather’s diary he is shocked and almost feels like this is an impossible world. Who really has the power? I highly recommend this intriguing thriller.

[Rentheriver · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t agree with the hype about this book. Some parts are interesting from a historical standpoint but the writing was long, repetitive and painful at times.

[Todd Gutschow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, History and Suspense

This novel combines coded clues, secret societies, church history, political intrigue, and a murder mystery in a way that keeps the story moving. Set in the beautiful Italian Amalfi Coast with detours to Rome and the Vatican, the main characters find themselves thrown into a situation beyond anything they were prepared for. The main characters are rather likable and very believable. If you are interested in Italian history, esp. World War 2, and you enjoy deep dives into Catholic religious theology, then you will enjoy the side trips the author takes throughout the story. These side trips of information do not detract from the story. It rather enhances the context and helps set the stage for later suspenseful chapters. With elements of conspiracy, espionage, family grief and love, this novel is a meaningful page turner.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast paced full of action story. You’re never really sure who is friend or foe. It certainly keeps you guessing and on the edge of your chair. It’s full of twists and turns.

[elena j. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amalfi Secret pulls you into a sunlit coastline that quickly turns deceptive, where beauty and danger sit uncomfortably close together. Dean Reineking and Catherine Reineking build a story that starts as personal loss and steadily expands into something far more global in scope, where grief becomes the doorway into a much larger conspiracy.

What makes the story work is the way it balances intimacy with escalation. Gabe’s discovery of his grandfather’s diary grounds the opening in emotion, but that anchor doesn’t hold for long before the narrative pulls him into codes, hidden histories, and shifting alliances. Anna adds a grounded counterweight resourceful, cautious, and essential when the world around them stops making sense.

The real tension comes from uncertainty. Every answer seems to open another layer, and every step forward feels like it might be the wrong one. It’s the kind of thriller where trust is constantly in question, and the setting itself starts to feel like part of the puzzle rather than just a backdrop.

At its core, this is a story about inheritance not just of memory, but of danger, truth, and consequences that reach far beyond one family. If you’re drawn to international thrillers with conspiracies, puzzles, and shifting loyalties, this one keeps the pressure on right through to the end.

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amalfi Secret by Dean and Catherine Reineking is a mystery/thriller about our MC named Gabe. Gabe is heading to Italy and he finds out that his grandfather is dead but suddenly dead, which is weird. Gabe gets a message in a diary that nothing is what it seems. And there are secrets that are revealed that make the story so interesting to read. Gabe meets Anna, who is a local Roman woman who helps Gabe try to figure out the mystery of the diary and the weird message. The story takes place right after 9/11 in 2001 in the past modern day history. Gabe is a flawed hero, which I love as it is more relatable for the readers. I love a character who is a realistic person with secrets, flaws, and problems like a real life person:) The story is compelling and thrilling as you read and that twist ending! WOW! I love that the author includes the catholic church in this book and also the theme about darkness and how you can't really trust people, they are not always as they seem and can be 'good' or 'bad'. A great thriller overall!

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment Gabe Roslo steps foot in Amalfi for what should’ve been a heartwarming reunion, I was hooked. The shock of his grandfather’s sudden death and the discovery of a cryptic diary had me instantly invested. I could practically smell the sea salt in the air and feel the tension rising as secrets began to unravel.

Gabe isn’t your typical hero; he's intelligent, flawed, and determined in a way that feels real. And when Anna enters the picture, with her sharp wit and fierce loyalty, the story levels up. Their dynamic adds warmth to a plot laced with danger, hidden codes, and political intrigue that feels terrifyingly possible.

Every chapter raised the stakes. The Reinekings blend family legacy, ancient mystery, and modern power plays into a fast-paced narrative that reminded me of The Da Vinci Code meets National Treasure, but with a distinctly emotional core. Beneath the high-stakes chases and cryptic clues, there’s a story about grief, trust, and how far we’ll go to uncover the truth.

By the time I reached the final twist, I was completely consumed and equal parts shocked and satisfied.

⚡️Thank you Author Marketing Experts, Dean and Catherine Reineking for sharing this book with me!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a high paced and intriguing read. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this did not disappoint. I finished it in a weekend. Can’t wait for the next in the series.

Best part for me is that it highlights a developing romantic relationship in a completely appropriate and clean way. Refreshing!!!

[JANETZ HART · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually, when I sit down to read a book, I fall asleep. I picked up this book on a Sunday afternoon. I did not put it down until I finished it! It hooked me right in from the beginning, and I enjoyed the characters and the story so much . So many twists and turns! One of the themes in the book is how darkness can present itself as light and lead people astray. This theme followed through in the characters where you could not tell who to trust- one might seem like a good guy or like a bad guy – but you never really know until the end of the book. Love the twist at the end.

Unlike so much writing and misrepresentation today, it was nice to see the Roman Catholic Church and her teachings presented accurately.

[David Carriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amalfi Secret blends atmospheric European intrigue with fast-paced, puzzle driven storytelling. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Dean and Catherine Reineking craft a thriller that balances emotional loss with global consequence. The diary at the center of the mystery serves as both a personal anchor and a gateway into a larger web of deception, secret codes, and power plays. With sharp pacing, escalating tension, and a classic conspiracythriller feel reminiscent of Dan Brown and Robert Ludlum, this novel delivers both intellectual intrigue and cinematic momentum. A compelling read for fans who enjoy mysteries where every answer raises a deeper question.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterful debut political thriller that threads ancient prophecy with espionage, religion and murder. Perfect for fans of Steve Berry, Daniel Silva and Dan Brown.

The book begins post-9/11 2001 as Canadian climbing guide Gabe Roslo arrives at the Amalfi Hotel, nestled in a cliffside hotel overlooking the Mediterranean. Gabe is eager for a long-overdue reunion with his grandparents, John and Francesca Roslo, but his hopes are quickly shattered by tragedy when his grandfather dies under mysterious circumstances. A cryptic diary discovered near the body, and an ominous message written in steam on a bathroom mirror, suggest something far more sinister than natural causes.

With the help of Lorenzo, the innkeeper, and Paolo, a trusted friend of the family, Gabe is drawn into a web of secrets tied to his grandfather’s past in the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). Now, far from home and unsure whom to trust, Gabe must face the devastating possibility that his grandfather was murdered.

Authors Dean and Catherine Reineking have crafted a fast-paced international thriller that blends politics, espionage, historical mystery and spiritual intrigue into a story that is as cinematic as it is cerebral. The Amalfi Secret is the kind of book that plunges readers into a richly textured world where ancient secrets collide with modern geopolitics. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, Rome, and beyond, it combines the emotional stakes of personal loss with the high-octane momentum of a global conspiracy.

Which brings us back to the book’s preface. All too often, modern prologues and prefaces amount to little more than a cheap narrative device through which authors deliver a quick jolt of violence – usually involving a flashback, flash-forward and at least one dead body – in an attempt to hook readers. Refreshingly, that’s not the case here. Set in January 2025 at the inauguration of Donald Trump’s second presidential term, we learn that Gabe has survived the investigation into his grandfather’s death – cementing him as the book’s central player, and paving the way for the forthcoming sequel. Second, we learn that Anna Castriotti – Gabe’s interpreter, driver, cultural liaison – will become a major influence on him. But more importantly, the passage acts as an essential thematic springboard for a fictional book about how leaders – religious, political, or covert – shape the destinies of nations and individuals alike. It’s worth revisiting repeatedly, as every word of Gabe’s astute observations are carefully calculated and resonate more strongly as the story progresses.

Those themes prove essential as the plot eventually moves from a suspected murder in a boutique hotel to the Vatican, where much of the story’s religious undercurrent centers around Catholic prophecy, specifically the messages received by Father Stefano Gobbi, an Italian priest who claimed to receive locutions (inner messages) from the Virgin Mary. Known as the Gobbi messages, these communications are recognized by elements of the Catholic faithful—though not officially confirmed by the Church—as warnings about spiritual warfare and future global upheaval. The connections to Gabe’s grandfather become fascinating, especially as they potentially also tie to real-world events.

Highly recommended.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Amalfi Secret" by Dean and Catherine Reineking is a masterful debut that transports readers into a world filled with intrigue, mystery, and a little bit of high-stakes adventure along the stunning Italian coastline. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Amalfi Coast and Rome, this thriller combines political machinations, historical mysteries, and religious themes to craft a narrative that is as intellectually engaging as it is entertaining. Fans of authors like Dan Brown, Malachi Martin, Glen Cooper, and perhaps even Robert Ludlum will find themselves right at home in this gripping tale.

The story begins with Canadian climbing guide Gabe Roslo arriving in Amalfi for what promises to be a joyful family reunion. His world is turned upside down when his grandfather, John Roslo, suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances. Clues left behind—a cryptic diary and initials on a steamy mirror—suggest that John's death was not accidental, compelling Gabe to dig deeper. The authors waste no time immersing readers into a quest as Gabe finds himself entangled in a web of secrets spanning from Amalfi to the heart of the Vatican.

Aiding Gabe is Anna Castriotti, a quick-witted Roman with a deep understanding of the city's hidden depths. The partnership between Gabe and Anna is one of the novel's highlights, blending camaraderie with underlying chemistry without detracting from the mission at hand. The tension between deciphering ancient codes and dodging a few present-day dangers makes for a compelling read, leaving readers eager to see how Gabe and Anna unravel the mysteries before them.

What truly makes this novel intriguing to me is that the Reinekings interweave real historical and religious elements to enhance the authenticity of the story. They delve into the complex backstory involving 19th-century diaries and the controversial Gobbi messages, supposedly received from the Virgin Mary. The historical context enriches the conspiracy at the story's core, blurring the lines between fiction and reality and adding depth to the narrative’s exploration of faith, power, and morality.

Throughout the novel, the authors expertly balance brain-teasing puzzles with some action. The alternating sense of urgency and introspection allows readers to piece together the mystery alongside Gabe and Anna, maintaining suspense without feeling rushed. The novel manages to strike a fine balance between a thought-provoking exploration of beliefs and a smartly crafted thriller that thrills to the last page.

What sets this book apart is not just its plot but its richly drawn characters depth. Gabe is an everyman hero, deeply relatable in his grief and determination, guided more by loyalty and love than by conventional espionage training. This humanity grounds the story amidst the swirling intrigue, lending it an unexpectedly heartfelt dimension that elevates the stakes beyond mere power struggles.

In summary, "The Amalfi Secret" is a well written richly woven tale that combines history, mystery, and heart. It’s more than a novel about espionage or religious secrets; it’s about the timeless struggle between light and darkness and how individuals can shape the course of history. With its alluring setting, dynamic characters, and engaging plot, this novel is a rewarding read that promises to linger in readers' minds long after the final twist.

[Likely Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amalfi Secret is the kind of thriller that sneaks up on you. It starts quietly, almost cinematically, and before you realize it, you’ve been swept into a world of prophecies, politics, and secrets buried deep in the marble corridors of history. The story moves between the present and the past with a rhythm that feels effortless, and even when the stakes climb, the authors manage to keep the human element right where it belongs—at the center. What surprised me most wasn’t the espionage or the religious intrigue, but the emotion underneath it all. It’s a story about love, legacy, and how far people will go to protect the truth.

There’s a gravity to the writing that reminds me of old-school political thrillers, but with more heart. Gabe Roslo is not your typical hero; he’s quietly capable, haunted, and deeply loyal. His grief feels genuine, and his need for answers pulls you along as much as the mystery itself. The story’s backdrop—the cliffs of Amalfi, the solemn air of Rome, the shadowed corners of the Vatican—adds an atmospheric beauty to the unfolding tension. You can almost smell the sea salt and espresso as danger closes in.

I also appreciated that the authors didn’t rush the reveal. They take their time, letting secrets drip out through journal entries, coded mirrors, and the wary exchanges between friends who might not be what they seem. Every conversation feels loaded, every clue slightly out of reach. The pacing builds slowly but deliberately. And just when you think you understand the scope of the story, it widens again—to global conspiracies, ancient orders, and moral choices that test faith and loyalty.

This isn’t just a novel about espionage or religion—it’s about the spaces between them. About belief turned dangerous, power wrapped in prophecy, and how history never stays buried for long. It’s a slow burn that rewards patience and curiosity, a blend of The Da Vinci Code’s intrigue with All the Light We Cannot See’s emotional depth. If you like stories that balance intellect with heart, this one lingers after you close the book.

Find my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2025/11/07/r...

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This debut novel by Dean and Catherine Reineking is reminiscent of Dan Brown’s The Davinci Code. Canadian Gabe Roslo goes to the Amalfi coast to visit his grandparents and go climbing. But the next morning he finds his grandfather dead. There’s a message on the mirror and a diary. These are the only clues Gabe has to figure out what is going on. Gabe is introduced to a cast of characters to help him learn about his grandfather and what his grandfather was up to. Gabe is now putting his life at risk, but he isn’t sure for what.

