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The Third Order
Maggie Fraser met the man of her dreams one day in New York City. She had never been happier - until tragedy struck, sending her into an emotional tailspin. Her recovery was rudely interrupted by her accidental possession of a mysterious and ancient amulet.
What was this amulet? And why was she being pursued for it? Travel with Maggie as she criss-crosses multiple countries unraveling the secrets of the amulet and searching for the inner peace, acceptance, and personal direction that had been so disrupted.
Set in New York, Michigan, Scotland, Italy and London, follow Maggie as she reveals the secrets of the amulet that have spanned a nearly a thousand years while overcoming her personal grief.
What was this amulet? And why was she being pursued for it? Travel with Maggie as she criss-crosses multiple countries unraveling the secrets of the amulet and searching for the inner peace, acceptance, and personal direction that had been so disrupted.
Set in New York, Michigan, Scotland, Italy and London, follow Maggie as she reveals the secrets of the amulet that have spanned a nearly a thousand years while overcoming her personal grief.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2018
4 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Sura Thomson
6 books40 followersWendy Sura Thomson is a 5-star author of Summon the Tiger, The Third Order, Ted and Ned, The Man from Burnt Island, and a contributing author of the 5-star anthology, Postcards from the Future. She lives in Michigan with her beloved Irish Setters and covets sipping coffee outdoors first thing in the morning, rain or shine., listening to the waterfall and the birds, and watching [often with amusement] the pups explore.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 20, 2018
Wendy Thomson’s The Third Order is a fine novel that works on a number of levels—as a thriller, an adventure novel, a Dan Brown-like fusion of historical and religious conspiracies, an archeological mystery, a critique of how ideals are tarnished and betrayed, and above all a sensitive portrait of a resilient and resourceful woman who must rebuild her life after a tragic accident. The story is exciting and multi-layered, racing back and forth between countries, continents, and centuries—all handled deftly by the author. The characters are well-drawn and memorable, particularly (for me) the contemporary main character, Maggie, and a battle-weary twelfth-century Scottish warrior whose large spirit helps change the course of religious history. I highly recommend this engaging and fast-moving novel.
December 6, 2018
Kept my interest throughout
September 28, 2018
A touch like the DaVinci Code, Maggie a grieve-stricken woman wants the truth of an ancient amulet. Her quest finds her being chased and captured by a secret cult. The twists and turns of the story will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens.
October 8, 2018
The Third Order by Wendy Sura Thomson is a “chick lit” fiction novel centered around a real-life event, which is the 1997 earthquake in Italy that severely damaged the basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. While a team of experts is evaluating the damage, an aftershock sends part of the dome crashing down, killing two technical experts and two monks in the process. In The Third Order, one of the victims is a visiting American architect, Dr. Ben Tyler, who is in Italy on his honeymoon and was invited to go along. When his Scottish widow, Maggie Fraser, returns to the United States to bury her husband, she finally opens a box containing his effects and discovers something unusual in one of his shoes: a very old metal amulet of Pictish, not Italian, design. Solving the mystery of the amulet and becoming the target of a fringe lay religious order that wants it, hurls Maggie into one adventure after another. Good thing one of her brothers works for MI6 in London!
I enjoyed reading The Third Order, which is filled with suspense and drama. Through a flowing, descriptive narrative, Thomson does an excellent job of introducing the characters and setting and unfolding the romance of Ben and Maggie to the reader. The deep and very satisfying love between them becomes real. When tragedy occurs, the reader deeply feels Maggie’s shock and grief. As she returns to her family in Scotland and enlists one of her brothers, a historian, to help solve the mystery of the amulet, the reader is fully engaged in solving this historical puzzle along with them. As one unexpected twist meets another surprise turn, we hang onto our seats to see how it will end.
I enjoyed reading The Third Order, which is filled with suspense and drama. Through a flowing, descriptive narrative, Thomson does an excellent job of introducing the characters and setting and unfolding the romance of Ben and Maggie to the reader. The deep and very satisfying love between them becomes real. When tragedy occurs, the reader deeply feels Maggie’s shock and grief. As she returns to her family in Scotland and enlists one of her brothers, a historian, to help solve the mystery of the amulet, the reader is fully engaged in solving this historical puzzle along with them. As one unexpected twist meets another surprise turn, we hang onto our seats to see how it will end.
March 10, 2019
A Da Vinci Code style mystery with fabulous character and relationship development. Thomson intertwines the emotions connected with human relationships into a mystery spanning the globe. The reader gets to know the main character's personality by both what is visible to those that meet her, and what lies insider her. Additionally, perspective on historical backgrounds gives other intriguing dimensions to the story.
December 29, 2020
Get ready to travel the world in Wendy Sura Thomson’s exciting and suspenseful novel The Third Order. If you love getting lost in ancient mysteries, then get ready to follow Maggie Fraser as she unravels secrets about an amulet.
Life was almost too perfect for Maggie Fraser. It started in New York City when she happened to meet the man of her dreams. It’s the happiest time in her life, unfortunately, it doesn’t last. Maggie’s world is thrown upside down when tragedy strikes. Maggie doesn’t know what to feel, her emotions in a tailspin.
By accident, Maggie has possession of a mysterious amulet. All she knows is that it’s ancient, and unknown figures are chasing her for it.
In The Third Order, Maggie travels to New York, Michigan, Scotland, Italy, and London as she tries to uncover the secrets surrounding the amulet. During her travels, Maggie is also working on recovering from the events that destroyed her happy life.
Thomson’s thrilling novel has mystery, secrets, and exotic foreign locations. However, it’s also a story about a woman that is looking for acceptance, personal direction, and most of all inner peace. It is something that readers that have suffered a tragedy will identify with.
“It’s odd what happens when a person is hit with such a deep and unexpected tragedy. It’s as if someone pushes a reset button in your psyche. Your entire life seems to reset to zero.”
The author’s writing is expressive and she brilliantly captures Maggie’s feelings shortly after the tragedy. It is what helps the novel resonate with readers. Her expressive writing is also what brings Maggie’s travels to life. Readers will feel like their strolling through medieval Scottish castles or touring the streets of London and the Italian countryside.
Even though there are hundreds of books by other authors that send their protagonists on quests to solve ancient mysteries, and occasionally save humanity, Thomson’s book is different. Throughout the story, Maggie Fraser is on two quests. One to find out why the amulet is so valuable, and who is pursuing her for it. The other is a personal quest and journey to discover who she is.
Readers that love the genre will appreciate the fresh take on it. Others will find that they may have a new author to appreciate. Anyone that wants to travel the world and solve a mystery without leaving their couch, will find it easy to escape for a while in the pages of The Third Order. Excellent read!
Life was almost too perfect for Maggie Fraser. It started in New York City when she happened to meet the man of her dreams. It’s the happiest time in her life, unfortunately, it doesn’t last. Maggie’s world is thrown upside down when tragedy strikes. Maggie doesn’t know what to feel, her emotions in a tailspin.
By accident, Maggie has possession of a mysterious amulet. All she knows is that it’s ancient, and unknown figures are chasing her for it.
In The Third Order, Maggie travels to New York, Michigan, Scotland, Italy, and London as she tries to uncover the secrets surrounding the amulet. During her travels, Maggie is also working on recovering from the events that destroyed her happy life.
Thomson’s thrilling novel has mystery, secrets, and exotic foreign locations. However, it’s also a story about a woman that is looking for acceptance, personal direction, and most of all inner peace. It is something that readers that have suffered a tragedy will identify with.
“It’s odd what happens when a person is hit with such a deep and unexpected tragedy. It’s as if someone pushes a reset button in your psyche. Your entire life seems to reset to zero.”
The author’s writing is expressive and she brilliantly captures Maggie’s feelings shortly after the tragedy. It is what helps the novel resonate with readers. Her expressive writing is also what brings Maggie’s travels to life. Readers will feel like their strolling through medieval Scottish castles or touring the streets of London and the Italian countryside.
Even though there are hundreds of books by other authors that send their protagonists on quests to solve ancient mysteries, and occasionally save humanity, Thomson’s book is different. Throughout the story, Maggie Fraser is on two quests. One to find out why the amulet is so valuable, and who is pursuing her for it. The other is a personal quest and journey to discover who she is.
Readers that love the genre will appreciate the fresh take on it. Others will find that they may have a new author to appreciate. Anyone that wants to travel the world and solve a mystery without leaving their couch, will find it easy to escape for a while in the pages of The Third Order. Excellent read!
December 4, 2019
Thomson’s latest is a well-researched, gripping blend of ancient intrigues, secret religious societies, poignant emotions, and raw grief.
Maggie Fraser’s life turns upside down after a tragedy strikes her while honeymooning in Italy. The discovery of an ancient amulet sends her traveling across the globe despite her heart heavy with grief. As her search takes her from Italy to London and Michigan and New York in America, Maggie is confounded by a mysterious religious group whose members would stop at nothing to acquire the amulet for themselves.
Though the story starts as a run-of-the-mill love tale, Thomson sets the foundation for an explosive pace within the first few pages as Maggie comes across the ancient amulet. The relentless twists and shocks thereafter keep the reader wired right up to the last page.
A fascinating read that will please both conspiracy enthusiasts and thriller fans.
A thrilling read!
Maggie Fraser’s life turns upside down after a tragedy strikes her while honeymooning in Italy. The discovery of an ancient amulet sends her traveling across the globe despite her heart heavy with grief. As her search takes her from Italy to London and Michigan and New York in America, Maggie is confounded by a mysterious religious group whose members would stop at nothing to acquire the amulet for themselves.
Though the story starts as a run-of-the-mill love tale, Thomson sets the foundation for an explosive pace within the first few pages as Maggie comes across the ancient amulet. The relentless twists and shocks thereafter keep the reader wired right up to the last page.
A fascinating read that will please both conspiracy enthusiasts and thriller fans.
A thrilling read!
January 8, 2020
Wendy Thomson’s The Third Order is an action, adventure, mystery that reminded me of Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code.
After Maggie Fraser’s husband is killed, she finds an ancient amulet in his belongings. This amulet looks familiar, but she can’t place it. After she returns to the States, the story flips briefly to the crusade days where the tale of the amulet unfolds along with positive moral messages.
Maggie’s quest to find the story behind the amulet turns into a nightmare as The Third Order desperately wants this holy relic. Maggie’s brothers, one a history profession, the other a clandestine member of MI6, attempt to help her and keep her safe. As Maggie deals with her grief, she continues her quest to determine the origin and rightful ownership of the amulet and how to share the historical religious meaning with the world.
A highly recommended read for those who enjoy action, adventure and archeological mystery thrillers.
After Maggie Fraser’s husband is killed, she finds an ancient amulet in his belongings. This amulet looks familiar, but she can’t place it. After she returns to the States, the story flips briefly to the crusade days where the tale of the amulet unfolds along with positive moral messages.
Maggie’s quest to find the story behind the amulet turns into a nightmare as The Third Order desperately wants this holy relic. Maggie’s brothers, one a history profession, the other a clandestine member of MI6, attempt to help her and keep her safe. As Maggie deals with her grief, she continues her quest to determine the origin and rightful ownership of the amulet and how to share the historical religious meaning with the world.
A highly recommended read for those who enjoy action, adventure and archeological mystery thrillers.
July 22, 2020
A light weight version of The DaVinci Code sums up the book The Third Order by Wendy Sura Thomson.
I found myself drawn in to the first 1/4 of the book. But shortly after that point, the book started to bore me. It wasn’t the characters as I could relate to them easily. The plot started to get a bit repetitive for me and in lots of places, I rolled my eyes at how the author wrote a scene. I just couldn’t connect. Too bad, as I think there were some great ideas here, but not executed well. It needed more depth, more mystery, and more believable actions.
Thank you to Wendy Sura Thomson, Quilt and Quinn Publishers, and NetGalley for a chance to review this ⭐️⭐️⭐️ star book.
I found myself drawn in to the first 1/4 of the book. But shortly after that point, the book started to bore me. It wasn’t the characters as I could relate to them easily. The plot started to get a bit repetitive for me and in lots of places, I rolled my eyes at how the author wrote a scene. I just couldn’t connect. Too bad, as I think there were some great ideas here, but not executed well. It needed more depth, more mystery, and more believable actions.
Thank you to Wendy Sura Thomson, Quilt and Quinn Publishers, and NetGalley for a chance to review this ⭐️⭐️⭐️ star book.
January 27, 2020
Maggie Fraser has settled in New York after spending her whole life in Scotland. She meets Ben and they couldn't be happier.They get married in Scotland then go to Italy on their honeymoon. He dies in an earthquake while he is at the tomb of Saint Francis. When his things are returned to her an amulet is among Ben's possessions. This sends Maggie all over the world to try to get away from those who want it and to find out more about it. The story keeps your interest and you have some interesting history along with it.
February 13, 2020
Good stuff. This has the elements of a good mystery with very good characters, some globe trotting, and unpredictability. Throw in some action and adventure too. Recommended for mystery fans.
Thanks very much for the review copy!!
Thanks very much for the review copy!!
March 21, 2021
An adventure, page-turner of a mystery.
August 10, 2022
The ending was rushed and dissapointing. But it was a good take about cults and religion.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews