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Covenant of the Dead
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
About the author
Glenn Cooper
37 books1,459 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 49 reviews
March 26, 2026
Covenant of the Dead by Glenn Cooper is another semi-religious mystery featuring Cal Donovan, a tenured professor in Harvard’s Divinity school who has, to cap off all his deeds, fallen in love with a nun. Not just any nun, but perhaps the most famous in the world: Elisabetta Celestino, the former Secretary of State for the Vatican. Many changes have to happen before they can be together, not the least of which, Cal has to stop drinking, which is no small thing, but appears to be happening. She has joined the staff at Harvard and is a natural teacher, until three nuns are murdered and a column comes out in the newspaper in which a medium appears to identify the killer. Her curiosity is piqued and she convinces Cal to join her in a sitting (séance) where she hears an unlikely message from her brother. Upon investigating, she discovers it to be true and she is beyond torn. The investigation into the murders continues with much of it historical, as is the practice of mysticism.
This series is full of intriguing plots, and twists and turns that not only engage the mind, but force the reader to re-examine their own beliefs. Cal has always been an engaging character, smarter than he has any business being, and finds himself embroiled in interesting situations. Elisabetta is an intelligent woman, a consummate politician, and so much more, it turns out. The book embraces the topic of the psychic world in which many have participated, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle of Sherlock Holmes fame. Delving into the past is a hallmark of Cooper’s series. I find his books, not only educational, but interesting and compelling. Great read.
I was invited to read Covenant of the Dead by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #GlennCooper #CovenantOfTheDead
This series is full of intriguing plots, and twists and turns that not only engage the mind, but force the reader to re-examine their own beliefs. Cal has always been an engaging character, smarter than he has any business being, and finds himself embroiled in interesting situations. Elisabetta is an intelligent woman, a consummate politician, and so much more, it turns out. The book embraces the topic of the psychic world in which many have participated, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle of Sherlock Holmes fame. Delving into the past is a hallmark of Cooper’s series. I find his books, not only educational, but interesting and compelling. Great read.
I was invited to read Covenant of the Dead by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #GlennCooper #CovenantOfTheDead
May 3, 2026
A nice installment in the Cal Donovan series.A slightly predictable but fun read.
May 30, 2026
Glenn Cooper (https://glenncooperbooks.com) is the author of more than 20 novels. Covenant of the Dead was published last March and is the eighth novel in his Cal Donovan series. It is the 43rd title I’ve completed reading in 2026.
I received an ARC of this book for free through https://www.netgalley.com and I am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Due to scenes of violence and mature language, I categorize this novel as R.
Three nuns are found murdered in the attic of Wellspring House, a Boston convent. Despite the brutal nature of the crime, the sisters living on the floors below heard nothing. The only items missing are the victims' rosaries.
Boston Police Detectives Maria Thinh and José Santos are assigned to the baffling case. Investigators find no shell casings, no witnesses, and no apparent motive. The only significant clue comes from an FBI ballistic analysis, which reveals that both the weapon and ammunition used in the murders are rare antiques.
Days later, Boston medium Eva Nevins steps forward with a startling claim. According to her spirit guide, the killer is a priest with a distinctive red nose. What begins as a single newspaper story quickly escalates into a citywide frenzy. Suspicion falls on Father Malloy, a troubled priest who matches the description and has ties to the nuns of Wellspring House.
The case soon draws the attention of Harvard professor and renowned “pope whisperer” Cal Donovan, along with former Vatican Secretary of State Sister Elisabetta Celestino. Having left the Vatican, Elisabetta now teaches at Harvard. While Cal’s feelings for her have deepened into something more than friendship, Elisabetta remains bound by the vows she has yet to renounce.
After interviewing Eva Nevins, Cal and Elisabetta are surprised by how credible they find her. As additional nuns die under mysterious circumstances, their interest in the investigation intensifies. Working alongside Detectives Thinh and Santos, they pool their resources and begin following a trail of increasingly disturbing clues.
Their search uncovers an unusual web - an antique firearm, long-buried secrets, and a generations-old vendetta stretching back to Arthur Conan Doyle and the rise of the modern Spiritualist movement.
To save an innocent man from becoming the scapegoat for the murders, Cal and Elisabetta must determine whether they are pursuing a masterful fraud who manipulates belief for deadly ends, or confronting a far more unsettling possibility: that the dead are truly communicating from beyond the veil.
I enjoyed the 7.5 hours I spent reading this 384-page thriller. I have had the opportunity to read a few other novels by Mr. Cooper: The Showstone, Three Marys, and Sign of the Cross. I have found every one of them a joy to read. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4.7 (rounded to 5) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this book for free through https://www.netgalley.com and I am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Due to scenes of violence and mature language, I categorize this novel as R.
Three nuns are found murdered in the attic of Wellspring House, a Boston convent. Despite the brutal nature of the crime, the sisters living on the floors below heard nothing. The only items missing are the victims' rosaries.
Boston Police Detectives Maria Thinh and José Santos are assigned to the baffling case. Investigators find no shell casings, no witnesses, and no apparent motive. The only significant clue comes from an FBI ballistic analysis, which reveals that both the weapon and ammunition used in the murders are rare antiques.
Days later, Boston medium Eva Nevins steps forward with a startling claim. According to her spirit guide, the killer is a priest with a distinctive red nose. What begins as a single newspaper story quickly escalates into a citywide frenzy. Suspicion falls on Father Malloy, a troubled priest who matches the description and has ties to the nuns of Wellspring House.
The case soon draws the attention of Harvard professor and renowned “pope whisperer” Cal Donovan, along with former Vatican Secretary of State Sister Elisabetta Celestino. Having left the Vatican, Elisabetta now teaches at Harvard. While Cal’s feelings for her have deepened into something more than friendship, Elisabetta remains bound by the vows she has yet to renounce.
After interviewing Eva Nevins, Cal and Elisabetta are surprised by how credible they find her. As additional nuns die under mysterious circumstances, their interest in the investigation intensifies. Working alongside Detectives Thinh and Santos, they pool their resources and begin following a trail of increasingly disturbing clues.
Their search uncovers an unusual web - an antique firearm, long-buried secrets, and a generations-old vendetta stretching back to Arthur Conan Doyle and the rise of the modern Spiritualist movement.
To save an innocent man from becoming the scapegoat for the murders, Cal and Elisabetta must determine whether they are pursuing a masterful fraud who manipulates belief for deadly ends, or confronting a far more unsettling possibility: that the dead are truly communicating from beyond the veil.
I enjoyed the 7.5 hours I spent reading this 384-page thriller. I have had the opportunity to read a few other novels by Mr. Cooper: The Showstone, Three Marys, and Sign of the Cross. I have found every one of them a joy to read. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4.7 (rounded to 5) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
March 25, 2026
I read this book as an ARC from NetGalley and this review is based on my reading the book and is an honest feedback about the book.
Any new Glenn Cooper release automatically goes to the top of my list. Having read multiple books by the author and followed the Cal Donovan series closely, I fully expected a clever mix of history, mystery and suspense. I am happy to say this one delivers exactly that, with a darker and more atmospheric edge. The presence of Arthur Conan Doyle as an important character in the story creates an even cooler mix.
The story begins with a brutal and unsettling crime inside a Boston convent. Three nuns are murdered under strange circumstances and the only clue is that their rosaries are missing. From there, the narrative opens up into a layered investigation that brings Cal Donovan and Elisabetta Celestino into a world of séances, mediums and the lingering question of whether something beyond logic is at play.
One thing I always appreciate about Glenn’s writing is how effortlessly he blends historical detail with a fast moving thriller. The inclusion of spiritualism and its historical roots adds an extra dimension to the story and keeps things intellectually engaging. It is not just about solving a crime, it is about understanding belief, doubt and how far people are willing to go for both.
Cal Donovan remains a character I enjoy returning to. There is a familiarity there that long time readers will appreciate and his dynamic with Elisabetta continues to work well. Their interactions feel natural and grounded, which helps balance the more eerie and ambiguous elements of the plot.
The pacing is strong for the most part, especially in the opening and closing sections. The middle does slow down slightly with more focus on background and explanation, but it never loses my interest. If anything, it adds depth even if it softens the tension a little.
What stood out most for me was the tone. This is a darker story compared to some of Glenn’s earlier work. There is a constant sense of unease that builds steadily and leads to a satisfying and impactful conclusion. The ambiguity surrounding the supernatural elements is handled well, though readers looking for clear answers might feel slightly conflicted.
Overall, this is a solid addition to the series and another reminder of why I keep coming back to Glenn Cooper’s books. It may not be my absolute favorite from him, but it is definitely a compelling and enjoyable read that I would recommend to fans of historical thrillers with a touch of the unexplained.
Looking forward to what comes next in the series.
Recommended for: fans of Dan Brown, Steve Berry and anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a supernatural edge.
Final verdict: A compelling, eerie read that proves Cooper still knows how to keep readers hooked.
Any new Glenn Cooper release automatically goes to the top of my list. Having read multiple books by the author and followed the Cal Donovan series closely, I fully expected a clever mix of history, mystery and suspense. I am happy to say this one delivers exactly that, with a darker and more atmospheric edge. The presence of Arthur Conan Doyle as an important character in the story creates an even cooler mix.
The story begins with a brutal and unsettling crime inside a Boston convent. Three nuns are murdered under strange circumstances and the only clue is that their rosaries are missing. From there, the narrative opens up into a layered investigation that brings Cal Donovan and Elisabetta Celestino into a world of séances, mediums and the lingering question of whether something beyond logic is at play.
One thing I always appreciate about Glenn’s writing is how effortlessly he blends historical detail with a fast moving thriller. The inclusion of spiritualism and its historical roots adds an extra dimension to the story and keeps things intellectually engaging. It is not just about solving a crime, it is about understanding belief, doubt and how far people are willing to go for both.
Cal Donovan remains a character I enjoy returning to. There is a familiarity there that long time readers will appreciate and his dynamic with Elisabetta continues to work well. Their interactions feel natural and grounded, which helps balance the more eerie and ambiguous elements of the plot.
The pacing is strong for the most part, especially in the opening and closing sections. The middle does slow down slightly with more focus on background and explanation, but it never loses my interest. If anything, it adds depth even if it softens the tension a little.
What stood out most for me was the tone. This is a darker story compared to some of Glenn’s earlier work. There is a constant sense of unease that builds steadily and leads to a satisfying and impactful conclusion. The ambiguity surrounding the supernatural elements is handled well, though readers looking for clear answers might feel slightly conflicted.
Overall, this is a solid addition to the series and another reminder of why I keep coming back to Glenn Cooper’s books. It may not be my absolute favorite from him, but it is definitely a compelling and enjoyable read that I would recommend to fans of historical thrillers with a touch of the unexplained.
Looking forward to what comes next in the series.
Recommended for: fans of Dan Brown, Steve Berry and anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a supernatural edge.
Final verdict: A compelling, eerie read that proves Cooper still knows how to keep readers hooked.
April 7, 2026
Book Review: Covenant of the Dead by Glenn Cooper
Rating: 4 Stars
I’ve been a fan of Glenn Cooper’s Cal Donovan series for a while now, and Covenant of the Dead definitely lives up to the hype. The story kicks off with a chilling mystery: three nuns are found murdered in the attic of a Boston convent, with no witnesses or obvious clues—except their rosaries have vanished. The strange part? No bullet casings at the scene.
The plot thickens when a local medium claims her spirit guide has fingered a broken priest wielding an antique revolver as the killer. This revelation sparks a city-wide frenzy fueled by one sensational newspaper column. Enter Cal Donovan, the Harvard expert on religious phenomena, and Elisabetta Celestino, a former Vatican insider. Together, they dive into the world of séances and spiritualism, uncovering a tangled web of old secrets that trace all the way back to Arthur Conan Doyle and the origins of modern spiritualism.
What I really enjoyed about this installment is how it blends historical intrigue with a gripping murder mystery. The tension builds with every page as Cal and Elisabetta try to figure out if they’re dealing with an elaborate hoax or something genuinely supernatural. It’s this mix of skepticism and eerie possibility that keeps the story compelling.
Also, I have to say—the cover art on this book is fantastic. It immediately caught my eye and perfectly sets the mood for the eerie and suspenseful tale inside. Overall, Covenant of the Dead is another strong entry in the series that held my attention throughout. I’m giving it four stars because while it’s thrilling and well-paced, there were moments I wished some plot threads had been explored a bit deeper.
