Review
"The fact something has never been found does not mean it never existed. "
An edge-of-your seat page-turner that will lead you across Turkey, Syria, the U.S. and elsewhere in a cat-and-mouse search for a scroll revealing the location of the missing autographs (original manuscripts) of the New Testament. Finding them, and being able to date and compare them to other ancient copies already in existence, would prove the accuracy and authenticity of the New Testament. But there is another mystery to solve and protect a strange artifact a fifth gospel written in Greek on what has become known as the Egerton papyrus. The scroll holds the key to everything.
In this spy vs. spy meets James Bond meets Indiana Jones quest, Dr. Jonathan Munro is reluctantly dragged into the chase to find the scroll before a private collector, professors, monks, priests, mercenaries and police on several continents, each with their own motivation money, fame, research, knowledge, the contentment of knowing the scrolls are with their rightful owner. Who that turns out to be will shock you. We're immediately hooked as we re dropped into the midst of the race with a stabbing and a strange key. Jon's ex-friend, archaeologist Dr. Stephen Kaufman, has been seriously injured in an attempted murder, and has sent Jon a clue and a message that he needs his help. Add Stephen's sister (Jon s ex-girlfriend) to the mix, and you have a recipe for adventure and issues of trust/mistrust that move the story forward at a frantic pace. Don't rest or daydream during this one you'll miss key clues as you try to unravel the mystery yourself behind the location and meaning of the scroll.
Several stories intertwine in this mystery-suspense with holy and unholy alliances, twists and turns and unexpected outcomes. Intrigue grows as the story is told from several points of view, all mixed together, like viewing a movie through different cameras and angles. This makes perfect sense as the book could easily be made into a screenplay. It reads like one of those movies where you've bought the popcorn, but forget to eat it because you re so wrapped up in the storyline and what's happening in front of you.
Michael's writing is brilliant. The facts are not handed to us on a platter. We are shown just enough evidence at the right time to link events that later make sense. And just when things seem to be calming down enough to take a breath, or rest your eyes, there is another shadow in the dark waiting to take you somewhere else. Your mind is never left idle. Characters and locations are drawn in vivid detail, and we are transported through the action without thinking much about it. We are simply there.
Jon Munro has devoted his life to providing evidence for the faith, even though he at times struggles with his own. It's a refreshing honesty. And the fact he says science proves the Bible accurate, time and again, and has never been disproven, is a comfort to those seeking the Word of God as truth in their lives.
As an ancient history buff, and former translator, I was instantly drawn to the story and found it hard to put down. The Egerton papyrus really does exist, and it was interesting to think about the real-life quest that must have taken place to find and keep it. Michael has blended fact and fiction seamlessly. Well worth the read, this is fast-paced, non-stop action and intrigue at its best.
--Janet Dimond, February 2012, christianbookstoday.org
About the Author
Michael J. Scott is a Christ-following husband, father of three, preacher, teacher, poet, playwright and writer of fiction told from a Christian worldview.
He enjoys writing, reading, discussing politics and religion, teaching, singing, martial arts, fencing, acting, cooking and shooting pool. He currently lives with his family outside of Rochester, New York.
