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The Shroud #1
The Shroud Conspiracy
In this intense and “absolutely brilliant thriller” (#1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Thor), a forensic anthropologist sets out to prove that the Shroud of Turin is a fake, but quickly discovers the opposite—and must race to stop the evil forces who want to use traces of blood in the fabric to clone Jesus Christ and bring on the second coming of their own design.
Throughout his career, forensic anthropologist and outspoken atheist Dr. Jon Bondurant has investigated many religious artifacts said to be real, but he knows better. Only weak minds rely on such obviously false relics to maintain their silly, pointless faith.
So when he is invited by the Vatican to examine the Shroud of Turin, said to be the burial cloth that covered the body of Christ—and the most revered of all Christian artifacts—he is delighted for the opportunity to prove once and for all that the Shroud is a fake. But when he meets Domenika Josef, the beautiful and devout Vatican representative who finds him arrogant and self-important, he realizes his task will not be as straightforward as he once imagined. Domenika believes that the relic is real, and wants nothing more than to rescue the tarnished reputation of the church by announcing the good news. As Bondurant and his team examine every element of the Shroud, he and Domenika begin to see each other in a whole new light. And as the evidence about the origin of this highly contested piece of fabric starts to pile up, he begins to realize that he’s been seeing a lot of things incorrectly.
But when a sample of the blood from the Shroud—believed to be the real blood of Jesus Christ—vanishes, he realizes his problems are just beginning. The DNA in that sample could have earth-shattering consequences if it falls into the wrong hands. When Domenika vanishes too, Bondurant is caught in a globe-spanning chase to rescue the woman he loves—and stop the evil forces who have their own motives for bringing on the Second Coming.
Throughout his career, forensic anthropologist and outspoken atheist Dr. Jon Bondurant has investigated many religious artifacts said to be real, but he knows better. Only weak minds rely on such obviously false relics to maintain their silly, pointless faith.
So when he is invited by the Vatican to examine the Shroud of Turin, said to be the burial cloth that covered the body of Christ—and the most revered of all Christian artifacts—he is delighted for the opportunity to prove once and for all that the Shroud is a fake. But when he meets Domenika Josef, the beautiful and devout Vatican representative who finds him arrogant and self-important, he realizes his task will not be as straightforward as he once imagined. Domenika believes that the relic is real, and wants nothing more than to rescue the tarnished reputation of the church by announcing the good news. As Bondurant and his team examine every element of the Shroud, he and Domenika begin to see each other in a whole new light. And as the evidence about the origin of this highly contested piece of fabric starts to pile up, he begins to realize that he’s been seeing a lot of things incorrectly.
But when a sample of the blood from the Shroud—believed to be the real blood of Jesus Christ—vanishes, he realizes his problems are just beginning. The DNA in that sample could have earth-shattering consequences if it falls into the wrong hands. When Domenika vanishes too, Bondurant is caught in a globe-spanning chase to rescue the woman he loves—and stop the evil forces who have their own motives for bringing on the Second Coming.
402 pages, Hardcover
Published March 14, 2017
230 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
John Heubusch
4 books58 followersJohn Heubusch has had a vast career in philanthropy, politics, public service, and the Fortune 500. He has served as the first president of the Waitt Institute, a nonprofit research organization founded by Ted Waitt and dedicated to historic discovery and scientific exploration, and where he helped lead to the discovery, authentication, and preservation of the famed lost Gospel of Judas, the ancient text deemed to be heretical and ordered destroyed by the early Christian Church. In 2007, he spearheaded the organization’s first deep-sea expedition to solve one of the last great American mysteries: the disappearance of Amelia Earhart during her famed circumnavigation flight of the globe in 1937. Cited often by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times, Heubusch has been a contributing writer for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Investor’s Business Daily, Forbes, The San Diego Union-Tribune, and other leading publications. He is presently the executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. He resides with his wife and children in Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 22, 2017
Damn. Really wanted this to be something it ended up not being. It started with promise, and then quickly veered off course into something it shouldn't have been.
Ultimately, this was marketed as a Dan Brown type thriller. Was it thrilling? I found the pace to be quite slow for the first half. There wasn't really much in the way of stakes for the main characters until later in the book. Therefore, I didn't find myself turning the pages as I might in a first-rate thriller. Was it Dan Brown-like? Not overly. Here's why...
Dan Brown's novels root themselves in reality. He takes real (for the most part) historical things and weaves them into an original piece of fresh fiction. Brown doesn't stray away from the reality, by which I mean he doesn't try adding fantastical and supernatural elements to spice up the story. However, this was not all true of Heubusch.
What started as a potentially fascinating look into the history of the Shroud of Turin and an original thrilling ride, became a sort of mockery of the genre that just didn't work.
There were elements that worked. The number one being Bondurant as a character. I found him flawed and likeable in many ways. Real. I also liked how Heubusch sprinkled in the history of the religious relic throughout rather than info dumping it on us.
But it's more about what didn't work here. The thing I didn't like about what the author did with the MC (Bondurant) was that he worked the character up, made him go through his paces. It's obviously being done to set up for a dramatic shaming at the end where Bondurant (who is a vehement atheist at the beginning) will have some miraculous breakthrough in his 'beliefs' and become a believer in God. I'm all for enlightening experiences, but come on... The feeling I got, pretty early on, was the Heubusch was very bent on defending religion and the supernatural stories that have become dogma. Heubusch is a good writer, but great writers will disguise their personal beliefs from the reader so as not to impose them on the reader. When I'm reading a book, I don't want to be consciously thinking about the author the whole time, I just want to be entertained. In some ways, it was preachy.
Some other things I didn't enjoy were a few dialogue passages, in particular from Domenika, the woman in the story whose main goal is to fight for the side of religion. It's probably a factor of having grown up in Canada (because religion isn't as big a thing here as it is in America for example) but I just have a hard time believing some of the things she said, such as: "How does someone who does not believe in God ever actually love someone else?"
Then there were the miraculous things that were happening, like bringing a dog back to life with a sacred cloth. These little supernatural elements really took it over the top, and could have been omitted.
And lastly, the unlikely and forced love story between Bondurant (atheist) and Domenika (Catholic). These two had almost nothing in common and apparently it was love at first site - ugh.
I think this might appeal more to religious readers than to someone like myself, so perhaps they might get more entertainment from it. Also, there is a cliffhanger, if you're in to that kind of thing. Wink wink.
Ultimately, this was marketed as a Dan Brown type thriller. Was it thrilling? I found the pace to be quite slow for the first half. There wasn't really much in the way of stakes for the main characters until later in the book. Therefore, I didn't find myself turning the pages as I might in a first-rate thriller. Was it Dan Brown-like? Not overly. Here's why...
Dan Brown's novels root themselves in reality. He takes real (for the most part) historical things and weaves them into an original piece of fresh fiction. Brown doesn't stray away from the reality, by which I mean he doesn't try adding fantastical and supernatural elements to spice up the story. However, this was not all true of Heubusch.
What started as a potentially fascinating look into the history of the Shroud of Turin and an original thrilling ride, became a sort of mockery of the genre that just didn't work.
There were elements that worked. The number one being Bondurant as a character. I found him flawed and likeable in many ways. Real. I also liked how Heubusch sprinkled in the history of the religious relic throughout rather than info dumping it on us.
But it's more about what didn't work here. The thing I didn't like about what the author did with the MC (Bondurant) was that he worked the character up, made him go through his paces. It's obviously being done to set up for a dramatic shaming at the end where Bondurant (who is a vehement atheist at the beginning) will have some miraculous breakthrough in his 'beliefs' and become a believer in God. I'm all for enlightening experiences, but come on... The feeling I got, pretty early on, was the Heubusch was very bent on defending religion and the supernatural stories that have become dogma. Heubusch is a good writer, but great writers will disguise their personal beliefs from the reader so as not to impose them on the reader. When I'm reading a book, I don't want to be consciously thinking about the author the whole time, I just want to be entertained. In some ways, it was preachy.
Some other things I didn't enjoy were a few dialogue passages, in particular from Domenika, the woman in the story whose main goal is to fight for the side of religion. It's probably a factor of having grown up in Canada (because religion isn't as big a thing here as it is in America for example) but I just have a hard time believing some of the things she said, such as: "How does someone who does not believe in God ever actually love someone else?"
Then there were the miraculous things that were happening, like bringing a dog back to life with a sacred cloth. These little supernatural elements really took it over the top, and could have been omitted.
And lastly, the unlikely and forced love story between Bondurant (atheist) and Domenika (Catholic). These two had almost nothing in common and apparently it was love at first site - ugh.
I think this might appeal more to religious readers than to someone like myself, so perhaps they might get more entertainment from it. Also, there is a cliffhanger, if you're in to that kind of thing. Wink wink.
March 24, 2017
Hmmmm. Not a bad book for his first time out. Not bad at all . . .
August 27, 2018
John Heubusch only crossed my radar during a recent trip to the library, where I noticed this interesting religious thriller. Always up for something that turns accepted religious fact on its head, I leapt at the chance to read this book and expand my knowledge base. Dr. Jon Bondurant is a world-renowned forensic anthropologist whose explorations and debunking of Christian relics has helped assign him the title of Vatican Enemy Number One. After years of trying to get permission to run tests of the Shroud of Turin, Vatican sources finally agree, though their regulations and demands are quite lengthy. The Shroud, said to be the cloth used to wrap Jesus Christ’s body after his crucifixion, has long been a controversial relic and never surfaced until the Middle Ages. Earlier tests disproved its authenticity, though new technology could offer an answer once and for all, thereby elevating the Shroud to new heights. Dr. Bondurant assembles some of the world’s best in their fields to examine various aspects of the Shroud, including a recent Nobel Prize winner whose work in ancient DNA has created a buzz around the scientific world. When the team arrives in Turin, they are met by Domenika Jozef, a Polish-born Vatican representative whose devout views clash with most of what Bondurant posits. During some of the key tests, Bondurant and Jozef come across proof that neither could have predicted, turning what may once have been rumour into all but concrete proof. Working on such a high-intensity project, Bondurant and Jozef are pushed together to the point that the tension becomes too much, though the playboy scientist makes his hasty escape before things get too real. While planning the final report for the world and Vatican, all aspects of Shroud analysis come together, though there is an anomaly with the blood analysis and a DNA chain that could not have been expected makes its way into the results. However, there may be more than science at play here, as a religious sect has been poking around and trying to use the services of this Nobel laureate to facilitate their plans for human cloning. As the world reacts to the Shroud news, there could be something equally earth shattering in store, as Domenika Jozef has gone missing. Heubusch creates much hype with this stellar opening novel in the series and leaves readers gasping with the ending, as they rush to find the sequel. Fans of a good religious thriller may enjoy this, though it is not recommended for the truly devout who wish not to have the Catholic Church knocked of its self-developed pedestal.
When it comes to books that seek to debunk religious tenets, there are many out there. It would seem that the Catholic Church, more specifically the Vatican, takes it on the nose when authors try to pry loose fact from faith-based fallacy, at least in the world of fiction. However, while some novels have earned their authors much success, it is difficult to find something entirely unique and yet interesting to a large cross-section of readers. Heubusch has succeeded, marrying science to a well-known Christian relic and churning out this highly entertaining novel. He has developed a lovely collection of characters that find ways to link themselves with the reader as the story progresses, without becoming too far fetched or standoffish. Jon Bondurant and Domenika Jozef prove not only to be two wonderful protagonists, but clash so completely as to complement one another perfectly. One is rooted in fact and refuses to make strong personal connections while the other finds solace in her faith and seeks deep personal connections. Together, they offer the reader a wonderful means of seeing the narrative through two lenses, both of which are highly enthralling. The remaining cast fits in nicely, be they scientists, religious scholars, or sect members pushing a newfangled set of beliefs, all of whom add flavour and intensity to an already exciting narrative. Heubusch has crafted them perfectly and the reader cannot help but get lost in the well-grounded perspectives offers throughout the novel,. The narrative does get bogged down at times with details regarding Christian history, Catholic dogma, and the sciences of analysis, but I surmise that the story would not be as captivating with only superficial discussions of these topics. Heubusch has surely taken the time to get everything in order, creating the equivalent to a well-oiled machine before letting the reader make their own decision. With as quick pace throughout and some subplots that are sure to become central arguments in the sequel, Heubusch ends this opening novel with a stunning revelation, one that could rock Christianity to its core, should it come to pass. Then again, it’s always fun to weaken a foundation and see how the tenets withhold the impact, no?
Kudos, Mr. Heubusch, for a great piece that keeps the reader hooked. I am rushing to get my hands on the sequel so that I, too, can learn how all this plays out.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
When it comes to books that seek to debunk religious tenets, there are many out there. It would seem that the Catholic Church, more specifically the Vatican, takes it on the nose when authors try to pry loose fact from faith-based fallacy, at least in the world of fiction. However, while some novels have earned their authors much success, it is difficult to find something entirely unique and yet interesting to a large cross-section of readers. Heubusch has succeeded, marrying science to a well-known Christian relic and churning out this highly entertaining novel. He has developed a lovely collection of characters that find ways to link themselves with the reader as the story progresses, without becoming too far fetched or standoffish. Jon Bondurant and Domenika Jozef prove not only to be two wonderful protagonists, but clash so completely as to complement one another perfectly. One is rooted in fact and refuses to make strong personal connections while the other finds solace in her faith and seeks deep personal connections. Together, they offer the reader a wonderful means of seeing the narrative through two lenses, both of which are highly enthralling. The remaining cast fits in nicely, be they scientists, religious scholars, or sect members pushing a newfangled set of beliefs, all of whom add flavour and intensity to an already exciting narrative. Heubusch has crafted them perfectly and the reader cannot help but get lost in the well-grounded perspectives offers throughout the novel,. The narrative does get bogged down at times with details regarding Christian history, Catholic dogma, and the sciences of analysis, but I surmise that the story would not be as captivating with only superficial discussions of these topics. Heubusch has surely taken the time to get everything in order, creating the equivalent to a well-oiled machine before letting the reader make their own decision. With as quick pace throughout and some subplots that are sure to become central arguments in the sequel, Heubusch ends this opening novel with a stunning revelation, one that could rock Christianity to its core, should it come to pass. Then again, it’s always fun to weaken a foundation and see how the tenets withhold the impact, no?
Kudos, Mr. Heubusch, for a great piece that keeps the reader hooked. I am rushing to get my hands on the sequel so that I, too, can learn how all this plays out.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
December 13, 2016
If you enjoy hi-tech religious thrillers-check out this debut. Twists and surprises abound, and perhaps a sequel awaits down the road.
March 16, 2017
This is a wildly ridiculous and pretty fun read. The plot is interesting, albeit it races towards its conclusion rather quickly after spending over half of the novel setting up the premise. The characters are reasonably well constructed, albeit a little stereotypical. I particularly liked the character of Pareti, the hunch-backed priest. Overall, I would say that this is a good book to take on holiday. It's easy to read, the dialogue flows well and the story, while ludicrous, is engaging. It's pulp, but then pulp is usually fun!
June 15, 2017
The author's background is fascinating. The concept for the book is amazing-what if someone could get the blood from the Shroud and clone Jesus? Terrifying, science vs. religion, lots of forces at work here, each with their own agenda. The characters were good (not great-we know pretty much only superficial things about them) and then there is the romance, which was unrealistic given the time issues in the book. So I just didn't buy it. A confirmed bachelor millionaire man meets the beautiful Vatican rep (for the second time, they hate each other the first go around) and falls in love with her so after less than a month when she vanishes he spends over a year just searching for her? Trust me, I would believe you could clone Jesus way before I would believe the romance part. But it's such an interesting concept and the author knows his science so it is good reading. Looking forward to the sequel.
March 21, 2017
A great read!
This book held my deep interest. Every sentence seemed vital to the story. It felt like true story. I missed it when I finished
This book held my deep interest. Every sentence seemed vital to the story. It felt like true story. I missed it when I finished
April 10, 2017
An excellent book by an excellent author. Religious High tech mystery with many twists and turns. Very entertaining.
April 13, 2017
If you like books in the DaVinci Code genre, I think you will really like this book. The ending - I never saw it coming. Enjoy.
August 15, 2017
I wanted to like this book because of the subject but I was very disappointed in it at every level.
May 20, 2018
Dr. Jon Bondurant is a forensic anthropologist who has been selected by the Vatican for a job of a lifetime, to authenticate the shroud of Turin. That being “a length of linen cloth bearing the negative image of a man who is alleged to be Jesus of Nazareth”. The interesting thing about Bondurant though, is he is a fervent atheist. He, along with a scientific research team and Domenika Josef, a Vatican representative, spend weeks testing the shroud. Is that the highlight of the book? Not really since this is a thriller. This book takes you back and forth from Baltimore to Rome to India and Belgium. What are the true results of the tests? And what will they do if the results are positive?.......hence the conspiracy.
I really liked this book and it ended with not so much a cliffhanger, per se, but it leaves you with a bourgeoning question………..”does he mean what I think he means??” Because of that I really hope this continues. I thought it was really good. 😊
I really liked this book and it ended with not so much a cliffhanger, per se, but it leaves you with a bourgeoning question………..”does he mean what I think he means??” Because of that I really hope this continues. I thought it was really good. 😊
May 6, 2018
I struggled with the rating I would give this book - trying to decide between 3 or 4 stars. In the end I'd give it about 3.5 stars if that was an available choice. I listened to this book on audio. I thought it started out as a second rate Davinci Code knock-off but the hero, John, wasn't as smooth or interesting as Robert Langdon. As the story went on and other characters came into the story it got better and finally picked up speed.
This book ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger and it would be interesting to see what happens but I don't know if I'd be willing to spend my time and money to find out what happens next.
This book ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger and it would be interesting to see what happens but I don't know if I'd be willing to spend my time and money to find out what happens next.
March 18, 2017
Yes a cliff hanger ending but could not put it down Loved this
March 18, 2017
A cliffhanger at the end , but loved this book!!!
March 20, 2017
I loved this book. The Shroud of Turin, stolen blood, cloning. What a fun read! I'm hoping for a sequel!!!
August 9, 2017
Started off a bit slow, then got rather interesting, and last 100 pages completely fell apart.
July 31, 2019
Shades of the Da Vini Code. Dr. Jon Bondurant is called upon by the Vatican to examine the Shroud of Turin after the discovery of an ancient book that traces the shroud's history. A cult takes desperate measures to get blood samples off the shroud in order to clone a new Jesus.
February 2, 2021
I did not enjoy this book and I doubt I’ll read the sequel. I was exasperated by implausible events rather than thrilled. Some readers tolerate implausibility better than others like myself. Some readers will enjoy this sort of book and that’s fine but not every reader is the same. Although we readers all scan the same text, the story we understand is shaped by our experiences and imagination so we will differ on our opinions. I’ll make a general complaint and then comment about four far-fetched episodes although I could have included more.
My major complaint with the book is that the reader can get to the last page without any resolution of the major plot elements. The conspiracy is alive and lethal despite having a few of its operators pruned from the ranks. I got this book as a loaner and put it down several times out of frustration. I only forced myself to finish it when the owner wanted the book back. I learned through Goodreads that I might have to read a second book to resolve all the loose ends. Had I known this I wouldn’t have started, and certainly not finished, the first book.
The basic premise is not much different from Jurassic Park – maybe we should call it Jerusalem Park. Instead of re-creating a dinosaur from bits of blood taken from a mosquito preserved in amber we have Jesus being re-produced from blood taken from the Shroud of Turin. Actually, we don’t even know that this was accomplished at the end of the first book.
Problems (chronological order):
My major complaint with the book is that the reader can get to the last page without any resolution of the major plot elements. The conspiracy is alive and lethal despite having a few of its operators pruned from the ranks. I got this book as a loaner and put it down several times out of frustration. I only forced myself to finish it when the owner wanted the book back. I learned through Goodreads that I might have to read a second book to resolve all the loose ends. Had I known this I wouldn’t have started, and certainly not finished, the first book.
The basic premise is not much different from Jurassic Park – maybe we should call it Jerusalem Park. Instead of re-creating a dinosaur from bits of blood taken from a mosquito preserved in amber we have Jesus being re-produced from blood taken from the Shroud of Turin. Actually, we don’t even know that this was accomplished at the end of the first book.
Problems (chronological order):
August 23, 2018
Excellent
The premise itself makes it a five out of five. The idea of cloning a person is spooky. Cloning someone as important as Christ to jump start the second coming is an idea that gave me goosebumps from the beginning. The writing is a bit uneven, but the ideas clearly compensate.
The premise itself makes it a five out of five. The idea of cloning a person is spooky. Cloning someone as important as Christ to jump start the second coming is an idea that gave me goosebumps from the beginning. The writing is a bit uneven, but the ideas clearly compensate.
March 23, 2017
***...a fast-paced and ambitious debut thriller...***
"The Shroud Conspiracy," by John Heubusch, an unusual story of suspense and intrigue, pits faith against science when blood and DNA results vanish during an investigation of a religious artifact said to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ—the Shroud of Turin. However, no one suspects the real purpose behind the theft.
The story opens in the massive Vatican library known as the sanctum sanctorum. "Texts undisturbed for centuries," now lay pages irretrievably torn among splintered shelving" ruins. Father Parenti, known as the hunchback priest because of his misshapen back, mutters curses as he "gasps for breath and struggles to get up from a "sprawling heap of priceless books."
The dwarflike priest could only pray for a miracle since the "makeshift shelf he'd napped" on had collapsed and left him like "an overturned tortoise, stuck on his shell," unable to right himself. The little priests worst fears were realized when he saw the large feet and towering frame of Father Antonio Barsanti, the dreaded library prefect approach! Before a word was said, the deformed priest knew he was doomed!
Thus begins a debut suspense wrapped in evil, deceit and Vatican intrigue inspired by an attempt to bring about the Second Coming of Jesus. What wasn't planned was a forensic anthropologist, an outspoken atheist, determined to prove the Shroud of Turin a fake. Then there's the beautiful Vatican representative who believes the religious relic is real and she is determined to protect it at any cost.
Add pedophilia, kidnapping, intriguing human weakness and a globe-spanning chase and you have a fast-paced and ambitious debut thriller. Some readers might find an act of animal cruelty and suggested rape shocking yet they are central to the plot. However, the author's creative plot premise, to bring about the End of Days is unique although one plot thread is weak. Still, I'm sure readers will see more of this author and future books will further polish his plotting techniques.
The author, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and contributing writer for The New York Times, Forbes Magazine and The Washington Post releases his debut thriller, "The Shroud Conspiracy," March 14, 2017.
The Shroud Conspiracy, a Thriller,' by John Heubusch, Howard Books, 3-14-2017, Hardcover, 416 Pages, 978-1501155703, $26.00
Midwest Book Reviews: "Gail's Bookshelf" January 2017
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October 30, 2017
It's rare I write a review. I use Goodreads mostly as a tracking my device and to see the occasional reviews. I picked this book up off the shelf at the library as a "light read". Figured it might be a bit of an "around the world romp" in the vein of Dan Brown. My first issue is that this novel has been done before, the Christ Clone trilogy by James BeauSeigneur. That too started of on the very interesting premise of cloning Christ. It ended up turning into a lousy Christian eschatological mess. In the case of The Shroud Conspiracy the "cliff hanger"??? at the end of this book is so abrupt, and really without ANY support in the story, that I've no doubt it's heading in the same direction.
Leaving aside the subject matter, the genre of thriller here is just poorly done. Too many characters glossed over and given short shrift, big moments just happen and then... nothing. Character motivations that are given no "meat", they're just fairly obvious tropish characterizations. Some really goofy break-ins that are just too hard to suspend belief over, not to mention just pointless ( why does Jon mean break into the Vatican library with the Father Parenti? He did nothing, just followed along and ran at the appropriately moments ) gaah!
Finally I'm at a loss on the title even. What conspiracy? The Demanians? How the report was under mined? Once again no real basis for anything. Then again maybe all I really need do is just have faith.
Leaving aside the subject matter, the genre of thriller here is just poorly done. Too many characters glossed over and given short shrift, big moments just happen and then... nothing. Character motivations that are given no "meat", they're just fairly obvious tropish characterizations. Some really goofy break-ins that are just too hard to suspend belief over, not to mention just pointless ( why does Jon mean break into the Vatican library with the Father Parenti? He did nothing, just followed along and ran at the appropriately moments ) gaah!
Finally I'm at a loss on the title even. What conspiracy? The Demanians? How the report was under mined? Once again no real basis for anything. Then again maybe all I really need do is just have faith.
May 7, 2019
I don't want to be too hard on this author, this being his very first novel, but boy, what a colossal disappointment. The plot held promise and the premise had potential--that's why I picked it up in the first place. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into a good thriller about a Shroud conspiracy and international intrigue. Unfortunately, it was a superficial, clichéd story (not a thriller) at all, written on a high-school level, at best. In the middle of the book, when the hero gets hit on the back of the head with a brick "out of nowhere," (yes, that phrase was actually used), he's not seriously injured but rises up to fight the assailant, that's when I pretty much had had enough. The ridiculous romance was so drawn out and boring, I glossed over paragraphs and pages at a time. I mean, come ON....."He could tell she was upset....." REALLY? Who writes like that!? The author tried to create tension by having the couple hate each other at first, but then of course, they're inexplicably drawn to each other and madly in love. So the ending was a "cliffhanger" of sorts, obviously designed to open the door for a sequel, which is already in the works. This whole thing just didn't work for me. Perhaps the writing will improve with the sequel, but I don't think I'll be reading this author again to find out.
January 29, 2018
Not at all what I expected from a first time author. I liked the antagonistic relationship between Jon Bondurant, the atheist forensic anthropologist invited by the Vatican to examine the Shroud to prove its authenticity, and Domenika Josef, the Vatican's representative who believes the Shroud to be real. Their relationship from the beginning through the end of the book is an interesting side story to the main story.
The science that is used to determine the Shroud's authenticity is somewhat fantastic in nature but makes for a good read. The thought of taking a sample of the blood on the Shroud to obtain the DNA and clone another Christ left me wondering what if were really done, and what it would mean for the world's religions. A good discussion topic for bible study groups.
In general, a very interesting read, somewhat slow to start but picks up the pace as you move along. The end was obviously written with a sequel in mind, which I later found to be in the making. I would recommend The Shroud Conspiracy to those who like Dan Brown's books.
The science that is used to determine the Shroud's authenticity is somewhat fantastic in nature but makes for a good read. The thought of taking a sample of the blood on the Shroud to obtain the DNA and clone another Christ left me wondering what if were really done, and what it would mean for the world's religions. A good discussion topic for bible study groups.
In general, a very interesting read, somewhat slow to start but picks up the pace as you move along. The end was obviously written with a sequel in mind, which I later found to be in the making. I would recommend The Shroud Conspiracy to those who like Dan Brown's books.
July 31, 2017
For a first time writer, The Shroud was an unexpected pleasure. It's a little rough around the edges with character development, but that's to be expected with a first time writer, and as someone mentioned in a comment to the author the ending was a little rushed. But damn, once I started reading I couldn't stop.
What's fun about books like this is the wealth of experience the author brings to the table. Even better are his acquaintances...if he isn't sure of something he obviously knows who to talk to.
I look forward to his follow-up.
Recommended for readers of Lincoln/Child.
And here's an interesting link - http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2...
What's fun about books like this is the wealth of experience the author brings to the table. Even better are his acquaintances...if he isn't sure of something he obviously knows who to talk to.
I look forward to his follow-up.
Recommended for readers of Lincoln/Child.
And here's an interesting link - http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2...
June 30, 2018
After seeing an interview with the author, my interest was piqued. The shroud has always interested me, from both a religious and scientific aspect. The story starts out innocently enough and moves along very quickly into the conspiracy/mystery. My only complaint is that all the loose ends aren’t tied up at the end. But it leaves an opening for the next act! Can’t wait to read it.
May 20, 2017
Surprised on many levels
The Shroud Conspiracy was a surprise from the start.
I heard about this new book from an unknown writer when I happened to tune on the radio while driving home from work. I later read the synopsis on Amazon and figured what the heck....sounds interesting. So I downloaded the sample. Minutes later I bought book.
Now I am waiting for the follow up.
Great read.
The Shroud Conspiracy was a surprise from the start.
I heard about this new book from an unknown writer when I happened to tune on the radio while driving home from work. I later read the synopsis on Amazon and figured what the heck....sounds interesting. So I downloaded the sample. Minutes later I bought book.
Now I am waiting for the follow up.
Great read.
June 7, 2017
In the same vein as the Da Vinci Code. Moves at a good pace, story is interesting, After receing high marks from Dana Pireno and the NY Times I was expecting a little bit more. Yet it makes a good summertime read. Perfect for vacations (I have already seen it in the hands of many at the airport).
May 31, 2017
Outstanding! A fun read.
Even as a clergy-person, I found it a bit preachy at times. That said, this being a high tech novel combined with solid biblical research and relic history, set in Italy... what more could one ask for? Well done John! Can't wait to read the sequel.
Even as a clergy-person, I found it a bit preachy at times. That said, this being a high tech novel combined with solid biblical research and relic history, set in Italy... what more could one ask for? Well done John! Can't wait to read the sequel.
June 24, 2017
Fantastic book laced with enough history and reality to make it believable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this nook and can wait for the sequel. It is action-packed and definitely, thought-provoking. Definitely worth the read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this nook and can wait for the sequel. It is action-packed and definitely, thought-provoking. Definitely worth the read.
August 7, 2017
Quick read Entertaining. Not exactly what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be more about the work to prove or disprove the shroud. Also had an ending that left you hanging which I wasn't expecting as I didn't realize this was going to be a series. But overall still worth reading
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