Customer Reviews

Gospel Truths

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Have you noticed the rising tide of rebellion in society, a lack of confidence in the authority of both secular and sacred leaders? Gospel Truths is a search for the Book of Thomas the Contender and the Gospel of Thomas, two works that could change the very fabric of society and spirituality. For the message supposedly lying within these two texts contains the key to fully finding one's identity, purpose and power within one's self and not based on external people or ideas. But as in every powerful truth, there are those who find this potential discovery a disaster in the making, a formidable force to destroy the powers that be. So what's the obvious conflict? Travel to England and France for an unforgettable experience!

J. G. Sandom, like Dan Brown and other writers covering similar conflicts, offers each reader a thrilling adventure ride but also some fascinating knowledge about Masons, the Founding Fathers of America, antiques, architecture, cathedrals, and so much more.

The protagonist who will guide us through this labyrinth is Nigel Lyman, a once notable British Detective now wallowing in grief and sorrow over a job gone bad and a terrible personal loss. But morose or otherwise, Lyman is called to investigate the mysterious death of an Italian financier tied to a formidable banking scandal unprecedented in the global banking world. Little does Nigel know that more battles and deaths will follow but on the journey Nigel begins what will bring him the purpose and healing he most needs and a conclusion the world needs even more! To stop him unknown enemies will galvanize their most fierce forces with their own very specific mission.

Gospel Truths is a dynamic, exciting, intelligent read that will thrill every reader and for true seekers may even send you searching for the real "gospel truth." A notable novel that will gain fresh attention and interest of new readers! Move over, Dan Brown!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on September 22, 2009

"Gospel Truths" is a superior read. It's both fascinating, smart and mysterious. The Gnostic Gospel of Thomas, believed to be Christ's own words writtin on the page, has been hidden away in a cathedral in France. If it is found and exposed, it will undermine the very essence of Christianity as we know it. Reviewer #1 has done a superb job of describing the characters, so I won't go into it again here.

Just let me say that J. has a gift for putting words together beautifully. "Gospel Truths" is filled with such beautiful passages that I found myself going back and reading them over again.

"Gospel Truths" was not an easy book to write but J. did a superb job. Books on the subject of religion are often fascinating, especially when it is thought that an actual relic exists that was hidden 1,000 years ago. It would be wonderful to have everyone to read the book in a room for a discussion.

Please buy it. It's well worth the read.

Captivating, erudite and masterfully plotted, Gospel Truths is the thinking man's Da Vinci Code. The novel is set primarily in the cathedral towns of France (Chartres and Amiens), features colorful characters, and explores a variety of issues from Medieval architecture and topology, to the early Gnostic Christians (considered Heretics by the established Church) and Free Masonry. Interestingly, both Sandom and Brown went to Amherst College. Wonder if Brown was influenced by his fellow alumni's novel. Sure seems that way. But Gospel Truths is actually far more interesting and complex, though clearly a more "difficult" and challenging read. A "must read" for any mystery lover. If you liked Da Vinci Code, you'll LOVE Gospel Truths. Stick with it and the book will deliver in spades.

English detective Nigel Lyman, once the golden boy of the department, is now reeling in the aftermath of personal and professional losses. It comes as a surprise, therefore, when he's selected to head up an investigation of a death that originally was classified as a suicide. At first, the case seems like insignificant "busy work", but Lyman soon discovers that it's anything but. At its heart is the legendary Q document, supposed to be the original work upon which the New Testament gospels were based. It seems that the "suicide" was a man with a great interest in locating Q, who may have been murdered for his trouble. The crumbs along the trail lead Lyman to Amiens Cathedral in France, home to a mysterious stone labyrinth. When Lyman meets an American mathematician who is studying the labyrinth, they compare notes, and the hunt is on. Why is Q so important? Because it may contain writings that undermine the very foundations of Christianity.

Written in 1992, Gospel Truths is an intelligent, complex, and competently written thriller. No bells or whistles here, just a few laptops, along with some dedicated and dangerous individuals determined to get their hands on Q, for various reasons of their own. And no neatly wrapped up ends in the final chapters. But there are some interesting passages descriptive of different locations, such as Chartres and the Rodin Museum in Paris, and some mostly believable action sequences. And Masonic secrets, corrupt church officials, and money laundering schemes - all well before DaVinci Code, imagine that!

The year is 1991, and British police inspector Nigel Lyman has fallen from grace following a run as media darling after he solved a gruesome case involving a teacher who had dismembered several young students who attended a prestigious school. But then Lyman accidentally shot and killed another officer during a scuffle with some bad guys. Add to that the loss of his son in the Falklands war and the end of his marriage, and Lyman nearly reached his breaking point.

To top it off, he's been assigned to a seemingly insignificant but reopened case involving a powerful Vatican-connected Italian banker who presumably hanged himself off Blackfriars Bridge in London a year earlier. Like the labyrinths that will eventually provide pivotal clues, the path Lyman follows in solving the case will take turns that appear to lead directly to the center of the mystery, only to steer him in another direction entirely.

At the heart of the case is the legendary "Q" document, which is purported to be the gospel that the apostles Matthew, Mark and Luke used as source material for their own gospel accounts. It's believed to have been hidden away in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres in France. But before Lyman figures out the link to Q in Chartres, his investigation leads him to another French city, Amiens, and its cathedral --- plus a half-dozen or so people who play essential roles in the unraveling of a web of crime extending far beyond a London bridge.

It helps to get the characters straight right away: Guy Soury-Fontaine, tour guide at the Amiens Cathedral; Mariane, his sister, whose lover, Maurice Duval, mysteriously disappeared a year earlier; Joseph Koster, an American mathematician and architect who is smitten with Mariane; Archbishop Kazimierz Grabowski, Guy and Mariane's cousin who heads up the Vatican Bank; and Marco Scarcella, who has his hands in all manner of nefarious enterprises.

And then there's Countess Irene de Rochembaud, who is worthy of her own paragraph though she gets less ink in the book than the other main characters. But in this novel of superbly written scenes, the scene in which Koster meets the countess in a Paris park merits honorable mention. It provides a delightful respite from the gripping suspense that characterizes the novel as a whole.

All are in one way or another connected to the pursuit of Q, which is believed to contain passages that would undermine the foundations of Christianity. Some, of course, would love to find the document so they could threaten to expose its contents, while others want it in order to hide it all over again and protect the church. With so much at stake --- particularly the extraordinary sum of money that could fall into the hands of either camp should Q be found --- there is lots of opportunity for intrigue, corruption, murder, deception, mystery, greed and the like.

Based on a true incident, GOSPEL TRUTHS was first published in 1992 and is facing the prospect of a second successful run in light of the resurgence in popularity of religious thrillers. Sandom's novel, however, is no way typical of the current spate of Da Vinci wannabes; his is an outstanding accomplishment --- a beautifully written, intelligent, complex suspense novel. The plot and its various subplots hold together throughout, and the characters remain believable from start to finish --- a remarkable achievement considering the scope of Sandom's effort. Highly recommended.

I have been studying the origins of Christianity for years now, and this book tells it like it is. There is a great summary on pages 166-171. When the DaVinci Code came out, I thought there could be no equal. Gospel Truths surpasses the more popular book in the story telling and in the facts-department.

This is a compelling and well-told tale, as edifying to savor after its conclusion as it is to be swept along as it builds.
Sandom takes the search for an ancient religious text and weaves a fascinating story of history into a fast-paced thriller. The characters, led by Koster, the quirky and brilliant but somewhat socially inept hero, are as interesting as the story itself. Having read my share of contemporary thrillers and literary novels, I'd put this near the top of my list in both categories. Intriguing, gripping, fast-paced and exceptionally well written. Bravo, Mr. Sandom!

I'm a huge fan of thrillers of all types and Gospel Truths delivered a great read on every level. I was excited to read a thriller/mystery that was set in some of the great cathedrals I've visited in Europe and had a hero who was a mathematician! So often, great writing is sacrificed on the pillar of a good mystery but not in this case. Sandom writes beautifully and his language makes you realize that you didn't waste your time getting past secondary school.

The interplay between the two main detectives Lyman and Koster is reminiscent of the chemistry between Holmes and Watson. Both men have their demons and seeing them struggle with them makes the book all the more believable and intriguing. A great romance, exotic settings and more than a pinch of murder, global conspiracy and a lost gospel add up to a great story that keeps you guessing till the last page.

Written before DaVinci Code and rereleased, Gospel Truths is what the genre should be, smart, thrilling and suspenseful. I can't wait for the sequel!

If you're looking for the typical shocking church secret novel with Holy See corruption, mobsters, and the average joe who
can stop them all, you've found it in this book. Having said that, I would call Gospel Truths a bad book by any stretch,
but it's not a standout by any means. Having been written long before the da Vinci craze in mystery/suspense novels, and
review on here that calls this one a knock-off is nothing more than an idiot. The problem with reading this book now is
that, because there have been such great novels in the genre since it's original publication, it simply doesn't match up
with their caliber. There aren't really any 'wow' surprises to be found in this book, but it's got enough plot and content
to pull you throught to the finish.

The bottom line is if you're into the world-altering religious secret, political/church corruption genre and have read
extensively therein, this book won't do it for you. On the other hand, if your new to them or need an easy airport/plane
read, this one is perfect to suit that purpose.

In Gospel Truths, J.G. Sandom can't really decide what type of book he wants to write. At times throughout the book, he dabbles in Dan Brown-style historical fiction, weaving in conspiracies about the Gospel of Thomas (not to be confused with the Book of Thomas, which is also mentioned repeatedly in the book) and its threat to the Church; then Sandom tries to bring in a love story between two side characters who may or may not have met before, I was confused on that point; Sandom also wants to make the book about a cop trying to find the spotlight again, who may have been an alcoholic causing the death of one of his partners---it's hard to tell since it is referenced only briefly throughout the book and in quick flashbacks (the cop has also lost his son in the Falkland Wars, but I'm not sure if Sandom had the intention of weaving that into the book but decided to just drop it in and leave off); and finally Sandom tangles in some modern-day conspiracy, specifically the supposed-suicide of a top Italian banker from a London bridge.

When jumbled together utilizing both overused plotlines and confusing and uninteresting characters, you're left with a book that you would just as soon put down than finish. The only reason I continued reading was to figure out exactly who was working with who and against whom. After finishing, I was left unsatisfied, put down the book and was eager to begin a new book to get the taste of this one out of my mouth.