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The Lost Page: An Archaeological Thriller
An unforgettable story of two courageous couples who risk everything for truth.
Amid a revolution, archaeologist Christopher Jordan and ancient manuscript expert Kathryn Ferguson travel to Syria in search of the original scroll of Marks’ Gospel. Paralleling their quest is the story of the evangelist’s escape with the scroll from the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., his struggles to complete the manuscript and his journeys and efforts with the daughter of Peter the Apostle to protect and save it for the ages. For both couples, time is running out and enemies are closing in.
Richly evocative and fiercely moving, this literary thriller explores the hard questions: Did Mark intentionally omit the resurrection story, leaving it shrouded in mystery? Or did it become detached and lost forever?
Discover the answer in The Lost Page.
Amid a revolution, archaeologist Christopher Jordan and ancient manuscript expert Kathryn Ferguson travel to Syria in search of the original scroll of Marks’ Gospel. Paralleling their quest is the story of the evangelist’s escape with the scroll from the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., his struggles to complete the manuscript and his journeys and efforts with the daughter of Peter the Apostle to protect and save it for the ages. For both couples, time is running out and enemies are closing in.
Richly evocative and fiercely moving, this literary thriller explores the hard questions: Did Mark intentionally omit the resurrection story, leaving it shrouded in mystery? Or did it become detached and lost forever?
Discover the answer in The Lost Page.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
1624 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
June 3, 2023
Unlike many, I was sorely disappointed in this book. The premise about a rare Biblical discovery was intriguing, as was the way the author shifted back and forth from present day to 90 AD to follow John Mark in his attempt to finalize what would be known as the Gospel of Mark. And for the first 30% of this book the story went OK, and then it hit a huge wall!!! Chapters that rambled, a plot that was easily figured out and all in all I felt more bored than excited by this book. Not for me, even though I have a huge interest in Biblical Archeology.
December 1, 2021
Billed as an archaeological thriller, this didn’t really tick either box.
The story was told in two separate tales set 2000 years apart which followed a modern day quest to find the original gospel of St. Mark whilst simultaneously telling the story of Marks final years completing his gospel.
I found the lead characters two dimensional and the supporting cast a bit derivative.
The story lacked any jeopardy and only got at all exciting near the end. It read more like a travel guide of the Middle East crossed with a bible study class.
It’s not supposed to be a Dan Brown wannabe but a little bit more action and the odd plot twist would’ve elevated this to a more thrilling read.
Would be a good read for anyone with an interest in the New Testament and it does at least give a bit of the flavour of the area in the years following the death of Jesus.
The story was told in two separate tales set 2000 years apart which followed a modern day quest to find the original gospel of St. Mark whilst simultaneously telling the story of Marks final years completing his gospel.
I found the lead characters two dimensional and the supporting cast a bit derivative.
The story lacked any jeopardy and only got at all exciting near the end. It read more like a travel guide of the Middle East crossed with a bible study class.
It’s not supposed to be a Dan Brown wannabe but a little bit more action and the odd plot twist would’ve elevated this to a more thrilling read.
Would be a good read for anyone with an interest in the New Testament and it does at least give a bit of the flavour of the area in the years following the death of Jesus.
January 19, 2022
One of the puzzling aspects of Christianity for me is how fast the religion spread in the Mediterranean basin, The author presents a reasonable explanation in this fair to middlin novel, I enjoyed the book more for it's review of the theme of the writings of the Gospel of Mark and their relevance in today's world.
December 1, 2023
Poor theology
To suggest that Mark doubted the eye witnesses of Jesus' physical resurrection or that he believed Jesus' resurrection was not a physical one is to contradict Peter in Acts 2 and Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 as well as other New Testament authors. Only belief in a physically resurrected Jesus can account for the vigor and spread of the early Christian church. In addition, as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15, without the physical resurrection of Jesus, Christianity is a hoax and a lie and Christians are a pitiable people. I believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus, who died a physical death on a Roman cross to pay for my sins and to open the way for me to a personal relationship with God.
To suggest that Mark doubted the eye witnesses of Jesus' physical resurrection or that he believed Jesus' resurrection was not a physical one is to contradict Peter in Acts 2 and Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 as well as other New Testament authors. Only belief in a physically resurrected Jesus can account for the vigor and spread of the early Christian church. In addition, as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15, without the physical resurrection of Jesus, Christianity is a hoax and a lie and Christians are a pitiable people. I believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus, who died a physical death on a Roman cross to pay for my sins and to open the way for me to a personal relationship with God.
November 13, 2022
I especially loved the narrative of Mark's journey to finish writing and preserve the gospel!
April 16, 2023
Really good book
What a great book. I loved the style it was written in. The back and forth was great and exciting
What a great book. I loved the style it was written in. The back and forth was great and exciting
January 11, 2024
Overall, good! The "present day" storyline ended a bit abruptly for my taste, but the "ancient" parallel story was phenomenal!
August 17, 2023
The plot behind this mystery- "The Lost Page: An Archaeological Thriller"- is a great premise. Finding the lost Gospel of Mark is always a fascinating idea, and Joe Edd Morris adds the additional element of following the Apostle Mark himself as he pens his gospel. Enjoyed this ride very much. Check it out!
January 19, 2022
I received a copy of this ebook as an Early Reviewer at LibraryThing. This is the story of an older Scottish archaeologist who, while in a small village in Syria finds and acquires a scroll which he believes is the original draft of the Gospel of Mark has written by the apostle,Mark, known as John Mark in those times. Believing there may be another scroll, he sends two younger archaeologists to Syria to find that scroll because they believe it may contain an ending to Mark's gospel which would surprise the world. In telling the story the author divides the story into two story lines; a modern story line following the exploits of the two archaeologists to Syria to obtain the scroll, and an ancient story line telling the story of John Mark, who escaped from Jerusalem and traveled to what is present-day Syria to find a place where he could finish his scroll and disseminate copies to the then known world.
I liked this story structure because it reminded me of James Michener's book called The Source, in which he told the story of a modern day archaeological team exploring a Tell in Israel,and the story of how he thinks religion itself was founded and became the three maim
religions we have today three main religions we have today.
That being said, once I got to the point where the two archaeologists found the scroll in Syria I skipped ahead to the last two chapters to find out what the scroll contained and ended my reading of this book.
I did find the ancient story line of John Mark's travels and his efforts to finish his gospel more interesting than the modern story line of the two archaeologists trying to find his hidden scroll in Syria. And perhaps the author might just as well have written his entire novel on that story. I think his readers and perhaps his former parishioners would have appreciated that story more than the one written here.
Once the two archaeologists had retrieved the scroll, I knew that they were going to get it out of the country and get it back to Scotland therefore there wasn't much point in reading the intervening chapters between that point and the end of the story.
As a kind of side note: this story indicates that Mark died of old age, which made him the exception. Most if not all of the disciples were arrested and executed. If memory serves, one was executed by the sword, one shot full of arrows, and the rest crucified.
I liked this story structure because it reminded me of James Michener's book called The Source, in which he told the story of a modern day archaeological team exploring a Tell in Israel,and the story of how he thinks religion itself was founded and became the three maim
religions we have today three main religions we have today.
That being said, once I got to the point where the two archaeologists found the scroll in Syria I skipped ahead to the last two chapters to find out what the scroll contained and ended my reading of this book.
I did find the ancient story line of John Mark's travels and his efforts to finish his gospel more interesting than the modern story line of the two archaeologists trying to find his hidden scroll in Syria. And perhaps the author might just as well have written his entire novel on that story. I think his readers and perhaps his former parishioners would have appreciated that story more than the one written here.
Once the two archaeologists had retrieved the scroll, I knew that they were going to get it out of the country and get it back to Scotland therefore there wasn't much point in reading the intervening chapters between that point and the end of the story.
As a kind of side note: this story indicates that Mark died of old age, which made him the exception. Most if not all of the disciples were arrested and executed. If memory serves, one was executed by the sword, one shot full of arrows, and the rest crucified.
January 31, 2022
The style of the story telling was not up to a typical standard for a thriller on any level. The story was very heavy in the dialogue side, which left no time for "enemies" for Jordan and Ferguson, so it is a good thing that they didn't have any real ones. Running from the police for 3 to 5 pages because you stole an artifact, is not running from enemies. It is the job of the police to apprehend accused thieves and investigate crimes. And they do not become enemies just because the accusers are scruple-less and greedy.
Technically, the story was properly written with one irritating flaw....the use of the metric system by John Mark during the 1st Century when it was not in use. When you are writing to such a niche audience as those that would read "An Archaeological Thriller" you really need to make sure that your details will not stop a reader in their what did I just read tracks. Most readers of any historical nature know what should and should not appear in them. Those mistakes distract greatly. And after the fact even more so, as the version of the book that I was sent is the second of 3 different publishing of the same work under similar but different titles.
I tried not to give spoilers in my abstract here, but there might be spoilers for some in my full article my full article.
Yes I received a copy for review.
Technically, the story was properly written with one irritating flaw....the use of the metric system by John Mark during the 1st Century when it was not in use. When you are writing to such a niche audience as those that would read "An Archaeological Thriller" you really need to make sure that your details will not stop a reader in their what did I just read tracks. Most readers of any historical nature know what should and should not appear in them. Those mistakes distract greatly. And after the fact even more so, as the version of the book that I was sent is the second of 3 different publishing of the same work under similar but different titles.
I tried not to give spoilers in my abstract here, but there might be spoilers for some in my full article my full article.
Yes I received a copy for review.
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February 16, 2022An Exciting Spiritual Thriller
I was intrigued by the extreme detail that brought this spiritual thriller to life! The vivid descriptions and historical background were presented in a way that informed the reader without taking away from the unfolding of the story! It was hard to put the story down!
I was intrigued by the extreme detail that brought this spiritual thriller to life! The vivid descriptions and historical background were presented in a way that informed the reader without taking away from the unfolding of the story! It was hard to put the story down!
December 6, 2021
Boring
I thought that this book was a thriller? The most thrilling thing about this book is that I finished it. I doubt that I will go out of my way to read another book by this author.
I thought that this book was a thriller? The most thrilling thing about this book is that I finished it. I doubt that I will go out of my way to read another book by this author.
November 25, 2021
When archaeologist Chris Jordan is recalled from a dig in the Americas by his old me tor in Scotland, he never imagines he has ready been signed up for a trip to Syria to track down a missing page from one of the synoptic gospels of the New Testament. They already have the rough draft of the original writer's unfinished texts. But what will the missing element reveal to the world about Christianity? Accompanying him is scholar Kate Ferguson, a widow, where Chris Jordan is divorced. The story follows in tandem with that of Mark as he tries to find a suitable place to write up a fair copy of his experiences. He finds a female companion too, Miriam, the daughter of Peter. Time is running out for them, as the Romans are looking for followers of this subversive new sect. So, romance is slowly-but-surely rearing its head, as the one party seeks to unearth what was written a whole millennium before. What the latter are planning to do in smuggling this precious document out of Syria is of course theft too, but then, as with Mark, they are spurred on by a higher mission. the nature of the resurrection itself. Mark is keen to bear witness to the miracles he witnessed, whilst insisting on the importance of faith, as he continues to seek those who did meet a resurrected Jesus. Interesting, Mark never has anything to say about the kind of person the human Jesus he ate and worked and slept alongside. In other words, this novel adheres to the idea that Christianity truly was a unique evolutionary step, because the resurrection was bodily, not literal. In this respect, this book is in part a polemic against Gnostics, or for whatever other elements may undermine the purity of the original message. Perhaps more simply, the writer wishes to convey the idea that faith and spiritual truths don't come as part of a gimmick - the writer does convey his own wisdom there. There is no real violence or confrontation, but enough nail-biting suspense where Chris and Kate have to deal with officials and other bodies as they negotiate a hostile country and terrain. Overall, The Lost Page will be a treat for Christians of any stripe most of all, whether or not there is any credence to any rumours of Mark having written any further, more mystical tracts. This writer still prefers the meat-and-potatoes approach to the business of keeping the faith. Other readers may enjoy it for the low-key thriller it is, with its elements of restrained romance.
August 16, 2023
I think the first thing you should know is that Mr. Morris is a former Methodist minister, and the second thing is that this book is about the Gospel of Mark. Dry subject, you say? Well....Mark's Gospel is the oldest, and the closest to being contemporary to the few years of Jesus' teaching, and is famously lacking many of the embellishments that can be found in later Gospels. Why is this so? Mr. Morris gives us a possible if unprovable explanation.
The book opens in 2011, where we are introduced to Chris, an American, a New Testament Scholar, and former Divinity student who has been summoned back to Scotland by his old professor. Upon landing in Edinburg he is greeted by Kate, herself a scholar in the same field and the professor's assistant. When the pair meet with the old man, he tells Chris that he suspects that what amounts to the original first draft of Mark exists, and that Chris and Kate are to go to the Middle East and retrieve it.
We then jump back to Jerusalem in 70 a.d., or c.e. as our scholars prefer. The Romans are sacking and burning the city, intent on ending the Jewish revolt once and for all, eradicating the Zealots. Mark is escaping the slaughter, and he carries with him a scroll he has been working on for 40 years, an account of the works of Jesus. But Mark is scrupulous, and he will put nothing into his work that he himself did not see or hear, or that is not a first-hand report from others who were with Jesus.
This then is the crux of the book, with Mark on the run and still seeking the truth, and Paul and Kate, caught in the middle of extreme Arab unrest, but also seeking the truth.
I preferred the chapters featuring Mark, because they were full of suppositions that adhere to modern Christian orthodoxy, and at the same time other suppositions that fly in the face of orthodoxy, such as Judas being alive, or offhand remarks dealing with Jesus's siblings. Most important though is the transition of those following Jesus' teachings from being Jewish Christians to just Christians. The first generation of disciples were all gone, and the religion's newcomers came from faiths other than Judism, and had no connection to the Messianic aspect of its early days. The newcomers focused on the miracles, which in fact is opposite to what Jesus himself said to his disciples. Very interesting.
The "thriller" part of the book isn't much, not very engaging. If action is what you are looking for, this isn't for you.
The book opens in 2011, where we are introduced to Chris, an American, a New Testament Scholar, and former Divinity student who has been summoned back to Scotland by his old professor. Upon landing in Edinburg he is greeted by Kate, herself a scholar in the same field and the professor's assistant. When the pair meet with the old man, he tells Chris that he suspects that what amounts to the original first draft of Mark exists, and that Chris and Kate are to go to the Middle East and retrieve it.
We then jump back to Jerusalem in 70 a.d., or c.e. as our scholars prefer. The Romans are sacking and burning the city, intent on ending the Jewish revolt once and for all, eradicating the Zealots. Mark is escaping the slaughter, and he carries with him a scroll he has been working on for 40 years, an account of the works of Jesus. But Mark is scrupulous, and he will put nothing into his work that he himself did not see or hear, or that is not a first-hand report from others who were with Jesus.
This then is the crux of the book, with Mark on the run and still seeking the truth, and Paul and Kate, caught in the middle of extreme Arab unrest, but also seeking the truth.
I preferred the chapters featuring Mark, because they were full of suppositions that adhere to modern Christian orthodoxy, and at the same time other suppositions that fly in the face of orthodoxy, such as Judas being alive, or offhand remarks dealing with Jesus's siblings. Most important though is the transition of those following Jesus' teachings from being Jewish Christians to just Christians. The first generation of disciples were all gone, and the religion's newcomers came from faiths other than Judism, and had no connection to the Messianic aspect of its early days. The newcomers focused on the miracles, which in fact is opposite to what Jesus himself said to his disciples. Very interesting.
The "thriller" part of the book isn't much, not very engaging. If action is what you are looking for, this isn't for you.
June 6, 2023
I'm giving this three stars -- rounding up from 2 and a half. The writing is competent, though it could have used another pass by an editor. I noticed slight errors throughout: punctuation, extra or dropped words, dates/names not consistent. The story was easily comprehended, but there was no sense of tension or suspense, even when they were hiding/fleeing from the Syrian police.
There are two narratives: one is set in 70-90 CE (thought he author uses A.D., not inappropriate considering the book's theme) and features John Mark (author of the gospel of Mark) and Miriam, daughter of Peter the apostle. They escape Jerusalem to Damascus and beyond with the original and first draft of the gospel which they repeatedly copy and send to various Christian groups throughout the area and further afield.
In the now -- end of October 2011 -- an archaeologist and ancient manuscript expert are called to Edinburgh by an old professor to evaluate a manuscript he happened upon while touring Syria. It seems to be a first draft of the Gospel of Mark. And, based on how he acquired it, he believes there might be other copies -- later drafts -- that may or may not have included an additional 'lost page' following the scene of the women at the tomb seeing the angel who tells them Jesus is risen.
Accordingly, the two head to Syria to see what they can find and bring it back. Given it's the middle of a war in the area, they really don't have much trouble getting either into or out of the country. Nor do they really have much difficulty with customs or in smuggling their find back to Scotland. (That's not really a spoiler as it's pretty obvious from the first that they'll find SOMETHING.)
Overall, it's just ... nice. A bit preachy in places, some scholarly discussion on biblical history, very little character development. Really, they're all a bit too boring. The word "thriller" in the title is WAY overstating it, in my opinion.
There are two narratives: one is set in 70-90 CE (thought he author uses A.D., not inappropriate considering the book's theme) and features John Mark (author of the gospel of Mark) and Miriam, daughter of Peter the apostle. They escape Jerusalem to Damascus and beyond with the original and first draft of the gospel which they repeatedly copy and send to various Christian groups throughout the area and further afield.
In the now -- end of October 2011 -- an archaeologist and ancient manuscript expert are called to Edinburgh by an old professor to evaluate a manuscript he happened upon while touring Syria. It seems to be a first draft of the Gospel of Mark. And, based on how he acquired it, he believes there might be other copies -- later drafts -- that may or may not have included an additional 'lost page' following the scene of the women at the tomb seeing the angel who tells them Jesus is risen.
Accordingly, the two head to Syria to see what they can find and bring it back. Given it's the middle of a war in the area, they really don't have much trouble getting either into or out of the country. Nor do they really have much difficulty with customs or in smuggling their find back to Scotland. (That's not really a spoiler as it's pretty obvious from the first that they'll find SOMETHING.)
Overall, it's just ... nice. A bit preachy in places, some scholarly discussion on biblical history, very little character development. Really, they're all a bit too boring. The word "thriller" in the title is WAY overstating it, in my opinion.
October 4, 2021
Deep Meanings Lurk Beneath This Entertaining Novel
In The Lost Page Joe Edd Morris takes the reader on two memorable and evocative journeys, one ancient, the other hopelessly current. The present-day quest of archaeologist Christopher Jordan and manuscript expert Kathryn Ferguson carries a search for Biblical scrolls into the turbulence of war-torn Syria. That journey takes on greater gravity as Morris parallels this exploration with the original flight of the gospel writer Mark from a broken and burning Jerusalem across Galilee onto Damascus. Separated by two thousand years, Mark and Christopher are united by an intellectual and spiritual quest for meaning. Given the heady material, The Lost Page has no right to be so entertaining. Morris deeply roots the reader in times and situations that should feel remote, but his characters are so committed in their search for truth and the author is so determined to create rich, specific, historically and culturally accurate scenes that the reader becomes fully invested.
In other words, the search for understanding and meaning embraced by disparate characters distanced by millennia became my own. Sure, the plot hooked me and I took great pleasure in Morris’s ability to transport a reader to other realms. But what makes The Last Page memorable is how the engaging storytelling presses the reader to contemplate what he truly cares about.
In The Lost Page Joe Edd Morris takes the reader on two memorable and evocative journeys, one ancient, the other hopelessly current. The present-day quest of archaeologist Christopher Jordan and manuscript expert Kathryn Ferguson carries a search for Biblical scrolls into the turbulence of war-torn Syria. That journey takes on greater gravity as Morris parallels this exploration with the original flight of the gospel writer Mark from a broken and burning Jerusalem across Galilee onto Damascus. Separated by two thousand years, Mark and Christopher are united by an intellectual and spiritual quest for meaning. Given the heady material, The Lost Page has no right to be so entertaining. Morris deeply roots the reader in times and situations that should feel remote, but his characters are so committed in their search for truth and the author is so determined to create rich, specific, historically and culturally accurate scenes that the reader becomes fully invested.
In other words, the search for understanding and meaning embraced by disparate characters distanced by millennia became my own. Sure, the plot hooked me and I took great pleasure in Morris’s ability to transport a reader to other realms. But what makes The Last Page memorable is how the engaging storytelling presses the reader to contemplate what he truly cares about.
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October 30, 2022One "hellva" good book!
This next has nothing to do with book, criticism of the proof reading
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I would have given five (5) stars except for the typos and unfinished sentences.
Maybe I am too fussy about these, but they mess up my reading trying figure out what they are supposed to mean.
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The characters in this book are almost real. Muhhamed (as per the book) is a real fun guy to follow with his knowledge, wild driving, cracking smart jokes.
The author takes you on a wild, impossible, journey through Lebanon, Syria, Israel and Scotland.
Get your seat belts on, because you are in for a book read like you have never been on.
Before you read the second book "The Lost Gospel" read this one you will have one wonderful ride through history
This next has nothing to do with book, criticism of the proof reading
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would have given five (5) stars except for the typos and unfinished sentences.
Maybe I am too fussy about these, but they mess up my reading trying figure out what they are supposed to mean.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The characters in this book are almost real. Muhhamed (as per the book) is a real fun guy to follow with his knowledge, wild driving, cracking smart jokes.
The author takes you on a wild, impossible, journey through Lebanon, Syria, Israel and Scotland.
Get your seat belts on, because you are in for a book read like you have never been on.
Before you read the second book "The Lost Gospel" read this one you will have one wonderful ride through history
March 20, 2025
I truly loved this book. Inspirational, good history that I 'googled' and then learned even more, a delightful 'possible' story. I appreciated the ancient story line of John Mark's travels, life in the 1st century, and his efforts to finish his gospel interesting and inspiring. Morris' insight created a joyful, beautiful story.
The problem is that nearly every academic source that I could find placed Evangelist John Mark‘s death in Alexandria around 68 A.D. This story ends in 90 A.D. with Evangelist Mark John in Syria. I wonder why the author created such a different ending for what doesn’t seem plausible. Further, scholars believe that Mark is credited with founding the Church of Alexandria, and was brutally martyred in Alexandria. Alexandria is NOT part of Mark's travel story in this book. Historical fiction does not usually present a completely incorrect scenario. Very confusing. If I am missing something, please share!
The problem is that nearly every academic source that I could find placed Evangelist John Mark‘s death in Alexandria around 68 A.D. This story ends in 90 A.D. with Evangelist Mark John in Syria. I wonder why the author created such a different ending for what doesn’t seem plausible. Further, scholars believe that Mark is credited with founding the Church of Alexandria, and was brutally martyred in Alexandria. Alexandria is NOT part of Mark's travel story in this book. Historical fiction does not usually present a completely incorrect scenario. Very confusing. If I am missing something, please share!
May 5, 2023
This was a fascinating book in some respects, and really droned on in others. A two level story, modern scholars seeking a lost scroll in war torn Syria and Lebanon, and the scroll, its writer and the story it tell.
The latter is wonderful: an historical fictional story of how and why the Gospel of Mark was composed by John Mark, one of the original apostles of Jesus. It is known to be the oldest gospel. He wrote only what he himself heard and observed, and what reliable information he gleaned by interviewing the surviving apostles in 70 C.E. and people who personally knew Jesus. The crux of the matter is the nature of a resurrection and faith and miracles.
The other aspect of the book is the adventure tale of two scholars who are seeking the original scroll hidden in a cave in Syria. Very Indiana Jones! I honestly skipped most of this part.
If you are interested in biblical history it is a very interesting and engrossing book.
The latter is wonderful: an historical fictional story of how and why the Gospel of Mark was composed by John Mark, one of the original apostles of Jesus. It is known to be the oldest gospel. He wrote only what he himself heard and observed, and what reliable information he gleaned by interviewing the surviving apostles in 70 C.E. and people who personally knew Jesus. The crux of the matter is the nature of a resurrection and faith and miracles.
The other aspect of the book is the adventure tale of two scholars who are seeking the original scroll hidden in a cave in Syria. Very Indiana Jones! I honestly skipped most of this part.
If you are interested in biblical history it is a very interesting and engrossing book.
November 23, 2023
I read both the book and listen to the narration. The premise of the book was good the ending was a little abrupt it was a decent read the one thing that bothered me was the narration I think it was a new speaker and he has yet to develop his style fully. Most narrations involve the person using voices for the various players and characters in the novel or book this person tried to do that and it did get better as the book went on but it was choppy for the most part and it was more like he was just reading it then actually performing it like most readers do but that doesn't detract from the book itself I think a person that has a good appreciative of biblical archeology and historical context of biblical writings and religious writings would appreciate this book more because a lot is left on setting it but overall it was a decent read
November 23, 2023
This was not a thriller. This had little archaeology. This was a chore to endure.
I purchased this novel hoping it would have some flavor of the classic pulps or Indiana Jones films/novel/comic. I couldn't have been more wrong.
The novel consists of people sitting in various locations, of no matter because they do not, and discussing what they think of different passages of the Bible. Every other chapter focuses on Mark as he makes his way through the Holy Land to confirm from first hand sources what they saw of Christ on Earth.
When the book does have the characters go somewhere in the present it is tension free because they are all consumed with their opinions of what passages from the Bible truly mean.
I cannot recommend this to anyone. Paint drying has more progression and ends much more satisfyingly.
I purchased this novel hoping it would have some flavor of the classic pulps or Indiana Jones films/novel/comic. I couldn't have been more wrong.
The novel consists of people sitting in various locations, of no matter because they do not, and discussing what they think of different passages of the Bible. Every other chapter focuses on Mark as he makes his way through the Holy Land to confirm from first hand sources what they saw of Christ on Earth.
When the book does have the characters go somewhere in the present it is tension free because they are all consumed with their opinions of what passages from the Bible truly mean.
I cannot recommend this to anyone. Paint drying has more progression and ends much more satisfyingly.
December 18, 2024
Was so excited to read this book.... And it was exciting at first to think, oh they found some unknown pages of the book of Mark and wanted to find out more about them and try to find more. I think the only reason why I couldn't make it more than 33% was because I couldn't get past the assumptions of what was going on with Mark after the resurrection and ascension of Christ. I understand that there are some things that we can safely conclude with some things that archeologists have found and coincided with verified documents. But overall, just couldn't get past the flashbacks, as cool as it was. It definitely made me consider the questions: What really happen? Did Mark actually do something like that? But that is something that I wasn't expecting when I started the book.
Maybe one day I can get back to this book and make it further. But who knows.
Maybe one day I can get back to this book and make it further. But who knows.
March 15, 2025
This story was intriguing and I enjoyed the premise very much. It’s always interesting to see how an author will interconnect two sets of characters and timelines and this book kept my interest throughout both all the way through.
It was an intriguing subject and offered a glimpse into differing points of view while respecting each individual characters. I found myself rooting for the characters in each timeline and cheering for each step and holding my breath in anticipation during the challenges.
One aspect I appreciated was the more wholesome approach and lack of the unnecessary gore, violence, gratuitous sex and useless profanity many authors find it necessary to include. Kudos for writing a book that kept my interest!
Recommend this book and looking forward to the adventures in book two!
It was an intriguing subject and offered a glimpse into differing points of view while respecting each individual characters. I found myself rooting for the characters in each timeline and cheering for each step and holding my breath in anticipation during the challenges.
One aspect I appreciated was the more wholesome approach and lack of the unnecessary gore, violence, gratuitous sex and useless profanity many authors find it necessary to include. Kudos for writing a book that kept my interest!
Recommend this book and looking forward to the adventures in book two!
July 6, 2023
3 1/2 stars. The premise is that there was a last page to the Gospel of Mark, which ends with the crucifixion, not the resurrection. The main characters have possession of the first, hand-written, draft of the Gospel. It had been sealed in an earthen jar in a cave in Syria. Two of the characters go to Syria, which is in the middle of a civil war and very dangerous, to hopefully find the cave and see if there is possibly another jar with the what they hope is an additional page to the Gospel. The author is a psychologist and retired Methodist minister, so there are many biblical references, which I assume would make it a more pleasurable read for those who are religious or at least know the Bible better than I.
August 24, 2024
This book took me back to college and my require Religions of the World class. The book centers on the Gospel of Mark and in my class I learned about this being the earliest and least "glossy" Gospel. Mark just laid out the facts for the audience he was writing for. But there are various endings (last pages) of the Gospel of Mark depending on the Bible version you read. This book deals with a dangerous search in Syria by archeologists to locate the original authentic "last page" of the Gospel of Mark. I won't spoil the book for those with an interest in reading this story...it was quite enjoyable. I could have given it 4 or 5 stars but felt the topic might have limited appeal for most readers so decided on 3.
January 16, 2025
A Fascinating Read
I didn’t know what to expect when I decided to buy this book. Would it be about religion? How could it be a thriller? Among other questions I had. I found two stories: one told in 2011 present day, and the other years after the time of Jesus. Yes, there was the religious aspect, of course, about the Gospel of Mark and its unfinished ending. But, for me, I found the archaeological mystery my favorite part of the book. The writing is exceptional, particularly the historical storyline immerses the reader in that time and place.
Another review said it was not a Dan Brown adventure. I disagree. I could not help but picture the character Chris, portrayed by Tom Hanks, in my mind. I also like how Morris managed to squeeze in a bit of romance, too.
I didn’t know what to expect when I decided to buy this book. Would it be about religion? How could it be a thriller? Among other questions I had. I found two stories: one told in 2011 present day, and the other years after the time of Jesus. Yes, there was the religious aspect, of course, about the Gospel of Mark and its unfinished ending. But, for me, I found the archaeological mystery my favorite part of the book. The writing is exceptional, particularly the historical storyline immerses the reader in that time and place.
Another review said it was not a Dan Brown adventure. I disagree. I could not help but picture the character Chris, portrayed by Tom Hanks, in my mind. I also like how Morris managed to squeeze in a bit of romance, too.
January 3, 2023
The final page
Chris has been called from his archaeological dig in Mexico to come to Scotland for a mysterious reason when he gets there he meets Kate who is an expert in archaeological languages and along with the professor are trying to find an archaeological treasure. This is quite an adventure and they are John glimpses of the life of John Mark who was a young man at the time that Jesus was crucified. John Mark wants to write the gospel of Jesus so they can be sent throughout the world. What they are looking for is the last page of John Marks gospel. I recommend this book for those who like a good story about Jesus Christ and his resurrection at what it meant.
Chris has been called from his archaeological dig in Mexico to come to Scotland for a mysterious reason when he gets there he meets Kate who is an expert in archaeological languages and along with the professor are trying to find an archaeological treasure. This is quite an adventure and they are John glimpses of the life of John Mark who was a young man at the time that Jesus was crucified. John Mark wants to write the gospel of Jesus so they can be sent throughout the world. What they are looking for is the last page of John Marks gospel. I recommend this book for those who like a good story about Jesus Christ and his resurrection at what it meant.
November 28, 2021
The tale has time travel and moves between modern Syria (2011), and ancient times 70AD.
Chris and Kate, as religious archaeologists , Search for the missing page of Mark's gospel, in Arab Spring uprising, in Syria.
In 70AD, Mark and Miriam hand write copies of Marks research of Jesus resurrection. They travel in Sea of Galilee area, delivering scrolls for Christians. Realizing, the scrolls are treasonous, they flee and find safe storage for the scrolls.
A plausible story, excellent research and explores the question of Christ’s resurrection- physical or spiritual?
Chris and Kate, as religious archaeologists , Search for the missing page of Mark's gospel, in Arab Spring uprising, in Syria.
In 70AD, Mark and Miriam hand write copies of Marks research of Jesus resurrection. They travel in Sea of Galilee area, delivering scrolls for Christians. Realizing, the scrolls are treasonous, they flee and find safe storage for the scrolls.
A plausible story, excellent research and explores the question of Christ’s resurrection- physical or spiritual?
December 4, 2021
A neat fictional Biblical mystery and history
This is a nice page-turner of a book devoted to digging into real biblical scholarship issues that most people wouldn't even be aware of. Fun, and apparently authoritative (I'm not a biblical scholar, so I can't be sure about that part), the novel bounces back and forth from a present day archaeological search for the original manuscript of The Gospel of Mark to the time of Mark and his trials and travails in getting the work done. Interesting approach.
This is a nice page-turner of a book devoted to digging into real biblical scholarship issues that most people wouldn't even be aware of. Fun, and apparently authoritative (I'm not a biblical scholar, so I can't be sure about that part), the novel bounces back and forth from a present day archaeological search for the original manuscript of The Gospel of Mark to the time of Mark and his trials and travails in getting the work done. Interesting approach.
February 14, 2022
A very interesting book about John Mark, the author of the book of Mark. The book centers around the discovery of a scroll by a Scottish professor and he enlists the help of Kate Ferguson and Chris Jordan to return to Syrian to search for a second scroll. They have many adventures in this search and develop a lasting relationship. Parallel to this is the travels of John Mark and Miriam, the daughter of St. Peter. The author has either traveled to the areas he wrote about or did extensive research. The book is a “what if” type of book and would lead you to reread the Gospel of Mark.
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