The Third Secret

Exceptional first novel by author Steve Berry explores various aspects of wisdom and secrets delivered by The Virgin Mary to children throughout the last 200 years, focusing on the third secret of Fatima. While I've noticed other reviewers suggesting that this novel should be offensive to Christians, I found it respectful and quite appropriate in its handling of faith, revelations and the urging by many Catholics for modernization in doctrine. I will absolutely read this author again, and enjoyed the characters, especially the naughty ones!

This was my third Steve Berry novel and I have to say that I loved this one by far! Very entertaining, so much so I kept thinking about getting back to reading it while at work! Having visited Bamberg before and lived in Italy I found the novel to be accurate in both the descriptions of the locations and the 'politics' at the Vatican. I find it a little eery that since the death of John Paul II, the new pope seems to have taken some steps back in time with regards to specific positions/policies of the Vatican. Certainly food for thought....

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. It is a marvelous story about corruption and intrigue within the Vatican, a story so controversial that I would put it in right up there with Dan Brown's ANGELS AND DEMONS. At the same time it also educates people about the history of the Papecy and the Visions of the Holy mother appearing to people.

From the outset, Steve Berry captures your interest by pulling the curtain that shrouds the mysteries of the Vatican. It's political entanglements and characters mirrors our contemporary world. He weaves a highly interesting combination of clerical fidelity, celibacy controversy, love story,and church politics with an overarching mystery thriller. Definitely a fast read and worthwhile ride.

Steve Berry sure knows how to keep you interested ... and thinking! Short chapters, vived characterizations, tightly coiled plot. I couldn't put it down. While some Catholics might take offense at the unfavorable light shed on the denizens of the Vatican, I found my own faith reaffirmed: the Good News remains healthy and life-giving even when human society would distort it.