Broken Dove

James Acton Thrillers #3

by J. Robert Kennedy

WILL A SECRET DESPERATELY HIDDEN FOR OVER ONE THOUSAND YEARS BY THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH FINALLY BE REVEALED?

When a priest is found beaten to death inside the Vatican, the new Pope doesn't know who he can trust, and calls in outside help. When they disappear, those sent to inform His Holiness find him missing as well, the only clue a secret chest presented to each new Pope on the eve of their election, since the beginning of the Church.

Archaeology Professors James Acton and Laura Palmer are called to Rome to examine the chest and its forbidden contents, but before they arrive, they are intercepted by an organization older than the Church, demanding the professors retrieve an item stolen in ancient Judea in exchange for the lives of their friends.

It is the most infamous kidnapping in history, set against the backdrop of a two-thousand-year-old battle pitting ancient foes with diametrically opposed agendas.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Action, Adventure, Ebooks

327 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2012

About the author

With over one million books sold, award winning and USA Today bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy has been ranked by Amazon as the #1 Bestselling Action Adventure novelist based upon combined sales. He is the author of over fifty international bestsellers including the smash hit James Acton Thrillers. He lives with his wife and daughter and writes full-time.

Reviews

[Ryan Rauber]

This series has turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Third in the James Acton series, in this book the Pope has been kidnapped, and Acton is pulled into the Vatican to investigate a historical mystery that will hopefully lead to his recovery. Most of the characters from the first two books return, and there's plenty of mystery and action to keep fans of this genre satisfied. Already picked up book #4.

[Lynsey Frayne]

yet again a gripping thriller. this time involving religion and a spin off story from the testaments of the bible. i was intrigued when i initially read the synopsis on the book on what exactly robert could do with a storyline on the pope and the vatican without making it offensive, however offensive it was not. it reeled you in with the characters continuing where they left off showing how in book 1 they were enemies and book 3 they were, not friends, but willing to help each other. parts of the book did feel quite slow moving but the desscription in the book, meant you could imagine being at the scene with them..

[Mary]

Four stars for another rocking James Acton adventure. It was one helluva ride with thrills and action throughout. I was left breathless several times as the action raced from one locale to another. I loved the history and secret finds that was woven throughout and encountering old friends from previous books was as exciting as it was fun. My only complaint are the odd editing mistakes sprinkled throughout that distracted me from the story. They were minor like "if" instead of "it" and occasionally I had to read a sentence a couple of times before I was able to make out what the author was trying to convey but they interrupted the flow of the story. One pass by a good editor or even a thoughtful read by the author would clear them up. Regardless, the story was exciting and I will be picking up the sequel soon.

[Peter Schmidt]

Another great dose of action and adventure deftly building on the earlier two books but not being dependent on them. It was easy to read, well written, researched and paced; with a finely crafted series of events and action sequences.

The only niggling thing I have in the back of my head (but which did not affect my rating) is about the main female characterization - but I am reserving my view on that until I've read a few more books in the series (bearing in mind that the lead character is a man).

I also read this book as the third in the box set of the first 3 books (which is I think the best way to get into the James Acton series).

[Kat]

A wonderful continuation of a thrilling series.

This books plays off the same secret society from the first, the Triarii, sworn to protect the world from the crystal skulls. This time we go all the way to the Vatican, to the pope himself. The concept of secret archives, rival secret societies, a hidden gospel, and a historical mystery ready to be solved is what we love about Kennedy.

I love seeing the same characters reprise their roles and seeing the evolution of their relationships. I will definitely continue reading.

[Linda Kaban]

EXCELLENT adventure. I love stories to do with the Vatican and the Pope (not a Catholic). The mysteries contained within are unending and probably mind-blowing. James Acton is being polished as a character; and if it weren't for her incessant crying I'd love his partner Laura even more than I already do.

[Dchamp]

Seriously, this WOULD have gotten 5 stars, even though I said I wouldn't do that any longer, but for one, single mistake in this book (where they try to get you to believe the outer skin of a GulfStream Jet is made of steel, not aluminum). I'd honestly give it 4.99 stars!
BUT... this is a masterpiece of a book, and extremely highly recommended.

[Suki Rickey]

Book 3

Book 3 was a fun read and had errors throughout. The plot and characters developed well. The plot was somewhat different and a bit predictable at times. The characters are well thought out and has different perspectives to understand the full scope of the book. There were a few fun twists and still quite a lot of preaching about topics. I look forward to the next book.

[DavidJHutchins]

Very Entertaining

Keeps you involved and interested from start to finish with great action. Very entertaining. Ties together many of the unsubstantiated claims and rumors about the Vatican.

[Ana Elena Romero]

Mucha acción y aventuras llegan esta serie. No obstante esta novela resulta un poco lenta al principio y quizá demasiado precipitada al final. No tiene un ritmo narrativo bien medido, de manera que la primera mitad resulta aburrida.
No obstante es entretenido...

[Robert]

Very interesting story line. Add a secret society to a story keeps you on your toes, but when you have three all claiming to be the good guys keeps you guessing. and I love a book that has more than 300 pages.

[Anita Watson]

Wow! My only regret after finishing this book is that there is no further mention of the Book of Mary. Once the action starts, this book cannot be put down. Well done to the author for yet another amazing read!

[Josh Mcmillan]

Another fantastic read from this series. As a Roman Catholic myself I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope you do too.

Thank you Mr Kennedy for writing this book and making my love for books that much greater.

[Karin]

If you like conspiracy theories then this is a book for you! I loved the fast pace and learning some Catholic secrets. As per the my other reviews, please read this series in order for clarity of the main characters. On to book 4!

[Carol]

Better than a movie

I remember watching a movie a few years back about the 12 Skulls. It was a very good movie, but I think this book has much more trauma in it. It's a little more dramatic, has much more action, and I'm ready for the next in the series.

[Mr Rob]

Broken Dove

Excellent book, great storyline. Everybody who hates should be made to read this book. James & Laura make a brilliant partnership, somehow always getting into trouble, but always solving the issues they are dealt with. Recommended.

[R.E. Trout]

Really enjoyed it. Fast paced and exciting from start to finish. Little surprised how long it took for the main character to appear but appreciated the background and buildup to when Acton entered the story.

[Mark Broomhead]

I found this book to be too religious for my liking, by the end everyone seems to be a converted Catholic.

[Lynn Vaughan]

Lynnie

This book. Was so exciting, a page turner. Enjoy this series so much. Can’t put it down. Enjoy very much

[John]

I quite like these James Acton novels. Worth the read.

[Marcia]

Super great series

[Jean]

The pope is kidnapped and Acton and Laura have to find him. But of course Acton gets kidnapped too. I love these books.

[Meryl]

Thrilling.

Interesting concept for a story. I enjoy the continued network of characters through these novels. Well written, fast paced and action packed.

[karen s. koby-olson, m.d.]

Enthralling

The author delivers a thrilling adventure tale with nonstop action AND an abundance of historical references, some fictional some legitimate.

[David]

Very interesting, challenging puzzle to solve and keeps you awake page by page.

[Diane Burton]

Just what you expect from Kennedy. Tension, fast pace, and familiar characters.

[Stitch]

Excellent read.

[Darel Krieger]

Interesting topic but somewhat slow in places, but still good for a J. Robert Kennedy book.

[Sean Kelly]

I'm still really enjoying the series... I will keep reading both for the historical fiction and the escapist thriller-style storytelling.

[Mike]

Fast paced and good enough to keep reading. Too much religious mumbo jumbo for my tastes.