Reviews
"Here motives are nuanced shadows that are as hard to grasp for Alex as they are for readers. It is this very elusiveness, juxtaposed against a strong sense of place, that intrigues, making this the best kind of page-turner, one about which you also have to think." - Booklist , starred review, Under Caldwell's deft hand, the Vatican becomes a setting both real and surreal, utopian and dystopian by turns, a tiny, walled country where the switchboard operators and nannies are nuns, the cops are Swiss Guards, and a priest suspected of murder is tried not for his life but for the meaning he has given it. In such a setting, small and seemingly arcane details of scriptural interpretation are clues to the mystery, driving the interlocking dramas of family and history in ways that aren't just plausible but compelling. There is passion in The Fifth Gospel , and a tremendous depth of knowledge; the fruits of Caldwell's obviously extensive research are served up in perfectly timed portions that propel the action in surprising ways., " The Fifth Gospel is nothing short of groundbreaking-a literary feast wrapped around an intriguing murder mystery. Caldwell writes with precision and passion as he takes us on an emotional journey deep into the workings of the Vatican and deeper into the hearts and souls of the men and women who have devoted their lives to the Church. The Fifth Gospel is a cathedral where skeptics and believers alike may enter and all will leave transformed." -Nelson DeMille, "Here motives are nuanced shadows that are as hard to grasp for Alex as they are for readers. It is this very elusiveness, juxtaposed against a strong sense of place, that intrigues, making this the best kind of page-turner, one about which you also have to think." - Booklist (starred review), "Spectacular . . . Caldwell knows his Vatican, and in his detailed descriptions of hidden gardens, underground car parks, piazzas, dark lanes, tunnels and corridors, conjures up a strange and alien realm where hierarchy is all, secrets fester and multiply, deals are spun behind closed doors, and a murderer may be on the loose. . . . This superb Rubik's Cube of a novel is the best of its kind, right up until the final shock and the pope's dying wish. . . . Deliciously labyrinthine." -- Providence Journal, "An amazing achievement: The Fifth Gospel is a gripping thriller rich with human drama and forbidden knowledge." -- Lev Grossman, author of the Magicians trilogy, Praise for The Rule of Four: "Profoundly erudite . . . The ultimate puzzle-book." -The New York Times Book Review, Captivating . . . This thriller is, at its heart, a story of sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption. Peppered with references to real-life people, places, and events, the narrative rings true, taking the reader on an emotional journey nearly two thousand years in the making., I've waited ten years for Ian Caldwell's follow-up to his mega-bestseller, The Rule of Four , and the wait was worth it. The Fifth Gospel is nothing short of groundbreaking-a literary feast wrapped around an intriguing murder mystery. Caldwell writes with precision and passion as he takes us on an emotional journey deep into the workings of the Vatican and deeper into the hearts and souls of the men and women who have devoted their lives to the Church. The Fifth Gospel is a cathedral where skeptics and believers alike may enter and all will leave transformed., "Captivating . . . This thriller is, at its heart, a story of sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption. Peppered with references to real-life people, places, and events, the narrative rings true, taking the reader on an emotional journey nearly two thousand years in the making." - Library Journal (starred review), "This beguiling, brainy thriller . . . integrates pulp plotting and scholarly speculation . . . A mixture of courtroom drama, whodunit, and alternative history." -- Sunday Times (London), This debut packs all the esoteric information of The Da Vinci Code . . . with lovely writing reminiscent of Donna Tartt's The Secret History . . . . A compulsively readable novel., "One part The Da Vinci Code, one part The Name of the Rose and one part A Separate Peace . . . A smart, swift, multitextured tale that both entertains and informs . . . As much a blazingly good yarn as it is an exceptional piece of scholarship." --San Francisco Chronicle, "Captivating . . . This thriller is, at its heart, a story of sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption. Peppered with references to real-life people, places, and events, the narrative rings true, taking the reader on an emotional journey nearly two thousand years in the making." - Library Journal , starred review, "A brilliant work . . . Extraordinarily erudite . . . Caldwell makes intriguing literature from complex theology." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review), "Captivating . . . This thriller is, at its heart, a story of sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption. Peppered with references to real-life people, places, and events, the narrative rings true, taking the reader on an emotional journey nearly two thousand years in the making." -- Library Journal (starred review), "A stunning and addictive read . . . Part murder mystery, part family drama, part religious history, this keep-you-on-edge literary thriller doesn't miss a beat. Caldwell's elegant language combines with a truly provocative plot . . . Obsessively readable." -- Library Journal , Editors' Spring Picks, "It's been ten years since Ian Caldwell co-wrote The Rule of Four . The Fifth Gospel was more than worth the wait. For those who might compare it to The Da Vinci Code , don't. This marvelous book stands alone and will become the very high standard for any novel in this genre. Masterfully plotted and extraordinarily researched, and written in a voice that never rings false, The Fifth Gospel is that rare story: erudite and a page-turner, literary but compulsively readable. It will change the way you look at organized religion, humanity, and perhaps yourself." -David Baldacci, "A brilliant work . . . Extraordinarily erudite . . . Caldwell makes intriguing literature from complex theology." - Kirkus Reviews , starred review, "Under Caldwell's deft hand, the Vatican becomes a setting both real and surreal, utopian and dystopian by turns, a tiny, walled country where the switchboard operators and nannies are nuns, the cops are Swiss Guards, and a priest suspected of murder is tried not for his life but for the meaning he has given it. In such a setting, small and seemingly arcane details of scriptural interpretation are clues to the mystery, driving the interlocking dramas of family and history in ways that aren't just plausible but compelling. There is passion in The Fifth Gospel , and a tremendous depth of knowledge; the fruits of Caldwell's obviously extensive research are served up in perfectly timed portions that propel the action in surprising ways." --Kate Braestrup, ordained minister and author of Here If You Need Me, "Here motives are nuanced shadows that are as hard to grasp for Alex as they are for readers. It is this very elusiveness, juxtaposed against a strong sense of place, that intrigues, making this the best kind of page-turner, one about which you also have to think." -- Booklist (starred review), "A brilliant work . . . Extraordinarily erudite . . . Caldwell makes intriguing literature from complex theology." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review), "A stunning and addictive read . . . Part murder mystery, part family drama, part religious history, this keep-you-on-edge literary thriller doesn't miss a beat. Caldwell's elegant language combines with a truly provocative plot . . . Obsessively readable." - Library Journal , Editors' Spring Picks, "Under Caldwell's deft hand, the Vatican becomes a setting both real and surreal, utopian and dystopian by turns, a tiny, walled country where the switchboard operators and nannies are nuns, the cops are Swiss Guards, and a priest suspected of murder is tried not for his life but for the meaning he has given it. In such a setting, small and seemingly arcane details of scriptural interpretation are clues to the mystery, driving the interlocking dramas of family and history in ways that aren't just plausible but compelling. There is passion in The Fifth Gospel , and a tremendous depth of knowledge; the fruits of Caldwell's obviously extensive research are served up in perfectly timed portions that propel the action in surprising ways." -Kate Braestrup, ordained minister and author of Here If You Need Me, "This beguiling, brainy thriller . . . integrates pulp plotting and scholarly speculation . . . A mixture of courtroom drama, whodunit, and alternative history." - Sunday Times (London), "The second novel from Ian Caldwell, coauthor of the bestselling The Rule of Four , kicks off at 90 mph and doesn't slow down. Caldwell's skill as a writer is evident in his ability to weave detailed descriptions of Biblical scripture, Catholic history, and Vatican geography into the story while keeping the action going. . . . He has created memorable characters with complex relationships, deep love, and longstanding hurts. . . . Ultimately, Caldwell's novel is about faith--in God and in family." --Associated Press, " The Fifth Gospel is nothing short of groundbreaking--a literary feast wrapped around an intriguing murder mystery. Caldwell writes with precision and passion as he takes us on an emotional journey deep into the workings of the Vatican and deeper into the hearts and souls of the men and women who have devoted their lives to the Church. The Fifth Gospel is a cathedral where skeptics and believers alike may enter and all will leave transformed." --Nelson DeMille, A stunning first novel; a perfect blend of suspense and a sensitive coming of age story. If F. Scott Fitzgerald, Umberto Eco, and Dan Brown teamed up to write a novel, the result would be The Rule of Four . An extraordinary and brilliant accomplishment-a must read., "It's been ten years since Ian Caldwell co-wrote The Rule of Four . The Fifth Gospel was more than worth the wait. For those who might compare it to The Da Vinci Code , don't. This marvelous book stands alone and will become the very high standard for any novel in this genre. Masterfully plotted and extraordinarily researched, and written in a voice that never rings false, The Fifth Gospel is that rare story: erudite and a page-turner, literary but compulsively readable. It will change the way you look at organized religion, humanity, and perhaps yourself." --David Baldacci, "Captivating . . . Punches all the right twisty buttons to lead readers on a fascinating and compelling religious adventure . . . A sparkling thriller." -- Shelf Awareness, "Spectacular . . . Caldwell knows his Vatican, and in his detailed descriptions of hidden gardens, underground car parks, piazzas, dark lanes, tunnels and corridors, conjures up a strange and alien realm where hierarchy is all, secrets fester and multiply, deals are spun behind closed doors, and a murderer may be on the loose. . . . This superb Rubik's Cube of a novel is the best of its kind, right up until the final shock and the pope's dying wish. . . . Deliciously labyrinthine." - Providence Journal, One part The Da Vinci Code, one part The Name of the Rose and one part A Separate Peace . . . A smart, swift, multitextured tale that both entertains and informs . . . As much a blazingly good yarn as it is an exceptional piece of scholarship., "A novel of betrayals and cover-ups, but mostly of sacrifice, of commitment and of love, with credible characters, twists and turns of plot, and a fascinating theological rationale . . . Although the mystery and the tension mount inexorably throughout the novel, there's none of the cheap end-of-chapter cliffhangers beloved of hack thriller writers. Everything in The Fifth Gospel rings true because Ian Caldwell spent ten years researching and writing the novel." -- The Catholic Herald, "You are going to hear a lot about how this book took ten years to write and how it's minutely researched and erudite. Forget all that. This thing reads like a rocket. Jump on and hold tight." -Mary Doria Russell, author of The Sparrow, "A stunning first novel; a perfect blend of suspense and a sensitive coming of age story. If F. Scott Fitzgerald, Umberto Eco, and Dan Brown teamed up to write a novel, the result would be The Rule of Four . An extraordinary and brilliant accomplishment-a must read." -Nelson DeMille, The Fifth Gospel is nothing short of groundbreaking-a literary feast wrapped around an intriguing murder mystery. Caldwell writes with precision and passion as he takes us on an emotional journey deep into the workings of the Vatican and deeper into the hearts and souls of the men and women who have devoted their lives to the Church. The Fifth Gospel is a cathedral where skeptics and believers alike may enter and all will leave transformed., "A novel of betrayals and cover-ups, but mostly of sacrifice, of commitment and of love, with credible characters, twists and turns of plot, and a fascinating theological rationale . . . Although the mystery and the tension mount inexorably throughout the novel, there's none of the cheap end-of-chapter cliffhangers beloved of hack thriller writers. Everything in The Fifth Gospel rings true because Ian Caldwell spent ten years researching and writing the novel." - The Catholic Herald, It's been ten years since Ian Caldwell co-wrote The Rule of Four . The Fifth Gospel was more than worth the wait. For those who might compare it to The Da Vinci Code , don't. This marvelous book stands alone and will become the very high standard for any novel in this genre. Masterfully plotted and extraordinarily researched, and written in a voice that never rings false, The Fifth Gospel is that rare story: erudite and a page-turner, literary but compulsively readable. It will change the way you look at organized religion, humanity, and perhaps yourself., "You are going to hear a lot about how this book took ten years to write and how it's minutely researched and erudite. Forget all that. This thing reads like a rocket. Jump on and hold tight." --Mary Doria Russell, author of The Sparrow, It's been ten years since Ian Caldwell co-wrote The Rule of Four . Blood and Water was more than worth the wait. For those who might compare it to The Da Vinci Code , don't. This marvelous book stands alone and will become the very high standard for any novel in this genre. Masterfully plotted and extraordinarily researched, and written in a voice that never rings false, Blood and Water is that rare story: erudite and a page-turner, literary but compulsively readable. It will change the way you look at organized religion, humanity, and perhaps yourself., "A superior religious thriller, notable for its existential and spiritual profundity . . . An intelligent and deeply contemplative writing style, along with more than a few bombshell plot twists, set this one above the pack, but it's the insightful character development that makes this redemptive story so moving." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review), "A superior religious thriller, notable for its existential and spiritual profundity . . . An intelligent and deeply contemplative writing style, along with more than a few bombshell plot twists, set this one above the pack, but it's the insightful character development that makes this redemptive story so moving." - Publishers Weekly (starred review), An amazing achievement: The Fifth Gospel is a gripping thriller rich with human drama and forbidden knowledge., "This debut packs all the esoteric information of The Da Vinci Code . . . with lovely writing reminiscent of Donna Tartt's The Secret History . . . . A compulsively readable novel." - People (Critic's Choice, 4 stars), "One part The Da Vinci Code, one part The Name of the Rose and one part A Separate Peace . . . A smart, swift, multitextured tale that both entertains and informs . . . As much a blazingly good yarn as it is an exceptional piece of scholarship." -San Francisco Chronicle, "This smart, suspenseful thriller by the coauthor of The Rule of Four is a must for Dan Brown fans." - People, "The second novel from Ian Caldwell, coauthor of the bestselling The Rule of Four , kicks off at 90 mph and doesn't slow down. Caldwell's skill as a writer is evident in his ability to weave detailed descriptions of Biblical scripture, Catholic history, and Vatican geography into the story while keeping the action going. . . . He has created memorable characters with complex relationships, deep love, and longstanding hurts. . . . Ultimately, Caldwell's novel is about faith-in God and in family." -Associated Press, "An amazing achievement: The Fifth Gospel is a gripping thriller rich with human drama and forbidden knowledge." - Lev Grossman, author of the Magicians trilogy, Praise for The Rule of Four: "Profoundly erudite . . . The ultimate puzzle-book." --The New York Times Book Review, "A stunning first novel; a perfect blend of suspense and a sensitive coming of age story. If F. Scott Fitzgerald, Umberto Eco, and Dan Brown teamed up to write a novel, the result would be The Rule of Four . An extraordinary and brilliant accomplishment--a must read." --Nelson DeMille, "This smart, suspenseful thriller by the coauthor of The Rule of Four is a must for Dan Brown fans." -- People, "Under Caldwell's deft hand, the Vatican becomes a setting both real and surreal, utopian and dystopian by turns, a tiny, walled country where the switchboard operators and nannies are nuns, the cops are Swiss Guards, and a priest suspected of murder is tried not for his life but for the meaning he has given it. In such a setting, small and seemingly arcane details of scriptural interpretation are clues to the mystery, driving the interlocking dramas of family and history in ways that aren't just plausible but compelling. There is passion in The Fifth Gospel , and a tremendous depth of knowled≥ the fruits of Caldwell's obviously extensive research are served up in perfectly timed portions that propel the action in surprising ways." -Kate Braestrup, ordained minister and author of Here If You Need Me, "This debut packs all the esoteric information of The Da Vinci Code . . . with lovely writing reminiscent of Donna Tartt's The Secret History . . . . A compulsively readable novel." -- People (Critic's Choice, 4 stars), You are going to hear a lot about how this book took ten years to write and how it's minutely researched and erudite. Forget all that. This thing reads like a rocket. Jump on and hold tight., "Captivating . . . Punches all the right twisty buttons to lead readers on a fascinating and compelling religious adventure . . . A sparkling thriller." - Shelf Awareness
