Дяволската библия

Cotton Malone #20

by Steve Berry, Стив Бери, Милко Стоименов (Translator)

Котън Малоун, ветеран от специален отряд „Магелан“, заминава за Швеция, където по-малката сестра на крал Вилхелм I е отвлечена. Искането за откуп е твърде необичайно. 800-годишна книга, Кодекс Гигас, най-големият средновековен ръкопис в света. Плячкосан от шведите в Бохемия през 1648 г. по време на Трийсетгодишната война, той се съхранява в Стокхолм близо четири века. А междувременно се е сдобил с далеч по-загадъчно име – Дяволската библия.

Сега чехите си искат Кодекса и шведите са съгласни да го върнат, но друга сила се опитва да осуети сделката. Списъкът с потенциалните похитители на принцесата е дълъг. Намесени са различни тайни служби. И всичко трябва да бъде извършено при пълна секретност. От Котън Малоун и Касиопея Вит зависи да открият сестрата на краля и да спасят безценния илюстрован ръкопис.

Нищо не е такова, каквото изглежда. Верни съюзници се превръщат в опасни врагове. Дългогодишни противници изведнъж стават партньори. И сякаш това не е достатъчно, от миналото на Котън изскачат стари конфликти, които превръщат и без друго сложната, дори хаотична ситуация в нещо далеч по-лично и смъртоносно.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Historical Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2026

About the author

 

Steve Berry is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of twenty-two novels, which include: The Last Kingdom , The Omega Factor , The Kaiser's Web, The Warsaw Protocol, The Malta Exchange, The Bishop’s Pawn, The Lost Order, The 14th Colony, The Patriot Threat, The Lincoln Myth, The King's Deception, The Columbus Affair, The Jefferson Key, The Emperor's Tomb, The Paris Vendetta, The Charlemagne Pursuit, The Venetian Betrayal, The Alexandria Link, The Templar Legacy, The Third Secret, The Romanov Prophecy, and The Amber Room. Steve has also co-written a novel with Grant Blackwood,  The 9th Man  (a Luke Daniels Adventure), and four novellas with M. J. Rose:  The End of Forever,   The House of Long Ago,   The Lake of Learning,  and  The Museum of Mysteries,  all Cassiopeia Vitt tales. His books have been translated into 41 languages with over 25,000,000 copies in 52 countries. They consistently appear in the top echelon of The New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestseller lists. Somewhere in the world, every thirty seconds, one of his novels is sold.

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like to read the acknowledgements of a book first, don’t do it with this book! It will spoil it for you. Thankfully, I didn’t do that this time. I did, however, figure out where we were being lead almost from the start. Thinking you know what’s coming all through the storyline was tough. For the first time, I didn’t devour the story in one sitting; I read slower, savoring each and every word and page.

As always, this was a great Cotton Malone story and didn’t disappoint. Each chapter was from a different character’s point of view, so we had action all around. Palace intrigue, global espionage, traitors and defectors at the highest level, and of course the historical artifact. It seems like a lot, but the author weaves all of the elements seamlessly. If you haven’t read any of the prior books, this one can be read as a stand alone without feeling lost.

Cotton’s next adventure is teased at the end, and in many ways the next book will be a fresh start for everyone, including the readers.

I gave this 5 stars, but wanted to give 3 or 4 just because I was angry with the end. But making you feel is the author’s job, so 5 it was, because Mr. Berry had me feeling so many emotions all at once, excelling at his job.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all the books in the Cotton Malone series. This is a series I plan to enjoy again in its entirety. Cassiopeia and Cotton are back out in the field again. This author does an amazing job of writing separate scenes simultaneously without confusing the reader. Such an easy transition for me. As always plenty of action, intrigue and espionage. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Berry is one of my favorite authors along with his Cotton Malone series. This book is the 20th in that series. I think it’s one of his best in the series. I also always appreciate his attention to historical detail in his settings.

