The Sword of the Templars ("JOHN ""DOC"" HOLLIDAY")

Bookwas not as advertised

It's a good story, but it's ending is a bit disappointing. But it's still a good read and I would certainly recommend the book.

This book does a great job in explaining the myths surrounding the missing Templar treasure. It is hard to put down, with its lead character, a well educated former Army Ranger, following the trail of clues connected with an ancient Templar sword. Packed with adventure and the thrill of the pursuit of the treasure, it follows the style of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor. A must read for Templar fans.

Enjoyable reading with equal parts action and background. One thought...the proof-reader could have done a better job. In the first few pages, the hero, "Doc" Holliday, is described as wearing an eye patch from loosing an eye in a ironic incident. In the next chapter, he is chasing a suspicious figure and because of slippery footing, must "keep one eye on the ground and one eye on the running figure". You figure it out, I couldn't. Don't let this keep you from enyoying an otherwise interesting read.

I knew I'd like this book on the first page, when 'Doc' Holliday mentions Indiana Jones, the DaVinci Code and National Secret in a lecture to his West Point History class, but when Mr. Christopher refers to Harry Potter, Narnia and E. Nesbit in the first chapter and goes on with liberal sprinkles of pop culture, I knew I was really going to like it. 'Doc' Holliday and his photographer niece Peggy are hot on the trail of a centuries old secret, the only clue to which is an ancient sword left to them by a deceased relative. The quest takes them all over the world from small town New York State to the Old City of Jerusalem, to a dizzying number of other locations in order to consult people who know something about it. It seems that everywhere they go people are trying to kill them, and the killers do manage to take out a number of the experts though one has a sense the Doc and Peggy will always get themselves out of whatever pickle they're in. The identity of the bad guys and why they're out to get the sword is intriguing, but Mr. Christopher does the reader a huge favor by presenting several possibilities and letting the reader guess. When the secret is finally revealed, it's suitably earthshaking, and I was delighted at the broad hint that a sequel is in the works. The Sword of the Templars is a fun ride and the resourceful irreverent Peggy and the erudite and quick-witted Doc are delightful travelling companions. This is a quick and very enjoyable read; well researched and containing lots of interesting tidbits of information on a variety of subjects. It's not Great Literature, but it doesn't pretend to be. It is a nicely plotted, well-written light thriller great for beach, plane or patio. Enjoy.