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Joe Mason #1
The Vatican Secret
The first in an explosive, gripping new series from the million-copy bestselling author
Ex-MI5 operative Joe Mason is thrown into the hunt for the Vatican’s most treasured possession – a book of secrets, passed down from pope to pope – when it’s stolen by an ancient clandestine society. Mason and his rag-tag crew become embroiled in a global chase to find the book before the Vatican’s deepest secret can be revealed…
Ex-MI5 operative Joe Mason is thrown into the hunt for the Vatican’s most treasured possession – a book of secrets, passed down from pope to pope – when it’s stolen by an ancient clandestine society. Mason and his rag-tag crew become embroiled in a global chase to find the book before the Vatican’s deepest secret can be revealed…
432 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2022
1834 people are currently reading
1016 people want to read
About the author
David Leadbeater
90 books1,104 followersInternational bestselling author of twenty one thrillers, thirteen in the Matt Drake Action/Adventure series, also The Disavowed and Alicia Myles series'. All available for the Amazon Kindle.
Website - www.davidleadbeater.com
Reader of multiple genres. Husband. Father of two beautiful girls, aged 5 and 7. Joss Whedon fan.
Website - www.davidleadbeater.com
Reader of multiple genres. Husband. Father of two beautiful girls, aged 5 and 7. Joss Whedon fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
May 13, 2022
So where do I begin with a comment on why only 2 stars. Forget about 6 or 7 chapters dealing with a chase scene, or an operative holding a gun to a "bad guy" and not taking the shot! Yes, there is mystery and follow the dots but this doesn't do it for me. I hope if you choose this book, that it does more for you and your imagination. Personally, I could not connect with this book.
March 25, 2022
The Vatican Secret is the first book in the Joe Mason series by author David Leadbeater. The book features mystery, action, history, religion, and battles as ex-MI5 operative Joe teams up with his female counterpart Roxy to protect a professor and his daughter as they visit the Vatican’s library.
Unfortunately, as a precious book of secrets is stolen the professor pays for trying to protect it with his life, leaving his daughter Sally, plus Joe and Roxy to follow the trail and to try and recover it before the religious group that has taken it reveals secrets from within to the world that could destroy the church.
The book is pure action from the beginning. It has been likened to Jack Reacher and I can see why in Joe’s ways as he just wants a calm, quiet life, not one chasing armed men who are prepared to kill anyone and everyone to expose the secrets, yet he is certainly capable of handling all the situations thrown at him.
The supporting cast, including some that joined along the way, were all realistic and the plot became more gripping as the story progresses, especially as you were never sure which side the new ‘friends’ were really on.
I raced through this fast-paced and exciting book that even though it does feature some religious moments never felt bogged down with information as all were important to the story.
The Vatican’s Secret kept me entertained the whole way through and I now can’t wait for the next book in the series to be released in September.
Unfortunately, as a precious book of secrets is stolen the professor pays for trying to protect it with his life, leaving his daughter Sally, plus Joe and Roxy to follow the trail and to try and recover it before the religious group that has taken it reveals secrets from within to the world that could destroy the church.
The book is pure action from the beginning. It has been likened to Jack Reacher and I can see why in Joe’s ways as he just wants a calm, quiet life, not one chasing armed men who are prepared to kill anyone and everyone to expose the secrets, yet he is certainly capable of handling all the situations thrown at him.
The supporting cast, including some that joined along the way, were all realistic and the plot became more gripping as the story progresses, especially as you were never sure which side the new ‘friends’ were really on.
I raced through this fast-paced and exciting book that even though it does feature some religious moments never felt bogged down with information as all were important to the story.
The Vatican’s Secret kept me entertained the whole way through and I now can’t wait for the next book in the series to be released in September.
February 8, 2022
As soon as I saw the tag line “You’ve cracked The Da Vinci Code, now it’s time to discover The Vatican Secret” on the cover of the proof I knew this was going to be amazing. Not to mention a quote likens it to Die Hard? Yes please!! Die Hard and The Da Vinci Code?! YES YES YES. Underground labyrinth in Rome? Even louder YES YES YES.
This wonderful action-thriller is jam packed with adventure, life and death moments, and a plethora of bullets in the wonderful city of Rome. Joe and his team are trying to track down The Book of Secrets, the Vatican’s prized possession, which has been stolen by the ancient society Amori. The steal The Book of Secrets from the archive in order to bring the Vatican and the Catholic faith to the brink of despair on it’s knees by revealing the secrets that are hidden within the pages of this ancient book. Getting the book back won’t be an easy feat as it’s being kept in the most protected building on the planet full of hidden enemies that will stop at nothing to keep the book in their possession. So can Joe and his team get the book back and make it out alive? You’ll have to read it and find out.