Cotton Malone is called in, along with Cassiopeia Vitt, to help find Princess Lysea of Sweden who has been kidnapped for The Devil’s Bible, the popular name given to the Codex Gigas, a massive 13th C compilation of information with an illustration of the Devil that has a legend surrounding it. Malone, Vitt as well as Stephanie Nelle are on a mission to retrieve the book and find the Princess having to determine who is behind it all.

As with all Berry’s books, this one combines action, mystery and history - one thing I really like about Berry’s books. The stakes are high especially as trusted allies become enemies and enemies become partners. And characters from Malone’s past emerge - these are always fun moments - and the challenge to stay alive escalates. The ending is a stunner - you have to read to find out.

The setting is Stockholm, a very beautiful city, and eventually to a 16th C castle - ramping up the atmosphere for mystery and thrilling events. Berry’s books always deliver on this.

I want to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC. I loved every second of my read.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb historical, political spy thriller! Steve Berry is a fantastic thriller author who will pull you into his novels with unforgettable characters, fast-paced action, and thrilling suspense. Also I was constantly going down a rabbit-hole on the internet learning about places and events I didn’t know about before.

This book takes places in Sweden in an alternative history with Cotton Malone, a former U.S. government agents, and other U.S. government agent as well as a British agent for the Soviet Union and other Russian spies. Along the way, you will learn about Swedish government, Swedish history, and an ancient book from 400 years ago. A heart-pounding chase scene even occurs on a ship restored after sinking in the 17th century. Don’t miss this one.

[Timi Okoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never a dull moment with Steve Berry. The premise of this story was the acceptance of Sweden into NATO, and the historical bit was centred on the Codex Gigas, also known as the The Devil's Bible.

I really enjoyed this novel, and it was a bittersweet ending as a Stephanie Nelle died. She has been a constant as the head of the Magellan Billet. Her swan song was beautiful.The author revisited scenes and characters from The Templar Legacy (2006), The Emperor’s Tomb (2010), and The Bishop’s Pawn (2018). Moments that were particularly relevant to Stephanie’s evolution and the introspection that occurs during this story.

I'm looking forward to the Cotton Malone series without Stephanie Nelle. Given how he handled the death of Henrik Thorvaldsen, i am optimistic it will be a smooth ride.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good installment in the Cotton Malone saga, but somehow I find them less appealing as time goes by. Perhaps too much crazy shit in real life domestic events and wild international geopolitics has lessened my ability to enjoy the absurdity and menace of my favorite fictional spy thrillers.

Overall, the story was still fairly interesting, although I could’ve done without the citing of so many religious texts. They added little to the story and were somewhat distracting, with the exception of the epithet at the end, which was moving and fitting for a lifetime of exceptional service.

I was saddened to see Stephanie lose her life due to a careless mistake made in anger, just when she was contemplating retirement and centering herself for a change. But isn’t that always the way? Of course, that clears the way for Cotton to assume either her position, or a newly created role designed in his honor. I must say I’m also looking forward to him searching for his adult daughter, finally!

Three and a half stars.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another exciting story in the world of Cotton Malone, and as a bonus, Cassiopeia Vitt is in the whole book.

The king of Sweden's sister is kidnapped and he calls for Cotton's boss's help to get her back. Nice straightforward kidnapping case right? Not so fast.

Several twists and turns in this page turner.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid reader of whatever Steve Berry writes, I am particularly interested in his Cotton Malone series. The collection is one in which I am always learning and Berry ensures that it is a highly entertaining experience. Malone may be retired, but he finds himself in the middle of things at every turn. The attentive reader is in for yet another great novel.

