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The Apostle Conspiracy

A Vatican Secret Archive Thriller - Book 9

Amid the grandeur of the Vatican, the bones of Saint Peter—the Church’s most sacred relics—hold secrets that could reshape its history. Father Michael Dominic, Prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives, uncovers a mysterious, nearly forgotten inscription linking Linus, Saint Peter’s first successor, to foundational decisions that shaped the early Church. What begins as a scholarly exploration of Linus’s legacy quickly turns into an urgent quest to protect the truth. With the help of Vatican archaeologist Marcus Russo, Michael follows cryptic clues buried deep within the Archives, revealing Linus as a pivotal yet hidden architect of the faith—and uncovering a history the Church may not be ready to face.

But Michael’s work draws the attention of Elliot Voss, a shadowy and powerful figure obsessed with the bones of Saint Peter. For Voss, the relics are more than sacred artifacts; they are a path to immortality and ultimate control. His dangerous ambition drives him to manipulate and deceive, drawing Michael into a web of intrigue where every revelation is a potential threat to the sanctity of the Church. Voss’s relentless pursuit of power forces Michael to confront the darker side of faith and the fragility of legacy, as the sacred bones become the centerpiece of a deadly game.

As Michael and Marcus uncover Linus’s hidden legacy and navigate the peril surrounding Saint Peter’s relics, their discoveries bring more questions than answers. Meanwhile, Michael’s evolving relationship with Hana Sinclair takes an unexpected turn, challenging his convictions and forcing him to face personal truths as profound as the mysteries he’s working to unravel. Set against the shadowy intrigue of the Vatican, this gripping novel explores the tension between history and faith, power and preservation—where even the holiest of relics can become the battleground for humanity’s greatest struggles.

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Select Reviews for The Apostle Conspiracy

THE APOSTLE CONSPIRACY is a masterclass in historical thrillers. Gary McAvoy is at the top of his game as he brings the reader on a centuries-spanning mystery with world-changing consequences. In this brilliantly constructed novel, McAvoy seamlessly weaves philosophy, religion, technology, and suspense, with unforgettable characters determined to thwart—or expose—a long-buried secret that could rock the foundation of the Catholic Church. This is McAvoy’s finest work to date. He outdoes himself at every turn with a narrative that captivates from start to finish.” — Rob Samborn, award-winning and best-selling author of The Prisoner of Paradise

Gary McAvoy returns with another instalment of the Vatican Archives series. The collection has been both strong and highly informative, leading the way throughout various Vatican-based situations and historical anomalies. When Father Michael Dominic is preparing for the anniversary of St. Peter’s bones being laid to rest within the Vatican, he is approached by a wealthy collector who wishes to provide significant funding to the Vatican Archives. However, there is a secret plan in the works to capitalise on some important relics. All the while, Father Dominic uncovers some previously unknown aspects of Peter’s role as the Church’s first bishop, things that could significantly change how many see the institution and its progress. A stellar addition to the series that shows how dedicated McAvoy is to the subject matter.

While the Vatican has many wonderful pieces of history tucked away, the bones of St. Peter, the Church’s first bishop, hold a special place in the collection. While much is presumed about St. Peter as Christ’s chosen representative to continue on the foundational development of Christianity, new revelations could significant change what the Church knows and its followers believe. Father Michael Dominic, who works diligently as the Prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives, has uncovered something highly mysterious and potentially earth-shattering, depending on the perspective. Might Peter not have been the sole leader of the early Church? How does an obscure message carved in an ancient language shed light on what truly happened in the early years of Christianity?

Working alongside Vatican archaeologist Marcus Russo, Father Dominic follows the clues in the message to uncover the role of Linus in the early Church and how he would be seen, given the notoriety he may have had. These curiosities are only overshadowed when a mysterious collector of ancient relics arrives in Rome with a proposition to finance the Vatican Archives with some significant donations. While Father Dominic is shocked, he feels there must be a catch.

Elliot Voss is more than a collector and sees these relics as anything but ancient items. He has dangerous and mischievous plans as he works on the black market to amass a collection for his private museum in Seattle. While Voss is working on a plot to take possession of Peter’s bones ahead of the 1100th anniversary celebration, Father Dominic has plans of his own to turn that caper on its head. However, both men are determined to get their way and will do whatever it takes to ensure success. McAvoy delivers a gripping novel that has all the elements needed for yet another strong thriller, particularly with the cliffhanger that awaits the dedicated reader!

I have long enjoyed the work of Gary McAvoy, particularly this highly informative series. He is always keen to speculate on issues closely relating to the Catholic Church. The narrative clips along, fuelled by great storytelling and well-developed ideas that propel things forward with ease. McAvoy is keen to educate the reader while also providing wonderful ideas to ponder along the way. Characters prove effective, not only to flavour the narrative, but serve as vessels to properly illustrate many of the key historical events that transpire from chapter to chapter. McAvoy has a way with his selection of individuals, many of whom help add depth to an already strong story. The plot points are well placed and help keep the reader intrigued about what is going on and how it will play a role in the larger narrative. There are also key learning moments that McAvoy uses to shed light on possible truths and deceptive use of fiction to keep the stories strong and wonderfully entertaining.

Kudos. Mr. McAvoy, for a great addition to an already strong series that has never lost its momentum. — MATT PECHEY, Reedsy Discovery