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The Hildegard Seeds
A Vatican Secret Archive Thriller - Book 10
When investigative journalist Hana Sinclair uncovers a cryptic reference to an ancient botanical manuscript left to by her late grandfather, she unravels a thread tied to Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th-century abbess, healer, and mystic. Her findings reveal that Hildegardâs work holds more than historical valueâit may conceal the key to curing some of humanityâs most devastating diseases. But someone is determined to ensure her secrets stay buried.
As Hana teams up with Father Michael Dominic, prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives, and Marcus Russo, a Vatican archaeologist, they discover that a powerful biotech corporation, Zentara, has been systematically suppressing cancer cures for profit. Zentaraâs reach is vast, its operatives ruthless, and its agenda clear: control the narrative of medical progress at any cost.
The team races to uncover and protect Hildegardâs work, their journey taking them from Geneva to Rupertsberg Abbey, where Hildegard lived and worked, to Zentaraâs high-tech laboratories. Along the way, they face betrayal, danger, and the weight of their own convictions. For Hana, the fight becomes deeply personal, challenging her notions of justice and the role of science in society.
But when Zentara accelerates its plans and begins human trials with catastrophic consequences, the stakes grow even higher. Can the team expose the corporationâs crimes, safeguard Hildegardâs legacy, and ensure her healing vision is not lost to history?
A gripping tale of courage, faith, and the pursuit of truth, The Hildegard Seeds explores the timeless struggle between greed and the greater good, weaving historical intrigue with modern-day suspense in a story that will resonate long after the final page.
Select Reviews for The Hildegard Seeds
Always eager to get my hands on a novel by Gary McAvoy, I was pleased to have been provided this ARC of the latest in the Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers series. McAvoy brings Father Michael Dominic and Hana Sinclair back with a mystery that has strong ties to history and the power of the Church. The book pushes away from the Vatican’s importance and thrusts a gift that Hana received into the limelight. With an old manuscript and samples of medicines made in the 12th century, Hana and Father Michael must get to the core of the issue and try to protect it, as a group has plans to profit from the cache. Dodging those who have no respect for life or limb, Hana and Father Michael soon find themselves as targets in Germany and must work to uncover the truth for the benefit of all. McAvoy delivers a thrilling piece once more in this series that never seems to lose its momentum.
After learning of the death of her grandfather, Hana Sinclair discovers references to a historical manuscript purported to belong to a 12th century healer. Tapping into her career as an investigative journalist, Hana seeks to know more about Hildegard von Bingen and what she did while working at a German monastery. Enlisting the help of her close friend and fiancé, Father Michael Dominic, the pair begin another of their intense adventures. This may not be something emanating from the Vatican Secret Archives, but it will likely be just as captivating the more history comes to the surface.
After exploring more of the manuscript, Hana realises that it is a botanical tome that could hold clues to some of the most powerful natural healing properties to combat diseases that have plagued modern times for centuries. She knows the importance, but also the danger that awaits her. Even arriving in Germany, Hana and Father Dominic cannot be sure what they will find or who might be looking to grab their own bit of the action.
Gathering a few others to help with the investigation, Hana and Father Dominic begin to find truths long buried in the manuscript and inside the walls of the Rupertsberg Abbey. A powerful Swiss biotech firm comes sniffing around with rumors of what Hildegard may have had in her possession and the fight is on, where significant sums of money await. From Geneva to the Black Forest in Germany, no stone will go unturned to get to the truth, though some are more ruthless than others. What awaits everyone is a discovery like no other that could truly shape disease management well into the future. A stunning story and development of yet another strong branch in the Vatican Secret Archives series, showing just how versatile Gary McAvoy can be.
I have enjoyed the work of Gary McAvoy for years, as he always knows just what to do to keep things edgy and enticing. The series builds well and provides readers with something well worth their time, while also educating with various portions of history guiding the way. The narrative clips along, keeping the reader in the middle of the action, while also sending them on a mission like no other. As the story clips along, there is little time to wonder, though mysteries compound and provide many moments to learn about history and the influence of the Church. Characters add depth to their backstories, at least those who are series regulars, and there is a real sense of newness for those who emerge for the first time. Plot points keep the surprises coming and the action never-ending, as the reader is surprised with many parts of the book while they hope to predict at least a few aspects for their own peace of mind. I am eager to see where things are going, as I was sure there might be a clear-cut ending, just as McAvoy tosses new twists into the mix.
Kudos, Mr. McAvoy, for another great thriller that explores pieces of history I had no idea existed. Â Â Â â MATT PECHEY, Reedsy Discovery Review
