Tuesday, March 3, 2015

THE FIFTH GOSPEL by Ian Caldwell



THE FIFTH GOSPEL  by Ian Caldwell
What a great book! The writer gives you a feast for the intellect while presenting a spell binding murder mystery. It might help if you have a bit of Biblical or Christian knowledge, but if you don’t, it will be liberally supplied without preaching. The schism between the Eastern (Orthodox) Church and the Roman Church is a major part of the plot.  The schism plays out in the family that is the center of THE FIFTH GOSPEL. One brother is a Roman Priest, the other an Eastern Christian priest.  The victim is a lay person who is investigating the provenance of the Shroud of Turin with the help of both brothers.
The writing is clear and fluid. The characters are well rounded and interesting personalities.  The plot is slowly revealed through the machinations and hierarchy of the Country that is Vatican City.  You will be drawn into the plot, the family, the Vatican and the Church as the tale unfolds. 
Book groups will discover many avenues to discuss – family, faith, church, power, crime, punishment, divorce, suicide, among them.
5 of 5 stars

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