It's a well-written novel that, despite the grim stakes, is more entertaining than frightening, more James Bond than Philip Marlowe. You get the feeling you're under the spell of a writer too dignified to dwell for long in the dark corners of his antagonists. But he thinks you should know that evil exists.”

While doing research for his supervisor Father Calvino Mendoza, Dominic discovers a document that will lead him to Rennes-le-Chateau (a very small hilltop village), Paris and the story of Abbe Berenger Sauniere. The latter was a priest in that town late in the 19th and early 20th centuries. He built and rebuilt the local church and a manor house. When he died, he left everything to his friend and housekeeper Marie. Her grandniece is still alive and has some of Sauniere’s papers. One question that has baffled historians for a century is “Where did Sauniere get the money for his building projects?” When a writer comes along with the ability to capture the attention of his audience in the first few sentences of a story that begins after Pope Innocent III’s massacre of thousands of Cathari men, women, and children at Béziers, in the first major battle of the Albigensian Crusade, readers need to stand up and take hold of his novels with both hands! I wish Gary McAvoy had penned the Magdalene Trilogy years ago when I was still in school learning the history of Pope Innocent III’s tortured attempt to eradicate heresy (i.e., Catharism) in Southern France in the 12th Century! Gary McAvoy is a veteran technology executive, entrepreneur, and author of And Every Word Is True, a sequel to Truman Capote’s landmark book In Cold Blood. THE MAGDALENE DECEPTION is his fiction debut, and is the first in a series called The Magdalene Chronicles. A great thriller that weaves numerous storylines together effectively. Recommended to those who love a good thriller with historical implications, as well as the reader who enjoys Vatican and Catholic politics… McAvoy creates a wonderful story that never stops building throughout… [He] captures the secrecy and deep-rooted history of the Vatican and its politics throughout this piece, with a strong story and plot that moves in many directions. McAvoy pulls the reader in and keeps them guessing, while also refusing to place a damper on the action. Juggling modern and ancient Church issues, McAvoy does not lose his reader at any point, as his writing is so clear that the attentive reader will likely want more.

Also, after the relic is a corrupt Russian billionaire desperate to possess the treasure and assisted by a member of a far-right Croatian group now on the ascendance in Europe. With the aid of a disparate group of thugs, the plan is to dynamite the French cave where Father Michael and a couple of Swiss Guards are searching. The young Croatian man is intent on revenge because Father Michael killed his father. Will they survive the chaotic explosion in the cave? I was delighted to receive an advanced copy of this book from the author, Gary McAvoy. Having read and enjoyed the first one in the series, 'The Magdalene Deception', I was enthusiastic to read the further adventures of Father Michael Dominic, his colleague Hana Sinclair an investigative journalist, and his friends in the Swiss Guards. I have learned that the colourful Swiss Guards are well trained in all aspects of warfare, and not merely a tourist attraction in their dazzling uniforms. First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Gary McAvoy for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I know when I start a series it’s a crap shoot whether it’s going to be a good one and read them all or just the first. With The Magdalene Chronicles Collection by Gary McAvoy after reading the first couple chapters of book one, The Magdalene Deception I was hooked and all in! I received all three books as ARC’s by the author and must say the waiting between each book seemed endless. I was, however greatly rewarded with another fabulous story in the end! Please note that this group isn't about us showing you or your books to other ALLi members in the group--they are unlikely to be your ideal readers--but to empower you to showcase your books to the right readers on Goodreads and use the platform well. From Jerusalem to Rennes-le-Château, France, and from Rome to Buenos Aires, Father Michael Dominic and his friends take on a new adventure as they discover clues in old Nazi diaries that lead them to the most sacred artifact imaginable: the legendary Veil of Veronica, the cloth on which Christ cleansed his face on the road to Crucifixion, and which imparted his holy visage, showing what many believe to be the face of the Son of God.

The novel is enhanced by engaging secondary characters, picturesque descriptions of the Vatican..... Based on illuminating historical facts—including the intriguing true story of Bérenger Saunière, the mysterious abbé in the French village of Rennes-le-Château; and the Cathars, fabled keepers of the Holy Grail—THE MAGDALENE DECEPTION takes readers on a gripping journey through one of the world’s most secretive institutions and the sensitive, often explosive manuscripts found in its vaults. In Gary McAvoy’s steady, Vatican-set thriller, The Magdalene Deception, an attractive duo uncovers a volatile secret. A forbidden secret . . . The Church's fate in the balance . . . Will a pair of amateur sleuths expose a truth that could upend the Christian world? Overall, I would say that The Magdalene Deception is an incredible novel and I would say if you have been bored of late of thriller books that well, don’t thrill you! Then take a chance with this one because it is an all-consuming assault of brilliance that will keep you entertained from beginning to end! The Magdalene Deception gets five stars from me book lovers! So be sure to have a read of the preview below book lovers, you won’t regret it!

Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Gary McAvoy), and the publisher (Literati Editions) for a copy of the book.McAvoy has done a good job of weaving a fictional story into historical events. The descriptions of locations are detailed, allowing readers to get a very good sense of the setting. The characters are well developed, providing an essential aspect to an engaging novel. Unfortunately, the egalley I read did not have an author's note indicating which parts of the novel were, in fact, based on history and which were the author's imagination. A forbidden secret . . . The Church’s fate in the balance . . . Will a pair of amateur sleuths expose a truth that could upend the Christian world?

Father Michael Dominic is a recently ordained Catholic priest assigned to work in the Vatican Library's Secret Archives, which aren't so much secret as reserved for elite scholars. Jesus’ resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian faith. But when a clue surfaces that hints at an alternate account, the ramifications stand to change Christianity forever. This is a Vatican thriller with a believable storyline. The plot builds very slowly with intense action scenes near its conclusion. It is rich or dense (depending on the readers' reaction) with historic facts and speculations, making the story highly credible. Frequently pausing in my reading, I often consulted Wikipedia and Google which caused me to highly admire the author's scholarly knowledge and historical research. It was well-written but could have used some more lighter moments.Having long been a fan of novels with Catholic and/or historical twists, I thoroughly enjoyed Gary McAvoy’s debut book in this series when I read it a few months ago. Now, with the sequel ready for publication, I eagerly accepted a copy to see how the adventure would continue. A new relic is hidden, news of scandalous proportions awaits, and a man is out to avenge the death of his father. All this and more in a single book. Perfect for readers who loved the first book or are searching for something thrilling!