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A Skeleton in God's Closet Paperback – January 15, 2005

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Paul L. Maier (Author)
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Paul L. Maier (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars 111 customer reviews
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 15, 2005)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1595540024
  • ISBN-13: 978-1595540027
  • Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 1 x 8.3 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (111 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,011,717 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsA Stimulating and Provocative Read.
By I. Hsieh on December 26, 2000
Format: Paperback
This is the first book I read in the genre 'Theological Thriller'. The book represented the world really well. It depicted one way the world could react to the discovery of Jesus' bones. It was an intense read at times forcing me away from sleep to continue another chapter. I enjoyed the book thoroughly except for one thing, the romance. There was a relationship between the main character and another character that seemed out of place and a bit forced. This was a pretty minor thing though. I just dismissed the relationship as just a vessel for more conflicts and complications to intensify the situations. I give it a 4 out of 5 because there were some instances where it was slow but they were pretty slight, but this combined with the relationship brought it down a little. As I said, overall I love the book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a good, captivating read!
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3.0 out of 5 starsFascinating Premise but Weak Writing
By Wendell Henderson on November 4, 2005
Format: Hardcover
I was urged to read "A Skeleton in God's Closet" by a co-worker whose opinion I respect so I decided to give it a try. The plot drew me in and I was impressed by Dr Maier's obvious knowledge of archaeology, the Middle East, and Biblical scholarship. He created a plausible scenario and I found the central mystery to be quite a page-turner.

It's a good thing that the story is good because the writing is pretty bad. The dialogue is laughable at times and there are frequent instances where Maier, when his characters are in a bind, simply tosses logic out the window and has a high-level official somewhere clear such obstacles as traveling without a passport or gaining access to a particular building. There is one entire sequence involving swimming the Dead Sea that is almost beyond belief, no matter how much you try to suspend it.

But the most painful part of the book is the romance. Dr. Maier clearly has significant academic credentials but, on the evidence of this book, he is not capable of writing believable dialogue between two people falling in love. There were times when I almost laughed out loud, such as the romp around the Sea of Galilee when our two lovebirds first declare their affection for one another. I was reminded of nothing so much as the scene between Leslie Neilsen and Priscilla Presley in "Naked Gun" when they frolicked to the warblings of Herman's Hermits.

I gave the book three stars on the basis of the story; it is strong enough to warrant your time. Focus on it and the central mystery; try to tolerate the grating dialogue, remarkable plot contrivances, and the worst romantic subplot since whatever James Patterson wrote last.
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5.0 out of 5 starsThe Ultimate Test of Faith
By Matthew Faulk on August 7, 2001
Format: Paperback
This is the first novel I read by Mr. Maier and was extremely pleased. It is useless in telling what the plot is about since others have explained it and the main review gives it away. This book is first rate for its outstanding attention to detail in terms of religious philosophy and archeological terminology and methodology.
The character development, including some startling twists and turns along the way, does not leave the reader asking "What else is there to this character?" It's like Maier was watching the actors live out his story. Rare is it to find an author willing to develop charcters' background and personality to the extent Maier does.
Maier, a scholar, is a treasure not only to history, religious studies, and philosophy, but also to literature and story telling. Above all, Maier challenges the readers' own faith with each turn of the page.
A great story that deserves reading.
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4.0 out of 5 starsCan you challenge your faith?
By Duston Barto on February 11, 2000
Format: Paperback
Then read this book! I loved the overwheming sense of reality that Maier portrays here. From cover to cover I was deeply enveloped within the story, engrossed in each character and deeply moved emotionally by every upset and twist and turn. When someone died I actually shed tears! I gasped with shock aloud at many points! The only reason I allowed it to loose a star is because at times I found the precise Technical explanations of the archaology extremely tedious and hard to read through, some of them felt like college textbooks; but honestly every bit of it was worth the deep philosophical questions asked! Would this change your faith? Can the world adapt to such a severe shift in perception? Incredible realism, images painted more vividly than most movies can even begin! I think anyone who enjoys a deeply rooted mystery, a spiritual journey, or a deeply introspective search would thoroughly enjoy this book! Or even if you just want a good fast-paced page turner to cozy up with on an otherwise lazy afternoon. Remember: action, discovery, mystery, romance, and philosophy all with one whack!
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5.0 out of 5 starsChristian fiction thriller!
By rodboomboom HALL OF FAMEVINE VOICE on January 25, 2001
Format: Paperback
This is so good, I wish I had the means to bring this into film. It would be better than any Indiana Jones thriller with it also being so accurate in its details.
Maier keeps you really hanging on this one -- I mean the whole of Christianity rides in the balance, unless you're one of those that skips ahead.
Top of the list of Christian fiction!
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5.0 out of 5 starsThe End of Christianity Can Be a Blast!
By A Customer on March 5, 1998
Format: Paperback
I have been working on my Master's degree at Western Michigan University where Dr. Paul Maier serves as a highly esteemed professor of ancient history. I had the thrill to take his class on Biblical Archaeology and History and he is a natural story teller. Besides being an award winning teacher and author, he is also a Lutheran minister who was able to share his faith in class while doing a professional job of maintaining objectivity while discussing biblical history.I've read "Skeleton In God's Closet" and found it to be a gripping story that displays Maier's extensive knowledge of archaeology and of Israel. My wife and other friends have read it and gave it very positive reviews. All of them remarked how it gave a positive view of Christianity without trying to slam it down your throat. Anyone who thinks Maier had a devious motive by suggesting that Christ was not resurrected have either not read the book or are too shallow to get it. I also recommend his novels "Flames of Rome" and "Pontius Pilate", they are historical fiction that are more historically accurate than any other novels of its kind. His translation of the writings of "Josephus" is also excellent, surpassing any of the other antiquated translations because it is very easy to read while maintaining scholarly excellence.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 starsOnce he got on the kick of middle-aged college professor ...

Once he got on the kick of middle-aged college professor saves the world and gets the 22 year old co-ed, Maier's books just lost their appeal.

Published 15 days ago by Sherry Wainwright
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Great read very suspenseful, hard to put down. Great story.

Published 22 days ago by Michael G
5.0 out of 5 starsAdventure and romance interwoven with archeology and important matters...

Well written. Adventure and romance interwoven with archeology and important matters of faith. Interesting insights into ... Read more

Published 7 months ago by Dr G M Bond
5.0 out of 5 starsCould this really happen?

Very thought provoking with a twist near the end! Makes you question how you would feel about your Christianity if this really happened.

Published 11 months ago by Joanne J. Tedesco
3.0 out of 5 starsAn Interesting Read

Overall the storyline of the book was good, Dr. Maier is certainly knowledgeable in archeology and the carbon dating process but there came a point in the book where I felt like I... Read more

Published 15 months ago by Tina H
3.0 out of 5 starsRock-em Sock-em Action

I have never read an archaeological thriller before, and I don't go to that type of movie. However, this book was mentioned by my Methodist pastor during a Biblical book study. Read more

Published 19 months ago by Donna J. Runnels
3.0 out of 5 starsThe book reads much like a Dan Brown novel but with the additional...

The book reads much like a Dan Brown novel but with the additional perspective of what would Christianity be if Christ' bones were discovered. Read more

Published 21 months ago by vickiedank
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Good decision to buy

Published 21 months ago by Philip McLain
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

it's ok

Published 22 months ago by Solomon
4.0 out of 5 starsFour Stars

Liked the book. It has lots twists and turns and keeps you engaged. Especially in the end.

Published 23 months ago by jae crawford

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