If you like religious secrets and learning about its ties to history with added in thrills, then this book is for you! The first half of this book is heavy on explanation about Freemasons and religious symbols. It got to be a little much for me and it was dense to read. However, I know that there are a lot of readers that love that and it’s very clear that these authors are very knowledgeable. The second half of the book is filled with action, and that’s where the book picked up for me. Once the action really starts, it does not stop. This book would do well as a movie.

With the action comes running off to different locations on the Amalfi coast. My husband and I visited there when we were on our honeymoon, so it took me back a bit. We stayed in Sorrento and took a bus down the coast through Positano to Ravello. We also took the book to Capri and the chair lift to the Anacapri. The descriptions of these locales were spot on, and provided the perfect imagery for the reader.

So if you love secrets, codes, symbols, interwoven history, and thrills, check this book out!

[BookTrib.com]

Debut novel The Amalfi Secret by Dean and Catherine Reineking takes readers on a pulse-pounding chase through sun-drenched Italian locales and shadowy halls of power.
This mystery thriller opens on the picturesque Amalfi Coast, where Gabe Roslo meets up with his grandparents for a family vacation. It’s a heartfelt reunion after a year or so apart. Almost immediately, Gabe’s joy turns to grief and confusion as his beloved grandfather, John, dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances.
A set of initials left behind on a steamy mirror and a cryptic diary with missing pages — the first clues in a dangerous puzzle — suggest that John’s death was no accident. In fact, it soon becomes clear that John Roslo’s “vacation” in Italy was anything but leisurely — it was the beginning of a mission that now falls on Gabe’s shoulders.
Determined to seek the truth, Gabe teams up with Anna Castriotti, a resourceful young local from Rome. Together they follow a trail of coded messages and biblical references that stretches from tranquil Amalfi to the very heart of the Vatican. Secret codes, powerful enemies and long-buried deceptions pull them into a world where nothing is as it seems, and the stakes could not be higher.

Read the full review on BookTrib.com

[Julia L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Analfi Secret is a compelling debut thriller, but it is so much more than that! It starts simply enough. Gabe, a Canadian climbing guide, meets his grandparents for a long awaited vacation. Tragically his beloved grandfather dies with a mysterious journal by his side. Gabe is pulled into secret worlds while trying to care for his grandmother and figure out the meaning of the journal.
He is helped by Anna, a local woman, and they quickly get pulled into political intrigue, age old religious groups and warnings, and people who want to do them harm. The Amalfi Secret is a fast paced novel with lots of turns and twists!

[Brianna Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t really my cup of tea, despite that, I found myself wanting to find out the truth and being eager to see what happened when a chapter ended on a cliffhanger. Lots of action in the latter third of the book.. I felt it drag about halfway. It got a little muggy for me with all the spiritually/masonic/religious explanations and revelations … I honestly feel like the exact same plot could’ve happened with any sort of secret organization without all that but the author was clearly trying to make a point about our political and religious climate in America. This book made me miss Amalfi!!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner this turned out to be and I was instantly hooked from the start. This book has so many aspects that I love when reading novels - murder, mystery, romance and secrets. With a variety of characters to leave you guessing, it was hard to figure out who was responsible and whom could be trusted. It is very well written and the descriptions of people and places help the reader feel immersed in the story. This book makes me want to visit Italy so much more now due to its portrayal and descriptive telling. I would definitely read more from these authors.

[Amy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Amalfi Secret more than I expected. As the story unfolds, it draws you in with its conspiracy-driven plot, weaving global events together with the Vatican, Freemasons, and deeper belief systems. Gabe’s constant uncertainty about who to trust, and who might betray him, keeps the tension high and the pages turning. Overall, it’s a gripping thriller that fans of conspiracy-driven fiction would enjoy.

[Connie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Father was a Mason…I do not believe this writing

Book was a good read but not sure it is accurate. Opens up questions that can no longer be answered by someone I trusted. If it is fiction; the book is filled with intrigue and mystery - murder and mayhem. You need to read it for yourself. I have always loved the Amalfi Coast…not so much anymore…

[Laurin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was not a pleasurable read.

[Brittany Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amalfi Secret was an engaging and enjoyable read, especially as a fan of mysteries that blend history, religion, and political intrigue. Being gifted this book made it an even more pleasant surprise.

The story has a strong Dan Brown–style feel, with layered mysteries and high-stakes secrets that kept me interested throughout. The mix of religious and political elements added depth and tension, making it easy to stay invested as the plot unfolded.

Overall, this was a solid, entertaining mystery that delivers intrigue and momentum. A great recommendation for readers who enjoy historical puzzles, conspiracies, and fast-paced storytelling with global implications.