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The Shroud Solution
WHAT SECRET DOES THE SHROUD OF TURIN HOLD? Ian McKinney and Angus MacGregor are brought together with two cardinals from the Vatican in a whirlwind of clandestine meetings, deceptions, suspicious accidents, and assassinations combined with romance, discoveries and medical breakthroughs. Is the Shroud of Turin the most significant religious relic in existence? Or, is it the greatest hoax ever perpetrated by mankind? Does the Shroud hold the key to world peace? Can McKinney and MacGregor uncover its secret? The Shroud has been hidden and lost, worshipped and debunked, attacked and ransomed. For centuries, men have sought its destruction and men have died to protect it. Bruce Mackenzie’s debut novel delivers captivating characters in this gripping tale of a plan to save mankind. Pope John Paul II and the future Pope Benedict XVI become enmeshed in a perilous scheme. A former British agent finds himself in deadly encounters with sinister forces while protecting a scientist with a dark secret, and his innocent lover. Together, with an altruistic cardinal, they form an unusual bond as they each hold a secret that could cause the ruination of the Vatican and the Catholic Church as they search for …THE SHROUD SOLUTION
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2019
31 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 16, 2020
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and K. Bruce Mackenzie for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always a fan of novels with Catholic and/or historical twists, this book by K. Bruce Mackenzie caught my eye as soon as I found it. When two cardinals arrive in Scotland on a mission, their presence is noticed by a few. The Vatican has sent Cardinals Ratzinger and Jaropelk, two of its highest ranking officials, to discuss a matter of great importance with members of a highly specialised institute working on matters of cloning. Among them are Dr. Ian McKinney, as well as Head of Security, Angus MacGregor, whose work denotes the need for the highest protection. The cardinals are highly interested in the work done cloning sheep, something that the Institute is proud to have accomplished. Even now, in 1997, the story continues to bring them much notoriety. When the cardinals bring up the possibility of examining the Shroud of Turin—the cloth said to have been wrapped around the crucified Jesus Christ—some shy away for religious reasons. However, Dr. Ian McKinney, an espoused atheist, is interested in the challenge and meets with the cardinals in secret, accompanied by MacGregor who has security in mind. They discuss the option and the only obstacle will be if Pope John Paul II blocks any biological analysis of the Shroud. The cardinals return and promise to be in touch soon, if McKinney is given the chance to proceed. After some arm twisting, the cardinals get a preliminary go-ahead, paving the way for McKinney to begin his examination. Throughout the process, he discovers something interesting, which the cardinals cannot deny is on the verge of changing the world forever. However, even more remarkable is the sudden faith-based change that Ian McKinney undergoes, finding solace in learning about the Shroud and the details of Christianity. When his scientific results yield some interesting findings, the cardinals work with McKinney to convince the pontiff to explore some further tests. Hesitant because he is only mortal, John Paul II agrees, but has some strict guidelines moving forward. McKinney is overjoyed, but this is not the only progress he has made in life, finding solace in the arms of a woman who’s been right next to him for so very long. As the plan proceeds, there are those who lurk in the shadows, curious about what the Vatican is doing. Two hired killers inch closer, tasked with neutralising not only the Shroud plan, but those who would overstep the limits of man playing deity. What comes next turns the story into the explosive novel Mackenzie has been building up to this point. Filled with religious, political, and thrilling twists, the reader will learn a great deal while wondering how much is fiction and where some well-kept factual secrets might mingle into this story. Recommended for those who love religious thrillers with a historical element, as well as the reader who find ‘what if’ stories to their liking.
While I am not a Catholic in my upbringing, there is something about Vatican politics that has always piqued my interest. This book, which mixes that with some Christian history and the modern blurring of scientific lines, proved to be a recipe for success for Mackenzie in his debut thriller. While the story opened with an odd twist—no spoilers here!—things soon fell into sync as the story moved between Scotland and the Vatican with ease. Ian McKinney soon finds himself in the protagonist’s role, though it is his character transformation that steals the show over some of the plot twists. The reader sees many of McKinney’s epiphanies in this story, some of which prove more saccharine than others, which helps the plot push forward and adds depth to the overall narrative. With some fictional and actual characters throughout, the story gains some interesting twists throughout. All those who grace the pages of this piece find themselves adding to the already intriguing plot with each page turn. Mackenzie wastes no time in positing some interesting hypotheses about genetics, cloning, and the plausibility of the Shroud of Turin holding the key to the potential Second Coming, albeit with more than the Hand of God playing a role. The story was strong and only got a tad far-fetched on a few occasions, more in the dialogue and character interactions than anything else. I found myself unable to put the book down at times, as the chapters were such teasers, some lasting pages while others summarily ended in a paragraph. Those with open minds and an interest in the topic will likely find themselves as hooked as I was, asking what they might have been missing not reading this book sooner. The numerous twists, down to the final reveal left me wanting more and pleased that Mackenzie speaks of a trilogy on the subject. Surely stirring up some controversy inside the Holy See with some of the sentiments expressed herein.
