The Fifth Gospel

A Novel

By: Ian Caldwell

Narrated by: Jack Davenport

The instant New York Times bestseller from the author of the international sensation The Rule of Four combines a lost gospel, a contentious relic, and a dying pope’s final wish into a “deliciously labyrinthine” (Providence Journal) intellectual thriller that “kicks off at ninety mph and doesn’t slow down” (Associated Press).

A mysterious exhibit is under construction at the Vatican Museums. The curator is murdered at a clandestine meeting on the outskirts of Rome a week before it opens. That same night, a violent break-in rocks the home of Greek Catholic priest Father Alex Andreou. When the papal police fail to identify a suspect in either crime, Father Alex decides that to find the killer he must reconstruct the secret of what a little-known, true-to-life fifth gospel known as the Diatessaron reveals about the church’s most controversial holy relic. But just as he begins to understand the truth about his friend’s death and its consequences for the future of the Christian church, Father Alex discovers a ruthless stalker is hunting him—an enemy with a vested stake in the exhibit that he must outwit to survive.

Rich, authentic, erudite, and emotionally searing, The Fifth Gospel is a riveting novel of suspense and a feast of biblical history that satisfies on every level.

Yes, but, "Been There; Done That"

Ian Caldwell is definitely a better writer than Dan Brown. He creates here a Vatican that breathes reality, and a Church that is rich in its beliefs and in its complexity. The characters have sincerity and could inhabit such a rarefied atmosphere. Church officials are especially well drawn and there are moments of great feeling.

Also, this is one of those books that takes you immediately to reviews of the work, details of the author's research, and wikipedia - loved being introduced to ancient manuscripts, unfamiliar branches of the Catholic Church, and new "evidence" about controversies like that surrounding the Shroud of Turin.

But there's no denying that there is much of the "deja vu" feeling about "The Fifth Gospel." Intriguing and thoughtful it may be, but it has been done before.

So a recommendation here is tricky. If you like religious and literary mysteries (with or without the conspiracy theories), then I'm pretty sure you'll like this. I went along quite willingly with the story and with the really wonderful narration of Jack Davenport.

gives one hope of a new beguining

I'm learning all over again the simplicity and necessity of faith. OPEN your heart

Interesting plot

Needed editing.. Very stop and go story line.... Could easily have been two hours shorter.

waste of time if you are already a bible scholar

I don't use my theology degree, but this book seemed more of a new testament class than a murder mystery or mystery of the shroud. Already knew how to read the gospels in parallels thanks.

excellent

First time author. This work tells the fictional story of two brothers, both priests, exploring the Diatessaron, the "fifth" gospel, and how it might lead to reconciliation between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. A real theology aficionado would probably get more pure enjoyment out this book. But I had never listened to a book that gave me a mored detailed description of the Vatican and life there, the workings of the Catholic church at its very highest levels, and the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and a possible fifth pospel. The author spun a good work of fiction, had some good intrigue, likable characters, and I blew through it pretty quickly. I'll look forward to my next book from this author, I really enjoyed this one.