Amazon.com: Assassini (9780099484257): Thomas Gifford: Books

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Customer Reviews

30 Reviews

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

Average Customer Review

3.5 out of 5 stars (30 customer reviews)

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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing and believable Vatican mystery, February 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Assassini (Paperback)

That Thomas Gifford was met by stiff opposition during his nine years of impeccable research for this work of art speaks volumes about the internal workings of the Catholic Church. It lends credibility to this intriguing array of subplots and characters, while verifying what the rest of the world already knows: that the Church is only marginally unlike any other major multinational corporation. This is a brilliant mystery containing many interesting characters illuminated by a rich tapestry of historical events. Like any roller-coaster ride, the initial pace is slow...but this is a small price to pay for the thrill of this gem.

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a book to read, not skim, December 11, 2004

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Julia M. Walker (NY Finger Lakes) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Assassini (Paperback)

This thriller is also packed with impeccable research on a vast swath of church history. If you aren't looking for a 24-hour head-spin (The DaVinci Code) and aren't obsessed with leprechauns, you'll be rewarded by Gifford's (Gifford, by the way, is dead) careful plotting, excellent character deveopment, and witty use of history and mystery. The settings alone make the book a good read. As a whole, it's a great read, if reading is what you want.

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A ride that only accelerates as the story proceeds..., April 23, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Assassini (Paperback)

This book was worth the struggle to get through the first 100 or so pages. Slow to develop, but once the story gets going, it is tough to put down. Gifford has a gift for imagery as well as weaving an intriguing plot. I recommend this book; do not give up if you feel bored to begin with

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Not really a thriller, but a great drama
This novel has been one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a long time. Perhaps the three key elements that I enjoyed about this book were impeccable research on events... Read more

Published 4 months ago by N. Agarwal

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book
This is a great story if you remember that it is one part fact and four parts fiction. Even I know that some Popes were evil and some were saints but in the end God still rules.

Published 11 months ago by Joseph C. Baker

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
The man is brilliant. The research incredible. If you are one of the reviewers who feel the story is far fetched, you have no idea what the real world is like. Read more

Published on November 30, 2009 by southwitch

2.0 out of 5 stars Not that good
I slogged throguh this book, having already commited myself to reading it, I felt obligated to to finish it. I was underwhelmed. Read more

Published on May 19, 2009 by David W. Tschanz

3.0 out of 5 stars Certainly not the Da Vinci Code
I read "Praetorian" (also by Thomas Gifford)and thought it was fun reading; and,as a bonus it gave some interesting insights into WWII in North Africa. Read more

Published on May 11, 2009 by Jules Verne

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
A great novel. Lots of intrigue. The characters were made to seem real. The story line was a black eye for the Catholic Church, however with so much factual information... Read more

Published on April 21, 2009 by Abe F. March

4.0 out of 5 stars The Original "Da Vinci Code"
THe novel does start a little slow but the last 50% makes the first 50% well worth it. As a catholic by birth I can attest to some scary aspects about the church and nothing I... Read more

Published on February 2, 2009 by M. Laviolette

5.0 out of 5 stars the assassini
I received the item promptly. Cannot speak to the book, because I purchased for a Christmas present and have not read it.

Published on December 22, 2008 by C. Tyler

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, but not great, either
I have just finished reading "The Assassini" and whilst I enjoyed it as a thriller, I can't say I was overly impressed with it, considering it took the author nine years to... Read more

Published on January 8, 2008 by Belle du Jour

1.0 out of 5 stars Trash
The most chilling parts of this book for me were the poor diction, specious metaphors, and just plain bad writing. Read more

Published on July 29, 2007 by magnolia_fleece_farm

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Inside This Book (learn more)
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Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
secret archives, silver haired priest, mutual blackmail, hanged priest, the assassini

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Sister Elizabeth, Father Dunn, Sister Valentine, Brother Leo, Monsignor Sandanato, Father Governeau, Holy Father, Ben Driskill, Hugh Driskill, Badell Fowler, New York, Klaus Richter, Sister Mary Angelina, Curtis Lockhardt, Simon Verginius, Robbie Heywood, Drew Summerhays, Sam Turner, Artie Dunn, Bishop Torricelli, Cardinal Indelicato, Cardinal D'Ambrizzi, Clive Paternoster, Saint Jack, August Horstmann

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