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The Lost Gospel: An Archaeological Thriller
In Israel, famed archaeologist Christopher Jordan and ancient manuscript expert Kathryn Ferguson team up again to save two recently discovered jars and the early Christian documents they are believed to contain. Complicating their effort are an American Fundamentalist student who discovered the jars and fanatically believes they should be in Christian hands; and a Hezbollah kidnapping attempt of Chris and Kate in reprisal for their earlier heisting of Mark's original gospel from Syria. Israeli and Palestinian antiquity authorities are also in the mix for claiming ownership of the jars in an escalation of this percolating international recipe for war.
Paralleling Chris and Kate's assignment is the story of the original lost sayings of Jesus, the Q Gospel, a creative imagining of how they came to be composed and the author's efforts to save his lifetime work.
Filled with fascinating historical detail, both stories weave between modern and ancient biblical times as formidable obstacles face the protagonists in their race toward thrilling conclusions.
Paralleling Chris and Kate's assignment is the story of the original lost sayings of Jesus, the Q Gospel, a creative imagining of how they came to be composed and the author's efforts to save his lifetime work.
Filled with fascinating historical detail, both stories weave between modern and ancient biblical times as formidable obstacles face the protagonists in their race toward thrilling conclusions.
- GenresThrillerArchaeology
279 pages, Paperback
Published December 29, 2021
417 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 21, 2022
This book, as you might gather from the title, involves something called the "Q gospel," the original lost sayings of Jesus. It is set in modern-day Israel and in the Israel of the years following Jesus' death. It follows the adventures of archaeologist Christopher Jordan and ancient manuscript expert Kathryn Ferguson as they attempt to transport two recently discovered jars that are believed to contain early Christian documents and get them into the custody of experts who know how to handle them.
The jars had been discovered by an American fundamentalist student who was working on a dig in the area and that student, when we meet them, is acting as a driver for Kathryn and Christopher. The ownership of the jars, if their existence were known, would be in dispute between the Israeli and Palestinian antiquity authorities, one more possible escalation of the ongoing percolating resentment in the region. The student/driver is hardly a dispassionate observer of events; rather his fundamentalist religious leanings give him a definite prejudice in the matter.
The second timeline of the story takes us back to 67 A.D. and the life of Jairus who was an early chronicler of the sayings of Jesus in and around Galilee. We also meet Jairus' friend Ezra who guides and advises him. We see how the decision was made to seal these documents recounting Jesus' sayings in jars and to hide them in what, in the 21st century, are disputed territories ruled by Israel.
I liked the way that Morris was able to build his story by alternating between the two timelines. In doing so, he is able to explicate the realpolitik of this fraught region of the world in both ancient and modern times. Moreover, it is easy to see a bright line leading from the turmoil of the Roman era to the powder keg situation that seems to be the region's constant political state of affairs today.
This book combines two of my favorite interests: archaeology and thrillers/mysteries. Overall, it was a very satisfying read.
The jars had been discovered by an American fundamentalist student who was working on a dig in the area and that student, when we meet them, is acting as a driver for Kathryn and Christopher. The ownership of the jars, if their existence were known, would be in dispute between the Israeli and Palestinian antiquity authorities, one more possible escalation of the ongoing percolating resentment in the region. The student/driver is hardly a dispassionate observer of events; rather his fundamentalist religious leanings give him a definite prejudice in the matter.
The second timeline of the story takes us back to 67 A.D. and the life of Jairus who was an early chronicler of the sayings of Jesus in and around Galilee. We also meet Jairus' friend Ezra who guides and advises him. We see how the decision was made to seal these documents recounting Jesus' sayings in jars and to hide them in what, in the 21st century, are disputed territories ruled by Israel.
I liked the way that Morris was able to build his story by alternating between the two timelines. In doing so, he is able to explicate the realpolitik of this fraught region of the world in both ancient and modern times. Moreover, it is easy to see a bright line leading from the turmoil of the Roman era to the powder keg situation that seems to be the region's constant political state of affairs today.
This book combines two of my favorite interests: archaeology and thrillers/mysteries. Overall, it was a very satisfying read.
January 2, 2022
A Brilliant, Sweeping Story
Boy, what a terrific book. Smart, inspiring, and addictively fun, the Lost Gospel is simultaneously an exquisitely historical novel of early Christian Palestine and a taut political thriller about the antiquities trade in Israel. The Lost Gospel is Joe Edd Morris’s follow-up to his wonderful Lost Page: both novels feature archaeologist Christopher Jordan and manuscript expert/top British agent Kate Ferguson tracking down ancient scrolls. The reader certainly doesn’t need to read the Lost Page to gain maximum pleasure from the Lost Gospel, although I’m confident if you read the Lost Gospel first, you’ll be hooked and move right onto the previous novel.
The chapters alternate between 1st Century accounts of Jairus, an early chronicler of the sayings of Jesus in and about Galilee (including Capernaum, Tiberius, and Jericho), and the tracking by Chris and Kate of recently discovered ancient jars in disputed territories of Israel. Volleying between these early Christian and contemporary perspectives, Morris writes both with penetrating insight about the spiritual journey and with cosmopolitan savvy about realpolitik in the Holy Land. The contrasting storylines bounce off each other nicely as the turmoil of Roman/Jewish battles of the early Christian era echo the powder keg that is today’s Middle East.
The moral gravity of each central characters courses through the novel, whether it be the fierce commitment of Kate (who emerges as the novel’s heroine) or the quiet determination of Jairus or the humble guidance of his friend Ezra or the pragmatic bravery of Chris. All of them (for very different reasons) find the ancient words of Jesus to be a source of strength: “Words that knitted together the broken places in their lives, that carried them from one day to the next.” An incredibly tense, yet life-affirming confrontation Chris and Kate have with guards from the Palestinian Antiquities Authority speaks to the power of those words.
The last scenes of the novel, both ancient and contemporary, are profoundly stirring. Back in 67 AD, Jairus must make a final decision that is simultaneously poignant and inspiring in its act of faith. The 21st Century scenes that follow on a lab table are riveting and breathtaking in their own right. Indeed, the Lost Gospel compels throughout and delivers powerfully at the end. Yes, the Lost Gospel is a worthy successor to the Lost Page, but it stands indelibly on its own.
Boy, what a terrific book. Smart, inspiring, and addictively fun, the Lost Gospel is simultaneously an exquisitely historical novel of early Christian Palestine and a taut political thriller about the antiquities trade in Israel. The Lost Gospel is Joe Edd Morris’s follow-up to his wonderful Lost Page: both novels feature archaeologist Christopher Jordan and manuscript expert/top British agent Kate Ferguson tracking down ancient scrolls. The reader certainly doesn’t need to read the Lost Page to gain maximum pleasure from the Lost Gospel, although I’m confident if you read the Lost Gospel first, you’ll be hooked and move right onto the previous novel.
The chapters alternate between 1st Century accounts of Jairus, an early chronicler of the sayings of Jesus in and about Galilee (including Capernaum, Tiberius, and Jericho), and the tracking by Chris and Kate of recently discovered ancient jars in disputed territories of Israel. Volleying between these early Christian and contemporary perspectives, Morris writes both with penetrating insight about the spiritual journey and with cosmopolitan savvy about realpolitik in the Holy Land. The contrasting storylines bounce off each other nicely as the turmoil of Roman/Jewish battles of the early Christian era echo the powder keg that is today’s Middle East.
The moral gravity of each central characters courses through the novel, whether it be the fierce commitment of Kate (who emerges as the novel’s heroine) or the quiet determination of Jairus or the humble guidance of his friend Ezra or the pragmatic bravery of Chris. All of them (for very different reasons) find the ancient words of Jesus to be a source of strength: “Words that knitted together the broken places in their lives, that carried them from one day to the next.” An incredibly tense, yet life-affirming confrontation Chris and Kate have with guards from the Palestinian Antiquities Authority speaks to the power of those words.
The last scenes of the novel, both ancient and contemporary, are profoundly stirring. Back in 67 AD, Jairus must make a final decision that is simultaneously poignant and inspiring in its act of faith. The 21st Century scenes that follow on a lab table are riveting and breathtaking in their own right. Indeed, the Lost Gospel compels throughout and delivers powerfully at the end. Yes, the Lost Gospel is a worthy successor to the Lost Page, but it stands indelibly on its own.
December 30, 2024
Then and Now
Doctors Ferguson and Jordan are asked to consult on an archeological finding. The situation is fraught with risk since the site of the find is in disputed territory claimed by both Israel and Palestinians. The professors are determined to follow the law and hand the artifacts over to the authorities, they just aren’t sure which authorities. The young student who had asked for their assistance has other ideas. He is a fundamentalist Christian who feels entitled to retain custody of the artifacts, two clay jars, that he thinks probably contain early Christian manuscripts that should be kept in the hands of Christians regardless of what the law says.
Chapters describing the first century origin of the jars and their contents alternate with chapters describing modern day intrigue, adventure, and danger.
The modern day chapters are fast moving and engrossing. The first century chapters are educational but are spoiled by a puzzling anachronism. As they are traveling from city to city trying to avoid raging battles between Roman soldiers and Jewish rebels, they enter one city and “show their papers”, something that seems rather modern. I’m not an expert, but a quick Google search revealed that people in Israel in the first century were not issued government identification. Apparently the only “papers” someone might carry would be a letter of introduction addressed to a specific person.
Doctors Ferguson and Jordan are asked to consult on an archeological finding. The situation is fraught with risk since the site of the find is in disputed territory claimed by both Israel and Palestinians. The professors are determined to follow the law and hand the artifacts over to the authorities, they just aren’t sure which authorities. The young student who had asked for their assistance has other ideas. He is a fundamentalist Christian who feels entitled to retain custody of the artifacts, two clay jars, that he thinks probably contain early Christian manuscripts that should be kept in the hands of Christians regardless of what the law says.
Chapters describing the first century origin of the jars and their contents alternate with chapters describing modern day intrigue, adventure, and danger.
The modern day chapters are fast moving and engrossing. The first century chapters are educational but are spoiled by a puzzling anachronism. As they are traveling from city to city trying to avoid raging battles between Roman soldiers and Jewish rebels, they enter one city and “show their papers”, something that seems rather modern. I’m not an expert, but a quick Google search revealed that people in Israel in the first century were not issued government identification. Apparently the only “papers” someone might carry would be a letter of introduction addressed to a specific person.
April 19, 2025
Carefully hidden artifacts cause problems.
Two parallel stories: one from early times of the church as Jarius, the father of the girl Jesus resurrected, tries to collect and preserve the words of Jesus with the help of a scribe, Ezra and safely preserve the sacred text: the second of a modern archaeology student who finds the hidden texts and contacts Jordan and Ferguson to help him retrieve them. Add to this the intrigue among Palestine, Jews, and thieves, each trying to get ancient texts for themselves. The book then becomes instructional, both about the history of Israel and the modern day animosity there. There is also the forging of a stronger relationship between Jordan and Ferguson, but the reader will be disappointed if looking for romance—this is a historical action book.
Two parallel stories: one from early times of the church as Jarius, the father of the girl Jesus resurrected, tries to collect and preserve the words of Jesus with the help of a scribe, Ezra and safely preserve the sacred text: the second of a modern archaeology student who finds the hidden texts and contacts Jordan and Ferguson to help him retrieve them. Add to this the intrigue among Palestine, Jews, and thieves, each trying to get ancient texts for themselves. The book then becomes instructional, both about the history of Israel and the modern day animosity there. There is also the forging of a stronger relationship between Jordan and Ferguson, but the reader will be disappointed if looking for romance—this is a historical action book.
November 1, 2024
A prophetic novel of the current (end?) times?
I've just finished reading this as parts of the world mentioned in this novel are on fire. Lebanon, Gaza, The West Bank, amongst them.
I know that this is a work of fiction, but it does make the point that the first Christians identified as Jews first, and then, as followers of the sayings of Jesus. As time has moved on and the seat of world power has moved further westward from the eastern origins of the Abrahamic Religions, the more the common message of treating others the way that you would like to be treated has become corrupted by men, as a means of keeping control by division.
The novel mentions the Oslo Accords, UNESCO, the IDF, and the mistreatment of the Palestinians.
I've just finished reading this as parts of the world mentioned in this novel are on fire. Lebanon, Gaza, The West Bank, amongst them.
I know that this is a work of fiction, but it does make the point that the first Christians identified as Jews first, and then, as followers of the sayings of Jesus. As time has moved on and the seat of world power has moved further westward from the eastern origins of the Abrahamic Religions, the more the common message of treating others the way that you would like to be treated has become corrupted by men, as a means of keeping control by division.
The novel mentions the Oslo Accords, UNESCO, the IDF, and the mistreatment of the Palestinians.
September 3, 2024
I reviewed this work earlier, but punched the wrong key. I enjoyed this one as much as and perhaps a bit more than the Lost Page, but they were both fascinating. I enjoyed learning more about that whole time frame and enjoyed the interspersing of the ancient information and events with the modern results of those events. I have to say that I really appreciate the focus on the development of the relationship of the two main characters focusing on times together, discussions, commentary, etc., and not delving into sex as the only way to develop a relationship. I especially like the character, Kate because she’s strong and Self-assured and underneath Romantic as well.
March 3, 2024
Leave current political views out
Read the first book. It was good. Had to stop midway through this book. So tired of political bias of current events. Israel is the bad guy. Please. I read to get away from all that.
Read the first book. It was good. Had to stop midway through this book. So tired of political bias of current events. Israel is the bad guy. Please. I read to get away from all that.
February 24, 2025
Couldn't put this one down
The author has done a great job merging the ancient with the current. Keeps you hanging wanting to know what happens next. Plot and characters are both well developed.
The author has done a great job merging the ancient with the current. Keeps you hanging wanting to know what happens next. Plot and characters are both well developed.
June 28, 2025
Incredible!
I really enjoyed this book! Even with the knowledge that it is a work of fiction, it was a wonderful new perspective of the lives of the people who wrote the words of Jesus!
I really enjoyed this book! Even with the knowledge that it is a work of fiction, it was a wonderful new perspective of the lives of the people who wrote the words of Jesus!
Read
November 22, 2023Fascinating story
I cannot say this was a favorite read but it is an interesting, intriguing read. Well worth the time tsken.
I cannot say this was a favorite read but it is an interesting, intriguing read. Well worth the time tsken.
March 15, 2024
Very interestingly.
Learned at great deal about archeology and the history of biblical times. The times today are not better than they were then.
Learned at great deal about archeology and the history of biblical times. The times today are not better than they were then.
June 10, 2024
Really intriguing book with back and forth from times the gospels were written to the modern area. Characters well developed and interesting plots within both timelines
October 17, 2024
Historical thriller
I liked the way the author puts us into the minds of people of the time. Doubts and questions as they looked for answers that we still are searching for today.
I liked the way the author puts us into the minds of people of the time. Doubts and questions as they looked for answers that we still are searching for today.
August 9, 2024
Disappointed with author’s political biases
This would have been a fairly decent story if the author hadn’t allowed their pro Palestinian belief get in the way.
This would have been a fairly decent story if the author hadn’t allowed their pro Palestinian belief get in the way.
September 8, 2023
Sometimes a bit slow
This novel had two very specific timelines and while the modern one is supposed to be the main story, I just never cared enough. It was the story of those from long ago that held my interest and had me reading into the night.
I was sorry not to know what happened to them. And because of that the novels end is entirely unsatisfying.
This novel had two very specific timelines and while the modern one is supposed to be the main story, I just never cared enough. It was the story of those from long ago that held my interest and had me reading into the night.
I was sorry not to know what happened to them. And because of that the novels end is entirely unsatisfying.
October 29, 2022
Good read, however, if you haven't started reading this yet I would really suggest you start your journey by reading "THE LOST Page". This first book gets you into the begining of this two-book series and introduces the characters involved.
There is a frigid meeting between Chris and the linguist specialist and after that it walks you through the end of "Lost Gospel"
There is excitement, adventure, attempted romance, and hidden caves with jars of ancient clay containing what?
The characters are at times hard hearted and hardheaded, but after the chill factor, it all ends well.
I will suggest all readers grab this book "THE LAST GOSPEL". Remember though it is fiction.
There is a frigid meeting between Chris and the linguist specialist and after that it walks you through the end of "Lost Gospel"
There is excitement, adventure, attempted romance, and hidden caves with jars of ancient clay containing what?
The characters are at times hard hearted and hardheaded, but after the chill factor, it all ends well.
I will suggest all readers grab this book "THE LAST GOSPEL". Remember though it is fiction.
July 27, 2022
Breathless!
I've been awake now for too many hours. Just finished The Lost Gospel. It is obvious where your true heart resides. As a follower of His true words for us to live a righteous life, your gift of blessing your readers with historical information while keeping on the true path is uncompromising to say the least. Please do not stop writing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I've been awake now for too many hours. Just finished The Lost Gospel. It is obvious where your true heart resides. As a follower of His true words for us to live a righteous life, your gift of blessing your readers with historical information while keeping on the true path is uncompromising to say the least. Please do not stop writing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
October 14, 2025
If you're Christian, and you wonder what it must have been like living in the times of the New Testament, these are your books. The author has spun a wonderfully plausible story involving known and unknown people from the period, and flashes back and forth from present time to the last generation to have seen Jesus as a man. The present time characters are interesting (although not particularly devoted followers of Jesus) and compliment the plot well.
October 13, 2022
Interesting drama
Very unique and imaginative story lines. Flashing back & racing forward to the 21st century adds to the intrigue & drama of the discovery & saving the treasures accidentally found (or was it?) by astrological student was relieving himself in the desert of the West Bank.
Very unique and imaginative story lines. Flashing back & racing forward to the 21st century adds to the intrigue & drama of the discovery & saving the treasures accidentally found (or was it?) by astrological student was relieving himself in the desert of the West Bank.
July 30, 2023
Thoroughly worth reading
More adventures of Kate and Chris looking for two ancient clay jars with the sayings of Jesus written on papyrus scroll in the first century after the resurrection of Jesus and hidden away in a cave. They are in a race to take the jars to the correct antiquity authorities and trying to keep the jars from being stolen.
More adventures of Kate and Chris looking for two ancient clay jars with the sayings of Jesus written on papyrus scroll in the first century after the resurrection of Jesus and hidden away in a cave. They are in a race to take the jars to the correct antiquity authorities and trying to keep the jars from being stolen.
February 6, 2022
Set in alternating timelines this archeological thriller works between 66AD and present day. A story that will pull you along, even more if you have intrest in biblical history, though this is fiction it is wonderfully believable. I would round it up a little to 4.25 so it is well worth the read.
August 6, 2022
Great Adventure
I love a good archaeological thriller and this one was awesome. The storyline kept me glued to the pages, with great action and adventure. I really like the characters. They were strong and believable. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
I love a good archaeological thriller and this one was awesome. The storyline kept me glued to the pages, with great action and adventure. I really like the characters. They were strong and believable. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
January 1, 2023
The Lost Gospel
After reading The Lost Page, I couldn't wait to read The Lost Gospel. I wasn't disappointed a bit, to say the least! Just like his first book, the historical research was great! Now I'm anxiously waiting for the next book!!
After reading The Lost Page, I couldn't wait to read The Lost Gospel. I wasn't disappointed a bit, to say the least! Just like his first book, the historical research was great! Now I'm anxiously waiting for the next book!!
March 6, 2023
Saving History from destruction
While trying to find a new treasure our heroes are constantly in danger. And back in time our heroes trying to spread the good word. I can’t get enough of these stories. To be in the presence of a magnificent find would be inspiring.
While trying to find a new treasure our heroes are constantly in danger. And back in time our heroes trying to spread the good word. I can’t get enough of these stories. To be in the presence of a magnificent find would be inspiring.
October 13, 2022
The Lost Gospel
I really liked this book. Certainly a different read from what I usually read. But I found it thrilling. Since I am a Christian, it meant a lot to me.
I really liked this book. Certainly a different read from what I usually read. But I found it thrilling. Since I am a Christian, it meant a lot to me.
February 2, 2023
good book - enjoying
Like this book as I did the first. It moves a bit to fast at the end but it did not ruin the end
Like this book as I did the first. It moves a bit to fast at the end but it did not ruin the end
May 2, 2023
Just okay
There wasn't much to it. Until the very end, the woman "good guy" isn't even very likeable and the guy seems a bit whimpish. It was hard to read.
There wasn't much to it. Until the very end, the woman "good guy" isn't even very likeable and the guy seems a bit whimpish. It was hard to read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews