Kuzneski elbows his way into the overcrowded field of the papal thriller with his sophomore effort (after 2002's racially charged The Plantation), combining the requisite plot twists and Da Vinci-esque secret histories with a Passion of the Christ-like attention to gore. And there's plenty of opportunity for gore: Kuzneski kicks off the action with a nasty crucifixion in modern-day Denmark. It turns out the victim is a Vatican priest, and his murder is just the first. Meanwhile, maverick archeologist Dr. Charles Boyd and his assistant Maria Pelati discover a 2000-year-old scroll underneath the Italian town of Orvieto that contains "a secret that would change... the history of the world forever." Instantly, the two become the most wanted people in Europe, pursued by the Vatican, a large measure of Western European law enforcement and two freelance CIA agents. As the chase begins, more crucified priests are turning up across the globe, and the head of Interpol's new homicide division, Nick Dial, finds himself edging closer to the heart of a centuries-old coverup. Cat and mouse games accelerate and alliances shuffle as the overstuffed plot brings its numerous players together, but excessive detail and exposition-heavy dialogue slow the action. Despite its flaws, Kuzneski knows what fans of the genre want: compelling and well-researched history, high-tech 21st-century sleuthing and a lot of action. (Oct.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

"A remarkable new writer." — Nelson DeMille
"A fast-moving adventure of sins and secrets loaded with atmosphere, intrigue, and suspense." — Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Templar Legacy
"Like The Da Vinci Code on steroids." — USA Today Bestselling Author Thom Racina

"Erik Jansen was about to die. He just didn't know how. Or why." Dick Hill snares listeners with these compelling opening sentences and doesn't let go. Chris Kuzneski (THE PLANTATION, 2002), offers his contribution to the popular mystery genre involving cover-ups and dark secrets about Jesus, Christianity, and the Catholic Church. First, a series of horrific crucifixions occurs in Denmark, Asia, and Africa. Then, in Orvieto, Italy, an archaeologist and his assistant discover a bronze cylinder containing "a secret that would change the history of the world forever." Immediately, an assortment of mercenaries, Vatican officials, and CIA and Interpol agents are hot on their trail. Hill's performance takes listeners on an international thrill ride, skillfully navigating three convoluted plots until they collide in a breathtaking conclusion. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine