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The publication of Dan Brown's DA VINCI CODE has inspired many authors to write their own takes on what may have happened in the life of Jesus and following his death. With content rich in relics, Knights Templar, and Middle Eastern machinations, THE SACRED BONES by Michael Byrnes is part of this subset of mysteries centered on the question of just what happened to Jesus after his death in Jerusalem. Unlike other books in this subgenre, however, Byrnes brings a fresh twist to his story by incorporating the current political situation in the Middle East into his novel. The novel begins with an explosion in the mosque at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the confluence point of three major religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Each group has a role to play in the novel, as does the Vatican, which secretly authorized an undercover action to steal an ossuary from a secret room within the mosque's underground chambers. Once the ossuary has been moved to the Vatican, a young American forensic scientist begins to unravel the mystery not only of the bones that it contains but also story accompanying the theft. Each religious group in the novel has its own agenda and preferred outcome to the situation. As a result, there is a story of ensuing madness and mayhem. With so many rogue elements coming from all sides (Israeli police, Vatican clergy, Islamic leaders), the story is soon filled with plots and subplots, chases and gun battles, death and destruction, as the clues are doled out. Although the central mystery of the novel (just whose bones are those?) is quickly uncovered by the readers, there is much to like about this fresh take on an old tale. Michael Byrnes is able to infuse his story with historical detail, plot twists, and a panoply of characters and motives to keep the action fresh, even while adhering to a familiar storyline. What could have been another poorly done Dan Brown knock-off has instead turned out to be something rather more contemporary, infused with interesting forensics and the willingness on the part of the all major religious groups in the novel to compromise the truth for political expediency. Instead Byrnes rescues the familiar and makes it his own, setting it against an interesting backdrop that juxtaposes the old and the new. For those looking for a good religious thriller that can stand on its own literary feet, THE SACRED BONES is sure to satisfy.
Reviewed by Christine Zibas, July 2008
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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