If you’re into historical mysteries combined with religious conspiracies and a touch of the paranormal, this book is definitely worth picking up. Fans of Dan Brown and Steve Berry will feel right at home here.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
I’ve been a fan of Glenn Cooper’s Cal Donovan series for a while now, and Covenant of the Dead definitely lives up to the hype. The story kicks off with a chilling mystery: three nuns are found murdered in the attic of a Boston convent, with no witnesses or obvious clues—except their rosaries have vanished. The strange part? No bullet casings at the scene.
The plot thickens when a local medium claims her spirit guide has fingered a broken priest wielding an antique revolver as the killer. This revelation sparks a city-wide frenzy fueled by one sensational newspaper column. Enter Cal Donovan, the Harvard expert on religious phenomena, and Elisabetta Celestino, a former Vatican insider. Together, they dive into the world of séances and spiritualism, uncovering a tangled web of old secrets that trace all the way back to Arthur Conan Doyle and the origins of modern spiritualism.
What I really enjoyed about this installment is how it blends historical intrigue with a gripping murder mystery. The tension builds with every page as Cal and Elisabetta try to figure out if they’re dealing with an elaborate hoax or something genuinely supernatural. It’s this mix of skepticism and eerie possibility that keeps the story compelling.
Also, I have to say—the cover art on this book is fantastic. It immediately caught my eye and perfectly sets the mood for the eerie and suspenseful tale inside. Overall, Covenant of the Dead is another strong entry in the series that held my attention throughout. I’m giving it four stars because while it’s thrilling and well-paced, there were moments I wished some plot threads had been explored a bit deeper.
If you’re into historical mysteries combined with religious conspiracies and a touch of the paranormal, this book is definitely worth picking up. Fans of Dan Brown and Steve Berry will feel right at home here.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
April 26, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cal is back in the US with his favorite nun, Sister Elisabetta, or Eli to her friends, who is now on faculty at Harvard Divinity School with Cal. She left the Vatican after the death of the last pope.
She and Cal are called in by the Boston Archdiocese to help investigate the murder of three nuns. They were shot in their beds and their rosaries were taken. The police have a suspect in custody-one of the priests who worked with the nuns briefly. He took confessions and attended to other spiritual needs. They really didn't like him because he was basically a drunk. The Archdiocese was in the process of putting him out to pasture.
The cops thought he did it and put him on house arrest. No visitors without permission and no booze. One night, they got a call and went to his house. He had apparently killed himself. Dead suspect means case closed. However, it gets good right about then. He worked with another priest who was more popular among the nuns. He's brought in because of a past incident when he was working in Canada. He's hiding a lot.
We get introduced to a medium Eva Nevins who seems like the real thing. This is why I tagged it as urban fiction. She has a spirit guide that is real. Eva knows a lot about what's going on. And that's all I'm going to say. No spoilers.
There's a romantic subplot between Cal and Eli that I had issues with. The author drops a lot of hints about their future. Eli's sisters are pushing her to be with him. I'm thinking she's a nun and she's been a pretty faithful one. I find it hard to believe that this man comes along and makes her question her vows. There's no overt romance, but their relationship goes way beyond friendship. I just didn't care for it. If there was something bigger to make her question her vows, then I can see it.
Anyway, I liked it and unfortunately life took over and it took me forever to finish it. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Cal is back in the US with his favorite nun, Sister Elisabetta, or Eli to her friends, who is now on faculty at Harvard Divinity School with Cal. She left the Vatican after the death of the last pope.
She and Cal are called in by the Boston Archdiocese to help investigate the murder of three nuns. They were shot in their beds and their rosaries were taken. The police have a suspect in custody-one of the priests who worked with the nuns briefly. He took confessions and attended to other spiritual needs. They really didn't like him because he was basically a drunk. The Archdiocese was in the process of putting him out to pasture.
The cops thought he did it and put him on house arrest. No visitors without permission and no booze. One night, they got a call and went to his house. He had apparently killed himself. Dead suspect means case closed. However, it gets good right about then. He worked with another priest who was more popular among the nuns. He's brought in because of a past incident when he was working in Canada. He's hiding a lot.
We get introduced to a medium Eva Nevins who seems like the real thing. This is why I tagged it as urban fiction. She has a spirit guide that is real. Eva knows a lot about what's going on. And that's all I'm going to say. No spoilers.
There's a romantic subplot between Cal and Eli that I had issues with. The author drops a lot of hints about their future. Eli's sisters are pushing her to be with him. I'm thinking she's a nun and she's been a pretty faithful one. I find it hard to believe that this man comes along and makes her question her vows. There's no overt romance, but their relationship goes way beyond friendship. I just didn't care for it. If there was something bigger to make her question her vows, then I can see it.
Anyway, I liked it and unfortunately life took over and it took me forever to finish it. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Cal Donovan Vatican Conspiracy book# 8
I enjoyed this gripping thriller for its intellectual puzzle and its fast-paced conspiracy, as well as a story that includes a mystery, murders and a religious intrigue. Mr. Cooper knows well how to deliver a blend of historical, religious and scientific themes to captivate us from the get-go till we reach the last word.
Although this book is part of a series, it stands well by its own although I highly recommend to have a look at the previous books in order to know more about the protagonist, Cal Donavan, a Harvard professor, and Elisabetta Celestino, a former secretary of State to the Vatican. The two play a pivotal role in this latest. Be advise: IMO, some books are better than others but don’t give up, in the long run you will be rewarded.
The story in a few words:
Three nuns are murdered in the attic of a Boston convent. There are no witnesses. No shell casings.
The only things missing are their rosaries.
Days later, a Boston medium claims her spirit guide has identified the killer: a broken priest with an antique revolver. A single newspaper column turns that claim into a city-wide witch hunt.
Cal Donovan and former Vatican secretary Elisabetta Celestino step into the city’s séance rooms to test the story. What they uncover will reaches generations and the birth of modern spiritualism.
My last words:
The suspense never ends but I had to be all there in order to understand what was going on. We have a cracking police procedural, a medium’s spirit guide, a story about Boston mediums, a brief history of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his influence on Boston, a twisted case with roots going back 80 years and it goes on and on. The best a progression in the Cal and Elisabetta saga…awe….love is the air….
Thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC and providing my honest review!
I enjoyed this gripping thriller for its intellectual puzzle and its fast-paced conspiracy, as well as a story that includes a mystery, murders and a religious intrigue. Mr. Cooper knows well how to deliver a blend of historical, religious and scientific themes to captivate us from the get-go till we reach the last word.
Although this book is part of a series, it stands well by its own although I highly recommend to have a look at the previous books in order to know more about the protagonist, Cal Donavan, a Harvard professor, and Elisabetta Celestino, a former secretary of State to the Vatican. The two play a pivotal role in this latest. Be advise: IMO, some books are better than others but don’t give up, in the long run you will be rewarded.
The story in a few words:
Three nuns are murdered in the attic of a Boston convent. There are no witnesses. No shell casings.
The only things missing are their rosaries.
Days later, a Boston medium claims her spirit guide has identified the killer: a broken priest with an antique revolver. A single newspaper column turns that claim into a city-wide witch hunt.
Cal Donovan and former Vatican secretary Elisabetta Celestino step into the city’s séance rooms to test the story. What they uncover will reaches generations and the birth of modern spiritualism.
My last words:
The suspense never ends but I had to be all there in order to understand what was going on. We have a cracking police procedural, a medium’s spirit guide, a story about Boston mediums, a brief history of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his influence on Boston, a twisted case with roots going back 80 years and it goes on and on. The best a progression in the Cal and Elisabetta saga…awe….love is the air….
Thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC and providing my honest review!
April 3, 2026
Since I've been sick all week, I was looking for books to read. I saw Covenant of the Dead by Glenn Cooper on Facebook. The Boston locale, murdered nuns, and it looked like a series. Have I found a new Three Pines Mysteries?
I hope so. I could just picture the locales. Been there, many times. The major characters are Sister Elisabetta Celestino and Cal Donovan. Boston Police Detectives Santos and Trinh, are important, too.
Three nuns are murdered and there was nothing stolen except their rosaries. Eli (Sister Elisabetta) and Cal pay a visit to the nuns. Then in the Boston Globe, there's news that the murderer is a priest with a red nose. That fits the description of only one priest and he's accused. He suspiciously dies before going to trial.
Eli and Cal pay a visit to the medium that said a priest with a red nose did it. There's a picture above the mantel of Arthur Conan Doyle--think Sherlock Holmes. It seems he had been to this very house and had a seance.
That was over a hundred years ago and the Bostonians rioted to have these necromancers out of their city. A riot broke out and the medium's four children burned to death. She blamed the nuns because they were very vocal with their rosaries and singing. Mmmmmm. Keep that in mind.
More tragedy to the medium's family. Her husband and only remaining child were in a car accident. Husband died and the daughter had to have her legs amputated. This is the daughter who earns her living doing seances.
Meanwhile, back in academia (Eli and Cal are professors at Harvard Divinity School). They contact people in the know to look up Arthur Conan Doyle and Boston seance. Their research also uncovers similar nuns' deaths, dating back a hundred years. After putting two and two together, rather parenthetical equations, the answer is revealed.
That's not the end. This is a thriller. Now that you know who and how, you better move fast to stop more murders.
I hope so. I could just picture the locales. Been there, many times. The major characters are Sister Elisabetta Celestino and Cal Donovan. Boston Police Detectives Santos and Trinh, are important, too.
Three nuns are murdered and there was nothing stolen except their rosaries. Eli (Sister Elisabetta) and Cal pay a visit to the nuns. Then in the Boston Globe, there's news that the murderer is a priest with a red nose. That fits the description of only one priest and he's accused. He suspiciously dies before going to trial.
Eli and Cal pay a visit to the medium that said a priest with a red nose did it. There's a picture above the mantel of Arthur Conan Doyle--think Sherlock Holmes. It seems he had been to this very house and had a seance.
That was over a hundred years ago and the Bostonians rioted to have these necromancers out of their city. A riot broke out and the medium's four children burned to death. She blamed the nuns because they were very vocal with their rosaries and singing. Mmmmmm. Keep that in mind.
More tragedy to the medium's family. Her husband and only remaining child were in a car accident. Husband died and the daughter had to have her legs amputated. This is the daughter who earns her living doing seances.
Meanwhile, back in academia (Eli and Cal are professors at Harvard Divinity School). They contact people in the know to look up Arthur Conan Doyle and Boston seance. Their research also uncovers similar nuns' deaths, dating back a hundred years. After putting two and two together, rather parenthetical equations, the answer is revealed.
That's not the end. This is a thriller. Now that you know who and how, you better move fast to stop more murders.
April 15, 2026
It must be my convent education but I am a sucker for anything to do with that kind of background, and you certainly got this in spades with this book.
We have a Secretary of State in the Vatican and it’s a nun! I knew this was going to be different, controversial and exciting. It was all three. Transferring to Harvard as. professor was going to be a change of pace but it was something Elisabetta Celestino was looking forward to. Cal Donovan, long time admirer and in love with said nun, was hoping Harvard would work in his favor, away from the ecclesiastical weight of the Vatican.
Murder and its investigation was not on anyone’s minds till three nuns were murdered in their sleep. No clues, no traces of why and how until a local priest is haplessly taken in for questioning. Both Elisabetta and Cal are doubtful of the priests being the murderer, but the powers that be want to set the story to rest. Another set of murders of nuns means the story does not get put to rest and investigations show several such incidents going back many years. No one has tried to find a link connecting the murders.
Along with the murders, is a story of seances and chief of them, a woman who has quietly conducted them in Boston for decades. An unassuming woman she has not been in the forefront of spiritualism and both Elizabetta and Cal are skeptical when they attend. However when something about her dead brother was said, which was private and unknown to all, Elisabetta has to rethink her beliefs.
The settings of the Vatican and Harvard were exciting and the contrasts were many. The characters were varied. The storyline was one which will make you rethink many things. A very good read.
We have a Secretary of State in the Vatican and it’s a nun! I knew this was going to be different, controversial and exciting. It was all three. Transferring to Harvard as. professor was going to be a change of pace but it was something Elisabetta Celestino was looking forward to. Cal Donovan, long time admirer and in love with said nun, was hoping Harvard would work in his favor, away from the ecclesiastical weight of the Vatican.
Murder and its investigation was not on anyone’s minds till three nuns were murdered in their sleep. No clues, no traces of why and how until a local priest is haplessly taken in for questioning. Both Elisabetta and Cal are doubtful of the priests being the murderer, but the powers that be want to set the story to rest. Another set of murders of nuns means the story does not get put to rest and investigations show several such incidents going back many years. No one has tried to find a link connecting the murders.
Along with the murders, is a story of seances and chief of them, a woman who has quietly conducted them in Boston for decades. An unassuming woman she has not been in the forefront of spiritualism and both Elizabetta and Cal are skeptical when they attend. However when something about her dead brother was said, which was private and unknown to all, Elisabetta has to rethink her beliefs.
The settings of the Vatican and Harvard were exciting and the contrasts were many. The characters were varied. The storyline was one which will make you rethink many things. A very good read.
April 24, 2026
Covenant of the Dead
By Glenn Cooper
This is another book in Mr. Cooper's Cal Donovan series. Donovan is a professor in the Harvard Divinity School – a "rock star" of academia: handsome, brilliant, a womanizer and a functioning alcoholic. As explained in earlier books, he has a special relationship with the Holy See, specifically the Pope.
In a previous book, he has met – and fallen deeply in love with – Elisabetta (Eli) Celestino. While Eli seems to be interested, she is a nun, and one in high standing at the Vatican.
Eli arrives in Boston to take up a teaching post at Harvard procured by Cal pulling strings. Eli and Cal become involved in a police investigation into the unexplained murders of five nuns. At the same time they meet with a medium – one Eva Nevins, a wheelchair-bound woman who comes from a long line of women with "the gift".
As the investigation continues, the professors and the detectives are becoming convinced that the priest who took the fall for the murders (and subsequently killed himself) was not guilty! As they search for the real killer, research shows that this is not the first time groups of nuns have been killed – in fact, these group murders have been going on over decades.
As the pieces come together, the real killer and the motive become clear. But there is another mystery: will Eli renounce her vows in favor of her life with Cal as academics? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Over all I liked the book, though there were some unresolved scenarios. Did Father Ray Malloy actually commit suicide? Why did his "boss" Father Timothy Bouchard visit him against orders the night he died? And what became of Father Bouchard? I wonder if this is food for another book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
By Glenn Cooper
This is another book in Mr. Cooper's Cal Donovan series. Donovan is a professor in the Harvard Divinity School – a "rock star" of academia: handsome, brilliant, a womanizer and a functioning alcoholic. As explained in earlier books, he has a special relationship with the Holy See, specifically the Pope.
In a previous book, he has met – and fallen deeply in love with – Elisabetta (Eli) Celestino. While Eli seems to be interested, she is a nun, and one in high standing at the Vatican.
Eli arrives in Boston to take up a teaching post at Harvard procured by Cal pulling strings. Eli and Cal become involved in a police investigation into the unexplained murders of five nuns. At the same time they meet with a medium – one Eva Nevins, a wheelchair-bound woman who comes from a long line of women with "the gift".
As the investigation continues, the professors and the detectives are becoming convinced that the priest who took the fall for the murders (and subsequently killed himself) was not guilty! As they search for the real killer, research shows that this is not the first time groups of nuns have been killed – in fact, these group murders have been going on over decades.
As the pieces come together, the real killer and the motive become clear. But there is another mystery: will Eli renounce her vows in favor of her life with Cal as academics? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Over all I liked the book, though there were some unresolved scenarios. Did Father Ray Malloy actually commit suicide? Why did his "boss" Father Timothy Bouchard visit him against orders the night he died? And what became of Father Bouchard? I wonder if this is food for another book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Call Donovan is back and he brings with him a new special friend and a case that will bring back dead nuns from the past!
The Sisters of the Living Well were eight nuns living happily until and intruder killed three nuns in the middle of the night. Sister Kristin, Sister Dora and Sister Lidia were shot using a pillow as a silencer and their rosaries were taken as trophies.
Sister Elisabetta Celestino, Vatican Secretary of State who is coping with the death of her brother Emilio, has left her place as the first female Secretary of State and may be giving up her vows as a nun and Cal is the reason why.
When a local famous psychic makes a claim that her guide mentioned that the killer of the nuns is a red nosed priest, chaos ensues. Father Timothy Bouchard and Father Malloy become prime suspects, as they were close to the nuns. When two elderly nuns are killed with insulin that they didn't need and their rosaries are taken Elisabetta, Detectives Jose and Maria Trinh know they have a serial killer on the loose.
I think this is by far my favorite Cal Donovan book. I enjoyed Elisabetta so much, her work, her achievements and her convictions. Cal Donovan let her do her thing and I liked that about him. The present killings that led to the discovery of the past killings was so intersteresting. The story behind the serial killer was compelling. I felt bad for the priests who were wrongfully accused. I will most definitely go research the feminist catholic women mentioned in the book and their works.
Thank you Netgalley and Book Whisperer for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
The Sisters of the Living Well were eight nuns living happily until and intruder killed three nuns in the middle of the night. Sister Kristin, Sister Dora and Sister Lidia were shot using a pillow as a silencer and their rosaries were taken as trophies.
Sister Elisabetta Celestino, Vatican Secretary of State who is coping with the death of her brother Emilio, has left her place as the first female Secretary of State and may be giving up her vows as a nun and Cal is the reason why.
When a local famous psychic makes a claim that her guide mentioned that the killer of the nuns is a red nosed priest, chaos ensues. Father Timothy Bouchard and Father Malloy become prime suspects, as they were close to the nuns. When two elderly nuns are killed with insulin that they didn't need and their rosaries are taken Elisabetta, Detectives Jose and Maria Trinh know they have a serial killer on the loose.
I think this is by far my favorite Cal Donovan book. I enjoyed Elisabetta so much, her work, her achievements and her convictions. Cal Donovan let her do her thing and I liked that about him. The present killings that led to the discovery of the past killings was so intersteresting. The story behind the serial killer was compelling. I felt bad for the priests who were wrongfully accused. I will most definitely go research the feminist catholic women mentioned in the book and their works.
Thank you Netgalley and Book Whisperer for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
March 29, 2026
This was an interesting read. Would I read it again? Probably not. While it started off pretty strong, the flame died pretty quickly, leaving a story just barely interesting enough to keep me wanting to know how it ends.
There are a LOT of characters that once their roles are done, are forgotten quickly, even though they were made prominent and front and center before. Once their part is over they're never mentioned again, not even for the main characters to correct what they themselves did wrong.
There isn't a whole lot of growth or development for any of the main characters and I'm wondering how this main character has five more books to make a series when he's one of the most predictable, boring characters I've ever come across in my adventures reading.
The story isn't horrible, it just lacks emotion. There's no feeling to anything that happens except maybe the event that triggers everything else that happens. There was a modicum of emotion in those scenes.
The ending was anticlimactic at best, with no clear outcome to who is the good guy and who isn't. But maybe that was deliberate. Because you do see the point of view from both sides of the case, but at the same time it seemed to glorify and romanticize the crimes that were committed. There's a lot of build up for nothing to have come of it, in my opinion.
This mix of fiction and history in a murder mystery setting is sure to amuse some people, it just didn't for me.
The biggest issue which I'm not sure how it wasn't caught, is toward the end of the book, Mr. Cooper seemed to have forgotten that one of his characters was named Eva and began referring her to as Kay on and off for 25 of the last 50 pages.
There are a LOT of characters that once their roles are done, are forgotten quickly, even though they were made prominent and front and center before. Once their part is over they're never mentioned again, not even for the main characters to correct what they themselves did wrong.
There isn't a whole lot of growth or development for any of the main characters and I'm wondering how this main character has five more books to make a series when he's one of the most predictable, boring characters I've ever come across in my adventures reading.
The story isn't horrible, it just lacks emotion. There's no feeling to anything that happens except maybe the event that triggers everything else that happens. There was a modicum of emotion in those scenes.
The ending was anticlimactic at best, with no clear outcome to who is the good guy and who isn't. But maybe that was deliberate. Because you do see the point of view from both sides of the case, but at the same time it seemed to glorify and romanticize the crimes that were committed. There's a lot of build up for nothing to have come of it, in my opinion.
This mix of fiction and history in a murder mystery setting is sure to amuse some people, it just didn't for me.
The biggest issue which I'm not sure how it wasn't caught, is toward the end of the book, Mr. Cooper seemed to have forgotten that one of his characters was named Eva and began referring her to as Kay on and off for 25 of the last 50 pages.
April 14, 2026
Covenant of the Dead by Glenn Cooper is a Christian thriller wrapped around a murder mystery. Actually, several murders. All nuns. Received an ARC, and here's what I think about the book.
The novel opens with the brutal murder of three nuns in Boston, and a medium claims her spirit guide has identified the killer. Now, Harvard professor Cal Donovan and Elisabetta Celestino (former Vatican Secretary of State) end up pursuing their own line of investigation alongside the police.
The story revolves around spiritualism, putting seances, spirit guides and spiritualist movements prominently in the mix. The story unfolds across multiple timelines as the puzzle pieces are put together.
Even with such complicated timelines and heavy, religious themes, Glenn’s straightforward writing made the story easy to follow. However, much like his other books (that I’ve read), references to Christian elements were plenty, along with an ensemble of characters. Even Arthur Conan Doyle appeared in the story, as someone fascinated with spiritualism.
But with all the different twists and turns, the book tended to drag a bit. It was taxing to keep track of who was who, and I might have started confusing characters by the end. For example, someone I thought was dead kept appearing. Might have been a typo, but by that point, I wasn’t sure anymore.
The good thing is that it managed to stay engaging, and the climax was quite fast-paced... Thrilling. Surprising. It was like a race against time. So, I’ll say the climax “saved” the book.
Definitely a good read for those who love religious thrillers and mysteries with historical themes.
The novel opens with the brutal murder of three nuns in Boston, and a medium claims her spirit guide has identified the killer. Now, Harvard professor Cal Donovan and Elisabetta Celestino (former Vatican Secretary of State) end up pursuing their own line of investigation alongside the police.
The story revolves around spiritualism, putting seances, spirit guides and spiritualist movements prominently in the mix. The story unfolds across multiple timelines as the puzzle pieces are put together.
Even with such complicated timelines and heavy, religious themes, Glenn’s straightforward writing made the story easy to follow. However, much like his other books (that I’ve read), references to Christian elements were plenty, along with an ensemble of characters. Even Arthur Conan Doyle appeared in the story, as someone fascinated with spiritualism.
But with all the different twists and turns, the book tended to drag a bit. It was taxing to keep track of who was who, and I might have started confusing characters by the end. For example, someone I thought was dead kept appearing. Might have been a typo, but by that point, I wasn’t sure anymore.
The good thing is that it managed to stay engaging, and the climax was quite fast-paced... Thrilling. Surprising. It was like a race against time. So, I’ll say the climax “saved” the book.
Definitely a good read for those who love religious thrillers and mysteries with historical themes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an even higher octane thriller in the Cal Donovan series! Thank you to Book Whisperer/NetGalley for the DRC of this book. I have read the previous books in the series and was thrilled to see how Cal has personally grown through his past experiences. This book has a little more of a personal slant considering that Elisabetta has left the Vatican and is now working regularly alongside Cal. When three Nuns are murdered, both Cal and Elisabetta become involved tangentially due to their connection to the Church. This story mostly takes place in Boston bouncing from Cal in the present to Arthur Conan Doyle in the past. Cal takes a backseat to the detectives investigating the murder of the Nuns, and their disdain for the help offered by Cal and Elisabetta is evident. But as more information comes to light, the danger to both becomes present. There is less Catholic history and little archaeology in this book, but the church presence is strong and its flaws are not hidden. I found this edition to be very exciting considering the personal aspects for Cal and Elisabetta, and for the search for motive in the murders, for the mystical connection to our lost ones. There is a lot going on over multiple levels, coming together in a race to save the final Nun. This book is another hit out of the park for Cooper!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
349 pages
4 stars
A cracking police procedural. The detectives get the call of three dead nuns - murdered in their sleep at a local convent in Boston. The really odd thing is that their rosary beads are missing.
A story in the newspaper states that a medium’s spirit guide says the culprit is a local priest with a red nose.
It takes very little time for the police to hone in on the priest. Is he really the killer? When he is found dead in his room, the case gets closed. But there are doubts.
The medium connections takes the story in an interesting and exciting way to a discussion of the history of a family of Boston mediums, and surprisingly, a brief history of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He was a true believer of spiritualism. The book discusses the influence he had on the Boston family of mediums.
This is a real page turner. The twists and turns in the story are many, and interesting. I really liked this book and will recommend it.
The characters are well fleshed out. The writing is exceptional. The tension builds at a continuing pace.
I want to thank NetGalley and Book Whisperer - Lascaux Media for forwarding to me a copy of this good book. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
4 stars
A cracking police procedural. The detectives get the call of three dead nuns - murdered in their sleep at a local convent in Boston. The really odd thing is that their rosary beads are missing.
A story in the newspaper states that a medium’s spirit guide says the culprit is a local priest with a red nose.
It takes very little time for the police to hone in on the priest. Is he really the killer? When he is found dead in his room, the case gets closed. But there are doubts.
The medium connections takes the story in an interesting and exciting way to a discussion of the history of a family of Boston mediums, and surprisingly, a brief history of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He was a true believer of spiritualism. The book discusses the influence he had on the Boston family of mediums.
This is a real page turner. The twists and turns in the story are many, and interesting. I really liked this book and will recommend it.
The characters are well fleshed out. The writing is exceptional. The tension builds at a continuing pace.
I want to thank NetGalley and Book Whisperer - Lascaux Media for forwarding to me a copy of this good book. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
March 27, 2026
This is the first book by Glenn Cooper that I’ve read. It’s not my usual genre, so there were times that I felt it was a slow burn, but it kept my interest and kept me coming back to it whenever I had a spare minute to read. I did get it as an ARC from Book Whisperer and I thank them for the opportunity to read it. I really enjoyed the character development, but felt as though there must’ve been a previous book that as the two main characters felt as though they had history that may have been introduced earlier. That didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the book. There was mystery and build up, as well as the slow burn of the two main characters relationship. She was a nun in the midst of deciding if she wanted to continue as a nun or move in a different, but no less influential position. I really enjoyed the story as it wasn’t what I expected and didn’t end the way I thought it would either. The introduction of Arthur Conan Doyle as part of the plot really added another dimension to the story as well. It’s a murder mystery with a plot that you will never expect. I greatly enjoyed it.
April 2, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and Book Whisperer for the pre-release copy of the book to review.
Glenn Cooper is doing well with his character Cal Donovan, a professor at Harvard's School of Divinity with close ties to the Vatican. I highly recommend that the reader starts with the earlier Cal Donovan novels in order to understand his relationship with the former Secretary of State for the Vatican, Elisabetta Celestino (Eli.) Cal promises Eli that he will give up his destructive drinking and helped her secure a position at Harvard to also be a professor. She is the hit of Harvard, everyone wants to be in her classes.
Three nuns are murdered and a medium is quoted in the newspaper as identifying the killer. She convinces Cal to go with her to a seance, and she then hears something about her brother in this sitting which, as it turns out, was true. Being a nun, she is very skeptical of mediums and then researches that Arthur Conan Doyle was almost addicted to going to mediums and foreseers.
The author goes back into history as is his trademark and brings about a great story of intrigue, the crossing of religion and mysticism and they solve a mystery of the past as well as the present. I won't give away anything that will give foreshadowing to the author's surprises. I really couldn't put this book down!
Glenn Cooper is doing well with his character Cal Donovan, a professor at Harvard's School of Divinity with close ties to the Vatican. I highly recommend that the reader starts with the earlier Cal Donovan novels in order to understand his relationship with the former Secretary of State for the Vatican, Elisabetta Celestino (Eli.) Cal promises Eli that he will give up his destructive drinking and helped her secure a position at Harvard to also be a professor. She is the hit of Harvard, everyone wants to be in her classes.
Three nuns are murdered and a medium is quoted in the newspaper as identifying the killer. She convinces Cal to go with her to a seance, and she then hears something about her brother in this sitting which, as it turns out, was true. Being a nun, she is very skeptical of mediums and then researches that Arthur Conan Doyle was almost addicted to going to mediums and foreseers.
The author goes back into history as is his trademark and brings about a great story of intrigue, the crossing of religion and mysticism and they solve a mystery of the past as well as the present. I won't give away anything that will give foreshadowing to the author's surprises. I really couldn't put this book down!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I know when I begin a Glenn Cooper novel, I will be drawn in by the non stop action from the first chapter forward. Covenant of the Dead is no exception. One of the most intriguing aspects of Cooper’s writing is way of storytelling through developing historical events that connect to the present day mystery. The story opens up with three nuns shot dead in their beds while they sleep. The detectives are at a loss except for a few clues, a medium whose family has had the gift of speaking with the parted for over a hundred years, and Cal Donovan the Harvard Professor who can put the puzzle together. Like I have said before, I will read any mystery that Glenn Cooper writes because I am sure to be entertained and taken on a twisty ride.
Thank you, NetGalley, Book Whisperer and Glenn Cooper for providing me with an advanced reader copy to review.
Thank you, NetGalley, Book Whisperer and Glenn Cooper for providing me with an advanced reader copy to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The first third of this book had me hooked — intriguing, fast‑paced, and full of promise. But after that strong start, the story lost some of its spark for me. There were a lot of characters and plot threads, and instead of building momentum, it started to feel a bit scattered. By the time I reached the conclusion, it was… fine. Some exciting moments, some good reveals, but overall a bit forgettable.
Cal has definitely mellowed since the previous book. I can appreciate the character growth, but I have to admit I missed the rough, messy edge that made him so compelling before. On the bright side, I really enjoyed watching his relationship with Elisabetta develop — she’s a great addition and brought a dynamic I liked.
In the end, it was an okay read with a solid premise, but I don't think it’ll stick with me.
Thank you NetGalley and Lascaux Media for the arc.
Cal has definitely mellowed since the previous book. I can appreciate the character growth, but I have to admit I missed the rough, messy edge that made him so compelling before. On the bright side, I really enjoyed watching his relationship with Elisabetta develop — she’s a great addition and brought a dynamic I liked.
In the end, it was an okay read with a solid premise, but I don't think it’ll stick with me.
Thank you NetGalley and Lascaux Media for the arc.
April 4, 2026
This certainly was a different book then my normal. It was filled with nuns, priests, a pope, a scholar, and a medium to round out the cast, and one is a murderer, and has been for a long time, but who? This book will take you all around the Boston area and some areas in Vatican City. But when a nun and the scholar, being old friends, team up for a paper to publish on the subject of nunicide they didn’t know they would also be the ones to solve these heinous crimes.
Kind of Dan Brown but not either. It was a wonderful book and I loved the characters, even the creepy ones. This book will keep you guessing until the end but learning some of the insights in to the Catholic church is interesting, especially the past. I really like this book because of the mystery that is hard to solve.
Review copy provided by Netgalley
Kind of Dan Brown but not either. It was a wonderful book and I loved the characters, even the creepy ones. This book will keep you guessing until the end but learning some of the insights in to the Catholic church is interesting, especially the past. I really like this book because of the mystery that is hard to solve.
Review copy provided by Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A great mystery. Elisabetta, formerly of the Vatican, has moved to Boston with Cal and become a professor at Harvard. Cal is still hoping to pursue a relationship with her that's more than just a close friendship but is happy to wait for the right time. Three nuns are killed in their sleep and the case has the police puzzled. Cal and Elisabetta become involved in the case on the sidelines after taking an interest in the case. The mystery deepens after two more nuns die. A very twisty case with its roots going back 80 years. Fascinating and intriguing, I really enjoyed this story and it was good to see Cal and Elisabetta working together again.
Thanks to Netgalley, Book Whisperer, and Glenn Cooper for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley, Book Whisperer, and Glenn Cooper for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 1, 2026
This is the third Cal Donovan thriller I've read, and it didn't disappoint! Cal has persuaded Sister Elisabetta Celestino, former Vatican Secretary of State, to move to Boston to teach at the university...and maybe be his girlfriend one day! Three nuns are shot dead, closely followed by another two being poisoned, and the mystery deepens when a local medium points fingers at a red-nosed priest. It turns out there was a similar case 40-odd years ago and Cal and Eli set to solving the mystery.
This wasn't my favourite Cal Donovan thriller (I went to a Catholic school and have a soft spot for nuns!) but still an excellent read, and has firmly cemented Glenn Cooper as a must read author for me!
This wasn't my favourite Cal Donovan thriller (I went to a Catholic school and have a soft spot for nuns!) but still an excellent read, and has firmly cemented Glenn Cooper as a must read author for me!
April 2, 2026
Cal has convinced Elisabetta to accept an offer to become a professor at the Harvard Divinity School. He's madly in love with her but she is still pondering whether or not she wants to leave her vows as a nun. After 5 nuns are murdered in the Boston area, they started to search for similar crimes and discover that years past another 5 nuns had been killed and the crimes were never solved. Everything seems to be linked to a family with women with the power of communicating with the dead. This story is particularly interesting as it explains the beginning of the spread of the Spiritism throughout the world and how it clashed (and stilll does) with the Catholic Church. Another great addition to the series.
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I picked up Covenant of the Dead, I didn't realize it was book 6 in the Cal Donovan Vatican Conspiracy thriller series, but that's ok! At no point did I feel like I was missing something from previous installments pivotal to the plot.
Murdered nuns, suspicious church officials, spiritualists/mediums, and ties to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle weaves a plot full of twists. Keeps you guessing!
Great read! I have now added more of Glenn Cooper's books to my growing TBR list!
Thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this eARC and providing my honest review!
Murdered nuns, suspicious church officials, spiritualists/mediums, and ties to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle weaves a plot full of twists. Keeps you guessing!
Great read! I have now added more of Glenn Cooper's books to my growing TBR list!
Thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this eARC and providing my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Three nuns are murdered in the attic of a Boston convent.
There are no witnesses.
No shell casings.
The only things missing are their rosaries.
I love a tale that keeps you guessing…and then some. I enjoyed the dip into mysticism and seances. Add in the biblical references and…this will come as a surprise…Arthur Conan Doyle and you have a good read.
And that is just part of this story. Don’t forget about the murders and the innocent man that has been arrested. This is a wild ride indeed!
Need a tale that explores all options…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
There are no witnesses.
No shell casings.
The only things missing are their rosaries.
I love a tale that keeps you guessing…and then some. I enjoyed the dip into mysticism and seances. Add in the biblical references and…this will come as a surprise…Arthur Conan Doyle and you have a good read.
And that is just part of this story. Don’t forget about the murders and the innocent man that has been arrested. This is a wild ride indeed!
Need a tale that explores all options…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A professor, a nun, Sherlock Holmes’s creator a two police detectives go to a séance — sounds like a joke is coming. But what we get is an excellent addition to the Cal Donovan series. We get to visit the past and present as murdered nuns seem to know have connection to previous deaths. Cal and Eli(sabetta) ‘s relationship grows stronger and they put their formidable skills to work as the aid the detectives. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to Net Galley, Lascaux and the invitation I received from Book Whisperer to review this arc.
Another winner from this author! I absolutely loved it. The story pulled me in right away ! 3 nuns shot in an attic while they slept and their rosaries taken. Cal and Elizabeth are back to assist the police in their investigation . Then a paralyzed medium has information on the case no one else knows. I loved how a similar past case they discovered ties into the present. Throw Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in and you have a great read.
Another winner from this author! I absolutely loved it. The story pulled me in right away ! 3 nuns shot in an attic while they slept and their rosaries taken. Cal and Elizabeth are back to assist the police in their investigation . Then a paralyzed medium has information on the case no one else knows. I loved how a similar past case they discovered ties into the present. Throw Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in and you have a great read.
April 4, 2026
I have read a few of these Cal Donovan books now and I won't try any more. In the broad sense these are Dan Brown books with some supernatural thrown in. That's OK, but they are also mysteries and it's the mysteries that I can't take. This one is the worst but I can't tell you the problem without giving away the plot. Grrr. So ok. If you already like Cal Donovan and his world, then you will probably like this book. If you are new to the series or if you already have doubts about the previous books, don't bother with this one.
I received a review eARC of this book through NetGalley.com.
I received a review eARC of this book through NetGalley.com.
April 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I have enjoyed the Cal Donovan books I have read up to this point and was excited about this one. However I feel it was all over the place. There were a lot of things going on and while they did tie together in the end it took a lot to get there. All the flashbacks were excessive and, to me, not necessary. They detracted from the action of the main story. Also I felt the premise of blaming the priests and nuns for the family tragedy was a bit of a stretch. I would still read more Cal Donovan books and hope this one was an anomoly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2026
Creative Storyline; Virtue Signaling Ahead
2*’s because it is written well and is a very creative storyline, though a little corny at times. The main character, Donovan, appears to be in recovery for his substantial alcoholism though not working the 12 steps he so desperately needs. Also, he and his friends’ pretentiousness adds a rather silly element. The author cannot seem to contain himself with the barrage of “virtue-signaling”, so the hypocrisy of that is laughable and, sadly, it diminishes his novel.
2*’s because it is written well and is a very creative storyline, though a little corny at times. The main character, Donovan, appears to be in recovery for his substantial alcoholism though not working the 12 steps he so desperately needs. Also, he and his friends’ pretentiousness adds a rather silly element. The author cannot seem to contain himself with the barrage of “virtue-signaling”, so the hypocrisy of that is laughable and, sadly, it diminishes his novel.
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