On a archaeological dig Shannon is disappointed at what she has unearthed, hoping to have found something of more value she decides to visit an old church built on ancient grounds. There in the dusty caverns of the library she comes across a codex (or letters) tucked into a book. Not knowing exactly what she has stumbled upon she asks to take the manuscript home with her for her husband Jon, a Professor and renowned author, to look at. Upon looking at it they find what appears to be an important manuscript that may rival the dead sea scrolls.

However, before they can discover more controversy over Jon's book erupts and threatens to tear apart their world as the Muslims declare a Fatwa on Jon. Thus the non stop action, suspense, twists and turns begin.

Though the plot is very well developed and the story line is good I found this book difficult for more to get involved in. In fact I had to begin it again several times after putting it back on my "to be read" shelf behind the other books there. It is no fault of the author - I believe those who enjoy books that are based on such themes would greatly enjoy this. The author has done an extraordinary job at developing every part of this book. The characters and plot are well developed and the descriptive nature is wonderful. One can actually imagine one's self in the places and feel the tension and excitement at each twist and turn.

If you read the Da Vinci Code you will love this book because it is similar only more action packed.

If you have read and enjoyed other books by this author I have no doubt you will enjoy this one also. I just expected something different and found it to be a little dry at parts.

Thank you to Glass Roads Public Relations for this review copy. ( )

Pretty good. It does a good job of showing how the researchers work. It felt a little condescending for Jon to explain some things to Shannon she should know as well as he did, but I know it was to have a way to explain it to the reader.

In the debate the best defense of the Trinity he could come up with is he believes because it was unbelievable.

The missing chapters match the orthodox teachings. Even using the cross as a symbol long before it was in actual use.

The ending felt like it went too smoothing. Things worked out a little to well for me to find it believable. ( )

This story postulates the fictional discovery of a long-lost codex commissioned by Emperor Constantine (this commission is historically accurate). This New Testament codex is identical to the Bible in every way, with the exception that it contains additional verses to the gospel of Mark and also a second book of Acts. In the former, the verses bring about a completion to the abrupt and 'hanging' state of the gospel -- mentioning the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. The latter, expounds on the life and fate of the apostle Paul after his arrest.

The point to note is that the 'discoveries' are in no way deemed to be apocryphal in that they do not contradict or challenge the Bible, as we know it. As a matter of fact, in the story, an ecumenical council (comprising Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestants) is convened to decide if the writings should be included into the Scriptural Canons.

A decent story, but lacking the Dan Brown zing!

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Maier's first novel, "A Skeleton in God's Closet" was excellent. But, this one was... SLOOOOOWWWW! I couldn't get into it. Not to mention the characters seemed shallow and the plot contrived. Cool cover though. ( )

In the third book of his Skeleton series, historian Paul L. Maier has written a taut, compelling thriller. A scrap of parchment leads archeologist Jonathon Weber and his wife Shannon on a wild chase after an ancient manuscript that could change the way the world views the Scriptures. Soon however, the precious pages are stolen and the hunt is on for the lost book of the Bible. Paul Erdman coined the phrase "theological thriller" for Prof. Maiers genre and it fits well. Carefully penned, carefully researched, the resulting story is indeed a classic thriller that takes on the well debated subject of the Ressurection. This fast-paced story is an exciting exploration of the origins of Christianity that could have been ripped from today's headlines. The Webers are well developed characters and a likable couple, the dialogue is crisp and the story never lags. From the halls of Harvard to Istanbul and Rome, The Constantine Codex keeps you on the edge of your seat. Has Jon Weber really found the missing Second Acts? Is St. Paul really buried in the crypt under the Basilica? Forgery or not, will the codex be forever lost? Pick up Paul L. Maier's newest thriller, The Constantine Codex to find out! ( )