The Anonymous Scribe by John I Rigoli

The Anonymous Scribe
The Vatican Chronicles Book 2
John I. Rigoli & Diane Cummings

4 Stars
  

Pages: 376
Genre: Historical Mystery, Thriller
Published: 15 March 2022

Publisher's Blurb

When the lie is two thousand years old, who, exactly, will the truth set free?

While analyzing parchment fragments from the Dead Sea Scrolls, grad student Susan Bauer pieces together text that indicates the existence of a stolen Secret Temple Scroll that was penned decades before the gospels. If discovered, this document could free the Jewish people from the centuries’-long blemish that they are responsible for Yeshua’s death.

It could also turn Christianity on its head.

From the basement of the Israeli Museum to a basilica in a picturesque French village to the ruins of Herculaneum, ex-Mossad Yigael Dorian and blacklisted archaeologists Valentina Vella and Erika Simone journey on a transcontinental chase, dodging thieves, kidnappers, cardinals, and enlisting mobsters to uncover the truth behind this rumored scroll.

It is the writer of this document, however, who has the final word in a mesmerizing depiction of life in the Galilee alongside Yeshua.

From the writers of The Mystery of Julia Episcopa, comes Book II in the Vatican Chronicles series: The Anonymous Scribe.

Review

An enjoyable story which is split into two separate timelines. The tale of the anonymous scribe journeying with the first century disciples is well written and is the better of the two halves of the book. The present day section telling of the discovery of one of the scribe's scrolls is a political and archaeological thriller pitting academia against the Vatican - this section is faster paced but doesn't have the same free flowing style of the ancient story.

Overall this was an entertaining read that would appeal to fans of Dan Brown or anyone who enjoys a good story that is well told.

Although this is part two of a trilogy it is perfectly self contained and reads well as a stand alone novel

The Authors

John I. Rigoli

John Ignatius Rigoli’s experiences as both a cradle Catholic and former US Naval officer informed his world view in a rather unexpected manner, opening his eyes to the proposition that those who seek power are the last people who should hold it. John is an unabashed social justice advocate, outspoken liberal, and a patriot – and he sees no dichotomy in this. As a talented and inquisitive amateur historian, John became interested in the stories of the earliest women in the Church, and how they have been erased. Though a work of historical fiction, The Vatican Chronicles takes its inspiration from the real women throughout history who toiled unacknowledged alongside their brothers.

Diane Cummings

Diane Cummings is a California girl, a UCLA alum, and is currently sweating in Atlanta, Georgia,

with the world’s smallest Persian cat. Diane has worked as a radio reporter and a TV news director. Deciding that truth was too much stranger than fiction, she turned in her microphone and press pass and set about applying her passion for writing and editing to the world of literature. Diane has edited or ghostwritten more than 50 titles – and now she wants her name on the cover. The Vatican Chronicles Trilogy has encompassed six years of research and writing, and she hopes you enjoy Book 1 – The Mystery of Julia Episcopa as much as she has enjoyed writing it.

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