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Chris Bronson #8
The Last Secret of the Ark
In Ethiopia, Charles Bronson and Angela Lewis are on the hunt for the Ark of the Covenant. But it looks like their luck is running out. Until, that is, a new avenue springs open in Southern France.
Meanwhile the Vatican is getting worried. Their best people are tracking the Ark, but so are a mysterious group operating from Jerusalem. Both are prepared to use deadly force.
As the net closes in around the most powerful artefact in history and the greatest mystery, it’s also tightening around Bronson and Lewis. They’ll need all their smarts to escape this time…
Meanwhile the Vatican is getting worried. Their best people are tracking the Ark, but so are a mysterious group operating from Jerusalem. Both are prepared to use deadly force.
As the net closes in around the most powerful artefact in history and the greatest mystery, it’s also tightening around Bronson and Lewis. They’ll need all their smarts to escape this time…
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2020
132 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 23, 2020
For some reason I felt that I had already read the book even though this has not long been released. Then I realised it was very similar to the last book I read from Mr Becker. Such a shame as I have always enjoyed his books. With this I felt slightly cheated.
July 24, 2023
As with most other books in this series, the plot is the same, only a different MacGuffin. Fortunately the plot remains enjoyable. Villains remain one dimensional.
September 25, 2020
"The Last Secret of the Ark" is a standard conspiracy/mystery by James Becker, where a historian, her cop ex-husband, the CDF (new name for the Inquisition), and a Jewish fanatic group compete to track down the biblical Ark of the Covenant. It meets all the basic requirements of the genre, with enough travelling, history, violence, sarcasm, wits, and low-level sexual tension to keep the plot running.
The one thing this book has, to differentiate it from all others of its kind, is a smart, logical, ending . The fact it is focused on a pre-Christian relic does not hurt, either.
Sadly, on the other hand it has about 25 pages of background history presentations which add little, if anything, to the events. They seem to be padding an otherwise scant storyline, while slowing it down to almost a halt. Additionally, the text stumbles on small details, which are not major issues, granted, but they seem a bit of a let-down, as though the reader was not expected to realise.
Who would enjoy this
The Last Secret of the Ark is a volume for those who enjoy the genre, as it is a near textbook example of it and it is self-aware enough to not try to be anything beyond.
Who should give this a pass
I would not recommend this book for anyone expecting something new or different from the genre.
Also, readers who like a lot of action may find The Last Secret of the Ark lacking. As I mentioned above, there are more pages dedicated to history lectures than to actual actions and events.
Conclusions and suggestions
The Last Secret of the Ark is an OK book, which could be so much better. On paper, it ticks all the boxes, plus the interesting twists of the relic and the ending. Finding it hard to get through, and stumbling across the inconsistencies, was a great disappointment considering the obvious amounts of research and plotting involved in it.
In fact, this is a great example of the need to edit, tighten, check, repeat. There are too many elements that appear unnecessary to the rest of the book.
(For additional comments on how to improve such a book, check it out the full review at www.thereadingreview.com)
The one thing this book has, to differentiate it from all others of its kind, is a smart, logical, ending . The fact it is focused on a pre-Christian relic does not hurt, either.
Sadly, on the other hand it has about 25 pages of background history presentations which add little, if anything, to the events. They seem to be padding an otherwise scant storyline, while slowing it down to almost a halt. Additionally, the text stumbles on small details, which are not major issues, granted, but they seem a bit of a let-down, as though the reader was not expected to realise.
Who would enjoy this
The Last Secret of the Ark is a volume for those who enjoy the genre, as it is a near textbook example of it and it is self-aware enough to not try to be anything beyond.
Who should give this a pass
I would not recommend this book for anyone expecting something new or different from the genre.
Also, readers who like a lot of action may find The Last Secret of the Ark lacking. As I mentioned above, there are more pages dedicated to history lectures than to actual actions and events.
Conclusions and suggestions
The Last Secret of the Ark is an OK book, which could be so much better. On paper, it ticks all the boxes, plus the interesting twists of the relic and the ending. Finding it hard to get through, and stumbling across the inconsistencies, was a great disappointment considering the obvious amounts of research and plotting involved in it.
In fact, this is a great example of the need to edit, tighten, check, repeat. There are too many elements that appear unnecessary to the rest of the book.
(For additional comments on how to improve such a book, check it out the full review at www.thereadingreview.com)
September 9, 2020
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction and I really enjoy stories involving ancient religious archaeology. This book was more like a modern day Raiders of the Lost Ark without all the comedy(though there are some light-hearted discussions) and not nearly as much drama. The main characters are a divorced couple, Angela who is an archaeologist, and her former husband Chris, who is a British police officer, They are looking for clues to where the Ark of the Covenant might be hidden and are being followed closely by 3 Israeli men who are part of a radical Jewish group and 2 men who were sent by a Cardinal from the Vatican. Everyone wants to be the first to find the Ark of course and not everyone has good intentions. There are lots of Latin and French terms and city names that may slow a reader down a bit, but I found it all very interesting even if I had to look some things up. The majority of the historical background is true and I have to say I learned a few things I didn’t know before. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys this genre.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 30, 2021
This is a series that I love and there's always lots of action. Following on from the previous book on the trail of the Ark and the Knights Templar, Bronson follow evidence across France, and end up in Nova Scotia. Trailed by agents of both the Vatican and an Israli secret society.
The concept is good, and there's a very nice twist at the end that although far fetched (and a hint of Dan Brown), I did enjoy.
The issue with this book, hence the rating, is the copious research. Just the sheer quantity of work (as detailed in the longer-than-usual author's notes at the end, and it's amazing just how much work is done. Very interesting (and I followed up some myself), but it's the sheer quantity. One reason I love the series is that it's based on such research and real history, but for a large portion of the book the story suffers because we're getting such an intense history lession. And at one point a Latin lesson too. There are segments that are akin to listening to a medieval historian and a linguist talking while on holiday in rural France.
Still very much looking forward to the next one in the series
The concept is good, and there's a very nice twist at the end that although far fetched (and a hint of Dan Brown), I did enjoy.
The issue with this book, hence the rating, is the copious research. Just the sheer quantity of work (as detailed in the longer-than-usual author's notes at the end, and it's amazing just how much work is done. Very interesting (and I followed up some myself), but it's the sheer quantity. One reason I love the series is that it's based on such research and real history, but for a large portion of the book the story suffers because we're getting such an intense history lession. And at one point a Latin lesson too. There are segments that are akin to listening to a medieval historian and a linguist talking while on holiday in rural France.
Still very much looking forward to the next one in the series
February 5, 2022
An enjoyable enough story as we follow Angela Lewis and her ex-husband Chris Bronson on the trail of the Ark of the Covenant.
The Ark is the most sacred relic of Judaism, holding the tablets on which are written the Ten Commandments. The Ark is taken from the Temple in Jerusalem and is hidden away somewhere.
The Knights Templar and the Cathars are linked with the Ark and the Templars are believed to have spirited it away from Europe to Canada.
Lewis and Bronson, fairly closely followed by some Italian thugs and some Israelis from the Mossad, travel from Italy, to France, to Scotland and finally to Canada. Lewis and Bronson follow clues from an old parchment, that seems to lead them to the Ark's resting place.
There is a lot of detail in the book, specially concerning the Knights Templar and the Cathars. Whilst the information is interesting and provides a bit of background knowledge of the history of the Templars etc., I found some of the passages difficult to read through. I got bogged down in the details of the history and found myself skipping some parts of it in order to get back to the narrative.
The Ark is the most sacred relic of Judaism, holding the tablets on which are written the Ten Commandments. The Ark is taken from the Temple in Jerusalem and is hidden away somewhere.
The Knights Templar and the Cathars are linked with the Ark and the Templars are believed to have spirited it away from Europe to Canada.
Lewis and Bronson, fairly closely followed by some Italian thugs and some Israelis from the Mossad, travel from Italy, to France, to Scotland and finally to Canada. Lewis and Bronson follow clues from an old parchment, that seems to lead them to the Ark's resting place.
There is a lot of detail in the book, specially concerning the Knights Templar and the Cathars. Whilst the information is interesting and provides a bit of background knowledge of the history of the Templars etc., I found some of the passages difficult to read through. I got bogged down in the details of the history and found myself skipping some parts of it in order to get back to the narrative.
September 27, 2020
I’m a big fan of historical fiction snd Becker does a good job bringing ancient relics into the current day. I have enjoyed the Bronson/Lewis books and enjoyed this book but this book was completely different in the roles of the main characters. I understand Bronson cheated on Lewis but in this book angels Lewis leaves Bronson in the dark at almost every turn- I would assume this is why things didn’t go as smoothly. Bronson is a policeman with an intelligent mind and has an uncanny ability to put things together that don’t seem related. Plus, Lewis just acts as a Queen would treat a court jester (Bronson) in this book and hopefully Becker is setting us up for his next book but if I were Bronson I would had her get her own water. Good book but the protagonists (Bronson & Lewis) that usually fight the cabal organization has turned into almost a protagonist (Bronson) and Lewis as the antagonist with her demanding attitude and the inability to share what’s going on.
Still a good read but had me wanting to tell Lewis to get a drink at the store and then just leaning her behind. It would have made things easier.
Still a good read but had me wanting to tell Lewis to get a drink at the store and then just leaning her behind. It would have made things easier.
March 25, 2021
This book is about a search for the Ark of the Covenant. I'm not sure if it's one of a series of books but for me it seemed to start in the middle of nowhere. It contained a lot (a LOT) of historical information that was crowbarred into dialogue between the protagonists. It was quite interesting but most of it could easily have been left out and it wouldn't have altered the plot one iota. The characters were lightweight at best and were also quite stereotypical - the British cop (who seems to have been trained by the SAS!), the ex-wife whom he follows around the world (who seems to have access to limitless funds). It was ok but not as good as similar fiction by authors such as Scott Mariani.
July 21, 2021
A good story line but it felt a lot like a boring history lesson…. When this book started jn Ethiopia I was thinking I’ve read this… but it couldn’t be because this is a fairly recent book. Then I remembered a documentary I had seen on tv…. All in all, quite slow paced novel and a bit too much history making it really boring in places to the point I had considered not finishing this book. I’m glad I persevered because I liked the ending. But I also believe it could’ve been a shorter novel and less history lessons. (If we’re reading a book about the Templars, I’m assuming we sure know all the relevant history…). Oh well.
July 26, 2021
I would like to thank Canelo action and the Netgalley website for allowing me to read this book which is the eighth in the series: "Chris Bronson"
We find Bronson and Lewis who are looking for the Ark of the Covenant. But their luck is running out by the day. When a new trail opens up in the south of France.
As for the Vatican, it is worried, all its best elements are on the lookout for this famous Ark and also a mysterious group from Jerusalem, between them they are ready to kill.
A book read in one go so much I was hooked on the story so gripping, captivating, addictive, full of suspense and twists with endearing characters.
We find Bronson and Lewis who are looking for the Ark of the Covenant. But their luck is running out by the day. When a new trail opens up in the south of France.
As for the Vatican, it is worried, all its best elements are on the lookout for this famous Ark and also a mysterious group from Jerusalem, between them they are ready to kill.
A book read in one go so much I was hooked on the story so gripping, captivating, addictive, full of suspense and twists with endearing characters.
September 30, 2020
I feel that this could have been a really good book. I enjoyed the opening chapters, and the protagonists were well-written characters that were easy to get to know right from the beginning.
The author has obviously done a lot of research, and the amount of historical detail was incredible, but I felt that it slowed the story down while I was reading, which took me out of the excitement of the search for the Ark, and the chase across countries.
With a little more action and suspense, this would have been a 5-star read. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this review copy.
The author has obviously done a lot of research, and the amount of historical detail was incredible, but I felt that it slowed the story down while I was reading, which took me out of the excitement of the search for the Ark, and the chase across countries.
With a little more action and suspense, this would have been a 5-star read. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this review copy.
July 14, 2021
If you feel like experiencing a thrilling read then give this a miss. It’s about as gripping as paddling through custard.
The patronising drip feed of historical information, combined with “cardboard” characters lacking personality makes this a pedestrian plod.
For those of us with low I.Q. the weak plot is boosted at one point by an explanation of how international time zones work.
It appears to be a poor attempt at copying a Dan Brown theme.
Extremely disappointing!
The patronising drip feed of historical information, combined with “cardboard” characters lacking personality makes this a pedestrian plod.
For those of us with low I.Q. the weak plot is boosted at one point by an explanation of how international time zones work.
It appears to be a poor attempt at copying a Dan Brown theme.
Extremely disappointing!
September 21, 2022
Too many places and historical events, sometimes I got mixed up. Entertaining.
n Ethiopia, Charles Bronson and Angela Lewis are on the hunt for the Ark of the Covenant. But it looks like their luck is running out. Until, that is, a new avenue springs open in Southern France.
Meanwhile the Vatican is getting worried. Their best people are tracking the Ark, but so are a mysterious group operating from Jerusalem. Both are prepared to use deadly force.
n Ethiopia, Charles Bronson and Angela Lewis are on the hunt for the Ark of the Covenant. But it looks like their luck is running out. Until, that is, a new avenue springs open in Southern France.
Meanwhile the Vatican is getting worried. Their best people are tracking the Ark, but so are a mysterious group operating from Jerusalem. Both are prepared to use deadly force.
January 24, 2021
Worth the read
Subject matter is indeed fascinating and Becker does impressive job of relating historical information to storyline. That being said, sometimes he appears to "over sell" his extensive knowledge of subject. Overall, this was a entertaining and thought provoking read.
Subject matter is indeed fascinating and Becker does impressive job of relating historical information to storyline. That being said, sometimes he appears to "over sell" his extensive knowledge of subject. Overall, this was a entertaining and thought provoking read.
Read
March 9, 2021Good story.
I've read several of James stories involving Lewis and Bronson. They are all well researched and entertain for that alone. Some of the detective work is hardly believable but still make a good story if you allow for author 's freedom. You need to have an interest in the history of the stories but they do entertain. I recommend them for that alone.
I've read several of James stories involving Lewis and Bronson. They are all well researched and entertain for that alone. Some of the detective work is hardly believable but still make a good story if you allow for author 's freedom. You need to have an interest in the history of the stories but they do entertain. I recommend them for that alone.
June 17, 2021
Although I have not read any of Dan Brown's books, I suspect that this one is in a similar genre. Academic Angela Lewis and her ex-husband policeman Chris Bronson are seeking the Ark of the Covenant in a journey which sees them visiting Ethiopia, France and North America while being hotly pursued by two separate rival groups (one with links to Jerusalem and the other the Vatican).
December 30, 2023
Fast paced archeological thriller
With enough historical background to keep you hooked, the story is a plausible timeline of the "whereabouts" of the Ark of the Covenant. I learned a lot about the Knights Templer and various churches/ruins throughout France. Its ending is a bit anti climatic but well worth the read!
With enough historical background to keep you hooked, the story is a plausible timeline of the "whereabouts" of the Ark of the Covenant. I learned a lot about the Knights Templer and various churches/ruins throughout France. Its ending is a bit anti climatic but well worth the read!
November 25, 2020
Mr. Becker did extensive research on the many theories regarding the location of the Ark of the Covenant. It was evident in the African, European, and North American locations that his main characters visited.
May 6, 2024
James Becker always has great reads
Page turning story telling at its best; yet another great book from James Becker. I look forward to the next Lewis/Bronson adventure - very similar to Clive Cussler’s Fargo novels.
Page turning story telling at its best; yet another great book from James Becker. I look forward to the next Lewis/Bronson adventure - very similar to Clive Cussler’s Fargo novels.
January 8, 2021
Very interesting story mixed with history I learned a lot by reading this and has led me to do some more research into the subjects mentioned
January 11, 2021
Well when you watch Oak Island on Blaze TV and the Money Pit, we'll guess what appears in this book? Good read and a great twist in the end with SW and Indy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2021
Another rip roaring adventure with Chris and Angela. Really enjoyed it, even if it was a bit formulaic in places.
May 31, 2021
Another great historical fiction book from James Becker!! A treasure of information and exciting adventure!! I love his detail to the facts!! I can not wait for his next book!!
June 16, 2021
(3.5 STARS)
July 24, 2021
I've read a lot by James Becker but this was just dull. It read like a text book in places.
I do like to learn from the books I read but there was more historical background than plot in this one.
I do like to learn from the books I read but there was more historical background than plot in this one.
July 31, 2021
Great
Really enjoyed the twists and turns of this story. Kept me guessing all the way through. Brilliant ending. Recommend it
Really enjoyed the twists and turns of this story. Kept me guessing all the way through. Brilliant ending. Recommend it
November 7, 2021
Enjoyed it
Great book but the end seems a little dull ,to have the ark in sight and not see it is boring
Great book but the end seems a little dull ,to have the ark in sight and not see it is boring
May 17, 2023
excellent and believable story! Weaving the detail and historical facts make for an enjoyable read!
May 24, 2023
Interesting take on the "lost" Ark of the Covenant....I enjoyed the historical references and actually learned a few things. The book kept my attention all the way through!
December 27, 2020
I have been a great fan of works like the Da Vinci code and like including regionally specific ones that mix mythology and history and facts to create a wonderful tale of thrill and clue solving. To me this book falls short of satisfaction.
The plot of the lost ark is definitely a good storyline, but the writing did not appeal to me. I would have loved it to be more fast paced and less prose about history. The story starts very slow and seems to pick up only around the halfway mark and even after that it does not reach the levels I would have liked.
The conclusion of the story is also mixed - a bit anti climatic and seems abrupt.
I liked the author’s detailed notes at the end about the facts and story used in the book. But overall I find a lot could have been better in this book.
The plot of the lost ark is definitely a good storyline, but the writing did not appeal to me. I would have loved it to be more fast paced and less prose about history. The story starts very slow and seems to pick up only around the halfway mark and even after that it does not reach the levels I would have liked.
The conclusion of the story is also mixed - a bit anti climatic and seems abrupt.
I liked the author’s detailed notes at the end about the facts and story used in the book. But overall I find a lot could have been better in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews