Rating: 
Summary: Much Ado About Nothing
Review: The premise was interesting, but the book was tedious and unexciting. As the plot thickened, I found that I cared less and less about the characters and their unrealistic motives. There must be a good story in the Catholic involvement in WWII, but this is not it!
Rating: 
Summary: A ride that only accelerates as the story proceeds...
Review: This book was worth the struggle to get through the first 100 or so pages. Slow to develop, but once the story gets going, it is tough to put down. Gifford has a gift for imagery as well as weaving an intriguing plot. I recommend this book; do not give up if you feel bored to begin with
Rating: 
Summary: People who knew too much
Review: This is a reissue of a novel first published in 1990
In a way, this novel may have been over-researched, i.e., some parts seem to be more a treatise on the author's research than a novel. While the plot is generally well developed, it is complex and skips back and forth between various characters. It is an interesting story of people seeking power at any price. It some respects it is an alternate history; and it shows the Catholic church in a bad light. It is a medieval type drama, with people using assassination, blackmail, and bribery to gain control of the Vatican. A pope is dying, and factions are maneuvering for position.The plot deals with the theft of art treasures during World War II. Readers might have an interest in "The English Assassin" by Daniel Silva, which deals with that issue and the peculiarities of Swiss Law about ownership.
Rating:
Summary: People who knew too much
Review: This is a reissue of a novel first published in 1990
In a way, this novel may have been over-researched, i.e., some parts seem to be more a treatise on the author's research than a novel. While the plot is generally well developed, it is complex and skips back and forth between various characters. It is an interesting story of people seeking power at any price. It some respects it is an alternate history; and it shows the Catholic church in a bad light. It is a medieval type drama, with people using assassination, blackmail, and bribery to gain control of the Vatican. A pope is dying, and factions are maneuvering for position. The plot deals with the theft of art treasures during World War II. Readers might have an interest in "The English Assassin" by Daniel Silva, which deals with that issue and the peculiarities of Swiss Law about ownership.
Rating: 
Summary: a book to read, not skim
Review: This thriller is also packed with impeccable research on a vast swath of church history. If you aren't looking for a 24-hour head-spin (The DaVinci Code) and aren't obsessed with leprechauns, you'll be rewarded by Gifford's (Gifford, by the way, is dead) careful plotting, excellent character deveopment, and witty use of history and mystery. The settings alone make the book a good read. As a whole, it's a great read, if reading is what you want.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: When I first read this book back in 1991 it really caught me. It's not suppsed to be a true story but with everything that is coming to light, how can we not realize that this indeed is a true story. But for a person like me that hates to read, this kept me seated and reading it was written in such a way i felt like I was there .
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