Kudos, Mr. Mackenzie, for a great novel. I hope others find this one as intriguing, as I know I was committed as soon as the story began.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Always a fan of novels with Catholic and/or historical twists, this book by K. Bruce Mackenzie caught my eye as soon as I found it. When two cardinals arrive in Scotland on a mission, their presence is noticed by a few. The Vatican has sent Cardinals Ratzinger and Jaropelk, two of its highest ranking officials, to discuss a matter of great importance with members of a highly specialised institute working on matters of cloning. Among them are Dr. Ian McKinney, as well as Head of Security, Angus MacGregor, whose work denotes the need for the highest protection. The cardinals are highly interested in the work done cloning sheep, something that the Institute is proud to have accomplished. Even now, in 1997, the story continues to bring them much notoriety. When the cardinals bring up the possibility of examining the Shroud of Turin—the cloth said to have been wrapped around the crucified Jesus Christ—some shy away for religious reasons. However, Dr. Ian McKinney, an espoused atheist, is interested in the challenge and meets with the cardinals in secret, accompanied by MacGregor who has security in mind. They discuss the option and the only obstacle will be if Pope John Paul II blocks any biological analysis of the Shroud. The cardinals return and promise to be in touch soon, if McKinney is given the chance to proceed. After some arm twisting, the cardinals get a preliminary go-ahead, paving the way for McKinney to begin his examination. Throughout the process, he discovers something interesting, which the cardinals cannot deny is on the verge of changing the world forever. However, even more remarkable is the sudden faith-based change that Ian McKinney undergoes, finding solace in learning about the Shroud and the details of Christianity. When his scientific results yield some interesting findings, the cardinals work with McKinney to convince the pontiff to explore some further tests. Hesitant because he is only mortal, John Paul II agrees, but has some strict guidelines moving forward. McKinney is overjoyed, but this is not the only progress he has made in life, finding solace in the arms of a woman who’s been right next to him for so very long. As the plan proceeds, there are those who lurk in the shadows, curious about what the Vatican is doing. Two hired killers inch closer, tasked with neutralising not only the Shroud plan, but those who would overstep the limits of man playing deity. What comes next turns the story into the explosive novel Mackenzie has been building up to this point. Filled with religious, political, and thrilling twists, the reader will learn a great deal while wondering how much is fiction and where some well-kept factual secrets might mingle into this story. Recommended for those who love religious thrillers with a historical element, as well as the reader who find ‘what if’ stories to their liking.
While I am not a Catholic in my upbringing, there is something about Vatican politics that has always piqued my interest. This book, which mixes that with some Christian history and the modern blurring of scientific lines, proved to be a recipe for success for Mackenzie in his debut thriller. While the story opened with an odd twist—no spoilers here!—things soon fell into sync as the story moved between Scotland and the Vatican with ease. Ian McKinney soon finds himself in the protagonist’s role, though it is his character transformation that steals the show over some of the plot twists. The reader sees many of McKinney’s epiphanies in this story, some of which prove more saccharine than others, which helps the plot push forward and adds depth to the overall narrative. With some fictional and actual characters throughout, the story gains some interesting twists throughout. All those who grace the pages of this piece find themselves adding to the already intriguing plot with each page turn. Mackenzie wastes no time in positing some interesting hypotheses about genetics, cloning, and the plausibility of the Shroud of Turin holding the key to the potential Second Coming, albeit with more than the Hand of God playing a role. The story was strong and only got a tad far-fetched on a few occasions, more in the dialogue and character interactions than anything else. I found myself unable to put the book down at times, as the chapters were such teasers, some lasting pages while others summarily ended in a paragraph. Those with open minds and an interest in the topic will likely find themselves as hooked as I was, asking what they might have been missing not reading this book sooner. The numerous twists, down to the final reveal left me wanting more and pleased that Mackenzie speaks of a trilogy on the subject. Surely stirring up some controversy inside the Holy See with some of the sentiments expressed herein.
Kudos, Mr. Mackenzie, for a great novel. I hope others find this one as intriguing, as I know I was committed as soon as the story began.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
August 8, 2021
Author K. Bruce Mackenzie grabs the reader from page one with a paid assassin on the loose in a nursery with a diabolical mission. The killer for hire has no conscience. The fiendish character along with unfolding plans of terror kept the pages turning to find the answers.
This first book for this author and book one of the Shroud Series is fabulous. The writing is strong and compelling. The details uncovered, like one layer after another of peeling this onion will make you a believer.
Like the assassin, Author Mackenzie provides great character development including the two cardinals of the Catholic church who are close to the Pope. The details of the Shroud of Turin also piqued my interest as that item’s been surrounded in mystery. The premise of their quest opens the door to incredible possibilities, even when that door appears to close. You can hear the acute disappointment in the exchange.
“Giuseppe, I agree with you but I’m disappointed,” Oleg muttered as he stared down at his hands. “The idea of bringing back our Savior to save mankind was foolish. We’ve dreamt the impossible and we’ve been two foolish old men.” After a moment he added, “Going through the extensive security reminds me of why we are here. It is unfortunate we live in a world that is so troubled that we need security of this nature. We tried, my dear friend, we tried. Now we have no choice but to go home and pray for guidance. What else can we do?”
Cardinal Ratzinger leaned over and replied, “I suppose all we can do is to urge His Holiness to continue to reach out to all the people of the world as he has been doing.”
“I fully agree with you, Giuseppe. I’m afraid there is nothing else we can do.”
My favorite character is Angus MacGregor, security for the institute and Ian McKinney the scientist. Together with the cardinals, they are traveling a path that combines history, faith, technology, and fear of the unknown. Author Mackenzie takes you into a complex mystery with extreme possibilities at every juncture. There are surprises galore, especially in the astounding ending. Lovers of mystery, thrills, chills, and excitement will devour this story and stay attuned to the next release in this new series. Wow, I found a new fav.
This first book for this author and book one of the Shroud Series is fabulous. The writing is strong and compelling. The details uncovered, like one layer after another of peeling this onion will make you a believer.
Like the assassin, Author Mackenzie provides great character development including the two cardinals of the Catholic church who are close to the Pope. The details of the Shroud of Turin also piqued my interest as that item’s been surrounded in mystery. The premise of their quest opens the door to incredible possibilities, even when that door appears to close. You can hear the acute disappointment in the exchange.
“Giuseppe, I agree with you but I’m disappointed,” Oleg muttered as he stared down at his hands. “The idea of bringing back our Savior to save mankind was foolish. We’ve dreamt the impossible and we’ve been two foolish old men.” After a moment he added, “Going through the extensive security reminds me of why we are here. It is unfortunate we live in a world that is so troubled that we need security of this nature. We tried, my dear friend, we tried. Now we have no choice but to go home and pray for guidance. What else can we do?”
Cardinal Ratzinger leaned over and replied, “I suppose all we can do is to urge His Holiness to continue to reach out to all the people of the world as he has been doing.”
“I fully agree with you, Giuseppe. I’m afraid there is nothing else we can do.”
My favorite character is Angus MacGregor, security for the institute and Ian McKinney the scientist. Together with the cardinals, they are traveling a path that combines history, faith, technology, and fear of the unknown. Author Mackenzie takes you into a complex mystery with extreme possibilities at every juncture. There are surprises galore, especially in the astounding ending. Lovers of mystery, thrills, chills, and excitement will devour this story and stay attuned to the next release in this new series. Wow, I found a new fav.
April 6, 2021
Summary
The Shroud Solution is a historical science fiction and mystery suspense thriller by K. Bruce Mackenzie. Two cardinals from the Vatican flew from Rome to Edinburgh, Scotland to visit the Roslin Institute and relay the Pope and the entire College of Cardinal’s concern about the direction of modern genetic science. The scientists have successfully cloned a sheep and there was grave concern that the next step would be to clone a human. As the doctors confirmed its possibility, a mind-boggling question put them in an uncomfortable position when they were asked if it was possible to clone the LORD Jesus Christ from the Shroud of Turin to save mankind.
Review
This is by far the most imaginative fiction I have read this year, and I am very much impressed by the extensive research done to produce such a remarkable book! It’s fiction, but it felt so real as if this book was a product of historical events and the author documented them for their historical significance. It was the fusion of facts and fiction that made it so real and interesting. While there were real people, places, and events, the fictional characters and plot blended so well, making the overall story so believable. I also loved the flow and emotional turmoil that the characters have shown and I felt all that tension myself as I read this engaging and nostalgic piece. I’m giving this book 5 out of 5 stars and I highly recommend it to ALL readers. This is a definite MUST-READ!
The Shroud Solution is a historical science fiction and mystery suspense thriller by K. Bruce Mackenzie. Two cardinals from the Vatican flew from Rome to Edinburgh, Scotland to visit the Roslin Institute and relay the Pope and the entire College of Cardinal’s concern about the direction of modern genetic science. The scientists have successfully cloned a sheep and there was grave concern that the next step would be to clone a human. As the doctors confirmed its possibility, a mind-boggling question put them in an uncomfortable position when they were asked if it was possible to clone the LORD Jesus Christ from the Shroud of Turin to save mankind.
Review
This is by far the most imaginative fiction I have read this year, and I am very much impressed by the extensive research done to produce such a remarkable book! It’s fiction, but it felt so real as if this book was a product of historical events and the author documented them for their historical significance. It was the fusion of facts and fiction that made it so real and interesting. While there were real people, places, and events, the fictional characters and plot blended so well, making the overall story so believable. I also loved the flow and emotional turmoil that the characters have shown and I felt all that tension myself as I read this engaging and nostalgic piece. I’m giving this book 5 out of 5 stars and I highly recommend it to ALL readers. This is a definite MUST-READ!
December 30, 2025
The Shroud Solution by K. Bruce Mackenzie is a thrilling and intense debut novel that mixes religion, history, and suspense in an amazing way. The story follows Ian McKinney, a former British agent, and Angus MacGregor, who get involved with two high-ranking Vatican cardinals. Together, they uncover secrets about the Shroud of Turin, a cloth said to have wrapped Jesus Christ, and deal with a whirlwind of secret meetings, deceptions, accidents, and even assassinations.
The characters are really interesting. Ian McKinney starts as a skeptic but goes through a huge personal journey that makes him grow and change. The book also includes the Pope John Paul II and the future Pope Benedict XVI in its plot, which makes the story feel very real and intense. The mix of romance, scientific discoveries, and dangerous conspiracies keeps the pages moving fast.
Some parts get really exciting and sometimes unbelievable, especially with the twists about cloning and the Shroud, but it makes the story even more thrilling. The book jumps between Scotland and the Vatican smoothly, and each chapter leaves you wanting to read the next one.
If you love religious thrillers, historical mysteries, or “what if” stories that make you think about secrets and science, this book is perfect. It’s gripping, educational, and full of suspense. I can’t wait to read the rest of the trilogy.
The characters are really interesting. Ian McKinney starts as a skeptic but goes through a huge personal journey that makes him grow and change. The book also includes the Pope John Paul II and the future Pope Benedict XVI in its plot, which makes the story feel very real and intense. The mix of romance, scientific discoveries, and dangerous conspiracies keeps the pages moving fast.
Some parts get really exciting and sometimes unbelievable, especially with the twists about cloning and the Shroud, but it makes the story even more thrilling. The book jumps between Scotland and the Vatican smoothly, and each chapter leaves you wanting to read the next one.
If you love religious thrillers, historical mysteries, or “what if” stories that make you think about secrets and science, this book is perfect. It’s gripping, educational, and full of suspense. I can’t wait to read the rest of the trilogy.
January 31, 2020
Anxiously Awaiting the Sequel
Excellent book and one that will stay in my thoughts for some time. I can't wait for the sequel to see where the story goes from here.
Excellent book and one that will stay in my thoughts for some time. I can't wait for the sequel to see where the story goes from here.
April 3, 2021
Some science. Some fiction. Great story.
April 28, 2021
Intrigue in the Papacy. A good read.
July 1, 2021
Thought provoking.
July 29, 2021
Good book with a great story line
I love the premise of the story and the way it is coming together. And the Glossary of Characters is very interesting, bringing in some real life individuals enhances the story. Looking forward to the next book!
I love the premise of the story and the way it is coming together. And the Glossary of Characters is very interesting, bringing in some real life individuals enhances the story. Looking forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews