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The Vestals Conspiracy: A Mystery Thriller Novella
”A fine high-octane blend of action and investigative intrigue in a story that's hard to put down” (Midwest Book Review).
Nina Monte, a renowned professor of ancient religions, receives a cryptic message. Her former mentor and a prominent Italian archaeologist, Filippo Oliveri, needs her to come to Rome—he believes only Nina is capable of understanding the true significance of his new discovery.
But when she finally reaches the excavation site, Oliveri is gone. Instead, Nina comes across a series of clues that somehow connect an ancient prophecy, a mystical ritual, and a masterpiece of Michelangelo himself. But soon the magnitude of the discovery lures those who will stop at nothing to solve the mystery and, once and for all, silence everyone who stands in their way.
If you love historical mysteries, don’t miss this gripping read! “The Vestals Conspiracy” is a stunning introduction to the Nina Monte Mystery Thriller Series.
Nina Monte
Prequel – The Vestals Conspiracy
Book 1 – Fast Track to Glory
Book 2 – (Summer, 2018)**
Includes Sample Chapters of Fast Track to Glory, the first full-length novel in The Nina Monte Mystery Thriller Series
**To be notified when Book 2 will be released, please copy the following link into your browser and sign up for the author’s mailing eepurl.com/bVvT5j
Nina Monte, a renowned professor of ancient religions, receives a cryptic message. Her former mentor and a prominent Italian archaeologist, Filippo Oliveri, needs her to come to Rome—he believes only Nina is capable of understanding the true significance of his new discovery.
But when she finally reaches the excavation site, Oliveri is gone. Instead, Nina comes across a series of clues that somehow connect an ancient prophecy, a mystical ritual, and a masterpiece of Michelangelo himself. But soon the magnitude of the discovery lures those who will stop at nothing to solve the mystery and, once and for all, silence everyone who stands in their way.
If you love historical mysteries, don’t miss this gripping read! “The Vestals Conspiracy” is a stunning introduction to the Nina Monte Mystery Thriller Series.
Nina Monte
Prequel – The Vestals Conspiracy
Book 1 – Fast Track to Glory
Book 2 – (Summer, 2018)**
Includes Sample Chapters of Fast Track to Glory, the first full-length novel in The Nina Monte Mystery Thriller Series
**To be notified when Book 2 will be released, please copy the following link into your browser and sign up for the author’s mailing eepurl.com/bVvT5j
- GenresMystery
95 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2017
132 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Tomasz Chrusciel
3 books33 followersTomasz Chrusciel wrote his first story at sixteen, but it would take another twenty years for his love affair with writing to become the central focus in his life.
After obtaining a master’s degree in Political Science & International Relations in Poland, Chrusciel found himself in the corporate sector. The work stoked his passion for global politics, but his imagination craved greater freedom. After moving to Ireland and falling in love, he finally left his job to become a full-time fiction author.
His debut novel "Illusive Intrusion" was followed by "Fast Track to Glory" and "The Vestals Conspiracy," which have since earned Chrusciel a dedicated readership that continues to grow each day.
Wanderlust regularly draws the writer to extreme corners of the globe seeking new settings, personalities and historical events to inspire his next novel. When he isn’t researching destinations or convincing his cat-loving fiancée to let him adopt a dog, he’s at his computer furiously typing his latest scene, or chatting with his readers on social media.
Find him at tomaszchrusciel.com if you’d like to join the conversation.
After obtaining a master’s degree in Political Science & International Relations in Poland, Chrusciel found himself in the corporate sector. The work stoked his passion for global politics, but his imagination craved greater freedom. After moving to Ireland and falling in love, he finally left his job to become a full-time fiction author.
His debut novel "Illusive Intrusion" was followed by "Fast Track to Glory" and "The Vestals Conspiracy," which have since earned Chrusciel a dedicated readership that continues to grow each day.
Wanderlust regularly draws the writer to extreme corners of the globe seeking new settings, personalities and historical events to inspire his next novel. When he isn’t researching destinations or convincing his cat-loving fiancée to let him adopt a dog, he’s at his computer furiously typing his latest scene, or chatting with his readers on social media.
Find him at tomaszchrusciel.com if you’d like to join the conversation.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 12, 2017
This story totally had me hooked. It was glorious. I loved Sati and I was amazed by her ability.
As a reviewer, I never want to disclose too much of the elements in a book, but truly this book by Tomasz Chrusciel was deliciously filled with history and culture and it was truly outstanding.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy Of this book.
As a reviewer, I never want to disclose too much of the elements in a book, but truly this book by Tomasz Chrusciel was deliciously filled with history and culture and it was truly outstanding.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy Of this book.
December 31, 2017
Professor Oliveri has made some astounding archaeological finds in his time; even now, approaching retirement age, he’s a well-known name in Italy. Nina Monte, a respected expert in her own right, has been his friend and colleague since she was his student over a decade ago, so when the Professor contacts her with news of a ground-breaking discovery concerning the Vestal Virgins, she drops everything to meet with him. However, the Professor is more closely watched than he ever realised, and even before Nina arrives, news of his discovery has spread.
The Vestals Conspiracy is a great prequel to the Nina Monte series, showcasing everything that makes these thrillers worth reading; intelligent, original characters, great world-building, and adventures with a flavour of danger and history. Author Tomasz Chrusciel’s ability to evoke the areas in which his stories are set provides a fantastic underpinning to the plots. I also enjoy Nina Monte as a protagonist. She’s highly educated, quick-thinking, and has a low tolerance for bullshit, as well as enough small flaws in her self-confidence to make her thoroughly plausible as a character. However, what really made this prequel for me was the way that the author managed to weave archaeological record into a millennias-old conspiracy and an equally ancient prophecy to add that thrill of ‘what-if’ to the read.
Reviewed for By Rite of Word.
The Vestals Conspiracy is a great prequel to the Nina Monte series, showcasing everything that makes these thrillers worth reading; intelligent, original characters, great world-building, and adventures with a flavour of danger and history. Author Tomasz Chrusciel’s ability to evoke the areas in which his stories are set provides a fantastic underpinning to the plots. I also enjoy Nina Monte as a protagonist. She’s highly educated, quick-thinking, and has a low tolerance for bullshit, as well as enough small flaws in her self-confidence to make her thoroughly plausible as a character. However, what really made this prequel for me was the way that the author managed to weave archaeological record into a millennias-old conspiracy and an equally ancient prophecy to add that thrill of ‘what-if’ to the read.
Reviewed for By Rite of Word.
February 9, 2018
What a great story! I really enjoyed reading this page turning thriller. It's a fast-paced whirlwind of a journey centered around an intriguing archaeological mystery. Nina is a wonderfully stubborn and intelligent researcher. I hope this plot line continues in book three!
January 13, 2018
I received a review copy of this book and almost 100 pages that made me forget how time passes by and made me wonder how come this is over? Not so fast! “The Vestals Conspiracy” is a great start for a series, is a promise of more mysteries that will be uncovered by the great professors.
Nina Monte’s passion for history and ancient religion is visible from the start, from her efforts to answer all the requests she receives of lectures or participations in projects in her line of work. However, when her former professor and mentor Filippo Oliveri asks her support in his latest archeological founding, she comes to his aid. What they discover is far beyond their wildest dreams. Past and present reunite as they follow the mysteries of a religious group of women serving the roman goddess Vesta.
In their search, they will face people with less than honorable intentions, they will have their faith put to the test only to realize the importance of what they uncovered. Suffice to say that this novella is worth your time. And if you need more incentives to start the entire series, at the end of this book there are three chapters from “Fast Track to Glory” that will nurture that curiosity.
Even if I am mostly a Romance and YA reader, this type of historical mystery is always a joy.
Nina Monte’s passion for history and ancient religion is visible from the start, from her efforts to answer all the requests she receives of lectures or participations in projects in her line of work. However, when her former professor and mentor Filippo Oliveri asks her support in his latest archeological founding, she comes to his aid. What they discover is far beyond their wildest dreams. Past and present reunite as they follow the mysteries of a religious group of women serving the roman goddess Vesta.
In their search, they will face people with less than honorable intentions, they will have their faith put to the test only to realize the importance of what they uncovered. Suffice to say that this novella is worth your time. And if you need more incentives to start the entire series, at the end of this book there are three chapters from “Fast Track to Glory” that will nurture that curiosity.
Even if I am mostly a Romance and YA reader, this type of historical mystery is always a joy.
December 7, 2017
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author, thank you!
I enjoyed this story, and I didn't really want it to end when it did. I want to know more about a couple of the characters! I like Nina, she is a strong female lead character. The author does a good job packing a lot of action into a short novella. I was entertained throughout.
I thought the book was a good prequel story, and I am looking forward to reading more books in the series.
I enjoyed this story, and I didn't really want it to end when it did. I want to know more about a couple of the characters! I like Nina, she is a strong female lead character. The author does a good job packing a lot of action into a short novella. I was entertained throughout.
I thought the book was a good prequel story, and I am looking forward to reading more books in the series.
January 13, 2018
Even this is a prequel that has an role to introduce us the main character of the serial, I had a feeling that it is full book compressed in so little pages. Well written fast paced plot that kept me until I finished the last page. Nina will be great character in the next books, can't wait to read them too
June 23, 2018
Speculative religious history is one of my favorite genres because it offers up so many new ideas to consider. I know some very religious people find it offensive, but it's just a fictional book that makes you think. That's always good.
This is a prequel to an upcoming series that doesn't exist yet. In my experience, prequels usually come after the series to give us insight into the actions of the characters in the series, but a prequel is supposed to come first. This one does.
This prequel introduces us to the characters, the premise, and the mystery, exactly as it should. We get a little insight into the characters, but many things are open-ended because they will be fully explored in the series.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
The mystery presented is good and is definitely one I want to know more about.
The only criticism I have is that the name of the central character--Nina Monte--contains two first names, so, at times, it seems there's an extra character, which can be confusing. That's probably my own issue, but if the character is Italian, maybe her last name should be "Monti." That would eliminate any confusion.
In summary, this is a perfect prequel to what will hopefully be a suspenseful series.
This is a prequel to an upcoming series that doesn't exist yet. In my experience, prequels usually come after the series to give us insight into the actions of the characters in the series, but a prequel is supposed to come first. This one does.
This prequel introduces us to the characters, the premise, and the mystery, exactly as it should. We get a little insight into the characters, but many things are open-ended because they will be fully explored in the series.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
The mystery presented is good and is definitely one I want to know more about.
The only criticism I have is that the name of the central character--Nina Monte--contains two first names, so, at times, it seems there's an extra character, which can be confusing. That's probably my own issue, but if the character is Italian, maybe her last name should be "Monti." That would eliminate any confusion.
In summary, this is a perfect prequel to what will hopefully be a suspenseful series.
February 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this novella. It is presented as the prequel to the Nina Monte mystery thriller series, and is in my favorite genre as an archaeological mystery. Professor Filippo Oliveri of the Roman University contacts his former student, Nina Monte, who is herself a professor in ancient religions. He has unearthed something spectacular in Rome - a mosaic of the Vestal virgins. Before he can reunite with Nina to show her his amazing find, three women in inconspicuous beige suits arrive to interfere with his plans. They've been watching him, because unbeknownst to him, his destiny had been fortold centuries earlier. Who are these mysterious women? How did they know where to find him? How did they know what would be concealed behind a hidden door in the mosaic?
These are all questions that are answered in this novella, but leave you wanting to read the next full-length novel. I've never read anything by this author, but I am definitely intriqued. and plan to read the next book. I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I see that after book one, a book two was planned, but not completed. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers or series' left unfinished, so I hope that next novel is still in the works.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
These are all questions that are answered in this novella, but leave you wanting to read the next full-length novel. I've never read anything by this author, but I am definitely intriqued. and plan to read the next book. I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I see that after book one, a book two was planned, but not completed. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers or series' left unfinished, so I hope that next novel is still in the works.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
December 15, 2017
Tomasz has written another great story that will keep you reading and wanting more. There is action, mystery, ancient treasures, and more to grab you from the beginning.
The writing is very good blending the past with the present as people are searching for the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this prequel and would love to read more about Nina's and Professor Oliveri's search for the Vestals' book. It sounds like the Professor will not give up the search and as Nina would also like to find the book, there may be a sequel coming in the future.
The story line is exciting with the mix of ancient history and the present. There is plenty of action and suspense to peak a reader's interest. I liked Nina and the Professor's characters and was intrigued by the Vestals' characters. I would like to read more about all of them.
The writing is very good blending the past with the present as people are searching for the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this prequel and would love to read more about Nina's and Professor Oliveri's search for the Vestals' book. It sounds like the Professor will not give up the search and as Nina would also like to find the book, there may be a sequel coming in the future.
The story line is exciting with the mix of ancient history and the present. There is plenty of action and suspense to peak a reader's interest. I liked Nina and the Professor's characters and was intrigued by the Vestals' characters. I would like to read more about all of them.
March 21, 2019
I enjoyed this story.
This book is a short introduction to the Nina Monte mystery series. It has a brief description of several characters, some of whom will be in future books. The plot is about the finding of an item of great historical value and characters who wish to possess the item. Some more information on the main character would have been nice but I guess that is what subsequent books are for. Because of the brevity of this story there wasn't time to bog the reader down with too much description. The fleshing out of the main character will be interesting as well as how much of the historical artifact will be found will entice me to get the next book. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
This book is a short introduction to the Nina Monte mystery series. It has a brief description of several characters, some of whom will be in future books. The plot is about the finding of an item of great historical value and characters who wish to possess the item. Some more information on the main character would have been nice but I guess that is what subsequent books are for. Because of the brevity of this story there wasn't time to bog the reader down with too much description. The fleshing out of the main character will be interesting as well as how much of the historical artifact will be found will entice me to get the next book. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
June 21, 2018
The historical aspects of this book were very intriguing, but the character development had me confused. There were relationships between characters that seem to have been built in a prior story, but this is a prequel, and due to certain events in this book, the characters couldn't have had any connections in a later book. The end seemed a little bit abrupt, and I would have liked more development of the historical background. That being said, it was interesting enough for me to want to look for the next Nina Monte and see how things are expanded upon. **I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.**
October 31, 2018
This is my first book from Tomasz Chrusciel and I cannot wait to read more. Usually a novella doesn't have enough in it for me to get fully immersed and enjoy what I'm ready but this one hit it out of the park. I love the storyline (and hope that it is continued in a future novel) and the characters are great! I can relate a lot to Nina and you can't help but love Oliveri. And while it easy to hate Gino I couldn't help but also feel sorry for him and the disaster that he ends up being. Definitely worth the time to read this one!!
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
December 4, 2017
Great short read!
This novella is packed with background on Nina and a thrilling page-turner! I was sad when it ended because I was left wanting so much more! Nina is such a strong character and I can't get enough of her adventures! This one starts with an historic dig site in Italy and twists and turns from there. The details Mr. Chrusciel writes with are so crisp and involved I am always sucked into the story! I can't wait to read more of Nina's story.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book and volunteered to give an honest review.
This novella is packed with background on Nina and a thrilling page-turner! I was sad when it ended because I was left wanting so much more! Nina is such a strong character and I can't get enough of her adventures! This one starts with an historic dig site in Italy and twists and turns from there. The details Mr. Chrusciel writes with are so crisp and involved I am always sucked into the story! I can't wait to read more of Nina's story.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book and volunteered to give an honest review.
December 30, 2017
This book is the prequel to the Fast Track to Glory. Having read the Fast Track to Glory first, it was extremely interesting to see how the story started. The premise of the book is both intriguing and viable. This book explains a lot of what transpired in the second book. I really love the characters in this series and am looking forward to reading the third book when it is published. Highly recommend this book to all action and mystery lovers.
January 15, 2018
The Vestal Conspiracy is a Novella, a prequel to the Nina Monte Mystery Thriller series. It was certainly fast moving with an interesting plot. I want to read the series to see how the premise develops. The author Tomasz Chrusciel has woven Greek history of the Vestal Virgins into a present day archeological find. The Vestals play a central role in this Novella. I can easily imagine a major motion picture based on this book. I was given this book, but not required to review it.
March 18, 2018
The Vestals Conspiracy is a really great book. It is filled with adventure, action, mystery, danger, and history. It is fast paced with many twist and turns that make it entertaining and hard to put down. Nina Monte is a strong, intelligent, and complex character that is easy to like and want to follow. I found this to be well written with a good storyline and great characters. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
December 4, 2017
This novella is the prequel to a spectacular mystery series. If you dig archaeology (pun intended) you will love this book and the series it introduces. Tomasz Chrusciel introduces Nina Monte to the world as a force to be reckoned with. Filled with great characters and lots of thrills this book will keep you mesmerized to the end.
December 6, 2017
In the Vestals Conspiracy, Thomas Chrusciel combines mystery, adventure, history and magic realism to a very palatable blend. For a prequel novella the author still manages to come up with a strong plot, a good story line and strong characters and lays the foundation of a series that you won’t want to miss. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
April 23, 2018
The Vestals Conspiracy: Prequel is well-written and captures the reader's interest from the first page. I think the series will probably be worth reading but this would have been much more effective as one complete novel. The prequel just introduces the characters and plot, then ends. I probably will never take the time to get the rest of the series - too bad, it might have been a great novel.
January 14, 2018
A fantastic story for all the fans of ancient prophecy and mystery!
A book well developed, with deep and strong characters that will entertainment you until the last page!
An enjoyable book to spent some time together.
I'm looking forward to the next book!
A book well developed, with deep and strong characters that will entertainment you until the last page!
An enjoyable book to spent some time together.
I'm looking forward to the next book!
April 19, 2018
OK, it was only a short introductory book.
It was not bad, but it was not a good book. I've read the same storyline many times before. Only it had been told better. It did not entice me to read the rest of the series.
It was not bad, but it was not a good book. I've read the same storyline many times before. Only it had been told better. It did not entice me to read the rest of the series.
July 8, 2018
Setting the stage...
The intro was compelling enough for me to want to read more and that I did. I'm not all that informed about art history but I was definitely intrigued. This book is very well written and it has made me eager to read the series.
The intro was compelling enough for me to want to read more and that I did. I'm not all that informed about art history but I was definitely intrigued. This book is very well written and it has made me eager to read the series.
September 4, 2018
An archaeologist finds ancient treasures of Vestal Virgins, and Vestal Virgins find him. This could have made an exciting longer novel but it's a bit too short to properly develop the characters, the plot or the suspense.
December 23, 2017
Vestals
I LIKED THIS SHORT STORY. I LIKE THE CHARACTERS
, GETTING READY TO READ ANOTHER BOOK BY THIS AUTHOR ,GREAT BOOK
I LIKED THIS SHORT STORY. I LIKE THE CHARACTERS
, GETTING READY TO READ ANOTHER BOOK BY THIS AUTHOR ,GREAT BOOK
January 16, 2018
Vestal Conspiracy Prequel Novella
Super interesting start to a forthcoming novel. This novella had me interested by the first page and I'm eager to start the novel.
Super interesting start to a forthcoming novel. This novella had me interested by the first page and I'm eager to start the novel.
February 9, 2018
A good read! In the style of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. Will look out for other books by the same author. Recommended
April 10, 2018
Very good
New series for me to read. Exciting, thrilling, search for treasure all over the globe. Hard to out down and the end came much to soon
New series for me to read. Exciting, thrilling, search for treasure all over the globe. Hard to out down and the end came much to soon
January 13, 2018
If you enjoy archeology, mystery and prophecy, then you should definitely read this book. A very quick read, this story whets my appetite for more! Based on this prequel novella, I think the Nina Monte Mystery Thriller series will be fabulous!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews