The History Thief: Ten Days Lost

The Sterling Novels #2

by Joseph S. Nagle

In J. S. Nagle's freshman debut and acclaimed thriller, The Hand of Christ, CIA Officer, Dr. Michael Sterling dealt a severe blow to the Order: an organization whose charter for centuries has been to infiltrate governments and corporations with pawns that they control. Fractured but not broken, three years have passed, and the Order is back with a new plan: a plan that has the White House in their crosshairs.

And they will use Michael to get there. He has no choice: they’ve kidnapped his wife. Michael has forty-eight hours to do their bidding. Fail, and she dies, Michael, too.

Soon, the Crown of Thorns is stolen, the Shroud of Turin, too. During a state visit to Notre Dame the woman heavily favored to be the next President of the United States becomes one of the many victims from an explosion that leaves the famed Cathedral in smouldering ruins; destruction surpassed only by that of 9/11. Named in her place is Senator Matthew Faust, but he is one of the Order’s pawns.

While the world mourns, seemingly unrelated events take place in Afghanistan where Staff Sergeant York and his Alpha Team of Green Berets come across intelligence that links both him and Michael to the assassination.

With no one to trust and attacked by his own people, York escapes Afghanistan, turning to Michael for help. Together again, but on their own, Michael and York escape a CIA dragnet. Tracked by the sociopath that brought down Notre Dame; hunted by their own people, Michael and York take the reader on a fast-paced, spine tingling romp through Paris, India, Portugal, and Rome; through the pages of history itself in their effort to stop history from being rewritten.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Amazon, Historical Fiction, Fiction

610 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2011

Reviews

[Blake Kanewischer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best way to describe Nagle's writing style is Tom Clancy crossed with Dan Brown. Sadly, his editor didn't take enough red pen to the manuscript, leaving it flabby and overburdened with adjectives and adverbs. The coincidences, plot devices, and techniques are even more evidently gaping holes than in the worst of Brown's work, and the technology employed is reminiscent of Clancy. It's not quite brain-rotting, but it needs to be followed with a good dose of a better book to prevent brain atrophy.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read "The Hand of Christ" and enjoyed it. I think the author's writing developed and matured significantly in this, the second book. The treasure was not at all what I expected it to be. I actually laughed when I discovered it. Although at times my suspension of disbelief was more - shall I say - energetic than others, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the read.
My only complaint is the (from what I understand) incorrect spelling of Michael as "Michele" in French. Masculine names wouldn't have an "e" at the end and I think should have been "Michel". I may be wrong, though.
Overall I give it a 5 as an entertaining read.

[Sharron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this as much as the first. The only things that let it down was bad editing, there were lots of typos, Granada was referred to as Grenada for a few pages for example! The other thing was unnecessary repetition of the storyline from the previous story, I understand that some explanation is required but don't try to rewrite the first one in the second. Apart from that it was a good plot if somewhat confusing at times and Dr Sterling is just like Jack Bauer, saves the world and it's a thankless task. I'll read more from this author!

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book out of order; I plan to read "The Hand of Christ" soon. I don't think it mattered so much, though - the references to the first book were self-explanatory. This was a good read - lots of action, good development of characters. The length of the book almost prevented me from reading it, but there was so much going on that it read pretty fast. I do recommend it. And I give it 4.5 stars.

[Laura Macmillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a long, involved, FICTIONAL action/adventure story, comparable, I think, to some of Dan Brown's work. It deals with the R.C. church's meddling in political affairs, conspiracy theories, secret orders, and the like.

I found the action/adventure part of this book exciting and hard to put down; but I really am not a fan of this subject matter. That aside, in all fairness, I'd rate this book 4* out of 5 -- but I won't read another one.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid thriller that blends art, history, and religion to tell the tale. This is the second book in the series that I have read. I like the main character, Dr. Michael Sterling. He reminds me a lot of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, but with a quicker take to action.

[Paula Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The History Thief by Joseph Nagle is the following up book to the Hands of God.

Spies/counter spies
action
travels to U.S., Portugal, France and the Vatican.
Catholic Church
Knights Templar

Intense action that ties a lot of groups and concepts together.

Great Thriller

[Ken · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dire, no other word needed

[Donnarama · Rating 5 out of 5]

If possible, Jason would give this book 10 out of a possible 5. He LOVED it. Funny characters were highlights.

[Paula Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up after about 35%, wasn't what I was expecting, too much military jargon!