While Cotton Malone is a former Justice Department operative with the Magellan Billet, he finds himself a wanted commodity at every turn. When the younger sister of Swedish King Wilhelm is kidnapped, Malone is called to assist. The ransom, an 800-year-old book whose contents prove to be a curious collection of medieval writings. The book was part of the Swedish plundering from 1648 and has since earned the mysterious moniker, The Devil’s Bible. In an effort to secure a spot in NATO, the Swedes agree to send the Bible back to Czechia, but there is a movement to block the transfer. Russia appears to be at the centre of it, leaving Malone and his fiancée, Cassiopeia Vitt, to locate the kidnapped royal and secure the Bible before it can fall into the wrong hands. As a number of characters pull threads, nothing is quite as it seems. Malone will have to rely on his abilities before a geo-political event rocks European allies. Another brilliant Berry novel that takes the readers on an adventure like no other.

Berry has long demonstrated a significant command of the thriller genre with his various novels steeped in history, doing so once again. The story highlights many geo-political events, both past and present, as well as an intense thriller that puts Cotton Malone ant the heart of events. The story’s narrative is strong and its momentum increases as chapters introduce various themes that fuel the larger plot, while entertaining at the same time. Berry makes some great presumptions to fuel tension and keeps the reader wondering if Europe’s past will shape how it forges into new and tense times.

Characterisation is once more a strength for Berry. Cotton Malone demonstrates emotional depth as he guides the narrative direction to complement the strong story through his various actions. Malone is supported throughout the story by many other strong characters, like Cassiopeia Vitt. Some are recurring and others keen one-offs, all of whom flavour things to make the story better. Berry uses great attention to detail with those who grace the pages of his book to deliver an impactful story, which forces the reader stay attuned to all the moving parts during the reading experience. The story explores the past and present effectively, while always educating the reader on moments of lesser-known events that could shape the future.

Plot-wise, this novel caters to fans of the genre and those who love mystery, drama, and history. One of the great writers of the thriller genre, Steve Berry uses intrigue and twists that build from the outset and are layered with surprises that keep things tense. The balance between all elements creates intrigue in every setting as the reader delves deeper to learn truths they did not know were at their fingertips. This series has never proven a disappointment, as Steve Berry crafts stunning depictions that breathe new life into historical events.

Berry presents a recipe of intelligent writing, clear scope, and narrative control amidst a panicked set of themes that are relatable to the attentive reader to create something that never disappoints. The Malone collection is one that readers will long be able to enjoy, as Berry refuses to dial things back.

Kudos, Mr. Berry, for another great novel!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cotton Malone is back and he finds himself in Sweden to assist his former boss, Stephanie Nelle on an “off the book” mission to rescue the King’s sister, who’s been kidnapped. The ransom demand: the Swede’s relinquish a 13th century treasure, The Devil’s Bible. Also along for the ride is Cassiopeia Vitt, Malone’s longtime girlfriend. As these books go, this one is rather easy on the violence, instead offering a retrospective of Nelle’s life in the spy game, compete with flashbacks to earlier books in the series, and the reader can sense where this one is going. The story got a little repetitious, with numerous plot recaps that felt unnecessary. You also get a full dose of Swedish history as the author always deftly weaves into these books. Overall, a good read, bittersweet ending that will have repercussions and may shape future books in this series. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol Jones-Campbell]

I just completed "The Devil's Bible" by Steve Berry. Was a quite interesting book. This is my first Cotton Malone book, will probably read more. Cassiopeia Vitt, is a very long term girlfriend, and Cotton find themselves in the field again after a bit of a hiatus.

Cotton Malone is a former operative of the Justice Department with the Magellan Billet, who now finds himself a wanted man no matter where he goes. The younger sister of Swedish King Wilhelm is kidnapped, they called in Malone to assist. The ransom, is an 800-year-old book, which has for a time been called "The Devil's Bible." We learn it is a collection of medieval writings, and was part of the Swedish battles from 1648. A bit of a pleasant sidenote, is that this book doesn't have quite the violence as others have, and may be a bit repititious from what I've heard from others. Isn't Swedish history a lot of fun. Really enjoy those aspects.

An interesting book, many interesting aspects are followed: trusted allies become enemies, and enemies before you know become good partners. Like many former authors, Cotton chooses to bring characters back from past work from what I've read of other reviewers.

Picture yourself in beautiful Stockholm, Sweden. What a beautiful backdrop for such an exciting book as this. Am looking very much forward to reading more of Berry's Books. Highly Recommend. I have a chunk of Swedish in my family line. Hope I'm not related to any of his scumbags. Fictional or not! Enjoy!! Rated: 4.0 Stars.

[Dubi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephanie Nelle is in Stockholm to do a personal favor for the King of Sweden, with Cotton Malone and Cassiopoeia Vitt along to help find his kidnapped sister, Princess Lysa. The ransom demand is the title book, The Devil's Bible, a massive illuminated medieval manuscript, upon which hinges Sweden's entry into NATO. 

The kidnappers are presumably affiliated with Russia, who oppose any expansion of NATO. The husband of the kidnapped princess, an English billionaire who gets most of his business from Russia, is the prime suspect, especially since he was implicated as a Russian asset a decade earlier. 

Such is a Steve Berry thriller. A mysterious historical object or subject with some potential connection to present day political intrigue, set in several fabulous locations the world over. Though long retired from the intelligence service, Cotton is constantly pulled into Nelle's operations, this being the 20th entry in the series since The Templar Legacy was published 20 years ago in 2006.

I've been a big fan and have read them all because of the winning formula -- part history, part mystery, part travelog. The historical aspect is the McGuffin, Hitchcock's famous term for the thing the bad guys are so interested in that they become bad guys (sorry, I go through this in every Berry review). Hitchcock believed that it didn't matter what the McGuffin is as long as the audience buys into the interest level it generates. 

But after so many McGuffin-fueled double chases, the plot device has become so predictable that the McGuffin itself has become the main attraction. In The Devil's Bible, the McGuffin falls flat. It is what it is -- a historical artifact of interest to several parties -- but that's all it is, there is no secret, no hidden agenda, no mystery. All there is to it is its importance to the NATO process, and even that is as simple and straightforward as can be. 

One point of collateral damage is that the exotic setting is no more than that, truly just a travelog, and in fact not all that exotic. Having been to 60 countries on all seven continents, Sweden is not high on my revisit listeven though it's 45 years since I've been there -- it's nice but not all that riveting. Having just returned from my third recent visit to Prague, I wish it was the prime locale, far cooler then Stockholm, especially during Christmas market season. 

There is also an unusually high level of lethal violence in this book, something that has not been necessary in Berry books since the history and mystery are the primary draws. I would describe much of the violence as gratuitous since it doesn't really move the story along. The final act of violence I get, it is highly significant, but the overall body count is just too high for my taste. 

Finally, I was put off by the last 15% of the book, which seemed to come out of left field after everything else was resolved. Along with the preceding 5% being an overlong action sequence with a wholly expected ending, I'm left disappointed with this book, a rarity when reading one of my favorite authors, Steve Berry. But, it's still within his wheelhouse and was a good read nevertheless. 

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing an advance reading copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm sorry to be this honest about it.

[Roxanne Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast paced novel filled with political intrigue, espionage and at times historical background. This book kept me interested the whole way through, but sadly it had little to do with the devils bible. Which is what initially caught my attention and is the main reason with why I am disappointed.

I was hoping for a more information on the devils bible or some big conspiracy that would be the main driving point as to why three major countries wanted it, but sadly Steve Berry did not deliver on that part.
What kept me going, was trying to figure out who the bad guys were and the continuous action throughout.

Overall a solid 4.2 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[ЙОАНА МАНДЖУКОВА · Rating 4 out of 5]

Преди години четях доста подобна литература - шпионски трилъри, изпълнени с конспирации, тайни служби и политически интриги. В последно време предпочитам по-мрачни и кървави трилъри, затова към Стив Бери и Котън Малоун се върнах след доста дълга пауза.
Чела съм няколко книги от поредицата за Котън Малоун и отряд „Магелан“ преди години и тогава много ми харесаха. „Дяволската библия“ ми припомни защо. Това е роман, в който действието започва още от първите страници и не спира почти до самия край.
Сюжетът се развива около Кодекс Гигас, известен още като Дяволската библия. Чехия е готова да даде съгласието си Швеция да стане член на НАТО, но срещу едно условие - да получи обратно безценната книга, която смята за своя национална собственост. На пръв поглед всичко изглежда като дипломатическа сделка, но нещата бързо излизат извън контрол, когато шведската принцеса Люса е отвлечена и краля моли Стефани Нел, директорката на "Магелан" за помощ, а тя от своя страна моли Котън, който е напуснал отряда, но е най-добрия агент, който е имала. От този момент нататък започва истинската надпревара. В играта се включват разузнавателни служби, но и хора със собствени интереси. Руското СВР се намесва, опитвайки се да попречи на сделката и да се докопа до свой офицер, който е решил да избяга в Америка. Паралелно с основния сюжет се развива и една по-лична история - агент на СВР и съпруга на Люса водят своя собствена игра. Двамата мечтаят да избягат от света на интригите, манипулациите и шпионажа и да започнат нов живот заедно, което допълнително усложнява ситуацията.
Най-силната страна на книгата е динамиката. Има преследвания, обрати и напрежение. Стив Бери умее да го поддържа и се справя изключително добре в това! Все пак има нещо, което не ми допадна. Внушението! На моменти останах с усещането, че авторът твърде настойчиво представя Русия като основния източник на всички проблеми и заплахи. Разбирам защо е избрал този подход за сюжета, но според мен образът можеше да бъде по-балансиран и по-малко едностранчив.
Като цяло книгата ми хареса. Историята е увлекателна, динамична и поддържа интереса от първата до последната страница. За феновете на Котън Малоун, шпионските игри и международните интриги това е много приятно четиво.
4⭐️ от мен

[Thomas George Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

'The Devil's Bible' was not as exciting and suspenseful as Mr. Berry's previous Cotton Malone Novels.

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Berry eased up on the history lesson and turned up the action in The Devil's Bible, and honestly, it worked for me. The story moved at a great pace and kept me hooked from beginning to end. That ending hurt, but I understood why it had to happen. I'm already looking forward to seeing what's next for Cotton Malone, especially with his daughter and Cassiopeia.

[Michael Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly pedestrian entry to the series.
It all takes place in Sweeden, ecxept the for flashbacks. Pretty much the book was to resolve the Stephanie timeline.
More of the book covered John, Lysa and Monica then the main characters.
More Casseopeia is a good thing.
Could have been a spot to end the series, but clearly there will be more books and changes for Cotton.
Hopefully more exciting books to come.

[Lizette Bacon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love Steve Berry books. this one was very easy to read, suspenseful and I love his characters. a quick read.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoy the Cotton Malone series. This book is no exception. I love the historical aspects of each book and this one is very good. In this book we lost a beloved character, so I wonder, might this be the last Cotton Malone? Or will he move in a new direction?

[Bob D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for a pre-release copy of Steve Berry's The Devil's Bible in exchange for an honest review.

This is the 20th Cotton Malone novel and for some long time readers the structure will be familiar: an object from the distant past has an important impact on present day events. In this adventure, Sweden is trying to enter NATO but this is complicated by its current ownership of The Devil's Bible. The Czech Republic is holding ups its affirmative vote based on its ownership claim of the bible.

Cotton finds himself drawn into a royal kidnapping, with the history of the creation of the bible, Sweden's acquisition of it and Russian sleeper agents all playing a roll into the ultimate fate of the bible and Sweden's NATO membership.

As a typical of a Steve Berry story, the novel is well paced and the historical information presented does not bring the story to a halt.

It is noted that part of the ending is heavily foreshadowed. It is recommended that one does not read the author's noted prior to reading the novel - this will definitely give away the ending.

Three past Cotton Malone novels are referenced in the story: The Templar Legacy, The Emperor's Tomb and The Bishop's Pawn. It is not necessary to have read these to enjoy this novel. However, the plot of those books are revealed here. If you haven't read any of them and plan to do so, it is recommended to read those prior to this novel to avoid spoilers.

Most Cotton Malone novels come to a conclusion with little or no reference to potential future events. However, the ending of this novel definitely portends changes to Cotton's life going forward - I look forward to the next adventure.

Overall, a solid 4 stars.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Steve Berry's novels on Cotton Malone have been filled with historical facts, characters of strength and sharp dialogue. Turn the first page and you find yourself comfortable with old friends.
This installment of the series has emotional reflective moments that will stay with the reader.

[Thomas Tyrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read all 20 of Steve Berry's Cotton Malone thrillers, and was beginning to feel a little been there, done that in the last few. But "The Devil's Bible" revived my interest in the series. There are some significant developments among the usual characters in the series, but that notwithstanding, this one hums along with a lot of twists and turns that keep me turning pages. And isn't that the mark of a strong thriller, that you can't put it down? It took me a little while to get though the first half of this novel, but once there, I pretty much soared to the end. So another fun Cotton Malone read, and it makes me want more.

[Lynda Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed in this book. I expected more about the Bible itself. Also, the action was sparse until near the end. Also, too many quotations from outside sources, and I am a person who likes quotes. Just kind of jumbled for me. I also missed some of the other characters from the series.

[Mark]

I’ve always loved the Cotton Malone novels. The blend of relic‑hunting, geopolitics, and high‑stakes espionage is just endlessly fun, and The Devil’s Bible continues to deliver exactly what I come to Steve Berry for...This time, Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt head to Sweden after the king’s sister is kidnapped. The ransom demand isn’t money but an 800‑year‑old manuscript: the Codex Gigas, the legendary “Devil’s Bible.” Once property of the Czech Republic, it was seized as plunder during the Thirty Years’ War, and now the Czechs want it back. Stephanie Nelle pulls Malone in to find the princess, recover the book, and untangle who’s really behind the crisis...Russia seems like the obvious culprit, but Berry layers twist after twist until the conspiracy widens into something far more intricate. The pacing is brisk, the historical threads are fascinating, and the Scandinavian setting adds a fresh chill to the series...A fun, fast read, with a major development in the final pages that longtime fans will definitely feel!

[Marian Rolewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The historical research done was impeccable as always. I always enjoy the explanation at the end, teaching between fact and fiction. I also enjoy the other little tidbits shared about his writing process. Mr. Berry still remains as one of my favorite authors.

[Penny Cipolone · Rating 2 out of 5]

An ok plot and overall good Cotton Malone adventure. Not one of my favorites, and I have read ALL of them. I think this was merely an attempt to handle some of the superfluous side elements of Cotton's life.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s baaaaaccccckkm! Or, I should say, they’re back: author Steve Berry and his popular character Cotton Malone. Both Cotton and his girlfriend Cassiopeia Vitt, along with his old boss Stephanie Nelle, are front and center in this fast-paced thrill ride, doing their usual special agent thing while author Berry fills in the history and background of ancient objects and landscapes for the reader. After the past three rather dull excursions, where Cotton and his friends were secondary to lots of travelogue and history textbook information, I’m thrilled to see my favorite special agent in the spotlight once more. The story takes place in the Nordic countries which I’ve visited, and Berry gives just the right amount of background. There’s lots of twists, turns and surprises. I’ll say no more. You’ll just have to read it!

[Peter Ravijts · Rating 3 out of 5]

De duivelsbijbel speelt hier maar op de achtergrond, spijtig.
Voor de rest een spannend verhaal over geheime diensten en hun operaties.

[Brad Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Ed Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started appreciating Steve Berry’s books a few years back. The Cotton Malone character resonated with me. Still haven’t read all of Berry’s works, but they’re on my ever expanding list.
Having said that, I was on the struggle bus with this. Fortunately, for me, it sped up somewhere in the second half.
Recommended, just know that initially, it’s slow-going.
Cotton Malone always comes through!

[Ray Palen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prologue of any Steve Berry novel is typically worth the price of admission. His latest Cotton Malone thriller entitled THE DEVIL’S BIBLE is no exception; however, it is not grounded in ancient history this time but rather Cotton’s own personal history set just two weeks prior to the start of the story.

It is hard to believe that THE DEVIL’S BIBLE marks the 20th anniversary of Berry’s Cotton Malone series, which debuted on February 21, 2006, with the first entry THE TEMPLAR LEGACY. The series that has provided readers with decades of historical thrills and surprises returns with one involving the kidnapping of a member of Sweden’s royal family and the legendary item their enemies want for her safe return.

The situation is big enough on a global scale to involve the U.S. and, more specifically, the secretive organization known as the Magellan Billet, which is led by Stephanie Nelle and her favorite agent, former Justice Department operative and now Danish bookstore owner, Cotton Malone. He is reflecting on his most recent case on a rainy day in Atlanta, GA, while spending time with his girlfriend and fellow agent, Cassiopeia Vitt. The action then takes us two weeks earlier to Stockholm Sweden where Stephanie introduces Cotton to King Gustaf of Sweden and their Prime Minister Simone de Ciutiis. They have all learned of the alleged kidnapping of the King’s sister Lysa.

Immediate thought goes to the Czechs, who had a long-standing resentment of Sweden and their dissenting vote had been keeping Sweden from joining NATO. There is also some suspicion that Russia might be orchestrating this and wanting Sweden to believe it was the Czechs. In any event, the ransom request includes a demand that Sweden turn over an ancient item of incredible value that the Czechs claim Sweden once stole from them --- the Devil’s Bible. In the middle of this is the man called John Westlake, husband to the kidnapped Lysa and an outcast of the Swedish royal family due to the fact that they thought he was an insider collaborating with the Russians. He has now been spending most of his time in England in the guise of a successful businessman. Stephanie and company are immediately suspicious of Westlake and his intentions and keep a firm eye on his activity.

Backstory ancient history provides the origins of the Devil’s Bible, and it is a great read. Cassiopeia is initially assigned to the job of tailing Westlake while Stephanie and Cotton work to try and figure out which country might be behind the kidnapping before the zero hour arrives based on the ransom note demands. At one point, Cassiopeia follows Westlake to a local circus where the woman she sees him conversing with leads a group of clowns in a gunfight that involves real weapons with a shot fired near where the King was sitting. What looked like an attempt on the Swedish sovereign ended up being a big ruse and we will later find out that the mysterious woman, Monica, was not only working with Westlake but may be romantically involved with him as well.

With each new incident and piece of information uncovered, the likelihood of successfully rescuing Lysa before the ransom came due seemed unlikely. Stephanie and Cotton, meanwhile, come up with a ruse of their own involving the undercover transport of the Devil’s Bible and a defecting Soviet operative to neutral, US-based territory in Europe in the novel’s most exciting and deadly chase scenes. It is worth the price of admission.

The story becomes less about the historical significance of the Devil’s Bible and more about the political subterfuge and spy games that keep things spinning wildly. Berry devises a handful of clever plot twists that I never saw coming which take the narrative into quite unexpected territory. No one is safe in this deadly tale of intrigue and even main characters fall under the cloud of suspicion when trying to figure out this puzzle.

THE DEVIL’S BIBLE delivers a great read with enough surprises to hook any reader. There are not many writers better than Steve Berry when it comes to combining unique historical events with present day action and adventure. Berry’s Writer’s Note at the end of each novel always separates the fact from the fiction and makes for useful information to consume after enjoying another wild ride with Cotton Malone and company!

Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter