The Passion of the Cross by Tony Lee Moral
When famed curator Giovanni Montefiore’s is shockingly murdered at the Italian Opera in Rome following his bold proclamation regarding the authenticity of the True Cross, there are many suspects, but suspicion falls heavily upon his nephew, Mario Montefiore.
With his American girlfriend, actress Catriona Benedict, by his side, they embark on a perilous quest for truth and to uncover the real killer, leading them through some of Italy’s most iconic and glamorous cities.
But as the body count rises and the relentless pursuit of both law enforcement and paparazzi intensifies, they find themselves fleeing to Florence in search of the True Cross ,which they hope holds the answers they need. Amidst the ancient streets of Florence, Catriona assumes a daring new identity, delving into a world of shadows and deception.
Will they uncover the secrets surrounding the True Cross before it’s too late?
My Review
This was like a cross between Indiana Jones and a Dan Brown novel. Our intrepid heroes, actress Catriona Benedict and boyfriend Mario Montefiore are seeking important historical artefacts around Rome, The Vatican and Florence, while being chased by ruthless killers and religious fanatics.
Famed curator Giovanni Montefiore was shot to death during an opera in Rome after revealing what he believed to be the authenticity of The True Cross. He was Mario’s uncle, and they had been overheard arguing over the reward money for finding a missing Caravaggio in the previous book. Giovanni wouldn’t give them the $10,000 reward and it all turned a bit nasty. After all, blood is thicker than water and there will be lots more of it to come as the body count rises and the plot thickens.
It’s all very exciting and the pace never lets up. The ‘accidents’ that almost kill them are very inventive and entertaining. At one point Catriona must use her skills as an actress to pull off a daring disguise, while Mario just gets hot under the collar and shows his jealousy of Catriona’s friend Freddie, an American journalist, who happens to be in Italy at the same time and ends up helping them out. OK, I admit I wasn’t a fan of Mario, but I do like Freddie.
Altogether a furious and enjoyable romp which I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope there will be more to come and that Catriona decides….better not say any more.
Many thanks to the author for a gifted copy.
About the Author
Tony Lee Moral is a mystery and suspense writer who has previously published three novels, and four non-fiction books about the works of Alfred Hitchcock in both the UK and US. Find out more via his website: www.tonyleemoralbooks.com
Tony explains: “Alfred Hitchcock always wanted to begin the opening of a thriller in an Opera House and a murder takes place when the Soprano hits the high C. I start my novel with exactly that and the story is very much a homage to Hitchcock’s films with classic use of suspense, characters and Macguffins.”
