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The Bone Box
Combining the adrenaline-fueled adventure of Indiana Jones with the thrills of a Steve Berry Novel, The Bone Box is the latest in biblical archeological suspense.
Archeologist and agnostic Randall Bullock has come to Israel to try and resurrect his crumbling career and shattered life. Teaming up with Miri Sharon, a beautiful representative of Israeli Antiques Authority, the two unearth a stone casket marked "Joseph, son of Caiaphas," which contains several fragile scrolls that document the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This discovery launches Miri and Randall, along with his estranged nineteen-year-old daughter, Tracy, into a race to validate the monumental find, no matter what the Israeli authorities, media circus, and archaeological rivals want the world to believe. Forced to face the power of this historical resurrection, Randall must also struggle with his own beliefs -- or lack of them -- while trying to keep the consequences of their discovery from taking a disastrous turn.
The Bone Box , fraught with political intrigue, is a suspense-filled blend of historical fact, romance, and transforming faith. Through all the danger and struggle, Randall discovers how easy -- and deadly -- it is to ignore the evidence and reject the true story of Christ.
Archeologist and agnostic Randall Bullock has come to Israel to try and resurrect his crumbling career and shattered life. Teaming up with Miri Sharon, a beautiful representative of Israeli Antiques Authority, the two unearth a stone casket marked "Joseph, son of Caiaphas," which contains several fragile scrolls that document the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This discovery launches Miri and Randall, along with his estranged nineteen-year-old daughter, Tracy, into a race to validate the monumental find, no matter what the Israeli authorities, media circus, and archaeological rivals want the world to believe. Forced to face the power of this historical resurrection, Randall must also struggle with his own beliefs -- or lack of them -- while trying to keep the consequences of their discovery from taking a disastrous turn.
The Bone Box , fraught with political intrigue, is a suspense-filled blend of historical fact, romance, and transforming faith. Through all the danger and struggle, Randall discovers how easy -- and deadly -- it is to ignore the evidence and reject the true story of Christ.
- GenresChristian FictionFiction
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2008
8 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Bob Hostetler
60 books137 followersBob Hostetler is an award-winning writer, editor, and speaker from southwestern Ohio. His books, which include the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and the novel, The Bone Box, have sold over 3 million copies. He has won two Gold Medallion Awards, four Ohio Associated Press awards, and an Amy Foundation Award. He is the founding pastor of Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio. He and his wife Robin have two grown children, Aubrey and Aaron, who have given them four beautiful grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 30, 2009
An agnostic archeologist, is asked to begin an emergency excavation of a burial site in Taipoit, just outside of Jerusalem where he discovers the remains of Caiaphas, the High Priest that presided over the trial and subsequent delivery of Jesus Christ to the Romans to be crucified.
In Bob Hostetler’s “The Bone Box“, archeologist Randall Bullock lives a mediocre life participating in digs far from his family. The recent loss of his wife and the strained relationship with his only daughter intensifies his loneliness driving him to drink , despair and loss of interest in his chosen occupation.
An old friend offers him an opportunity to investigate a cave recently discovered at a construction site. While on location, his daughter Tracy (recently expelled from college) arrives unexpectedly creating more complexity as he attempts to expedite the digg before the Jewish Sabbath.
An Israeli Antiques Authority guard named Miri Sharon is assigned to the site and instructs Randall in some of the complex customs of the Jewish religion stressing that “nothing in Israel is simple“. Indeed it is not as Randall soon discovers a mob surrounding the site insisting that any bones discovered be surrendered to them for proper burial.
Randall and his daughter hurry to document as much of the discovery as possible before they are forced to surrender the bones to the insistent Jews but not before he discovers a scroll.This discover would be monumental to history but the great significance is how the discovery of the scroll affects Randall Bullock.
For purely evidential reasons and with only vague memories of the name Caiaphas from his wife and from his childhood, Randall searches the bible to discover more about this man.
A parallel account of Caiaphas is told beginning with his appointment as High Priest portraying the man in a much more ‘human’ way than I have read before. The story of John the Baptist arrival on the scene, Yeshua’s many miracles and healings, and Yeshua’s subsequent trial and crucifixion are retold from Caiaphas’ viewpoint. This is a fiction account,of course, but was very well researched. Christian readers will connect many of the events described in the parallel story.
What follows is political intrigue, the path of salvation, and finally reconciliation and redemption. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it highly.
In Bob Hostetler’s “The Bone Box“, archeologist Randall Bullock lives a mediocre life participating in digs far from his family. The recent loss of his wife and the strained relationship with his only daughter intensifies his loneliness driving him to drink , despair and loss of interest in his chosen occupation.
An old friend offers him an opportunity to investigate a cave recently discovered at a construction site. While on location, his daughter Tracy (recently expelled from college) arrives unexpectedly creating more complexity as he attempts to expedite the digg before the Jewish Sabbath.
An Israeli Antiques Authority guard named Miri Sharon is assigned to the site and instructs Randall in some of the complex customs of the Jewish religion stressing that “nothing in Israel is simple“. Indeed it is not as Randall soon discovers a mob surrounding the site insisting that any bones discovered be surrendered to them for proper burial.
Randall and his daughter hurry to document as much of the discovery as possible before they are forced to surrender the bones to the insistent Jews but not before he discovers a scroll.This discover would be monumental to history but the great significance is how the discovery of the scroll affects Randall Bullock.
For purely evidential reasons and with only vague memories of the name Caiaphas from his wife and from his childhood, Randall searches the bible to discover more about this man.
A parallel account of Caiaphas is told beginning with his appointment as High Priest portraying the man in a much more ‘human’ way than I have read before. The story of John the Baptist arrival on the scene, Yeshua’s many miracles and healings, and Yeshua’s subsequent trial and crucifixion are retold from Caiaphas’ viewpoint. This is a fiction account,of course, but was very well researched. Christian readers will connect many of the events described in the parallel story.
What follows is political intrigue, the path of salvation, and finally reconciliation and redemption. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it highly.
August 16, 2011
Randall heads to Israel to do an excavation, The Archaelogist and Agnostic is trying to ressurect his crumbling career. In Israel he meets Major Seargeant Miri Sharon who helps as he unearths a casket marked Joseph Son Of Caiphas, in the casket he finds a fragile Papyrus scroll that contains the events of the death and ressurection of Christ, when he tries to have these scrolls authotizied instead he runs into trouble, people are trying to accuse him of falsifying the finds. When Randalls daughter comes to Israel when she finds herself expelled from College, not knowing what else to do, will she be stepping into the foot of danger
August 8, 2012
What a fantastic novel, I truly enjoy the telling of three lives. Joseph son of Caiaphas, Dr Rand Bullock and his daughter Tracey. Three different lives all in serch of the truth and finding faith and courage in their convictions. You may truly believe in something but do you believe enough to follow.
January 31, 2019
Oh my, that was stunning. At first I was distracted when the author interrupted the story a couple of times to make an explanation. However the story itself was incredible. Actually it was two stories in one. The main story is about Rand who found a very important archaeological discovery in Jerusalem. The ossuary, or bone box, contained the remains of Caiaphas, the high priest from the time of Jesus. It also apparently contained a note from Nicodemus verifying the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Rand is also having challenges with his daughter, Tracy who left college to join him in Israel. They never had a relationship before and it's difficult to start now. Tracy's boyfriend, Carlos introduces them both to the true knowledge of following Jesus.
The alternating story is about Caiaphas. Most books portray him as evil but in this account he was portrayed as man who truly wanted to do what best for the nation. It was very refreshing to have a positive spin on him. He was caught up in circumstances beyond his control. He may actually have been a righteous man who eventually accepted the truth that Jesus was the Messiah. I would like to believe that possiblity. After all, Jesus will accept anyone who comes to Him with a repentant heart. This book was well worth reading.
Rand is also having challenges with his daughter, Tracy who left college to join him in Israel. They never had a relationship before and it's difficult to start now. Tracy's boyfriend, Carlos introduces them both to the true knowledge of following Jesus.
The alternating story is about Caiaphas. Most books portray him as evil but in this account he was portrayed as man who truly wanted to do what best for the nation. It was very refreshing to have a positive spin on him. He was caught up in circumstances beyond his control. He may actually have been a righteous man who eventually accepted the truth that Jesus was the Messiah. I would like to believe that possiblity. After all, Jesus will accept anyone who comes to Him with a repentant heart. This book was well worth reading.
October 1, 2017
This is a true story of an archeological find in Jerusalem. In an ossuary bones were identified as those of the high priest, Caiaphas. He presided over the trial of Jesus and saw that he was killed. From a scroll that was found in the ossuary, he carried on a correspondence with Nicodemus, one of the Sanhedrin who believed in Jesus. The discovery has a huge impact on the archeologist who finds the bones and the scroll. He wants to change the world but discovers that he has to start with himself first. There is also the story of his daughter and her discovery of following Jesus along with the man she wants to marry.
May 23, 2018
I was going to give this book 5 stars until the last third of the book. Essentially, the book has three stories. The first two are in the modern day, one a story of faith and archeological discovery, and one a romance. The third story is a story of Caiaphas around the life of Jesus. While the romance and Caiaphas stories seemed to build until the very end of the book, the story of the discovery and its impact ended prematurely. Its importance practically disappeared in the last third of the book, and while the message that "just more facts isn't enough" is an important message, it was a disappointing ending to an otherwise excellent book.
May 4, 2018
What first drew me to this book is the author, Bob Hostetler. He’s hilariously witty on social media and I’m always excited to find a new-to-me author. The Bone Box drew me in right from the start. Told from three points of view, this novel included lots of emotion, suspense, and intriguing history. I love reading books that bring the Bible to life in a different way and have me excited to look up scripture. This, dear friends, was one of those books. It kept me up late and night and happy waiting in the car line at school, which for me, means it’s a winner.
July 5, 2022
I was looking through my TBR pile one night and came across this book without any recollection of where or how I came by it. I found the story interesting, pleasurable, and plausible. As I just found it here on Goodreads I had to read the description. Although what is written is truthful I don’t feel that it’s as riveting and high octane as the description leads one to believe. It’s a good book but in my opinion doesn’t rise to the level of unputdownable.
October 7, 2019
Such an interesting time slip novel, integrating fascinating info on Jewish tradition, 1st century Israel, and geography of Israel. The main reason I could not give it a 5 star rating is personal...I didn’t like how short some of the chapters were. It seemed to jump too abruptly: as soon as I started to settle in, off we go again. Other than that, it was written and researched well.
March 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I am an avid reader of historical biblical fiction and a time split novel doesn’t usually fit my criteria. This one piqued my interest because of the parallel stories involving archeology and the story of Caiaphas.
It is very well written and true to the scriptures. Do yourself a favor and read it. You won’t be sorry!
It is very well written and true to the scriptures. Do yourself a favor and read it. You won’t be sorry!
December 24, 2017
This book is an amazing story of how the Bible can come alive in this day and age to affect our lives for good. I loved how the author used present day story and intertwined it with Biblical day story. This kept me wanting more. Great job!
January 20, 2020
A bit slow. Interesting characters and premise. The ending felt rushed and changed focus too drastically from the initial tone and direction.a longer story arc leading to the end would have been more convincing as it relates to the changes experienced by the main characters.
April 9, 2023
Great book written about Chief Priest Caiaphas during the time of Jesus crucifixion. It also depicts the time when a present day archaeologist finds Caiaphas' bones and his life. Great intermingling of the two different time lines!
September 19, 2017
Average detective story - seemingly written by some sort of born again Christian.
In any case - it's very naive.
In any case - it's very naive.
January 8, 2021
I truly expected more.
December 27, 2023
YOU ARE THERE as Walter Cronkite use to say
Dual timeline.
