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Mayan Star
This much is true: In 1562 Diego de Landa burned all the Mayan codices and began a suppression of the Mayan religion that was brutal even by 16th century conquistador standards. What we don’t know is why.
Excavations at a recently discovered Mayan site near Valladolid in the Yucatan unearth a codex – the first to be discovered in over 50 years. A mangled body is found among the ruins. It belongs to Father Colvin McNeery, an expert on the Gospel of Matthew, the only Gospel to mention the Star of Bethlehem. The local police say he was killed by a jaguar.
Dr. Isabel Reyes, renegade daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Mexico, is called away from her clinic to issue a death certificate. She wonders, when she sees the claw marks, what sort of jaguar is left-handed?
Ex-rabbi and scholar Simon Press has just seen another of his controversial lectures on the spread of Christianity end in violence. He’s back at his hotel nursing a scotch when he gets the news that his friend and colleague, Colvin McNeery, is dead in the Yucatan. Press has always been resentful of Christianity’s success; what he finds in McNeery’s translation of the codex will allow him to get even.
Detective First Class Benito Rufino of the Antiquities Police is pulled off a sting he’s spent nine months setting up, and ordered to Valladolid. He’s furious until he finds out why: a codex worth $500 million pesos is missing.
Leon Cortes - devout Catholic and a direct descendant of the Conquistador - has become drug overlord for all of the Yucatan because he believes his faith requires him to mortify his soul as his Savior mortified his body. Now he’s ordered by the Vatican to find the codex and send it to them.
The 1500 year old codex contains an account of a holy man, a savior who is born under a bright star to a virgin, performs miracles, dies a horrible death, and is resurrected. If McNeery’s translation of the codex is correct, then something is radically wrong with the conventional accounts of the European discovery of the Americas. Or - and this is the only other possibility - something is radically wrong with Christianity’s notion of itself.
Excavations at a recently discovered Mayan site near Valladolid in the Yucatan unearth a codex – the first to be discovered in over 50 years. A mangled body is found among the ruins. It belongs to Father Colvin McNeery, an expert on the Gospel of Matthew, the only Gospel to mention the Star of Bethlehem. The local police say he was killed by a jaguar.
Dr. Isabel Reyes, renegade daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Mexico, is called away from her clinic to issue a death certificate. She wonders, when she sees the claw marks, what sort of jaguar is left-handed?
Ex-rabbi and scholar Simon Press has just seen another of his controversial lectures on the spread of Christianity end in violence. He’s back at his hotel nursing a scotch when he gets the news that his friend and colleague, Colvin McNeery, is dead in the Yucatan. Press has always been resentful of Christianity’s success; what he finds in McNeery’s translation of the codex will allow him to get even.
Detective First Class Benito Rufino of the Antiquities Police is pulled off a sting he’s spent nine months setting up, and ordered to Valladolid. He’s furious until he finds out why: a codex worth $500 million pesos is missing.
Leon Cortes - devout Catholic and a direct descendant of the Conquistador - has become drug overlord for all of the Yucatan because he believes his faith requires him to mortify his soul as his Savior mortified his body. Now he’s ordered by the Vatican to find the codex and send it to them.
The 1500 year old codex contains an account of a holy man, a savior who is born under a bright star to a virgin, performs miracles, dies a horrible death, and is resurrected. If McNeery’s translation of the codex is correct, then something is radically wrong with the conventional accounts of the European discovery of the Americas. Or - and this is the only other possibility - something is radically wrong with Christianity’s notion of itself.
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Published June 7, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 25, 2019
Something to consider
The story read well and depicted life in Mexico. I’ve been to Villadolid and love the area. I can relate to the story and understand how another time, another culture could have a messiah.
The story read well and depicted life in Mexico. I’ve been to Villadolid and love the area. I can relate to the story and understand how another time, another culture could have a messiah.
April 5, 2019
Mixed feelings on this book. It is a controversial book about a Mayan codex purporting to have a different version of the birth of gods son in Mexico that is sought by the Vatican for destruction as it would radically alter the faith of Christians everywhere if it wAs exposed. There is extensive history and practices of the Jewish people on theological issues. On a fictional side, Simon press is the ex Jewish rabbi trying to solve the mystery of his catholic friends death while Cortes is the pious drug lord bent on getting the codex for the Vatican. Along the way there are some horrible murders committed in a lawless Mexico where the police are routinely open to bribes and looking the other way. Parts of this book are quite beautiful in the description of the Mexican landscape and yes there is a love interest in the form of a beautiful lady doctor who discovers her Jewish link. But sections of this book don’t appear to have been adequately proof read as there are a number of spelling and grammatical errors
January 9, 2019
Not bad. Was not what I expected. It was more to do with drug dealers
July 17, 2020
This is my sort of book. Indeed, I am writing one myself (faraway in time and place from this one, I should add). This is the sort of book my friend Glenna calls a ‘history and mystery’. An Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, Dan Brown sort of mystery, with its basis in history or legend, that has missing artefacts attached to it, which artefacts are then hunted for while the hunters are themselves hunted. The genre is substantial, and usually the results are weak. Mostly the authors have done insufficient work on the historical aspect and instead concentrate on the hunting, which lets them down because it is not a USP. A chase is a chase is a chase … The best in the genre identify a genuine potential historical conundrum and play with it, which is what Howard Allan has done with this.
The historical bones are that the Mayans created a number of codices. We don’t know what they contained (which begets the necessary what-if possibilities) because when the Spanish invaded they destroyed them, concurrently suppressing the Mayan religion and imposing their own Roman Catholicism. Allan develops a lucid and plausible reason for the content and destruction of the codices. One more is found. Word gets out. The hunters gather.
The book begins with murder in the Yucatan of modern Mexico – which is an amazingly violent place, according to this book. I warn you that the methods Allan permits his local drug lord to use to dispose of those who cross him may turn your stomach. They did mine.
However, I persevered because not only is the McGuffin good, the plotting and characters are also well above the usual standard for this genre, and the tension is ratcheted up admirably as the story unfolds. The lapsed rabbi, who is the main narrator, is a delight of wit and quirks, courage and cowardice, love and lust. The doctor who runs a local women’s clinic is another narrator from whom one is always pleased to hear. The local policeman tries valiantly to do an honest job in the face of systemic corruption – which may be a cliché, but in this case seems both accurate and well-drawn. Even that local drug lord has an internal logic.
By the way – I see this book has been reported for typos on amazon. I did not find as many as I have had to wade through this year in other books self-published, from small press publishers, and from mainstream publishers. Perhaps they have been fixed. Perhaps the complainer has an even lower tolerance for such irritants than I do myself. The last sub-editor seems to have expired and proof readers are as rare as cuckoos. Sadly, I have also seen work published which has apparently had an editor’s input but which might have been better without it. Sigh. If you are a writer, you absolutely have to teach yourself to edit these days.
The historical bones are that the Mayans created a number of codices. We don’t know what they contained (which begets the necessary what-if possibilities) because when the Spanish invaded they destroyed them, concurrently suppressing the Mayan religion and imposing their own Roman Catholicism. Allan develops a lucid and plausible reason for the content and destruction of the codices. One more is found. Word gets out. The hunters gather.
The book begins with murder in the Yucatan of modern Mexico – which is an amazingly violent place, according to this book. I warn you that the methods Allan permits his local drug lord to use to dispose of those who cross him may turn your stomach. They did mine.
However, I persevered because not only is the McGuffin good, the plotting and characters are also well above the usual standard for this genre, and the tension is ratcheted up admirably as the story unfolds. The lapsed rabbi, who is the main narrator, is a delight of wit and quirks, courage and cowardice, love and lust. The doctor who runs a local women’s clinic is another narrator from whom one is always pleased to hear. The local policeman tries valiantly to do an honest job in the face of systemic corruption – which may be a cliché, but in this case seems both accurate and well-drawn. Even that local drug lord has an internal logic.
By the way – I see this book has been reported for typos on amazon. I did not find as many as I have had to wade through this year in other books self-published, from small press publishers, and from mainstream publishers. Perhaps they have been fixed. Perhaps the complainer has an even lower tolerance for such irritants than I do myself. The last sub-editor seems to have expired and proof readers are as rare as cuckoos. Sadly, I have also seen work published which has apparently had an editor’s input but which might have been better without it. Sigh. If you are a writer, you absolutely have to teach yourself to edit these days.
August 20, 2018
The premise/main plot is really pretty interesting. It also explains some history of which I am only peripherally familiar. (It makes me want to read more about some topics, like the church and the Mayan culture/codices.)
The author seems to be very familiar with the local and customs, and how some things work in Mexico. It had an authentic feel when I read it. I am curious if it's really close to the truth, although I have no reason to doubt it. The brutality contrasting with the every day life was startling, and I thought it was effective to shock me that way.
The plot moved at a good pace, and I became invested in some of the characters. One major flaw to me was the female love interest. She was so unrelentingly annoying in so many ways, I wondered what the attraction was, despite her beauty and intelligence. I think I would have walked away, in spite of her attractive qualities.
I was glad when some of the characters seemed to come out in good shape after some scary times. I do like a little feel-good in there, a personal preference.
I would read another one featuring the primary male character, in a "DaVinci Code" kind of way.
All in all, it kept me interested and was pretty good, if not great.
The author seems to be very familiar with the local and customs, and how some things work in Mexico. It had an authentic feel when I read it. I am curious if it's really close to the truth, although I have no reason to doubt it. The brutality contrasting with the every day life was startling, and I thought it was effective to shock me that way.
The plot moved at a good pace, and I became invested in some of the characters. One major flaw to me was the female love interest. She was so unrelentingly annoying in so many ways, I wondered what the attraction was, despite her beauty and intelligence. I think I would have walked away, in spite of her attractive qualities.
I was glad when some of the characters seemed to come out in good shape after some scary times. I do like a little feel-good in there, a personal preference.
I would read another one featuring the primary male character, in a "DaVinci Code" kind of way.
All in all, it kept me interested and was pretty good, if not great.
June 9, 2019
Flipping back and forth between points of view, we follow Dublin-born ex-Rabbi Simon Press, Mexican Antiquities Detective Benito Ruffino, and Dr. Isabel Reyes - along with some more minor characters - through a quagmire of deaths and decapitations all revolving around a stolen very ancient Mayan codex. No one seems to know why there is so much importance tied to this particular antiquity until the very end (Spoiler Alert) when the Vatican becomes involved. And the outcome is SO sick-religion-Catholic crazy that it nauseates me. Sadly crazy. Interesting possibilities. Great setting, interesting characters, a little draggy, and a lot of anti-Mexican stereotypes that tended to be off-putting....
December 29, 2018
Stranger things
Ruthlessness is not reserved for revenge, but also to protect power. Religion has been a driving force for thousands of years, over the world. Millions of people have been killed in the name of God, any God, anywhere. To what lengths would the Catholic church go to protect their savior and his, as well as their, extraordinary position, power, and ultimate uniqueness in the world ?
Filled with fascinating people and stimulating ideas, this book is impossible for me to put down. Intellectually probative, and filled with danger, the atmosphere drives this thriller! Read it, you must. Enjoy it you will !!
Ruthlessness is not reserved for revenge, but also to protect power. Religion has been a driving force for thousands of years, over the world. Millions of people have been killed in the name of God, any God, anywhere. To what lengths would the Catholic church go to protect their savior and his, as well as their, extraordinary position, power, and ultimate uniqueness in the world ?
Filled with fascinating people and stimulating ideas, this book is impossible for me to put down. Intellectually probative, and filled with danger, the atmosphere drives this thriller! Read it, you must. Enjoy it you will !!
October 24, 2018
Good idea, dull characters
While the final plot twist was an interesting idea, I felt that getting there was a mess. Most of the characters did not have developed back story, and the ones that did, were not expanded upon. There were far too many characters that really were rather pointless, if they were taken out of the story, they would not really be missed. Also the romance was less to be desired and rather sloppy. Also I give it only 3 stars because the transcription was a nightmare! There were so many grammatical errors and was a mess to read.
While the final plot twist was an interesting idea, I felt that getting there was a mess. Most of the characters did not have developed back story, and the ones that did, were not expanded upon. There were far too many characters that really were rather pointless, if they were taken out of the story, they would not really be missed. Also the romance was less to be desired and rather sloppy. Also I give it only 3 stars because the transcription was a nightmare! There were so many grammatical errors and was a mess to read.
June 3, 2021
DNF. Made it a quarter of the way through and it hadn’t grabbed me. The dialogue was awkward and stilted. I didn’t care for the main characters at all. Isabel was abrasive and vain and I got tired of constantly reading about how beautiful she was. Who cares? That lends nothing to the story. And a horny ex-rabbi who gets into fights because he can’t handle disagreement? No thanks. Shame because the premise seemed interesting.
September 24, 2018
Fast paced action
Another book similar to the rabbinic code but quite completely different premise. The sad truth it is believable that a religious institution would go to such violent lengths to prevent one of their corner stone beliefs being disproved, and not just the Vatican. I have would have liked more of rabbi Press's theory
Another book similar to the rabbinic code but quite completely different premise. The sad truth it is believable that a religious institution would go to such violent lengths to prevent one of their corner stone beliefs being disproved, and not just the Vatican. I have would have liked more of rabbi Press's theory
April 14, 2019
This book was interesting and I did enjoy the plot but the editing was atrocious. For the love of God even one of the main characters names was repeatedly misspelled! Was it Isabel or Isabelle???? Even in the end one page had Cardinal Santini and literally the next sentence had Cardinal Sabatini. I just don't have patience for that kind of carelessness in a published book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2019
The plot was very interesting however the book really needed to be edited. There are a lot of spelling errors and mistakes, which always detracts from the content.
I also felt the book would have been easier to follow if there had been a timeline of the Biblical and historical references. Sometimes it was hard to follow.
I also felt the book would have been easier to follow if there had been a timeline of the Biblical and historical references. Sometimes it was hard to follow.
April 11, 2020
2,5 *
More a drug lord story than a typical adventure about stolen historic artefacts. I liked maybe the first third if the book but then it's just lost its charm. Too many grisly murders and mafia kind of stories. I am not fond of these. However the main thought was interesting, about the Maya double Christ. It's a pity somebody else wouldn't write it better.
More a drug lord story than a typical adventure about stolen historic artefacts. I liked maybe the first third if the book but then it's just lost its charm. Too many grisly murders and mafia kind of stories. I am not fond of these. However the main thought was interesting, about the Maya double Christ. It's a pity somebody else wouldn't write it better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2018
Historical fiction
Very interesting, spellbinding. Is it possible that Diego De Landa discovered that Maya mythology spoused beliefs similar to those of Christians and that the reason he burned the codices? Very thought provoking. Good reading. Conrad Samayoa
Very interesting, spellbinding. Is it possible that Diego De Landa discovered that Maya mythology spoused beliefs similar to those of Christians and that the reason he burned the codices? Very thought provoking. Good reading. Conrad Samayoa
September 27, 2018
I really enjoyed the underlying concept and the revelations at the end. The characters are interesting and endearing. The descriptions of life in the Yucatan, if true, is eye-opening and scary. I'm wishing there were a Book Two.
September 30, 2018
Great book!
Great mystery/thriller action book. There is a lot of Catholic, Jewish, Mayan, Mexican, and other historical and religious facts that I also found fascinating while reading this first book by this author. I look forward to his next book with anticipation.
Great mystery/thriller action book. There is a lot of Catholic, Jewish, Mayan, Mexican, and other historical and religious facts that I also found fascinating while reading this first book by this author. I look forward to his next book with anticipation.
October 31, 2018
Dr. Isabel Reyes is called away from her clinic in small Yucatan town to autopsy the body of an archeologist was found killed on a site he was working. Thus begins a mystery involving, a native Mayan revolutionary group, a twisted police inspector, a Mayan scholar called in from the US by a local Mayan expert, a local prominent wealthy citizen with questionable history, friends of the US scholar who run a hotel in the town and several other characters of questionable provenance. Amateur investigations lead the investigator into trouble, but luck and friends prevail. Oh yes, its all about a Codex discovered in an ancient Mayan pyramid that is at the seat of it all and the Vatican wants it badly.
November 3, 2018
Long Story
This novel is a long slow story with spots of excitement and filled with historical references to christianity that are interest to know. It depicts Mexico as a really bad place.
This novel is a long slow story with spots of excitement and filled with historical references to christianity that are interest to know. It depicts Mexico as a really bad place.
November 21, 2018
3.5 stars. An engrossing, tightly written thriller with archeologists, drug lords and religious ideologies intertwined and held together by engaging characters. My main issue was that the ending was a bit weak.
February 21, 2019
Great book!
His author captured the Yucatan in all of its glory. I felt like I was standing in the Mercado and experiencing the heat, humidity, and terror of the poor. The story so true. The Jewish angle was a nice twist.
His author captured the Yucatan in all of its glory. I felt like I was standing in the Mercado and experiencing the heat, humidity, and terror of the poor. The story so true. The Jewish angle was a nice twist.
April 13, 2019
Exciting!
This book is a fun,entertaining, somewhat bloody mystery. It presents an interesting possibility to current theology that is entirely plausible. Anything that takes place in the jungle is mysterious to those of us who don't live there.
This book is a fun,entertaining, somewhat bloody mystery. It presents an interesting possibility to current theology that is entirely plausible. Anything that takes place in the jungle is mysterious to those of us who don't live there.
July 7, 2019
An easy read
Likeable story. Should have done more on the codex and less on the Isabel and Stephen relationship. I also found the ending too blip and unsatisfactory. Thought l am prepared to try another book by this author
Likeable story. Should have done more on the codex and less on the Isabel and Stephen relationship. I also found the ending too blip and unsatisfactory. Thought l am prepared to try another book by this author
August 10, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especial Isabella and Simon, the plot is great. I was disappointed by the ending. But its still a great read.
September 15, 2018
A fair to middling book easy read
It drug on a bit in the middle. Easy to read a good start but a slow finish. Could do better
It drug on a bit in the middle. Easy to read a good start but a slow finish. Could do better
September 18, 2018
Falls short
The Blarney Stone is located in Cork, not Dublin. Story could have been tighter as I felt no empathy with any character.
The Blarney Stone is located in Cork, not Dublin. Story could have been tighter as I felt no empathy with any character.
September 23, 2018
Great read
Once started it's hard to put down. Lots of real religious history and culture, as well as great characters, both good and bad. Highly recommend this book.
Once started it's hard to put down. Lots of real religious history and culture, as well as great characters, both good and bad. Highly recommend this book.
September 29, 2018
This book is fast-paced and very interesting. There are some typos here and there, but not significant enough to distract from reading. The ending was a bit abrupt and I was hoping to hear more about Humberto and Maria.
October 1, 2018
The Church
Interesting read, great characters. Have heard this subject before Codec burned so church wouldn't have to try to explain. Hope author will do sequel.
Interesting read, great characters. Have heard this subject before Codec burned so church wouldn't have to try to explain. Hope author will do sequel.
October 16, 2018
A truly interesting read!
I enjoyed this book very much. It was fast paced and kept me riveted to my seat until the end. I believe it rates at least five stars.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was fast paced and kept me riveted to my seat until the end. I believe it rates at least five stars.
October 18, 2018
Having just returned from a week in Merida, I found this book particularly enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews