The Brothers' Keepers

by Matthew Peters

It all starts with the murder of a United States Senator in a confessional, and the discovery of a strange religious document among his possessions. At the urging of his FBI friend, Jesuit Nicholas Branson joins the investigation. His effort to uncover the truth behind the murder draws him into a web of ecclesiastical and political intrigue, and sets him on a quest for an eight-hundred-year-old treasure that could shake the foundations of the Judeo-Christian world.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2014

About the author

Matthew Peters has a B.A. from Vassar College and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Duke University. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and the Authors Guild and currently resides in North Carolina. He is passionate about exploring religious, political, and socioeconomic issues from a variety of perspectives and especially values the views put forth by marginalized groups or people. His writing involves a good deal of research, and he is committed to writing historically plausible thrillers, in the hope of giving readers food for thought. 

Reviews

[Cynthia Ogren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Matthew Peters’ The Brothers’ Keepers

Move over Dan Brown! There’s a talented new contender to the thriller fiction throne. His name is Matthew Peters, and incredibly, _The Brothers’ Keepers_ is his first published novel.

I don’t want to spoil the intrigue of this fascinating novel for prospective readers, so instead of commenting on the plotline, I’ll just offer an enticing riddle. What do you get when you mix a Jesuit historian, a political assassination, ancient religious clues, betrayal, multiple murders, ecclesiastical and political conspiracy at the highest levels, and a continent-sweeping treasure hunt for an unknown religious icon that could shake the very foundation of the Judeo-Christian world? Well, you get _The Brothers’ Keepers_, one hell of a heart-pounding read!

Along with his prodigious plotting skills, Peters is also a masterful writer. As a political scientist, he takes a complicated, well-researched conspiracy scenario and breaks it down into an easily understandable format. His narrative is clear, concise, and often breathtaking. Although _The Brothers’ Keepers_ is mainly an action-driven thriller, Peters draws realistic, relatable characters for the reader to care about. The dialog, in general, and the repartee between the two main protagonists sparkle with wit and realism. But of all this author’s various talents, perhaps his story pacing tops the list. I literally could not put this book down. With a houseful of guests, I kept sneaking off to my bedroom to consume another chapter until I read the last word in the wee hours of the following morning.

Also, nestled amid the full-throttle suspense of _The Brothers’ Keepers_ are a couple of themes that build steam with the plotline and fully surface after the last sentence has been digested. In whom should we place our trust? The government? The church? And perhaps the most nagging question of all: Which is most important, the facts of a situation or the overriding universal truth? As with all great books, _The Brothers’ Keepers_ gives the reader great fodder for thought.
I read a lot of books, but rarely does one touch me as this one has.

_The Brothers’ Keepers_ gets a resounding five-stars from me, along with my highest recommendation. My only disappointment is that I don’t have the sequel—or anything the talented Matthew Peters might write—to curl up with tonight.

--Cynthia Ogren, author of _Beautiful Monsters_ (Vigilante Publishing Group LLC) and a yet-untitled WIP of her near-death experience.

[Virginia Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This action-driven thriller takes DaVinci Code fans to the next level!

Who is this Jesus? Freedom-fighter? Revolutionary? Messiah? Brother? And why doesn’t the Vatican want us to know?
Mr. Peters shines a very different light on who, and what, Jesus and his disciples were in this faced-paced, exciting, and thought-provoking novel. The author uses his expertise in political science to skillfully craft information that seems indisputable. I willingly accepted the explanations given, and many times during the read, as the engaging characters deciphered clues, found myself asking, “Could this be what really happened at Christ’s death? And if so, it would profoundly change everything I believe!”
After an explosive beginning, we meet Branson, a tortured Jesuit historian wrestling with lost love, heart-ache, and personal demons. In an honest effort to help an old friend, Branson finds himself a pivotal component in a conspiracy between Church and State to hide knowledge so dangerous it could destroy the very foundations of the Christian faith.
As Branson and his technology-savvy partner, Jessica Jones, race from North America through Europe to the Middle East to discover the truth, they are plagued by assassins and would be saviors. The novel drew me into their struggles to the extent that I felt I was exploring mysterious castles, climbing treacherous mountains, and stealing across dangerous borders right beside them. The scenery is described beautifully, and the imagery used, speaks to the quality of the writing; “Words fell like dead flowers from the elderly cardinal’s gaunt lips” is merely one example.

Through an unfolding Vatican power struggle and the piecing together of a complex and multifaceted puzzle leading to a shocking conclusion, I was kept both absorbed and entertained. Until the very end, I wasn’t sure which players were really the real bad guys. During the latter part of the novel, a large and very dangerous enemy takes form and I wonder when, in future novels, he will rear his ugly head. I eagerly look forward to Nicholas Branson’s next quest.

[Sunshine Somerville · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Christian, I obviously don't agree with the conclusion this book's discoveries lead to. HOWEVER, as a work of historical/religious fiction, it's quite intriguing, well-researched, and complex, as any good mystery should be.
The action is tense and cool. The settings are well-described and familiar. The characters are believable and likable so that you root for the good guys and are a little afraid the bad guys could be real. Nick's personal journey gives a deeper tone to the story, and his wrestles with faith are unbelievably complicated. Overall, I really enjoyed this read and would recommend it to anyone who likes a good conspiracy theory.
This book will get compared to "The DaVinci Code" probably quite often. I would say this is better written. The same elements of Church conspiracy and mystery-solving are certainly there.
There were a couple little wrinkles that could be ironed out. Sometimes Nick and Jessica's journey (and the plot) jumps along because something happens or is introduced that's a little too convenient, considering supposedly these things have been hidden for centuries. I found it a little odd that the "bad guys" didn't just go directly after Albert, who at the end suddenly shows up where before he seemingly had no right to be (avoiding spoiler). At the end, one of the top bad guys suddenly shows up, seemingly just so he can be killed. And if Jessica is as educated in all this as I would assume she would be, why does she not know some basic historical details Nick has to tell her - it feels like this is just an excuse to share with the audience.
But, again overall, I liked this book a lot. It makes you think through what you think you know, and you grow attached to the characters while trying to solve bigger mysteries.

[Gloria Antypowich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Brothers’ Keepers this afternoon---I usually read when I go to bed. I only read a book that is very compelling otherwise—and this book was definitely compelling. I had to know where it would go—but I didn’t want it to end! I only wish there was a second Nicholas Branson novel to follow up with immediately. I went to Amazon.com and looked, but alas there wasn’t, so I bought Conversations Among Ruins by the same author. It is an entirely different kind of book, but I am very interested in reading it.

I’ll admit, I bought The Brothers’ Keepers, not because I’d read the reviews, but because someone I’m acquainted with, made an ungenerous remark about it to my husband and I was curious. After I got into the story, I could understand where his thoughts had originated from, because this book is boldly thought provoking when it comes to the accepted concept of Jesus, the origins of Christianity and our western society as we know it. For some it could be very unsettling. However it wasn’t for me.

I read a wide variety of books, and murder/mystery/ thrillers are among my favorites. I was intrigued on many levels when I started reading it. I’m always pulled to a story line that leads to the discovery of something that will cause upheaval in real, accepted social concepts. Political corruption in the US government is not hard to imagine, but I wondered how he would credibly handle the corruption within the Vatican. And of course, I was eager to learn what the hidden treasure was, and how finding it would be handled.

Peters did a masterful job of weaving the plot, and he made the deceitfulness in the highest ranks of the US government, and the corruption and jockeying for power within the Vatican and the Catholic Church seem so plausible that there were times when I had to remind myself that it was fiction.

Peters’ writing is crisp, authentic and realistically descriptive. His knowledge of the scripture and the history of the church and the concept of Christianity is very apparent, but he weaves it into a heart pounding, action filled mystery/thriller, in a way that only adds to the authenticity of the story.
I liked this book because it was an action packed read. But I also liked it because I found it to be thought provoking.

I read the other reviews on Amazon, before I wrote this. Someone said “Dan Brown wishes he wrote this,”in their review. I have enjoyed two of Dan Browns books, but I can honestly say, that if I were given a choice between them, and The Brothers’ Keepers---Matthew Peters has my vote.

[T.B. Markinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brothers’ Keepers starts off with a bang: a US senator is murdered in a confessional. Nicholas Branson, a Jesuit and a religious scholar, is asked by his friend and FBI agent, Greg Hanlovian, to look at some of the evidence. At the time, the FBI agent, called Han, has no idea what the document is. The document that Han hands over to Branson is a clue about Jesus’ siblings, an often over-looked aspect of his life. As it turns out, many powerful people want to keep this part of Jesus’ life secret.

With the aid of Jessica Jones, a research librarian, Branson stumbles upon a mystery that is so big it could bring down the Catholic Church. Each clue leads them to a new country and as they venture further and further on their quest the sakes get bigger. Many want them to fail. Some even want them dead. Will Branson and Jessica solve the mystery? Or will they end up dead?

When I started this book I knew it was a mystery. What I didn’t expect was how much I would get sucked into it. There are so many moving components and yet I never felt like I was adrift at sea. Peters does a wonderful job of keeping the plot moving at a crisp speed but doesn’t lose his readers along the way but he still maintains a level of intrigue. Clues are left but they aren’t blatant ruining the big reveal.

This novel has a little bit of everything: intrigue, political corruption, religious corruption, love, history, travel, and one twist and turn after another. The author isn’t shy about raising controversial subjects but he does so in a respectful way. If you like The Da Vinci Code this book will not let you down. Just a warning, it might be hard to put it down once you start. The ride Peters takes the reader on is a delightful one.

[Cornelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a smart, fast-paced, intricate thriller, especially when there's an element of history/religion involved, so I loved The Brothers' Keepers.

I was easily able to get into the Nicholas Branson character, the guide/detective/skeptical Jesuit hero of this and (hopefully many!) forthcoming novels, and that made the journey through the novel's adventures and perils (both intellectual and physical in nature) even more enjoyable. Branson is an unlikely hero, a religious scholar who lives a more-or-less monastic life, but therein is the source of his charm and likability. He's super-smart about certain things (history, etc.) but not that adept at other things (interactions with the opposite sex, for instance). I like that he is a serious character in an exciting book, but not without foibles. The equally gifted and quick-witted librarian Jessica, with whom he makes his trek, is also an easy character to root for and identify with.

I'd call this a very tight thriller. There's not a misspent/extraneous scene, character, line or word in the whole novel. It's so deftly written and plotted, so well executed, that it's easy to get wrapped up in the whirlwind of the "treasure hunt" aspect, the well-being of the main characters and the mind-blowing mystery itself.

Can't wait for the next installment of Branson's adventures.

[Marsha West · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like any of Dan Brown’s books you will love Peters’ debut book. My goodness he had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. Just when I thought the situation couldn’t get worse, it did.
His hero,Nicolas Branson, is your everyman college professor almost Jesuit priest. Not the kind you’d expect to get into harrowing escapades. Oh, but he does and very believable they are, too.
The young librarian, Jessica Jones who helps Branson varies between being straightforward and secretive, keeping our hero on his toes. And the bad guys—well you might not agree with them, but they have their reasons. Fascinating read.
I stayed up late to finish the book, something I seldom do anymore.

[Ann Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me with a lot of questions. It's extremely detailed and obviously painstakingly researched and had me completely fascinated. I love a good mystery and it's even better when there's some reality behind them. It's based on a very interesting concept that had me recalling my Bible studies.

I loved Branson as a character and enjoyed watching him come to terms with himself and his calling.

The plot is very fast paced and I had to reread a few sections just to make sure I caught everything.

[Kitty Muse Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We are now what we’ve always been—the wielders of God’s power on earth, the keepers of the brothers, the guardians of their secrets.”
How that sentence is understood, and how it plays out in reality, is the crux of this book—from the private rooms of the White House to the gilded halls of the Vatican. To say that the tale is compelling, or is a real page-turner, or that it kept me reading beyond my bedtime—none of those descriptions can possibly touch the power of this story. Just let me say—hold onto your Bibles, and put your favorite theologian on speed-dial.
Mr. Peters has come up with an adventure so real that it is hard to see the line between reality and fiction. Indeed, where that line is drawn surely depends on one’s faith, and what one is brought up to believe.
The elements of what is considered heresy and what is recorded history are so closely interwoven that it is absolutely impossible to tell where fiction begins and reality ends—and where they swap out. The author has researched his topic exhaustively, and it is a careful person who retains his or her faith throughout.
One thing I can tell you—Indiana Jones would have given a fortune to have gone along on this odyssey.
I can hardly wait for the next book in the series!!

[Simone Z. Endrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking

This novel is a keeper (pun intended). Although thrillers are not my usual read, I am very glad I gave this one a go. Exceptionally well-written, The Brothers' Keepers is so much more than a thriller. I'd go so far as to say it's a medley of genres that should appeal to any reader—thriller, historical, action, political intrigue, and an element of romance thrown into the mix.

The story starts with a bang on the very first page with the murder of a US senator and a string of others. More murders are in the offing during the course of the novel; they do not relent until the end. This aspect of Peters' novel is a real page turner, but it's by no means singular. Political intrigue abounds and is not limited to American politics but extends to the Vatican itself, where the internal power struggle is as deadly as in any other institution. All the characters, even the secondary ones and the villains, are very well-drawn, realistic and easy to identify with. At times, the reader cannot gauge whether a character will be one of the good ones or a wolf in sheep's clothing, which I found particularly intriguing. Blitz is one such character that comes to mind. I was ambivalent about his persona until the end.

Another aspect of the novel that I enjoyed was the wealth of historical detail it offers—on the Catholic Church, the bible, Jesus and his brothers, Catharism—some of which I'd never even heard of and was therefore keen to learn. So while the story is exciting and fast-paced, it also sheds new light on the life of Christ that the bible is sparing on, such as the 33 absent years where little is known of Jesus' doings by disciples of the Catholic faith. Of particular note was the detail on the thirteenth century Christian movement known as the Cathars, which hitherto had been unknown to me. This sect is now mainly remembered for its prolonged period of persecution by the Catholic Church, which did not recognise their belief as being truly Christian. Needless to say, the Cathars were annihilated as heretics by the Inquisition in the early fourteenth century.

Aside from the skillful weaving of all that historical fact in a manner that does not interfere with the pace, the story is action-packed with adventure and intrigue in multiple settings. Together with our hero Nicholas Branson, a soon-to-be Jesuit priest as well as a professor of Ancient Christianity, and Jessica Jones, a descendant of the Cathars, we trot the globe in anticipation of their findings—from the United States, to Armenia, to Turkmenistan, to the mountains of Afghanistan. Branson is caught in a web of ecclesiastical and political intrigue that sees him traipsing across the globe in search of Jezebel. No, this not a person, and I wouldn't like to add spoilers by saying what it is. The reader is kept on tenterhooks until the very end. Suffice to say that this Jezebel is an 800-year-old treasure that holds the key to the Christian faith—information that, if known, would undermine the tenets of the Judeo-Christian world. This part is fiction, of course, but skillfully presented as to seem very credible indeed.

The Brothers' Keepers was a real pleasure to read. Clearly, a lot of meticulous research went into it. In many ways it is thought-provoking, urging the reader to ask the crucial questions. I am now all agog to read the sequels, and will definitely be looking out for more of this talented author's work in the future.

[Namrata Ganti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced thriller which is as good and as gripping any Dan Brown novel.

The story revolves around the controversies related to the basis on which Christianity was established and Jesus and his siblings. There are many conspiracy theories that the author makes use of with thorough research to back up the claims. The author mentions his sources for most things mentioned in the book at the end.

The story progresses at a fast pace with not a single second wasted in unnecessary details. The reader is drawn into the book from the very first second and will not be able to put it down until the end. Nick Branson is a scholarly Jesuit who gets called in by his FBI friend to look over a document found at a murder victims office. Little do they realise that this will lead them on a hunt for something that has been hidden for a very long time, something that can question the very foundation of Christianity and shatter people's belief. Accompanied by a beautiful research librarian Jessica Jones, the story follows Nick as he races against those trying to kill him and prevent him from finding out the truth. In this race to the finish, we see that even the Christian church, the government an many high ranking people involved and the plot only thickens as deceit runs high and no-one will hesitate to pull the trigger.

The suspense is strong and will keep the reader questioning everything they ever thought about the religion to the extent that they may end up questioning their own faith. A strong and well thought out story, this will drop a bombshell that will have the readers scurrying around to read more and understand. The foundation of this story rests on thorough research that only helps support the claims even more leaving us pondering what we really believe in.

The story is well written and the author has done a brilliant job with it. I am sure anyone who loves Dan Brown's novels will enjoy this as well! This book is just a taste of what author Matthew Peters is really capable of and a taste of this book will have readers counting down the days till his next book.

[Joan Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Brother's Keepers is a great adventure that won't let you do anything but read. I enjoyed every moment I lost in this book. Here are just a few of the reasons I'm telling you to waste not one second and pre-order The Brothers' Keeper.
• The writing is excellent. The author skillfully takes you from place to place (spanning France to Afghanistan) and created action scenes that enable the reader to fly through the book. Reading it on my device, I couldn't scroll through the pages fast enough.
• There's lots of Biblical history that will fascinate and surprise you. The book will remind you of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. The characters are searching for secrets from the past.
• You will learn a lot about the history of the Christian church as you travel through this thriller. Like with the Da Vinci Code, I kept asking myself, "Is that true?" Peters gives a thorough account of his references at the end of the book--suggesting lots of fact in his historical accounts. You will learn a lot about the early days of Christianity.
• The characters are likable and believable. Unlike Dan Brown, the characters are not cardboard. Creating a plot driven thriller as Peters did in the Brothers' Keepers and creating good characters isn't easy. But Matthew Peters did just that. The main character, Nicholas Branson, is a Jesuit who hasn't taken his vows but who is well-respected for his vast knowledge of Bibilical history. His consort is a young woman, Jessica Jones, whose skill set includes curiosity and a drive to find out the truth behind her parents's death (not a spoiler).
• The political intrigue is fascinating. As the book progresses the reader fears all powerful forces are at work to wipe out our two heroes. These forces are believable and scary. I'm a reader who likes to be scared but not terrified. Peters did a nice job of creating a conflict that kept me reading.

This is definitely a must-read. With this debut novel, Matthew Peters has written a winner.

[Ruth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Permit me to say from the outset that this is one of the most unusual thrillers I've ever read. I was intrigued by subject matter and the premise, and I certainly wasn't disappointed by the way the author captured this. Being a committed Christian, I'm never bothered by any books that challenge my faith. In fact, sometimes I appreciate a good challenge. It reminds me of why I believe as I do.

First of all, it is important to point out that there is some profanity in the book. There are a few sexual references/innuendoes as well, but there is no detail on that. While I could have done without these, I would never mark the book down for this. Additionally, I struggled to keep all the characters straight. I would have loved to have some cast of characters guide that I could have consulted (perhaps there was one and I missed it--I was reading a review copy after all). But again, I wouldn't mark a book down for this.

For me, the story was well-developed and full of excitement. The right amount of suspense and tension was maintained throughout. In fact, some will not enjoy the conclusion of the book, but I found that it was a perfect ending. There was no overly descriptive violence in the book either. It was evident that the author had done his research. In fact, I wish that I had known just a bit more about church history. I'm grateful I knew what I did, and the Biblical references and the way they were used was intriguing. If you are looking for a book that will challenge the views of orthodox Christianity written in a thrilling style, this book is certainly for you.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

[Tyler Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew Peters has just released “The Brothers’ Keepers,” the first book in the Nicholas Branson series of thrillers.

“The Brothers’ Keepers” is fiction of the highest order. This thriller keeps the suspense on eleven, but only gets started there. Nick Branson is a scholarly Jesuit who packs a mean left hook. Together with the intriguing librarian Jessica Jones, we are treated to a behind-the-robes look at the forces of the Christian church and their sway on western society. But there’s little time for quiet reflection as we are whisked from Washington, DC to France to Afghanistan in a chase to discover a secret that some labored for centuries to ensure would never be found. This book overflows with political intrigue, action, and the best prose to come along in years.

“The Brothers’ Keepers” held me in suspense through to the last page. That in and of itself makes it a worthwhile read. But the historical bombshell it exposes, and the questions it poses, have sent me time and again to investigate the details presented in the story. The fact that it is so well researched leaves one wondering just what sort of foundations we stand upon.

Hopefully there is someone like Nicholas Branson looking out for us.

[Kenneth Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This conspiracy thriller by Matthew Peters opens with a grisly murder that is intended as much to silence a person who knew too much as to send a message to others. Nicholas Branson, a Biblical scholar, almost-Jesuit and master of many languages, is soon being torn between two competing organizations that want him to use his extensive knowledge to solve that murder and discover the motive for it. But this is one conspiracy that has connections to the very top of very powerful organizations, and before very many pages are turned, Nick’s life is also in extreme danger and he is forced to become involved in order to save his own skin and that of the pretty librarian who assists him on his trek. At the core of the mystery is an object that has the power to bring down the Roman Catholic Church and shake Christianity to its roots. The author weaves in verses from the Bible with tidbits from other ancient sources that may have you re-reading some passages yourself. The action covers many colorful parts of the world and is non-stop toward a conclusion that will have you hoping there will be a sequel for Mr. Branson.

[Lex Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll dispense with a synopsis…you’ve read it often enough, I imagine and get right on with my review of this thrilling, religious conspiracy novel. Matthew Peter’s first novel, “The Brothers’ Keepers” is among the very best books I’ve read this year. In the thriller/religious conspiracy genre, it is absolutely the best book I’ve read since Dan Brown’s “The Lost Symbol” and that’s been several years and dozens of books in this genre!

I expect the numerous comparisons to Dan Brown are an exhilarating feeling for Mr. Peters. Indeed, the story’s conspiracy themes and in-depth historical background that support these theories are equal. I would add, however, that “The Brothers’ Keepers” adds a substantial portion of ‘Indiana Jones’ - type thrills galore to the mix. The combination provides a reading experience that is second to none.

Mr. Peters’ exquisite plotting, exceptional research, and adept characterization skills combine to produce an unforgettable story that you’ll not want to end. Fortunately, it won’t; the next adventure for Branson and Jessica (?) is just around the corner.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Brown wishes he wrote this book. From a shocking confessional booth murder in Washington, DC, to a life-or-death struggle in the mountains of Afghanistan, The Brothers’ Keepers by Matthew Peters is a contemporary thriller that grabs you from page 1 and won’t let go. When an old friend asks Nicholas Branson, a Jesuit scholar, for help with a devilish theological puzzle connected with a murder case, he knows he has to help. But as Branson gets closer to the answers he seeks, he finds that many want the truth — and will pay any price to get it. Branson must grapple with his past, solve ancient mysteries, elude assassins, and contend with his own conscience as he races to uncover a secret that could bring down the very foundations of Western civilization. Author Matthew Peters impresses with intelligent writing, meticulous research, and perfect pacing. If The Brothers’ Keepers is any indication, readers will be counting the days until Nick Branson’s next adventure.

[Susan Bernhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Matthew Peters' intriguing The Brothers' Keepers. This exciting book captivated me from the first chapter where a murder of a senator occurred in a confessional to the surprise ending which I loved.

The story-lines with layers of complexity and lots of twists and turns, involve Jesuit and religious scholar, Nicholas Branson and librarian, Jessica Jones' quest for clues to finding a religious icon, to the corruption of both the Presidency of the United States and the church leaders in the Vatican. Between the ruthless gangs: the politicians and church officials, the body count keeps piling up. `

The Brothers' Keepers is well-researched in both geography and church history. Expertly told by author, Matthew Peters, this action-packed thriller is fast paced, has rich dialogue with well-drawn, compelling characters, and is thought-provoking.

I can't wait for the next Nicholas Branson thriller.

[Robbi Perna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Political scientist, Matt Peters, has created a fast-paced, religious thriller with his first novel. His skillful weaving of early Church history with believable conjecture results in a gripping tale with twists and turns in every chapter. "The Brothers' Keepers" keeps the reader turning the pages wanting to find out what happens next. His characters are not super heroes but everyday regular people with whom we can all identify. The protagonist, Nick Branson-a "Jesuit-in-waiting" who shares many of the same human failings we all have, is a man who appeals on several levels. Nick's interpretation of what is important for the orderly functioning of society at the story's conclusion is a statement unto itself that demonstrates a belief in the greater good. I expect the sequel will show the same quality of excellent research and political savvy of this first book in the Nick Branson series.

[Larry B Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brothers' Keepers by Matthew Peters is a fast paced, action packed book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I found I could not put it down once I started reading it.

The author did an excellent job of developing a tale that was full of intrigue and mystery. I could not figure out how it was going to end until the last couple of chapters. This is how a mystery thriller should be. I really liked the way the author kept throwing little plot twist and turns which kept me on my toes while reading.

Matthew Peters did a great job of developing characters that were believable and likeable. Throughout the story you could see the characters matured and developed. I found myself growing closer to the main characters as the story progressed.

I really liked The Brothers' Keepers by Matthew Peters and I highly recommend this book to all readers.

[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]

[Pennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Brothers' Keepers' leaves no room for a slow entrance as right from the get go a US senator is killed. A Pandora's box is opened by a mysterious document found within the congressman's possession.
The main protagonist 'Branson' tries to uncover events that lead up to the murder and draws him into relics of a secret and mysterious past - Secrets that escalate an intriguing political and religious world - But maybe some secrets are best just left alone.... (no spoilers)

A fictitious encounter that bares a historical claim to events that coincide a very realistic portrayal of biblical proportion. A discovery of thrilling social concepts begin as the characters glide through the pages with mystery and deceitful governmental conception.
Extremely intense probabilities quake a hidden and complicated fight to find out the truth. An unexpected reveal at the end leads to an fascinating closure. A Highly recommended read.

[Stuart West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Peter’s The Brothers’ Keepers is a religious conspiracy thrill-ride of a tale. While I don’t generally seek out books of this nature, I must say I enjoyed this thoroughly. Extremely brisk and sharply written, I raced to the conclusion because I had no earthly (or heavenly) idea how the heroes could possibly survive their predicament. Exciting action, a compelling hero (I’m glad Peters intends on returning to this character as I want to see what happens next), an intriguing puzzle, a joy-ride of a world-hopping treasure hunt, a sly sense of humor, and several immensely intriguing and smartly drawn villains. There's also an extremely lovely passage in the middle of the book about the passing of a pope, very lyrical writing. If you’re not a fan of this sort of book, I say give it a look anyway. If you enjoy Dan Brown’s books, then here’s the book for you. Awesome read and recommended.

[Heather Brainerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started The Brothers' Keepers a few weeks ago while traveling, and was immediately drawn into this religious/political thriller. I raced through the first half of the book, but then I returned home and life got in the way for a while. Throughout my hiatus from reading, I was eager to get back to Nicholas Branson and Jessica Jones's adventure. Finally, my schedule cleared up and I was able to fly through the rest of the book (my apologies to my family for sort of letting the house fall apart around me). This mystery is full of action, has its share of humorous moments, and shakes the foundations of the Judeo-Christian world. How often can you say that about a book? With compelling characters and an intricate-yet-believable plot, this book is a must-read for Dan Brown fans or anyone who enjoys an intelligent, well-written, fast-paced story.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me on the edge of my seat and turning pages.

Nicholas Branson is a Jesuit who finds himself caught up in the world that he has spent his life studying. The story is filled with mystery, intrigue, suspense, murder and conspiracy. Together with librarian Jessica Jones, the two search for answers that lead them around the world searching for clues for something that could turn the Judeo-Christian world upside down.

Matthew Peters is an incredibly talented writer whose ability to create layered plots and multidimensional characters is outstanding. His writing is fast paced and hooks you from the very start. I cannot wait until the second Branson novel hits shelves!

Move over Dan Brown, there is a new suspense thriller author in town and his name is Matthew Peters!

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I enjoy in a book: Corrupt politicians. Corrupt church leaders. A mystery treasure that will shake the church and the government to its foundation. An embittered Jesuit novice with a specialty in arcane languages and the documents of the early church. A beautiful and brilliant member of a secret sect. And a trail of confusing clues to be followed to the treasure. The story was exciting from start to finish, but lead to an ending that I found disappointing, though it couldn't end any other way. I enjoyed the read and will read it again.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written novel with plenty of action, adventure, mystery, and suspense. It moves at a great pace and kept me interested to know what was going to happen next. I didn't want to put the book down once I started. The characters are dynamic and believable, and the plot is interesting. Peters has written a great novel, and fans of Dan Brown's writing will enjoy this book as well. Definitely worth reading.

[Jannie Lund · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read. Matthew Peters has written a real page-turner that leaves you wanting nothing except more, more, more. I had a difficult time putting the book down, and the adventure the wonderfully written characters were on lingered in my mind for a long time. What struck me the most, however, was the research. Wow. Just wow.

Perfect for Dan Brown fans. Actually, it's perfect for anyone who likes a good story. And who doesn't?

[Elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing thriller, fast paced and believable. Many comparisons to Dan Brown in various reviews, to which I can relate to an extent...although I found Mathew Peters' writing somewhat more 'punchy' than Brown (I admit to skimming many a Da Vinci Code page) but The Brothers' Keepers had me hooked from beginning to end, with an intensely captivating attention to detail. A definite five stars. Recommended.

[Doug Burris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and informative read

Really enjoyed reading this book. It's a great mixture of action and speculation concerning origins of the Christian church. Great character development. It must have taken a great deal of research to write this book, making it well worth reading for those readers who really want to dig into content. Well done!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was well written, with an excellent plot. It builds an interesting mystery, that grows all the way to that 'aha' moment.