Coming out in March from the wonderful Avon Books.
Thank you Avon for sending me a proof.
This wonderful action-thriller is jam packed with adventure, life and death moments, and a plethora of bullets in the wonderful city of Rome. Joe and his team are trying to track down The Book of Secrets, the Vatican’s prized possession, which has been stolen by the ancient society Amori. The steal The Book of Secrets from the archive in order to bring the Vatican and the Catholic faith to the brink of despair on it’s knees by revealing the secrets that are hidden within the pages of this ancient book. Getting the book back won’t be an easy feat as it’s being kept in the most protected building on the planet full of hidden enemies that will stop at nothing to keep the book in their possession. So can Joe and his team get the book back and make it out alive? You’ll have to read it and find out.
Coming out in March from the wonderful Avon Books.
Thank you Avon for sending me a proof.
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May 13, 2025
1-Star - A Definite DNF
I thought I might not like this book, despite the title including the magic words "The Vatican", and regrettably it took me only an hour to confirm that my thoughts had come true🥴.
To GR readers who object to reviewers giving 'Star ratings' even if they didn't finish reading/hearing a book, please note that my reviews and ratings are not written for YOU. As a reviewer, I try to keep my reading records up-to-date and well-annotated, and as a reader, I appreciate seeing the reasons why a particular book was not liked, particularly by GR Friends and Followeds whose opinions I respect.
From my Listening Activity:
Oct 31, 2023 @ 0%: "I'm not too sure that I will enjoy this book, but the title includes the words: "The Vatican", so I am willing to give it a try😊."
Jan 07, 2024 @ 10%: "Le sigh🙁. The first hour left me underwhelmed. The first sentences were warning enough, introducing sixcaricatures, I mean characters, for the "baddies", including a self-styled "religious monarch", and his daughter, a "highly-trained thief". "
I thought I might not like this book, despite the title including the magic words "The Vatican", and regrettably it took me only an hour to confirm that my thoughts had come true🥴.
To GR readers who object to reviewers giving 'Star ratings' even if they didn't finish reading/hearing a book, please note that my reviews and ratings are not written for YOU. As a reviewer, I try to keep my reading records up-to-date and well-annotated, and as a reader, I appreciate seeing the reasons why a particular book was not liked, particularly by GR Friends and Followeds whose opinions I respect.
From my Listening Activity:
Oct 31, 2023 @ 0%: "I'm not too sure that I will enjoy this book, but the title includes the words: "The Vatican", so I am willing to give it a try😊."
Jan 07, 2024 @ 10%: "Le sigh🙁. The first hour left me underwhelmed. The first sentences were warning enough, introducing six
February 27, 2022
The first of two books published this year, The Vatican Secret by David Leadbeater is the first of the new Joe Mason series. Joe is an ex-MI5 operative and gets a job guarding an elderly professor and his daughter in Rome. A cushy task until the professor is killed and an ancient manuscript taken, forcing Joe to decide whether to hunt down the killer. Teaming up with an unwanted partner, they decide to follow the clues and solve the mystery. An action thriller which traverses Europe in order to find the manuscript and help the daughter save her father’s legacy. An enjoyable action adventure with likeable characters and fast paced narrative that makes for a three-and-a-half-star rating. With thanks to Avon Books UK and the author, for an uncorrected advanced copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given, without persuasion.
May 29, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Honestly, these types of books (secret society, have to decipher clues as they run around famous places) are like crack for me. So it was a good bet I was going to enjoy this one, and I did. Was it perfect? No. I think we needed a couple more chapters from Marduk's POV in the second half of the book. He pretty much disappears for the last 30 or 40% of the book. I also thought the ending was quite rushed. Overall, though, this was just an entertaining read and I look forward to seeing what these characters get up to in the next book!
**ARC Nia NetGalley**
Honestly, these types of books (secret society, have to decipher clues as they run around famous places) are like crack for me. So it was a good bet I was going to enjoy this one, and I did. Was it perfect? No. I think we needed a couple more chapters from Marduk's POV in the second half of the book. He pretty much disappears for the last 30 or 40% of the book. I also thought the ending was quite rushed. Overall, though, this was just an entertaining read and I look forward to seeing what these characters get up to in the next book!
**ARC Nia NetGalley**
March 10, 2022
This book is for lovers of stories like The Da Vinci Code, lots of action, story pivotal to religion and a stoic hero or two. Joe Mason has a military career that killed his friends and destroyed his marriage. He now works for a private security firm, and is sent to Vatican City as the personal protection of a researcher, Professor Rusk who along with his daughter Sally as a research assistant, has been granted access to the Vatican archives.
While on duty with his fellow security person Roxy (a woman he is trying to figure out), someone breaks into the archives and steals a well guarded secret book. The chase is then on. Joe and Roxy soon form an alliance as they set off on a journey with the daughter of the researcher, Sally trying to piece together clues to lead them to the book.
The story moves through Israel, Paris and Iraq at a cracking pace. There are multiple 'car chase' scenes and each time our heroes seem to bounce back only to come up against the next obstacle.
Happy to recommend to anyone that likes a fast paced, thriller. Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
While on duty with his fellow security person Roxy (a woman he is trying to figure out), someone breaks into the archives and steals a well guarded secret book. The chase is then on. Joe and Roxy soon form an alliance as they set off on a journey with the daughter of the researcher, Sally trying to piece together clues to lead them to the book.
The story moves through Israel, Paris and Iraq at a cracking pace. There are multiple 'car chase' scenes and each time our heroes seem to bounce back only to come up against the next obstacle.
Happy to recommend to anyone that likes a fast paced, thriller. Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
June 11, 2022
Marduk, the self-proclaimed monarch of the ancient Babylonian sect, the Amori, is determined to destroy the Vatican and Christianity, exposing it as a lie. Rising from the resulting chaos, the Amori would rule the world. To achieve his goal, he organizes a team to steal the ‘Book of Secrets’ hidden inside the Vatican’s Secret Archives. Joe Mason and Roxy Banks, haunted by their past, are given a job to protect Professor Pierce Rusk and his daughter Sally for seven days while they’re engaged on a research project inside the Archives. While there, they encounter Marduk’s thief and Professor Rusk is killed. Bent on avenging her father, accompanied by Joe and Roxy, they embark on an action-packed search for Marduk’s New Babylon in an attempt to retrieve the ‘Book of Secrets’ and prevent destruction of Christianity.
Marduk is revealed as a megalomaniac within the first two pages of ‘The Vatican Secret’, and his team of thieves exaggerated caricatures who lack any credibility. Joe Mason and Roxy Banks carry so much psychological baggage from their past lives, it is a wonder they are able to function at all. In a totally incredulous attempt to retrieve the ‘Book of Secrets’, Sally Rusk manages to easily decipher five clues left in five famous churches that would reveal location of Marduk’s New Babylon. Always one step ahead of Marduk’s assassins, ‘The Vatican Secret’ is filled with car chases, lots of physical action, gunfights, and miraculous escapes. Finally, Joe Mason’s ragtag team confronts Marduk in a climax that will leave readers shaking their heads, relieved they managed to reach the last page of this totally fanciful work that should never have survived the slush pile. The book’s plot has more holes than a kitchen sieve, but David Leadbeater hopes this will not be noticed as each new page thrusts the reader into a new round of totally unreal action sequences. ‘The Vatican Secret’ is a great read for those simply interested in wild chases and gunfights, unencumbered by detailed plotting, characterization, and a believable story. A thoroughly disappointing book from David Leadbeater.
Marduk is revealed as a megalomaniac within the first two pages of ‘The Vatican Secret’, and his team of thieves exaggerated caricatures who lack any credibility. Joe Mason and Roxy Banks carry so much psychological baggage from their past lives, it is a wonder they are able to function at all. In a totally incredulous attempt to retrieve the ‘Book of Secrets’, Sally Rusk manages to easily decipher five clues left in five famous churches that would reveal location of Marduk’s New Babylon. Always one step ahead of Marduk’s assassins, ‘The Vatican Secret’ is filled with car chases, lots of physical action, gunfights, and miraculous escapes. Finally, Joe Mason’s ragtag team confronts Marduk in a climax that will leave readers shaking their heads, relieved they managed to reach the last page of this totally fanciful work that should never have survived the slush pile. The book’s plot has more holes than a kitchen sieve, but David Leadbeater hopes this will not be noticed as each new page thrusts the reader into a new round of totally unreal action sequences. ‘The Vatican Secret’ is a great read for those simply interested in wild chases and gunfights, unencumbered by detailed plotting, characterization, and a believable story. A thoroughly disappointing book from David Leadbeater.
February 1, 2022
You’ve met Jason Bourne. You’ve met Jack Reacher. Now it’s time to meet Joe Mason.
Mason, an ex-MI5 operative is on the hunt for the Vatican’s most treasured possession, The Book Of Secrets, handed down from pope to pope. When it’s stolen by the Amori, an ancient society and centuries-old enemy, Mason is pulled into a global chase to find the book before the Vatican’s deepest secrets can be revealed.
