La Magdalena: A Theo Nikonos Mystery [Paperback]

William M. Valtos (Author)

Book Description

Series: Theo Nikonos Mystery | Publication Date: October 1, 2002

Private Investigator Theo Nikonos is back. Having been acquitted of a double murder charge, the paranormal detective has left New York and is spending time in Spain, recuperating from his harrowing experience--and recovering from the loss of the woman he loved.

A chance encounter with a mysterious young nun, known only as La Magdalena, turns Theo's vacation into an investigation that unearths the little-known and mysterious world of early Christianity. A conversation with a priest, who tells a story that is stunning in its scope and heretical in its context, turns deadly. Theo realizes that there is someone who will do anything to prevent the revelation of who La Magdalena really is. And who she is will shatter the foundation of the Christian world.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

PI Theo Nikonos, recently acquitted of double murder in the U.S., hopes to find peace of mind studying Europe's great cathedrals in La Magdalena: A Theo Nikonos Mystery, by William M. Valtos (The Authenticator). But an encounter with a nun called La Magdalena puts him on the track of a shattering secret that reaches back to the earliest days of Christianity.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571742786
• ISBN-13: 978-1571742780
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #395,528 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Can't Put It Down" Reading, July 7, 2004

By 

"steve_sk" (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: La Magdalena: A Theo Nikonos Mystery (Paperback)

This is a book I finished in 3-days flat when the last book of this size took me weeks to finish. I was hooked from page 1 till the very last page -- a statement I make about VERY few reads and PERFECT for summertime fun.

If you like mysteries, this one's excellent. If you're interested in mystical / spiritual exploration, again this is a treat. There is some depth of detail on the early Christian sects development which may seem dry at first, but it becomes important information as the book unfolds -- I'll say no more. If you like consipiracy theories a la Robert Ludlum, voila -- you have found a friend. As someone who has visited most of the Mediterranean cities described, this book also provides a delightful travel experience. All in all, a great yarn!

I have yet to read The Da Vinci Code or other Mary Magdalene novels, but this one has me intrigued to study further and learn the truth. Clearly this is a work of fiction, but initial research has shown me that many of the facts in this novel are based on truths that I had not been aware of. A learning opportunity as well!

I hope the rest of his work is as enjoyable as "La Magdalena".

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a good read with a solid plot, January 21, 2005

By 

Julia M. Walker (NY Finger Lakes) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: La Magdalena: A Theo Nikonos Mystery (Paperback)

Although Valtos tempts you to lower your expectations early on, suggesting the wildest of mystical flights of fancy, if you keep reading you find a good, solid plot resting on a well-researched foundation. The meticulous attention to detail in the early setting may seem too much of a good thing, but it pays off later when details of setting really matter. The narrator is consistent, noticing stuff all the time, not just when convenient to the plot.

It's much _much_ better written than The Da Vinci Code, although it mines the same vein of material. Realistic character development, pacing of the plot, and chronolgy all help the reader make the leap across the imaginative elements of the story. You want to believe this, unlike Dan Brown's stuff, where you keep saying "NO one could believe this!" even though some of it is true.

This starts slow, but it's well worth the attention. For once there's a conspiracy theory ending that doesn't come out of the blue. It probably won't make you walk around wondering "what if. . . " but you won't be ashamed to be seen reading it in public.

Solid ficition, with enough research to satisfy.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than the Da Vinci Code?, July 1, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: La Magdalena: A Theo Nikonos Mystery (Paperback)

Valtos has crafted a smart, well-written thriller that is as good as--and probably better than--the Da Vinci Code. He traces the same ground as Dan Brown's book--Jesus, Mary Magdalene, the Holy Grail, etc--and his main character Theo Nikonos is one of the coolest gumshoes to hit fiction in a long time. I can't recommend this book highly enough!