Modern day archeology in Israel and the ancient story of Caiaphas interwoven with lives and relationships redeemed by Gospel truth
Dual timeline.
Modern day archeology in Israel and the ancient story of Caiaphas interwoven with lives and relationships redeemed by Gospel truth
September 1, 2025
A Story of Hope & Redemption.
This is fascinating story of what could possibly happen in the heart of even the most difficult political figure—Salvation!
Well done!
This is fascinating story of what could possibly happen in the heart of even the most difficult political figure—Salvation!
Well done!
June 21, 2010
Rather than keep you in suspense of the inevitable, I’m going to begin my review of Bob Hostetler’s The Bone Box with a digression. That’ll get it out of the way up front.
One of the great things about Biblical fiction is that it allows us the freedom to examine the record in greater detail than what Scripture often actually gives us. However, that’s a two-edged sword. On one edge, there’s a danger of the writer weaving his own agenda into the Biblical record and straining, sometimes to the breaking point, reasonable inference (witness accusations against Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code).
On the other edge, through careful research and skillful storytelling, the author can present angles on events and people that are entirely plausible and in keeping with the Scriptural account, but lend a novel (pun intended) perspective on them. In doing so, she offers something perhaps we hadn’t thought of before. The unexpected inference—or ‘twist’—not only enhances the entertainment value (see my February 11th post), but can also broaden our spiritual horizons.
The latter requires intellectual honesty. The former requires…well, nothing to commend. Happily for us, Mr. Hostetler’s The Bone Box is guilty of the latter and not the former.
Dr. Randall Bullock is an archaeologist who has pretty much mucked up his personal life in deference to his professional one. Recently widowed, Dr. Bullock tries to put himself back on an even keel by immersing himself in a new dig outside Jerusalem. When a construction project collapses an ancient tomb nearby, he is offered the opportunity to solo the project to examine its contents before having to turn them over to the Antiquities Authority. He discovers no less than the ossuary (bone box) containing the remains of one Joseph bar Caiaphas. Yup, the same Caiaphas who presided over Christ’s trial. In the ossuary is a small scroll, the contents of which cast a stunning light on the events of over two thousand years ago.
Enter daughter Tracy, recently expelled from college, who shows up in Israel in search of a father she barely knows—and respects even less—due to his absence from all the significant events of her life, including the death of her mother. They both embark on an awkward road of attempted reconciliation, which comes at a particularly difficult time as the demands of this momentous archaeological discovery pull at her father’s attentions. Just like before. Just like always.
Interspersed with Dr. Bullock’s story are flashbacks to the first century ad, with Caiaphas playing the central role. From his installation as Kohen haGadol (the High Priest), through the preaching of John the Baptist, to Jesus’ trial, Caiaphas is shown in a very interesting light—and as the subject of a most fascinating twist. I don’t think you’re going to anticipate this one.
Mr. Hostetler’s careful research is evident throughout the story. You’ll learn loads about modern and ancient Israel through the pages of The Bone Box. The only possible criticism I could offer to the author’s technique might be the reliance of side narratives to enlighten the reader on Hebrew history and culture. Perhaps more of the education could have been interwoven into the story. For example, Dr. Bullock could have presented some of the facts in dialog with Tracy (or other similar exchanges), thereby educating the reader through the action of the story instead of digressive explanations, which, I felt, pulled me away from the story a little more often than I would like to have been pulled. But don’t let that dissuade you. The tale and the education are well worth the ride.
Mr. Hostetler’s skill at storytelling is just as evident. He mixes intrigue, suspense, pathos and even romance wonderfully in a tale that tackles a well worn story in a fresh and meaningful way. Oh, and what becomes of this discovery that has such crucial historical and theological significance? Well, that’s Mr. Hostetler’s point. Read the book. He relates it much better than I ever could.
Final thought: I note on the title pages of my own works of Biblical fiction the following: “It has been the author’s intent to remain as true to the Biblical account as possible, filling in additional events, descriptions and characters where Scripture permits to accommodate the story line. Such extra-Biblical references are products of the author’s own imagination and are not intended to represent any persons, living or dead.” It, I believe, should be a goal of every author of Biblical fiction that their work would motivate the reader to delve back into the Bible (cf. Acts 17:11). There, fact will be separated from fiction, and the lesson can be applied against the Authoritative record.
Fortunately, (at the risk of putting words in his mouth) it appears Mr. Hostetler shares the above sentiment. The Bone Box was a real pleasure to read. Entertaining, thought-provoking, real, and honest. A great blend of historical and contemporary fiction that really means something.
Yup, highly recommended.
Thanks, Mr. Hostetler.
One of the great things about Biblical fiction is that it allows us the freedom to examine the record in greater detail than what Scripture often actually gives us. However, that’s a two-edged sword. On one edge, there’s a danger of the writer weaving his own agenda into the Biblical record and straining, sometimes to the breaking point, reasonable inference (witness accusations against Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code).
On the other edge, through careful research and skillful storytelling, the author can present angles on events and people that are entirely plausible and in keeping with the Scriptural account, but lend a novel (pun intended) perspective on them. In doing so, she offers something perhaps we hadn’t thought of before. The unexpected inference—or ‘twist’—not only enhances the entertainment value (see my February 11th post), but can also broaden our spiritual horizons.
The latter requires intellectual honesty. The former requires…well, nothing to commend. Happily for us, Mr. Hostetler’s The Bone Box is guilty of the latter and not the former.
Dr. Randall Bullock is an archaeologist who has pretty much mucked up his personal life in deference to his professional one. Recently widowed, Dr. Bullock tries to put himself back on an even keel by immersing himself in a new dig outside Jerusalem. When a construction project collapses an ancient tomb nearby, he is offered the opportunity to solo the project to examine its contents before having to turn them over to the Antiquities Authority. He discovers no less than the ossuary (bone box) containing the remains of one Joseph bar Caiaphas. Yup, the same Caiaphas who presided over Christ’s trial. In the ossuary is a small scroll, the contents of which cast a stunning light on the events of over two thousand years ago.
Enter daughter Tracy, recently expelled from college, who shows up in Israel in search of a father she barely knows—and respects even less—due to his absence from all the significant events of her life, including the death of her mother. They both embark on an awkward road of attempted reconciliation, which comes at a particularly difficult time as the demands of this momentous archaeological discovery pull at her father’s attentions. Just like before. Just like always.
Interspersed with Dr. Bullock’s story are flashbacks to the first century ad, with Caiaphas playing the central role. From his installation as Kohen haGadol (the High Priest), through the preaching of John the Baptist, to Jesus’ trial, Caiaphas is shown in a very interesting light—and as the subject of a most fascinating twist. I don’t think you’re going to anticipate this one.
Mr. Hostetler’s careful research is evident throughout the story. You’ll learn loads about modern and ancient Israel through the pages of The Bone Box. The only possible criticism I could offer to the author’s technique might be the reliance of side narratives to enlighten the reader on Hebrew history and culture. Perhaps more of the education could have been interwoven into the story. For example, Dr. Bullock could have presented some of the facts in dialog with Tracy (or other similar exchanges), thereby educating the reader through the action of the story instead of digressive explanations, which, I felt, pulled me away from the story a little more often than I would like to have been pulled. But don’t let that dissuade you. The tale and the education are well worth the ride.
Mr. Hostetler’s skill at storytelling is just as evident. He mixes intrigue, suspense, pathos and even romance wonderfully in a tale that tackles a well worn story in a fresh and meaningful way. Oh, and what becomes of this discovery that has such crucial historical and theological significance? Well, that’s Mr. Hostetler’s point. Read the book. He relates it much better than I ever could.
Final thought: I note on the title pages of my own works of Biblical fiction the following: “It has been the author’s intent to remain as true to the Biblical account as possible, filling in additional events, descriptions and characters where Scripture permits to accommodate the story line. Such extra-Biblical references are products of the author’s own imagination and are not intended to represent any persons, living or dead.” It, I believe, should be a goal of every author of Biblical fiction that their work would motivate the reader to delve back into the Bible (cf. Acts 17:11). There, fact will be separated from fiction, and the lesson can be applied against the Authoritative record.
Fortunately, (at the risk of putting words in his mouth) it appears Mr. Hostetler shares the above sentiment. The Bone Box was a real pleasure to read. Entertaining, thought-provoking, real, and honest. A great blend of historical and contemporary fiction that really means something.
Yup, highly recommended.
Thanks, Mr. Hostetler.
September 5, 2016
The book is about an archeologist Randall Bullock, who discovers an ancient Jewish tomb in Taipoit, outside Jerusalem. There he discovers the remains of Caiaphas, the High Priest from Jesus' time. The story confirms the resurrection of Christ, and the fictional role Caiaphas might have played in the ancient event. It is a story told from three points of view: the archeologist's, his daughter's and the High Priest's.
The archeologist Randall Bullock lives a life far from his family, his wife died and he doesn't get on with his daughter. While in Israel, his daughter Tracy (expelled from college) arrives unexpectedly. So she joins his father's work. An Israeli Antiques Authority guard named Miriam Sharon has to guard the site and helps Randall to understand some of the complex customs of the Jewish religion stressing that "nothing in Israel is simple"(I agree with that). A mob of orthodox Jews wants to take over the bones discovered there, that they might be surrendered to them for proper religious burial. Rand and his daughter hurry, but not before he discovers a scroll. This discovery would be monumental to history but the great significance is how the discovery of the scroll affects him personally. Out of curiosity and information Rand searches the Bible to discover more about Caiaphas.
A parallel account of Caiaphas is told beginning with his appointment as High Priest, then tells about the story of John the Baptist's arrival on the scene, Jesus' many miracles and healings, Jesus' subsequent trial and crucifixion in another way. What follows is political intrigue, the path of salvation, and finally reconciliation and redemption.
This book is fictional, but it was pretty well written and not so predictable. It is a great story that ties many Christian truths and facts into it. "Do you just believe in Jesus or are you following Jesus?" -this was one of the topics in the book. What I didn't like was that the story ended without knowing what the results of the excavation were.
The archeologist Randall Bullock lives a life far from his family, his wife died and he doesn't get on with his daughter. While in Israel, his daughter Tracy (expelled from college) arrives unexpectedly. So she joins his father's work. An Israeli Antiques Authority guard named Miriam Sharon has to guard the site and helps Randall to understand some of the complex customs of the Jewish religion stressing that "nothing in Israel is simple"(I agree with that). A mob of orthodox Jews wants to take over the bones discovered there, that they might be surrendered to them for proper religious burial. Rand and his daughter hurry, but not before he discovers a scroll. This discovery would be monumental to history but the great significance is how the discovery of the scroll affects him personally. Out of curiosity and information Rand searches the Bible to discover more about Caiaphas.
A parallel account of Caiaphas is told beginning with his appointment as High Priest, then tells about the story of John the Baptist's arrival on the scene, Jesus' many miracles and healings, Jesus' subsequent trial and crucifixion in another way. What follows is political intrigue, the path of salvation, and finally reconciliation and redemption.
This book is fictional, but it was pretty well written and not so predictable. It is a great story that ties many Christian truths and facts into it. "Do you just believe in Jesus or are you following Jesus?" -this was one of the topics in the book. What I didn't like was that the story ended without knowing what the results of the excavation were.
August 27, 2010
This book tells the story of Jesus's rise and fall as seen through the eyes of an archaeologist who had experienced tragedy and loss in his life. He uncovered a tomb that not only led him to renew his faith but encouraged him to renew his relationship with his daughter and led both of them to a new life "following" Christ (as opposed to simply believing in Christ). As a skeptic, I have to say I found the plot familiar...a different take on the same old story but in the end just another, equally likely or unlikely variation (an extended sermon, if you will). The truth is, at this point nobody really knows many facts about Jesus's life or what led to the end of his life and what he represents is still a matter of faith. The end of this story seemed a little too forced for someone like me and wasn't the epiphany I'm sure the author was striving for.
September 26, 2012
Normally I don't read so-called Christian fiction because of the fatuous faith scenes at the end. This one included archeology most of which is factual and referenced at the end, and a parallel intermittent story of the High Priest Caiaphas during the times of Jesus. Rand the archeologist is a little too uninformed about Hebrew and Aramaic for a Middle-East researcher IMO. In fact the entire book is written geared toward a 10th-grade level or sumpin'. I did appreciate some of the details about difficulties of working in Israel. But an "adrenaline-fueled adventure...fraught with political intrigue" it is not.
*SPOILER ALERT*
The scroll itself is a fabrication because it is not validated at the end; therefore one facet of Caiaphas' belief is also a fabrication? This unstated conclusion is not addressed in the references.
*SPOILER ALERT*
The scroll itself is a fabrication because it is not validated at the end; therefore one facet of Caiaphas' belief is also a fabrication? This unstated conclusion is not addressed in the references.
November 28, 2011
A good book overall. The back cover synopsis doesn't cover what it is really about. The synopsis only deals with the last 70 pages or so. The build up is more detailed and in depth than the 'action' so to speak. I LOVED the theology behind it and the way the public reaction is dealt with. I think that part was very realistic. I loved the way Hostetler goes back and forth in time and his portrayal of Caiaphas.
I did very much enjoy the novel even though it wasn't quite what I expected. The characters are interesting. The plot is compelling. The modern day stuff is wrapped up a little quickly, but I don't think this detracts too much from the whole novel.
I did very much enjoy the novel even though it wasn't quite what I expected. The characters are interesting. The plot is compelling. The modern day stuff is wrapped up a little quickly, but I don't think this detracts too much from the whole novel.
April 1, 2015
I was impressed by this book. The main character was an archaeologist with a daughter. His ex wife died and the daughter tracked him down on a dig in Israel. The story also included real time depictions of life during Jesus' time. His life and eventual crucifixion. The real drama her involved the fact that the relatives of Jesus were interred in this crypt. As we enter Easter Season for Christians, the relevance of the life and death of Jesus is an excellent time for reflection. Israel has changed so much and many faiths lay claim to this land.
August 3, 2016
So many amazing books in a row for me. This was great because it touched on multiple things I adore. 1. Archeology
2. Israel/Jewish themes
3. Christianity - subtle and not in your face
The ending needed a tighter wrap up, however, without the tightness of the story your are left with the end theme. Are you a believer or a follower? This is a hard cup to swallow for most people.
Great book, highly recommended!
2. Israel/Jewish themes
3. Christianity - subtle and not in your face
The ending needed a tighter wrap up, however, without the tightness of the story your are left with the end theme. Are you a believer or a follower? This is a hard cup to swallow for most people.
Great book, highly recommended!
January 28, 2016
This book looks at the life of Jesus from the point of view of the high priest who supposedly helped him get crucified. It is an interesting point of view on the story. This all is the background story for a present day archaeological dig that uncovers the bones of the priest. I enjoyed the book because it respects different spiritual points of view and does not preach to an audience that may not care.
October 28, 2013
I liked how the author alternated current time chapters with first century chapters. He also included end notes that documented the historical and archaeological information. That's not to say the book was too scholarly or inaccessible. The interwoven current and ancient plots and characters were compelling.
July 4, 2023
This was a book of two plots. The first plot, taking place during the times of Christ, was fantastic and by far the best parts of the story. The second plot, taking place in modern times, was a decent idea but not as wonderfully done. And there's a love plot that felt so horribly forced and unnecessary that it's distracting. If not for that last bit, this would have had a higher ranking.
May 14, 2012
It had a good message, simple story, predictable. Not what I was expecting. The story focused on a father-daughter relationship and I was expecting more action like a Dan Brown novel.
September 15, 2013
Interesting imagining of Caiaphas and his reign as high priest.
June 27, 2015
Good read with realistic archaeological elements.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews