Abraham's Bones

by Joe Prentis

As political conditions in the Middle East continue to deteriorate, Vatican officials urge archeologist John Christopher to accept the position as ambassador-at-large to the upcoming negotiation efforts. The sudden disappearance of one of Washington's most powerful congressmen transforms what Christopher had expected to be a routine negotiation session, into an intricate web of murder, terror, and doubt.

Genres: Mystery

259 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2007

About the author

I cannot remember a time when I was not reading. Books have always been an important part of my life, and I continue to be fascinated by the many wonderful things I discover each time I sit down in my favorite chair and open a book. When I was growing up, we moved frequently, living in cities, as well as in small towns, and on a working farm in a rural area. The sharp contrast of each of these places caused me to love and appreciate the busy and varied experience cities had to offer, but also the quiet life of being close to nature in the countryside. I was impressed early on by the vast differences between the geographic areas of the country, and the part ethnic background, social differences, and education played in the lives of people. Books about history, science, romance, mystery and suspense, have always presented an irresistible attraction to me. Writing is my way of introducing others to the things I have observed and experienced. I mostly read and write suspense novels, but cannot resist the temptation of Historical Fiction, or anything that deals with nature. I have just finished a suspense novel called ‘Innocent’ which will be out before the end of September, 2009. I am currently working on ‘The Relic,’ the second book in a series about the religious and political problems in the Middle East. I am doing research on a novel about the Colonial era.

Reviews

[Lacresha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This plot was strong, very believable. John Christopher's character is enduring and memorable, and has to face a lot of adversity in his Vatican given role. I've never been into political books, but this one was special, different and very exciting! I found myself engulfed in the story.

I don't want to give out any spoilers, but this book has plot twist after twist, creating a satisfying end. This book has everything in it, characters from all walks of life. It could easily give birth to several other books based on the detailed life descriptions of the characters. This five star book feast is definitely a must read and a keeper!

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author takes readers into politics, conspiracy, and history. John Christopher is an archaeologist who knows about issues with the middle east.He is asked to help with negotiations there. He also finds a woman from his pat will be joining in. Julia Siedman, also know about corruption and secrets. When a congressman comes up missing, the negotiations are entangles with murder, mystery and lies. The author tells a great story with under lying messages about the way the world works. I can't wait to delve into book two from an author I have enjoyed before.

[Jason Reeser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abraham's Bones is a political thriller set in Israel, centered around the continuing conflict between Muslims, Israelis, and Christians. The novel tries to gather many different characters--politicians, journalists, archaeologists, and even a fourteen-year-old college student--into a web of potentially explosive intrigue. The action skips around from Rome to Tel Aviv and even to the United States. However, despite the fact that each chapter is labeled with the name of the character it will follow and the location of the action, I still did not ever feel like I knew what was happening. Mostly I accepted this as being a part of its intricate plotting, and that it would eventually come together.
The last one-third of the book lost me. I missed a step somewhere, and each step after it made less sense to me. There were scenes of danger that cut off midway and I never saw or heard how they eventually ended. Maybe they will be addressed in the next book, I don't know. Much of the last third of the book seems to have scenes missing, or heavily edited for length. Many things are mentioned in a way that I was supposed to know what they meant, and I didn't. I kept thinking there was a book written prior to this one, and I was lost because I hadn't read that first book. At any rate, it could all be my fault, since it might have been a lack of concentration on my part. At one point, a woman is being chased, running for her life. The next time we see her, there is no mention of this. Like I said, it could be that I lost focus, I don't know.
The characters were well drawn, the details about the Middle East were done well, and the basic story line was interesting. But there were too many lost moments for me. If this is all meant as a cliff-hanger to the next book, then I really shouldn't be reviewing it yet. Or perhaps it should have been one complete book. As a first volume in a series, I would say it is interesting to read, but it is like watching the TV series "Lost"--each new chapter added questions and nothing was answered. Maybe Mr. Prentis likes it that way so we'll get the next book. I prefer it all be put into one long book.
There is a frame of a great story here, and I really wanted to get into it. I just felt like I always do when I watch the news on the Middle East--I know there is conflict there, but I don't understand enough of it.


I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a non-reciprocal review.

[Michael Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am glad I read his first book in a series called Abraham's Bones. The characters are very well laid on the page in a story that rarely lets up. I could not put it down. Most impressive, though, for a fellow author of thrillers is Mister Prentis' successful expansion outside the usual constraints of the genre. He finds time inside his fast-paced story to go deeply into the characters he is developing, a bright addition to thriller methodology. As well, the author spices the last 20 percent of the novel with intriguingly subtle clues to the coming parts in the series. Prentis expertly handles a book (or even a possible couple of books, making up the beginning of his story. This strength as a thriller novelist only enhances his stature as a writer. What is important is the believability of actual story events as they unfold. Prentis shines in his realism. This book is not meant to be like, for example, The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann where everything is elaborately portrayed in one opus. Abraham's Bones is a brilliantly successful thriller, leading the reader to future parts in a series.
The book does not confuse the avid booklover of thrillers. It entices us into its realm with tact and respect for the reader. Prentis' women glowed in a particularly caring masculine light, equally well crafted from the petulant adolescent through the mature professional. He demonstrated a clear understanding of the ravages experienced by a strong grandmother, struggling with the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Particularly well introduced teasers, leading provocatively to coming parts in the series cemented my respect for the author. Abraham's Bones delivers on all counts as a thriller and propels me to want to read the next part. What seems to bother some of the critics only betrays their lack of understanding of or appreciation for the thriller genre.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Prentis does a masterful job of immersing his readers into the world of archeology and the politics behind it. Abraham’s Bones is filled with mystery and intrigue. The plot slowly unravels and, along the way, takes you down twists and turns you didn’t see coming. Throughout the story, Prentis sprinkles enough details to make you feel like you were dropped into the middle of the characters’ world but never so much detail that you want to skim pages.

Abraham’s Bones has a little bit of something for everyone: mystery, political intrigue, European and Middle Eastern culture, and even a possible love triangle. Prentis knows his facts and I could easily see the things in this book actually happening. This one would make a great movie!

[Lincoln Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was reminiscent of a Dan Brown novel in that it delved right into the middle of a religious conflict, brought the reader through a great many twists and turns, and had a lot of exciting moments. The only problem I had with the novel was that, while the two main characters were interesting, the side characters were less so. There were simply too many of them, they blended together, and a lot of them were extraneous to the plot.

It sets the stage for a sequel that will be even bigger than the first novel, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the writer can bring about the second time around!

[Svetlana Kovalkova-McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would qualify this book as an intellectual thriller in the tradition of Dan Brown. My favorite part of it was that some of the main characters were flawed, like normal living breathing people should be. It added layers to the atmosphere of the book. Definitely a great read. It had welcome ideas about religion for me. Plus, I just love thrillers that use history, science and archeology as a base.
The end of the book is a brilliant cliffhanger, I wonder if the next one is going to be even better than the first.
5 stars allover from me!

[Luckngrace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every book I read on the Middle East just makes me more cognizant that problems there are so many and varied that it will take a miracle to straighten it all out. I did learn about antiquities, spying and politics in Israel. I may read this one again at a more leisurely pace as there is much to glean from this intriguing who-done-it.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was confusing, at first, trying to straighten out who everyone was. But, I enjoyed it.

[Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only got about 40% into this and quit. That's not something I do often. What I read seemed disjointed. I still had no real understanding about what was going on in the story.

[Jessie Verino]

Just wasn't my cup of tea. The writing was well done, though.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful read, I am looking forward to reading his next book The Relic.