The 4000-year-old society, the Amori, aims to steal the Vatican Book of Secrets from the Apostolic Archive and bring the Catholic church and the Vatican to its knees by revealing the secrets within the pages. They hold the belief that there’s proof to unravel 2000 years of inaccuracies and manipulation. To breach one of the most protected buildings in the world, they’ll need to recruit a member of the Swiss Guard as well as ignite an encrypted cyber attack. Can they do it and get out alive?
This 5-star thriller is a non-stop action-packed adventure. Leadbeater is no stranger to action thrillers; he’s been writing for 40 years! It’s no surprise then that this reads like the latest blockbuster film. It’s incredibly taut - Leadbetter doesn’t give his readers any space to do anything but be in the moment. The courageous protagonists, an unlikely team of heroes, face life and death scenarios as they hunt down the evil protagonists who show little regard for human life in their unquenchable desire for this secret book. The sense of urgency and the chase scenes maintain momentum as the team hop planes, dodge bullets, and pursue evil within the labyrinth underground of the walled enclave within Rome.
I was left breathless, my heart pounding as I turned the last page. I eagerly await Joe Mason’s next adrenaline-filled adventure in The Demon Code to be published in August 2022.
I was gifted this advance copy by David Leadbeater, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Mason, an ex-MI5 operative is on the hunt for the Vatican’s most treasured possession, The Book Of Secrets, handed down from pope to pope. When it’s stolen by the Amori, an ancient society and centuries-old enemy, Mason is pulled into a global chase to find the book before the Vatican’s deepest secrets can be revealed.
The 4000-year-old society, the Amori, aims to steal the Vatican Book of Secrets from the Apostolic Archive and bring the Catholic church and the Vatican to its knees by revealing the secrets within the pages. They hold the belief that there’s proof to unravel 2000 years of inaccuracies and manipulation. To breach one of the most protected buildings in the world, they’ll need to recruit a member of the Swiss Guard as well as ignite an encrypted cyber attack. Can they do it and get out alive?
This 5-star thriller is a non-stop action-packed adventure. Leadbeater is no stranger to action thrillers; he’s been writing for 40 years! It’s no surprise then that this reads like the latest blockbuster film. It’s incredibly taut - Leadbetter doesn’t give his readers any space to do anything but be in the moment. The courageous protagonists, an unlikely team of heroes, face life and death scenarios as they hunt down the evil protagonists who show little regard for human life in their unquenchable desire for this secret book. The sense of urgency and the chase scenes maintain momentum as the team hop planes, dodge bullets, and pursue evil within the labyrinth underground of the walled enclave within Rome.
I was left breathless, my heart pounding as I turned the last page. I eagerly await Joe Mason’s next adrenaline-filled adventure in The Demon Code to be published in August 2022.
I was gifted this advance copy by David Leadbeater, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
February 8, 2022
4.5 Stars (rounded up to 5)
Overview: Thank you to @avonbooksuk books for sending me an ARC paperback copy. As soon as I knew it was similar to The Da Vinci Code I knew I had to read it. Yes, I realise a lot of people hated it but I'm not one of those people. This book didn't disappoint! It started great and jumped straight into the action. The pace kept up all the way through. Yes, it's far fetched. Yes, it's a bit...long-winded in places but I really found it intriguing and it kept me turning the pages.
Good Points: Joe Mason is a cool guy. I'd definitely want him on my side. Plus I liked Roxy too. I really enjoyed all the different settings and backdrops and the snippets of historical information.
Not so Good Points: I did find it a bit...repetitive I guess. Solve one clue, onto the next which was fine but I expected a bit more from the ending. Gutted didn't get to find out the "secrets" in the book. Hence why it lost half a star for me.
All in all if you like fast-paced, wild rides then you'll enjoy it but if you didn't like Dan Brown books then you probably won't like this one.
Overview: Thank you to @avonbooksuk books for sending me an ARC paperback copy. As soon as I knew it was similar to The Da Vinci Code I knew I had to read it. Yes, I realise a lot of people hated it but I'm not one of those people. This book didn't disappoint! It started great and jumped straight into the action. The pace kept up all the way through. Yes, it's far fetched. Yes, it's a bit...long-winded in places but I really found it intriguing and it kept me turning the pages.
Good Points: Joe Mason is a cool guy. I'd definitely want him on my side. Plus I liked Roxy too. I really enjoyed all the different settings and backdrops and the snippets of historical information.
Not so Good Points: I did find it a bit...repetitive I guess. Solve one clue, onto the next which was fine but I expected a bit more from the ending. Gutted didn't get to find out the "secrets" in the book. Hence why it lost half a star for me.
All in all if you like fast-paced, wild rides then you'll enjoy it but if you didn't like Dan Brown books then you probably won't like this one.
June 17, 2022
Awful
Histrionic characters too unlikeable and unbelievable.
If there's another adjective to describe one of the character apart from 'Raven haired American' I didnt find it.
I couldn't finish this book. The characters were caricatures and not the slightest bit empathetic.
The plot flew off into wild fantasy.
I dont like putting bad reviews but I really could not finish this book.
Histrionic characters too unlikeable and unbelievable.
If there's another adjective to describe one of the character apart from 'Raven haired American' I didnt find it.
I couldn't finish this book. The characters were caricatures and not the slightest bit empathetic.
The plot flew off into wild fantasy.
I dont like putting bad reviews but I really could not finish this book.
October 18, 2022
As a massive fan of authors like Dan Brown, Scott Mariani and James Rollins, I was looking forward to another book that seemed to be of a similar genre. I’ve given this two stars as the actual storyline is really interesting but the writing style didn’t engage with the reader and the character development either was lacking or gave far too much unnecessary detail. I feel that also there was an exaggeration on how devastating the videos released would be. Everyone who saw them took them incredibly seriously and suggested that everyone else would take them seriously as well but the wording that we were given from them made them sound like any other out there conspiracy theory video you can find all over YouTube. It would have been a far more satisfying ending if the reason the Amori were defeated was because no-one took any notice of them rather than them being caught by the team.
The gathering of the core team also felt ill-thought out, as though the author had an idea for who should be in the team and so decided that the best way to do this would be for them to be picked up along the way like stragglers or hitchhikers. There were five or six chase scenes or big fight scenes in this which meant that by the fourth one, it had become repetitive. While obviously fight scenes like this wouldn’t happen, they lacked realism in that the aggressors always appeared to be stood in either a line or group waiting outside the building the team were in. I guess the issue with having so many fight scenes in one book is that how it goes has to be repeated.
Overall, this book is a solid base for a story but is poorly executed. If there’s a sequel then I will be remembering to avoid it.
The gathering of the core team also felt ill-thought out, as though the author had an idea for who should be in the team and so decided that the best way to do this would be for them to be picked up along the way like stragglers or hitchhikers. There were five or six chase scenes or big fight scenes in this which meant that by the fourth one, it had become repetitive. While obviously fight scenes like this wouldn’t happen, they lacked realism in that the aggressors always appeared to be stood in either a line or group waiting outside the building the team were in. I guess the issue with having so many fight scenes in one book is that how it goes has to be repeated.
Overall, this book is a solid base for a story but is poorly executed. If there’s a sequel then I will be remembering to avoid it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2022
What a truly fantastic romp of an adventure!!
An incredibly easy book to read, you just get swept away with the characters, the action and the fun. The start of a new series starring a mottley crew lead by Joe Mason, The Vatican Secret is a thrill a page action adventure that takes the reader all around the globe hunting a book and an evil Amori man.
I've always been fascinated with the Vatican, its archive and the secret it holds and although this is a work of fiction, it still allows me, the reader, a chance to imagine. You sit back and read, wondering what secrets the Vatican is protecting, or is it? You just don't know - but that's the fun of books like this, it allows your imagination to run riot and re write history in your own mind!!
I can't wait for the next adventure. Magnifico!
An incredibly easy book to read, you just get swept away with the characters, the action and the fun. The start of a new series starring a mottley crew lead by Joe Mason, The Vatican Secret is a thrill a page action adventure that takes the reader all around the globe hunting a book and an evil Amori man.
I've always been fascinated with the Vatican, its archive and the secret it holds and although this is a work of fiction, it still allows me, the reader, a chance to imagine. You sit back and read, wondering what secrets the Vatican is protecting, or is it? You just don't know - but that's the fun of books like this, it allows your imagination to run riot and re write history in your own mind!!
I can't wait for the next adventure. Magnifico!
March 18, 2023
"The Vatican Secret" - written by David Leadbeater and published in 2022 by HarperCollins. A book that has been closely guarded by the Vatican is stolen by a rogue group of religious non-believers and terrorists who are intent on bringing the Catholic church down. Our heroes are a group of ex-military, ex-police and a historical expert unexpectedly thrown together to retrieve the book and prevent the secrets from being revealed. The premise is an adequate one for a thriller, but the delivery left a lot to be desired. Action sequences were unbelievable, the dialogue stilted, and the descriptive passages pretty silly. The book had B-movie quality, a low-budget production that was not terrible, but not at all entertaining.
March 22, 2023
While the premise of this book was interesting, the narrative seemed uneven. As the first in a series, it has possibilities that hopefully will be met in future books.
March 4, 2023
I found this to be a great read and the more I find and read books like this it makes me reflect that I’m definitely getting over Jack Reacher books because these types of books are more believable definitely recommend this book
March 21, 2023
This book was just a bit ridiculous. Over the top action scenes, silly dialogue, and a story line that was interesting enough to keep me reading but not my favorite.
January 21, 2024
3.5/5
Fãs de Dan Brown não podem perder este!
Uma leitura alucinante, uma corrida contra o tempo para assegurar que um dos maiores segredos da Igreja Católica se mantém silenciado.
Neste livro acompanhamos Joe Mason, ex-militar e a sua parceira de missão Roxy Banks. Muito diferentes mas ambos atormentados por traumas do passado.
Adorei a dinâmica entre eles e a perspicácia de Sally, sempre pertinente e responsável pelo conhecimento histórico.
No entanto, houve momentos em que a ação era rápida demais e havia demasiadas personagens envolvidas, tornando o enredo um pouco confuso.
Fãs de Dan Brown não podem perder este!
Uma leitura alucinante, uma corrida contra o tempo para assegurar que um dos maiores segredos da Igreja Católica se mantém silenciado.
Neste livro acompanhamos Joe Mason, ex-militar e a sua parceira de missão Roxy Banks. Muito diferentes mas ambos atormentados por traumas do passado.
Adorei a dinâmica entre eles e a perspicácia de Sally, sempre pertinente e responsável pelo conhecimento histórico.
No entanto, houve momentos em que a ação era rápida demais e havia demasiadas personagens envolvidas, tornando o enredo um pouco confuso.
September 16, 2022
It was a painful read for me. I suffered through to the last page. The book felt like a want to be DaVinci Code with out substance. Somehow the characters would solve the clues very quickly without much effort. The clues and their mystery were simplistic and uninteresting. Every clue was follow by a fight scene where all the heroes managed to escape without much of a wound. Even in Brad Thor or the Gray Man series the characters barely make it out. Not worth the read.
March 24, 2025
I thought this would be a fun Sally book but it was both boring and noticeably badly written.
Firstly, this author has never heard of show don’t tell in his life. 75% of the way into the book, there is literally a chapter that recaps everything that has happened up to that point, the main character thinks “I have changed as a person” and the message of the book is literally spelt out.
There is also no nuance at all. The antagonists are bad because they murder and torture people but the Catholic Church is deemed to be fully good even though they’re hiding evil secrets. Why are the main people helping them get the book back???
Also why is the main guy constantly thinking about how skinny he is????
Firstly, this author has never heard of show don’t tell in his life. 75% of the way into the book, there is literally a chapter that recaps everything that has happened up to that point, the main character thinks “I have changed as a person” and the message of the book is literally spelt out.
There is also no nuance at all. The antagonists are bad because they murder and torture people but the Catholic Church is deemed to be fully good even though they’re hiding evil secrets. Why are the main people helping them get the book back???
Also why is the main guy constantly thinking about how skinny he is????
December 11, 2024
A surprising DNF as I usually enjoy this genre of some archaeological secret or artefact that must be found before it is unleashed upon an unsuspecting world and life will never be the same again. However, not this one, as after 140 pages, I've realised that this book falls woefully below the requisite believability, excitement, character depth, and tense adventure thresholds that most of such books achieve. Everything - scenes, characters, events, and dialogue - are just so flat, often cartoonish, with dire exposition and explanation heavy conversations strewn regularly about.
Unfortunately dull, and not recommended.
Unfortunately dull, and not recommended.
September 4, 2024
And this had such a good potential to be a really interesting story…
May 18, 2024
I wasn’t sure if I was reading James Bond, Jack Reacher or Scott Mariani.
August 6, 2023
Reminder to self - don’t bother continuing with the series
May 10, 2025
I'm undecided between a 2 and a 3, so bring generous.
A thriller involving the Vatican, secrets, bad guys, and a hastily assembled group of good guys. I generally like this sort of thriller but this was too much chase and fight scene and not enough about the secret which isn't even revealed to the reader in the end which makes the whole thing unbelievable (yes I know this type of book is generally unbelievable but it should be possible). You just knew from the start that the secret was never going to be revealed.
I felt this whole book was the story of how this team got together, so maybe, now they are a team, future books in the series might be better.
On the whole, I'd say it was okay, but there are plenty of authors that do it better.
A thriller involving the Vatican, secrets, bad guys, and a hastily assembled group of good guys. I generally like this sort of thriller but this was too much chase and fight scene and not enough about the secret which isn't even revealed to the reader in the end which makes the whole thing unbelievable (yes I know this type of book is generally unbelievable but it should be possible). You just knew from the start that the secret was never going to be revealed.
I felt this whole book was the story of how this team got together, so maybe, now they are a team, future books in the series might be better.
On the whole, I'd say it was okay, but there are plenty of authors that do it better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2022
I liked it. It was a great one to listen to while working. Lots of action. The only problem is that I actually wish the bad guys had won.
I just couldn't help thinking that the world deserves to know when something as large and as (at times) evil as The Church had been lying to them. There was this sentence in the book that struck me as funny because they were talking about the followers of the cult and said that they were following that cult blindly (or something like that) - but isn't that what Christians also do? Something which then gets proven yet again because it then turns out about 90% of the bible is straight lies yet the church wants to cover it up and have people follow them blindly without later on questioning the revelations that were set to be broadcast? Also even if it had been broadcast - I am not sure if it would have been able to bring down the Church just because of people following the faith blindly. It would maybe deter people who had been struggling with their faith in the first place but... the biggest impact would have been on the Pope and the Vatican. So in the end - keeping the book a secret was all about saving the ass of the Vatican rather than protecting the people, right? Because they are following a faith based on lies? Also Marduk wanted to grab power, but would he really be able to? He was deranged. He would not have been able to become the new pope. He might have been able to do some talk shows, some interviews, maybe get a book deal... but other than that? Because the biggest power of that secret society was... that it was secret.
I liked the book. It was pure cheese. I will read/listen to the next one. But I couldn't stop myself from feeling that I wanted the secrets to be revealed.
I just couldn't help thinking that the world deserves to know when something as large and as (at times) evil as The Church had been lying to them. There was this sentence in the book that struck me as funny because they were talking about the followers of the cult and said that they were following that cult blindly (or something like that) - but isn't that what Christians also do? Something which then gets proven yet again because it then turns out about 90% of the bible is straight lies yet the church wants to cover it up and have people follow them blindly without later on questioning the revelations that were set to be broadcast? Also even if it had been broadcast - I am not sure if it would have been able to bring down the Church just because of people following the faith blindly. It would maybe deter people who had been struggling with their faith in the first place but... the biggest impact would have been on the Pope and the Vatican. So in the end - keeping the book a secret was all about saving the ass of the Vatican rather than protecting the people, right? Because they are following a faith based on lies? Also Marduk wanted to grab power, but would he really be able to? He was deranged. He would not have been able to become the new pope. He might have been able to do some talk shows, some interviews, maybe get a book deal... but other than that? Because the biggest power of that secret society was... that it was secret.
I liked the book. It was pure cheese. I will read/listen to the next one. But I couldn't stop myself from feeling that I wanted the secrets to be revealed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2022
The Vatican Secret is a fast-paced but far-fetched adventure about trying to protect a book that have been kept secret for centuries. The books fortune lies with Joe Mason a former MI5 soldier who has lost his confidence because of an incident where two of the soldiers under his command lose their lives. The Vatican Secret is in one of a new series of books written by the best-selling, prolific author David Leadbeater.
Mason is now working for a private security company. He has lost his confidence as a soldier and no longer works for the government. In the private industry he is coupled with Roxy who also has a sorted history in the security business. The two are given what looks like an easy assignment protecting two scientists doing research in the basement of the Vatican. While they are working there is a security breach in the Vatican and a book a stolen. When they realize what has been stolen the researchers reveal that this could destroy the Christian church as we know it and the book must be found. And so begins a global chase to stop a plot to reveal The Vatican’s deepest secrets.
The character development in this novel is quite interesting. We meet Joe Mason and we learn about his history and why is the way he is. His partner Roxy is a security agent who also has a history. We slowly hear what her issues are as the book continues. These two people are much more complicated than first appears leading to some interesting perspectives. There some other interesting characters and least one particular character who comes from the other side. Leadbeater does a very good job of unfolding the depth of his characters slowly as the story goes on. He brings the reader along to the point where you were actually cheering for the team based on how well you have come to know them.
I am a bit concerned that the main evil character Marduk is quite insane and a little bit far-fetched. I find it hard to believe this character could be real. His behaviour and dialogue make him almost a cartoon character.
The story itself is a bit far-fetched and becomes more of a cartoon fantasy than a story. To think that there is one single book that can actually do such significant damage is a little bit more than I can accept. As well, the fact there could be a large organization whose sole purpose is to completely destroy a large religious organization’s belief system is difficult to swallow. Finally, the fact that there is an organization that’s willing to use guns and bombs in the middle of large crowds in numerous large cities in Europe just to stop the team from finding organisation headquarters is quite unrealistic. One has to suspend belief completely to accept the storyline as plausible or in any way realistic.
I recommend this book to people who really like a fast-paced action-packed story where the outnumbered heroes battle a vast enemy. I gave this story 3 on 5 because although the characters are interesting, the story is too far-fetched and you have to suspend belief too much to get into the book. I want to thank NetGalley and Avon books for providing me with a digital copy of the story. I give this a review voluntarily.
Mason is now working for a private security company. He has lost his confidence as a soldier and no longer works for the government. In the private industry he is coupled with Roxy who also has a sorted history in the security business. The two are given what looks like an easy assignment protecting two scientists doing research in the basement of the Vatican. While they are working there is a security breach in the Vatican and a book a stolen. When they realize what has been stolen the researchers reveal that this could destroy the Christian church as we know it and the book must be found. And so begins a global chase to stop a plot to reveal The Vatican’s deepest secrets.
The character development in this novel is quite interesting. We meet Joe Mason and we learn about his history and why is the way he is. His partner Roxy is a security agent who also has a history. We slowly hear what her issues are as the book continues. These two people are much more complicated than first appears leading to some interesting perspectives. There some other interesting characters and least one particular character who comes from the other side. Leadbeater does a very good job of unfolding the depth of his characters slowly as the story goes on. He brings the reader along to the point where you were actually cheering for the team based on how well you have come to know them.
I am a bit concerned that the main evil character Marduk is quite insane and a little bit far-fetched. I find it hard to believe this character could be real. His behaviour and dialogue make him almost a cartoon character.
The story itself is a bit far-fetched and becomes more of a cartoon fantasy than a story. To think that there is one single book that can actually do such significant damage is a little bit more than I can accept. As well, the fact there could be a large organization whose sole purpose is to completely destroy a large religious organization’s belief system is difficult to swallow. Finally, the fact that there is an organization that’s willing to use guns and bombs in the middle of large crowds in numerous large cities in Europe just to stop the team from finding organisation headquarters is quite unrealistic. One has to suspend belief completely to accept the storyline as plausible or in any way realistic.
I recommend this book to people who really like a fast-paced action-packed story where the outnumbered heroes battle a vast enemy. I gave this story 3 on 5 because although the characters are interesting, the story is too far-fetched and you have to suspend belief too much to get into the book. I want to thank NetGalley and Avon books for providing me with a digital copy of the story. I give this a review voluntarily.
May 16, 2022
An ex MI5 agent Joe Mason is working for a private protection company and is assigned a job with Roxy. Both have issues but a man/woman team is requested to protect a professor and his daughter during their trip to the Vatican archives for research.
Somehow, the head of Amori (ancient clan) is after a book of secrets in the same place. He has a team infiltrate at the same time as Mason & company's visit. This begins a case after the "Vatican Secret" book which the Amori want in order to reveal a secret/secrets about Christianity.
Therein starts a chase after the stolen book by Joe/Roxy/Sally and two others that join them along the way (Hasell and Quinn) before the reveal can happen. There are 5 churches with 5 riddles to be solved. At each there is a fight with Amori gunmen- by the second location it all becomes extremely repetative and predictable.
So the average read is because it's a bit drawn out and repetitive.
Somehow, the head of Amori (ancient clan) is after a book of secrets in the same place. He has a team infiltrate at the same time as Mason & company's visit. This begins a case after the "Vatican Secret" book which the Amori want in order to reveal a secret/secrets about Christianity.
Therein starts a chase after the stolen book by Joe/Roxy/Sally and two others that join them along the way (Hasell and Quinn) before the reveal can happen. There are 5 churches with 5 riddles to be solved. At each there is a fight with Amori gunmen- by the second location it all becomes extremely repetative and predictable.
So the average read is because it's a bit drawn out and repetitive.
July 18, 2023
This would be my first and last book for this author. Joe Mason is a former soldier and MI5 operative fighting his own demon in the form of guilt from when he was in the army. He lost two dear friends in Mosul. Now working as security consultant for a private firm, he has a simple job of protecting a professor in the Vatican. However, things gone haywire when an intruder manage to kill the professor while taking off with a valuable book of secret. Even took on a life by itself as Joe and his partner Roxy Banks and Sally the daughter of the slained professor decided to track to killer and recover back the book. What then transpired is something out of a fantasy book that brought them to Jerusalem and then back to France and Iraq and finally back to Rome where it all started. I find the events that lead to this wild goose chase as rather unnecessary and too far fetched frankly. All the actions are too unrealistic and too fast paced to be realistic.
February 17, 2022
I really struggled to engage with this book and found it quite difficult to finish. I'm typically drawn to novels rich in characterisation, particularly where this is achieved through "show don't tell" writing. This book didn't deliver that for me. The pacing is also insanely fast - within just a few chapters, Leadbetter reaches a point that would take most authors a third of a book to get to. I would have preferred more detail, set up and nuance.
It's all a matter of personal preference, of course. If you're actively looking for a thriller with a plot that zips along, then this could well be the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's all a matter of personal preference, of course. If you're actively looking for a thriller with a plot that zips along, then this could well be the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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