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Father Kevin Thrall #1
The Secret of Fatima
Father Kevin Thrall is chaplain to a poor, inner-city parochial school in Washington, D.C. where he leads a quiet and rewarding life. But he is also troubled by his past in combat with an elite military unit. Even after taking his vows, he is as ready to clasp his hands around the grip of a Glock as in prayer. He sometimes wonders who he really is. To the Vatican, however, Father Thrall is uniquely suited for a dangerous mission—one directly tied to the mystery of a 100-year old prophecy.
One hundred years ago, the Blessed Virgin revealed a mysterious prophecy to three Portuguese shepherd children. The three Secrets of Fatima were closely held by the Vatican for decades, until the text of the third and last secret was finally released in 2000. But many believe that the Vatican withheld important parts of the Third Secret, perhaps because its contents were too dangerous to reveal . . .
The Secret of Fatima’s knife-edge plot unfolds as both a modern-day spy thriller and a spiritual quest, as Father Thrall faces implacable enemies both within and outside of the Church who will test both his unique abilities and his faith. If he fails, the very foundations of the world will be shaken.
One hundred years ago, the Blessed Virgin revealed a mysterious prophecy to three Portuguese shepherd children. The three Secrets of Fatima were closely held by the Vatican for decades, until the text of the third and last secret was finally released in 2000. But many believe that the Vatican withheld important parts of the Third Secret, perhaps because its contents were too dangerous to reveal . . .
The Secret of Fatima’s knife-edge plot unfolds as both a modern-day spy thriller and a spiritual quest, as Father Thrall faces implacable enemies both within and outside of the Church who will test both his unique abilities and his faith. If he fails, the very foundations of the world will be shaken.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2017
28 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Peter J. Tanous
15 books21 followersPETER J. TANOUS is chairman of Lynx Investment Advisory, an investment consulting firm headquartered in Washington D.C. He has over 40 years’ experience in finance. A graduate of Georgetown University, he serves on the university’s investment committee. Tanous has a long writing history, starting with three novels he authored and co-authored in the late 70s. Along with Paul Rubinstein, he wrote The Petrodollar Takeover, published by G.P. Putnam. The book was successful, had multiple printings and several foreign sales.
A second co-authored book was The Wheat Killing, published by Doubleday. Tanous wrote The Earhart Mission in 1980, published by Simon & Schuster. The book received a solid paperback sale to Bantam, several foreign sales, and a film rights sale to Warner. In later years, Tanous concentrated on books in the investment and economic fields. The Secret of Fatima marks his return to writing fiction. Tanous serves on several corporate and non-profit boards of directors. He lives in Washington DC with his wife, Ann.
A second co-authored book was The Wheat Killing, published by Doubleday. Tanous wrote The Earhart Mission in 1980, published by Simon & Schuster. The book received a solid paperback sale to Bantam, several foreign sales, and a film rights sale to Warner. In later years, Tanous concentrated on books in the investment and economic fields. The Secret of Fatima marks his return to writing fiction. Tanous serves on several corporate and non-profit boards of directors. He lives in Washington DC with his wife, Ann.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 12, 2018
The worst book I have ever read. I selected this book because of a positive review by Nicholas Taleb an excellent statistician, risk analyst and nonfiction author. I can think of three possibilities for my sharp disagreement with Taleb, all equally likely; the book was over my head, Taleb is a poor judge of fiction or Taleb is a personal friend of the author and provided a good review as a favor.
The characters
Father Kevin Thrall – a vain, ass kicking, former CIA contractor who has become a priest. Thrall is also an unrepentant war criminal. Thugs and mercenaries are no problem for Father Kevin, lust is his only true adversary.
Sister Mary Catherine – a vapid whorish nun with a body built for sin and a mind set on? I have no idea what the Sister is thinking, she is far too shallow a character to have real thoughts. She exists in the book only to provide sexual tension – yes you read that correctly.
Toby Beck – a CIA agent who seems to have no responsibilities at work and is therefore free to use CIA, NSA and FBI assets to preform favors for his friend Father Thrall.
Katie O’Connell – A Bosnian Serb and Father Kevin’s former girlfriend. Is O’Connell a common name is Bosnia?
Jim Stein – the deceitful Jew, his role is to kill Christ during the Second Coming. I wish I was making this up.
Vatican Pedophiles – too many to name.
The only thing worse than the character is the “plot.” Some might find this book to be apostate, but in my opinion the real sin is the poor writing.
If this was meant to be a parody of The Da Vinci Code, I apologize for the poor review.
The characters
Father Kevin Thrall – a vain, ass kicking, former CIA contractor who has become a priest. Thrall is also an unrepentant war criminal. Thugs and mercenaries are no problem for Father Kevin, lust is his only true adversary.
Sister Mary Catherine – a vapid whorish nun with a body built for sin and a mind set on? I have no idea what the Sister is thinking, she is far too shallow a character to have real thoughts. She exists in the book only to provide sexual tension – yes you read that correctly.
Toby Beck – a CIA agent who seems to have no responsibilities at work and is therefore free to use CIA, NSA and FBI assets to preform favors for his friend Father Thrall.
Katie O’Connell – A Bosnian Serb and Father Kevin’s former girlfriend. Is O’Connell a common name is Bosnia?
Jim Stein – the deceitful Jew, his role is to kill Christ during the Second Coming. I wish I was making this up.
Vatican Pedophiles – too many to name.
The only thing worse than the character is the “plot.” Some might find this book to be apostate, but in my opinion the real sin is the poor writing.
If this was meant to be a parody of The Da Vinci Code, I apologize for the poor review.
September 20, 2025
Very enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next installment!
December 15, 2018
a great book involving internal and external dilemmas revolving around conspiracies and religion. so character development isn’t top notch, it’s a short book, give it a break. the point is it’s thrilling and commands your attention thru and thru (and the story’s not too shabby)
book suggestion: if you like the internal religious existentialist nature of this book, it reminded me of charles belser’s “larry the penguin searches for the meaning of life.” for those that complain about lame character development, get at charles
book suggestion: if you like the internal religious existentialist nature of this book, it reminded me of charles belser’s “larry the penguin searches for the meaning of life.” for those that complain about lame character development, get at charles
April 14, 2020
Utter dribble
Author says that he researched for 3 decades for this book. What a waste of long 30 years. This could be written by anyone in 30 days and Wikipedia. This book was recommended in a book list by Naseem Taleb. Either he owes something colossal to the author or he was completely brain dead to recommend it. A black swan event, indeed!
Author says that he researched for 3 decades for this book. What a waste of long 30 years. This could be written by anyone in 30 days and Wikipedia. This book was recommended in a book list by Naseem Taleb. Either he owes something colossal to the author or he was completely brain dead to recommend it. A black swan event, indeed!
October 6, 2016
Interesting tale of faith
This novel raised interesting theological questions. I liked Father Kevin but at times I felt like I was watching him from a distance. His emotions and motivation were not always displayed in his behavior. The plot was satisfying and dramatic.
This novel raised interesting theological questions. I liked Father Kevin but at times I felt like I was watching him from a distance. His emotions and motivation were not always displayed in his behavior. The plot was satisfying and dramatic.
November 12, 2020
After reading several reviews of this book, I was prepared not to like it but I had just the opposite reaction. I did like it.
Father Kevin Thrall, chaplain to a poor, inner-city parochial school in Washington, D.C., is troubled by his past in combat with an elite military unit. He sometimes wonders who he really is. To the Vatican, however, Father Thrall is uniquely suited for a dangerous mission—one directly tied to the mystery of a 100-year old prophecy .. the secret message of Fatima that May or may not be too dangerous to reveal.
This knife-edge plot unfolds as both a modern-day spy thriller and a spiritual quest, as Father Thrall faces implacable enemies both within and outside of the Church who will test both his unique abilities and his faith. If he fails, the very foundations of the world will be shaken.
Father Kevin Thrall, chaplain to a poor, inner-city parochial school in Washington, D.C., is troubled by his past in combat with an elite military unit. He sometimes wonders who he really is. To the Vatican, however, Father Thrall is uniquely suited for a dangerous mission—one directly tied to the mystery of a 100-year old prophecy .. the secret message of Fatima that May or may not be too dangerous to reveal.
This knife-edge plot unfolds as both a modern-day spy thriller and a spiritual quest, as Father Thrall faces implacable enemies both within and outside of the Church who will test both his unique abilities and his faith. If he fails, the very foundations of the world will be shaken.
April 14, 2021
The writing and plot twists in The Secret of Fatima are unforgettable, as are the characters, whom I had trouble saying goodbye to when the book was closed. Tanous combines stimulating prose with a storyline that moves fluidly while staying true to a plot that is filled with action, history, education, and even a little humor. I would love to see this book overflow into a sequel.
November 7, 2025
Reading The Secret of Fatima felt like stepping into a confessional where every secret cuts deep. Father Kevin Thrall isn’t just a priest he’s a man torn between the battlefield and the altar, between prayer and the pull of violence. The book made me realize how fragile faith can be when it collides with guilt. The biggest lesson? Belief tested under fire shows who we really are.
August 8, 2019
A wonderful page turner, similar to Da Vinci code. I couldn’t put the book down. It’s also motivated me to look into several of the historical religious events mentioned throughout. Hoping for second installment soon...
November 7, 2025
What hit hardest was discovering that redemption doesn’t always look clean or holy. Sometimes it’s covered in scars, carrying a gun in one hand and a Bible in the other. Through Father Thrall, I learned that forgiveness isn’t just for the pure; it’s for the broken who still choose to rise.
December 14, 2025
reminded me of Divinci code / josh mcDowel and national treasure (the movie) set in the future. it is a fictional story about the second coming of christ. fast pased, nice characters, interesting plot. I read this book for the prompt read a book set before 2001. (hpootp 2025)
June 13, 2017
Great book and entertaining. A quick read with a fantastic ending.
December 21, 2018
A Catholic priest crossed with James Bond. A quick, absorbing read.
March 27, 2020
Engaging and well told story.
Even though some parts are predictable this is an exciting book up to the end.
Even though some parts are predictable this is an exciting book up to the end.
June 10, 2020
So Many Secrets
Fatima has always fascinated me so the title called to me. It could have been some twisted story, but though it has many twists it is a gentle study of a man's calling Faith. It is not preachy but you get wrapped up in this man''s struggle to fulfill his role in life as God's servant. Would that we all could share his faith in the Way.
Fatima has always fascinated me so the title called to me. It could have been some twisted story, but though it has many twists it is a gentle study of a man's calling Faith. It is not preachy but you get wrapped up in this man''s struggle to fulfill his role in life as God's servant. Would that we all could share his faith in the Way.
June 9, 2016
Unique adventure of a Catholic priest
This book was a pretty quick read. Entertaining. Not a lot of fluff. A lot of action. It also brings a full spectrum of humanity to the priesthood. Overall, very entertaining and somewhat enlightening.
This book was a pretty quick read. Entertaining. Not a lot of fluff. A lot of action. It also brings a full spectrum of humanity to the priesthood. Overall, very entertaining and somewhat enlightening.
November 26, 2016
Entertaining, quick read. Reminded me of Dan Brown. I enjoyed it but nothing spectacular. The finale of the book was very short in terms of the overall development of the book.
March 29, 2017
Couldn't put it down until I read all of it.
August 18, 2017
I thought it was poor.
February 18, 2018
Not engaging. Except in bit and pieces, does not read like a Thriller.Boring read.The plot is thin and twist and turns are far and few.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews