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Dr. Cloe Lejeune #1
Judas the Apostle
Ancient language expert Dr. Clotile Lejeune is happily living a quiet life in Seattle when her world is profoundly shaken. After she learns that her estranged father has been murdered, Cloe must travel with her son, J. E., back to her Louisiana hometown to unlock the mysteries of a two-thousand-year-old oil jar her father has left in her care—a jar inscribed with the name Judas Iscariot. Anxious to find her father’s killer and dispel her own personal demons, Cloe has no idea that what she is about to uncover has the potential to set the international religious community on fire.
With the help of a mysterious cleric, her son, and a letter from her father, Cloe soon realizes the African oil jar her father picked up during the war may be the most important relic discovered in centuries. But it is only the beginning. Across the globe, a billionaire arms merchant is leaving a trail of bodies in his wake in his pursuit of the jar and its contents.
In this religious thriller, the race for answers takes a language professor on a dangerous quest across three continents in order to discover the identity of Judas Iscariot. Now only time will tell if Cloe can find out what the past is reaching out to tell her—before it is too late.
With the help of a mysterious cleric, her son, and a letter from her father, Cloe soon realizes the African oil jar her father picked up during the war may be the most important relic discovered in centuries. But it is only the beginning. Across the globe, a billionaire arms merchant is leaving a trail of bodies in his wake in his pursuit of the jar and its contents.
In this religious thriller, the race for answers takes a language professor on a dangerous quest across three continents in order to discover the identity of Judas Iscariot. Now only time will tell if Cloe can find out what the past is reaching out to tell her—before it is too late.
300 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2012
37 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Van R. Mayhall Jr.
3 books33 followersVan R. Mayhall Jr. is the senior partner in a Baton Rouge, Louisiana law firm where he practices corporate and business law and handles selected litigation. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, he was educated at Louisiana State University and Georgetown University. He and his wife, Lorri, have three grown children and enjoy boating on Lake Pontchartrain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 9, 2015
The story involves finding the lost gospel of Judas and the possible different explanation of his actions against Jesus. It doesn't go into much detail about the recovered book but rather the finding of it and keeping it out of the hands of the man who wants it for himself.
Dr. Clotile Lejeune inherits an old jar from her estranged father after he dies. She and her son travel to Louisiana for the funeral and get them involved in a scheme to steal the jar and kill them. The journey leads them to the Middle East where the final action takes place.
This is very much in the Dan Brown mode but not nearly as well written. There were a lot of clichés and really trite writing. Still the story moved right along. I think I would have been more interested if there had been more information on the discovered gospel. Perhaps that's the next book..
I received this copy from Net Galley.
Dr. Clotile Lejeune inherits an old jar from her estranged father after he dies. She and her son travel to Louisiana for the funeral and get them involved in a scheme to steal the jar and kill them. The journey leads them to the Middle East where the final action takes place.
This is very much in the Dan Brown mode but not nearly as well written. There were a lot of clichés and really trite writing. Still the story moved right along. I think I would have been more interested if there had been more information on the discovered gospel. Perhaps that's the next book..
I received this copy from Net Galley.
May 27, 2015
Who was Judas?
The betrayer or the facilitator?
I’m not sure what to make of this book. The telling is woven with a fine thread but something is askew. The beginning and the end - page turners. The middle stalled me - laborious detail and characters I still was unable to get emotional about (even after one hundred pages).
This is a good story based on the theological history surrounding the lives of Judas Iscariot and Jesus of Nazareth. There is a lot of information to digest. So much so that Mayhall had me going through my own theological research papers for confirmation on many of the theories set forth in the book.
An Oil Jar inscribed with the name Judas Iscariot is found in a cave by a man who, years later, is murdered for it. The daughter inherits the jar, and the race to find the true identity of the one person everyone believes to have betrayed our Savior, begins.
Judas the Apostle is a good story, but …... I never felt that punch in the gut.
The betrayer or the facilitator?
I’m not sure what to make of this book. The telling is woven with a fine thread but something is askew. The beginning and the end - page turners. The middle stalled me - laborious detail and characters I still was unable to get emotional about (even after one hundred pages).
This is a good story based on the theological history surrounding the lives of Judas Iscariot and Jesus of Nazareth. There is a lot of information to digest. So much so that Mayhall had me going through my own theological research papers for confirmation on many of the theories set forth in the book.
An Oil Jar inscribed with the name Judas Iscariot is found in a cave by a man who, years later, is murdered for it. The daughter inherits the jar, and the race to find the true identity of the one person everyone believes to have betrayed our Savior, begins.
Judas the Apostle is a good story, but …... I never felt that punch in the gut.
March 3, 2014
The premise of Judas the Apostle is intriguing. Did Judas Iscariot have different intentions than what is traditionally known in the Bible, and is there evidence of this in an earlier Gospel? I have to admit to being fascinated by these kinds of stories. I always find myself wondering, "what do we really know about history and the Bible?" These kinds of novels give insight into what could be...opening our minds to new or different possibilities. A thriller in the vein of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, this book could have been more heavy on suspense, but instead was a bit heavy on words. Too much description of every day actions like what they're eating, etc. However, in all, Judas the Apostle is a respectable entry in the vein of biblical thriller. I think books with this type of ideology are important to get us thinking and questioning what is commonly known.
February 13, 2015
A well written thriller concerning the Book of Judas Iscariot. Cleo Lejeune and her son,JE returns home to buried her father. Her inheritance is an oil jar her father's treasure from World War 11. Several persons are after the jar including an evil person. There is information about Judas, Catholic Church and various biblical groups. I had difficulty reading the book because of the violence and suspense. I read a few chapters and took break in order to finish it. This a good book to read.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
April 6, 2015
Judas the Apostle by Van R. Mayhall Jr
This was an interesting book, it’s a biblical thriller, that will keep you enthralled. Cloe Lejeune inherits an artifact from her father when he was found murdered. The artifact is the oil jar of Judas Iscariot. That alone makes it very intriguing. As they try to unravel the mystery of the oil jar, there are others who want the jar as well. This is a very well written novel, bringing the bible into the forefront of the story.
This was an interesting book, it’s a biblical thriller, that will keep you enthralled. Cloe Lejeune inherits an artifact from her father when he was found murdered. The artifact is the oil jar of Judas Iscariot. That alone makes it very intriguing. As they try to unravel the mystery of the oil jar, there are others who want the jar as well. This is a very well written novel, bringing the bible into the forefront of the story.
October 26, 2015
You must read "The Last Sicarius" straight away as this continues where this tome leave off.
December 15, 2016
I thought I was going to enjoy this book. I wanted to like it. I’ve enjoyed book within the same vein (The Historian, The Da Vinci Code, etc.) so I figured Judas the Apostle would be a good read especially given its story content. Unfortunately, Van R. Mayhall Jr.’s book didn’t get to the same level as any of those books.
The thing with those other books that this one was missing was the ability to create a story with a mixture of mystery, suspense and action to go along with the informative aspect of the plot. As I was reading Judas the Apostle, I never felt truly engaged into what was happening with Cloe, J.R., the Monsignor and The Kolektor. There wasn’t this tension that comes with unearthing important clues or having an epiphany that puts the puzzle pieces in place. Instead, it all just felt so linear with the amount of time spent with the characters having discussions with each other, basically giving out information to the readers regarding Judas and the different theories on the possible motives of his betrayal. And the funny thing is, all that information regarding Judas was actually pretty intriguing and may have been the only really interesting thing about the book which is unfortunate considering how lackluster (to me) it was all presented. With the length of time spent on these expositions, you felt you’re reading a non-fiction book about Judas instead of a novel.
And perhaps that’s where my issue with the book lay. The content and information wasn’t the problem. It was the writing, characters and presentation. I never really felt invested in the characters. It was all just superficial for me. There was potential with Cloe, given her fallout with her dad and being away from the family and the Church, to create some depth with her character. But Mayhall Jr. just skimmed the surface, making references to it at certain points in the narrative but quickly turns back towards the plot to keep it moving. I thought he could’ve taken more time in terms of creating tension and suspense within his story than he did. But like with the characters, the tension that was present was around for seemingly a minute and then having it resolved pretty quickly (i.e. the question of Monsignor Albert’s motives and loyalties). It left a lot to be desired. I also questioned some of the writing and word choices. At times it felt a bit overdramatic and out of place. It just felt plain odd to me.
The only thing that really saved this book was the actual informative content in regards to Judas. It was interesting and actually pretty entertaining. But presentation matters and the way the story was constructed and organized was a disservice to the book. It lacked that spark that made others in the same vein successful. In the end, all I felt was relief from actually having finished the book.
*Received Copy From NetGalley
The thing with those other books that this one was missing was the ability to create a story with a mixture of mystery, suspense and action to go along with the informative aspect of the plot. As I was reading Judas the Apostle, I never felt truly engaged into what was happening with Cloe, J.R., the Monsignor and The Kolektor. There wasn’t this tension that comes with unearthing important clues or having an epiphany that puts the puzzle pieces in place. Instead, it all just felt so linear with the amount of time spent with the characters having discussions with each other, basically giving out information to the readers regarding Judas and the different theories on the possible motives of his betrayal. And the funny thing is, all that information regarding Judas was actually pretty intriguing and may have been the only really interesting thing about the book which is unfortunate considering how lackluster (to me) it was all presented. With the length of time spent on these expositions, you felt you’re reading a non-fiction book about Judas instead of a novel.
And perhaps that’s where my issue with the book lay. The content and information wasn’t the problem. It was the writing, characters and presentation. I never really felt invested in the characters. It was all just superficial for me. There was potential with Cloe, given her fallout with her dad and being away from the family and the Church, to create some depth with her character. But Mayhall Jr. just skimmed the surface, making references to it at certain points in the narrative but quickly turns back towards the plot to keep it moving. I thought he could’ve taken more time in terms of creating tension and suspense within his story than he did. But like with the characters, the tension that was present was around for seemingly a minute and then having it resolved pretty quickly (i.e. the question of Monsignor Albert’s motives and loyalties). It left a lot to be desired. I also questioned some of the writing and word choices. At times it felt a bit overdramatic and out of place. It just felt plain odd to me.
The only thing that really saved this book was the actual informative content in regards to Judas. It was interesting and actually pretty entertaining. But presentation matters and the way the story was constructed and organized was a disservice to the book. It lacked that spark that made others in the same vein successful. In the end, all I felt was relief from actually having finished the book.
*Received Copy From NetGalley
March 23, 2015
What a masterpiece! A great historical, violent filled thriller that held me on the edge of my seat as I read page after page of very picturesque text that took me back in time, along with wonderful characters, to places where I had never been before. As I was being transported back to the Old City of Jerusalem and saw through the author’s wonderful words what was being transpired, along with the suspense of not knowing; plus the eagerness of wanting to get to the next page to find out what was happening, made the tension increase on my nerves. Then I began to wonder what other mishaps might befall Dr. Lejeune and her group as they journeyed from her home-town of
Louisiana.
He was late and he was also very angry. After being told his assignment would be in America, he was hurried because of burdensome traffic. Will he make it on time and not have to worry about the consequences? Finally making it to his destination, the black figure sneaked his way in like a slithery serpent and fulfilled part of his job. But its effect came with a price.
Dr. Lejeune’s life was suddenly turned into turmoil as she thought back to the day she first arrived in Louisiana. The day before she was at peace, but now everything had been dumped on her shoulders. How was she suppose to cope with all that has happened? She had lost her mother, and now her father murdered left her with so much grief, but she had to appear strong because of her son J.E.
After the reading of the will, Dr. Lejeune was in more of a shock than ever, because she became entrusted with a relic that was very old and very important; plus a letter. Dr. Lejeune felt not only alien, but uncertain with the new situation. That evening, the more she read of the letter, the more respect she had for her father. She knew the letter was important, but how important? She would have to find out.
Following her father’s death, Dr. Lejeune also found out that a particular person wanted to buy an object that her father had, but he refused to sale it. Why? Was it because this item was too important to let slip from her father’s grasp? Was he the same evil person that had her father killed? If so, then why would he want the object? Dr. Lejeune’s mind was humming with these new facts. She would have to keep her ears and eyes open and think more on these matters.
As the mystery deepened, and things were starting to go along smoothly, two pieces of the puzzle evolved. Difficult and violent matters began to appear more frequently. People were getting killed all around Dr. Lejeune, her son J.E., and their friends. Will the secrets finally unfold to the mystery behind why Dr. Lejeune’s father died, and the reasoning behind who wanted the relic? Why is it so special, and how is it connected to murder? Did it hold “The Judas Gospel?”
Louisiana.
He was late and he was also very angry. After being told his assignment would be in America, he was hurried because of burdensome traffic. Will he make it on time and not have to worry about the consequences? Finally making it to his destination, the black figure sneaked his way in like a slithery serpent and fulfilled part of his job. But its effect came with a price.
Dr. Lejeune’s life was suddenly turned into turmoil as she thought back to the day she first arrived in Louisiana. The day before she was at peace, but now everything had been dumped on her shoulders. How was she suppose to cope with all that has happened? She had lost her mother, and now her father murdered left her with so much grief, but she had to appear strong because of her son J.E.
After the reading of the will, Dr. Lejeune was in more of a shock than ever, because she became entrusted with a relic that was very old and very important; plus a letter. Dr. Lejeune felt not only alien, but uncertain with the new situation. That evening, the more she read of the letter, the more respect she had for her father. She knew the letter was important, but how important? She would have to find out.
Following her father’s death, Dr. Lejeune also found out that a particular person wanted to buy an object that her father had, but he refused to sale it. Why? Was it because this item was too important to let slip from her father’s grasp? Was he the same evil person that had her father killed? If so, then why would he want the object? Dr. Lejeune’s mind was humming with these new facts. She would have to keep her ears and eyes open and think more on these matters.
As the mystery deepened, and things were starting to go along smoothly, two pieces of the puzzle evolved. Difficult and violent matters began to appear more frequently. People were getting killed all around Dr. Lejeune, her son J.E., and their friends. Will the secrets finally unfold to the mystery behind why Dr. Lejeune’s father died, and the reasoning behind who wanted the relic? Why is it so special, and how is it connected to murder? Did it hold “The Judas Gospel?”
March 22, 2015
Judas the Apostle
By Bob Gelms
We will look at two books in this issue written by Val Mayhall Jr., Judas the Apostle and The Last Sicarius. They are the first two books in a series featuring Clotile Lejeune, usually referred to as Cloe.
Judas the Apostle is a bang up terrific biblical thriller. It follows the exploits of a gentle, peaceful ancient languages expert, Cloe Lejeune, and her son, J. E., as they travel from Seattle back to Louisiana to investigate the murder of her estranged father, Thib. What turns out to be the centerpiece of the mystery is a two-thousand year old oil jar inscribed with the name “Judas Iscariot” left to Cloe by her father. Thib also leaves Cloe a tantalizing letter that explains enough to set all of their imaginations ablaze and their hearts palpitating. Joining them on the road trip is a mysterious Catholic priest, Father Aloysius, who shows up out of the blue from the Vatican. The game begins and you won’t be able to peel your eyes from the page.
I like the fact that the Catholic Church is not the villain in this novel. The Church trying to sabotage the world has come to be almost a cliché and I, for one, found it refreshing that in Judas the Apostle the Catholic Church shows up to help in any way it can even to the point of putting it’s own operatives in harm’s way.
We end up learning a lot of biblical history concerning different interpretations of the place Judas the Apostle has in the story of Jesus. It is revealed to us in the exposition of the plot instead of in a boring lecture delivered by one of the characters. Then we learn from Thib’s letter about where the oil jar was found and the area’s place in biblical history.
Cloe starts out as a meek tentative participant in all of this and as the book progresses she becomes stronger and stronger. Her character grows. She isn’t just a cardboard-cut-out one-dimensional woman academic sitting in her ivory tower.
The villain is a reprehensible, horrific megalomaniac who is just as smart and clever as our little band of heroes. If fact he always seems to be one step ahead of them. He wants the jar and especially so after our intrepid group discovers what is inside.
If you like thrillers you will love this book. If you particularly like biblical thrillers then Judas the Apostle is for you.
By Bob Gelms
We will look at two books in this issue written by Val Mayhall Jr., Judas the Apostle and The Last Sicarius. They are the first two books in a series featuring Clotile Lejeune, usually referred to as Cloe.
Judas the Apostle is a bang up terrific biblical thriller. It follows the exploits of a gentle, peaceful ancient languages expert, Cloe Lejeune, and her son, J. E., as they travel from Seattle back to Louisiana to investigate the murder of her estranged father, Thib. What turns out to be the centerpiece of the mystery is a two-thousand year old oil jar inscribed with the name “Judas Iscariot” left to Cloe by her father. Thib also leaves Cloe a tantalizing letter that explains enough to set all of their imaginations ablaze and their hearts palpitating. Joining them on the road trip is a mysterious Catholic priest, Father Aloysius, who shows up out of the blue from the Vatican. The game begins and you won’t be able to peel your eyes from the page.
I like the fact that the Catholic Church is not the villain in this novel. The Church trying to sabotage the world has come to be almost a cliché and I, for one, found it refreshing that in Judas the Apostle the Catholic Church shows up to help in any way it can even to the point of putting it’s own operatives in harm’s way.
We end up learning a lot of biblical history concerning different interpretations of the place Judas the Apostle has in the story of Jesus. It is revealed to us in the exposition of the plot instead of in a boring lecture delivered by one of the characters. Then we learn from Thib’s letter about where the oil jar was found and the area’s place in biblical history.
Cloe starts out as a meek tentative participant in all of this and as the book progresses she becomes stronger and stronger. Her character grows. She isn’t just a cardboard-cut-out one-dimensional woman academic sitting in her ivory tower.
The villain is a reprehensible, horrific megalomaniac who is just as smart and clever as our little band of heroes. If fact he always seems to be one step ahead of them. He wants the jar and especially so after our intrepid group discovers what is inside.
If you like thrillers you will love this book. If you particularly like biblical thrillers then Judas the Apostle is for you.
July 18, 2015
This is a good solid four star read. Much like the DaVinci Code and other books of that ilk, its basic premise is what was Judas Iscariot's role in betraying or aiding Jesus? A professor of ancient languages inherits a jar which contains an ancient and obscure manuscript brought back from Tunisia by her father at the end of World War II.
Her father is murdered for the jar and so begins the cat and mouse game for its acquisition. There are many players but the main ones are the professor and her son, just returned from military duty in Iraq; a monsignor from the Vatican backed by members of the Swiss Guard and staff at LSU who use amazing technology to open the jar and ensure the integrity of the contents.
What I really liked about this book was the the professor, Cloe LeJeune, uses her mind and the knowledge she has in her field to start unraveling the mystery of what the manuscript is and what it means. Unlike Dan Brown's hero, Cloe does not have a complex set of phobias that must be overcome nor is she ultimate authority of every subject in which she comes in contact.
The monsignor is there to provide the reader with religious background information, her son and the Swiss Guard provide the tactical action and military expertise and Cloe provides the history and knowledge of the ancient world. She is also not prone to miraculous feats of escapism. She uses what any intelligent woman would use to get out of situations: her intellect and the ability to match wits with the foe, known as the Kolektor - which had just enough of a James Bond factor to keep me happy.
The book moves along at a great pace - even with the heavy lifting at LSU as they study the jar and its contents, there is action that keeps everyone on their toes. Some have noted that the book is "wordy". i found it to be intelligently written instead of purely action driven. Another amazing BookBub find. This is one that will hold the interests of all kinds of readers from the first page to the last. Why not five stars?
Well, the end frankly. The big resolve is not there. It is open ended. Not for another book but for readers to ponder upon the information provided and think about all the "what if" scenarios that were presented along the way. If that is enough to satisfy your soul, then its a five star read. I just wanted an ending to a great book.
Her father is murdered for the jar and so begins the cat and mouse game for its acquisition. There are many players but the main ones are the professor and her son, just returned from military duty in Iraq; a monsignor from the Vatican backed by members of the Swiss Guard and staff at LSU who use amazing technology to open the jar and ensure the integrity of the contents.
What I really liked about this book was the the professor, Cloe LeJeune, uses her mind and the knowledge she has in her field to start unraveling the mystery of what the manuscript is and what it means. Unlike Dan Brown's hero, Cloe does not have a complex set of phobias that must be overcome nor is she ultimate authority of every subject in which she comes in contact.
The monsignor is there to provide the reader with religious background information, her son and the Swiss Guard provide the tactical action and military expertise and Cloe provides the history and knowledge of the ancient world. She is also not prone to miraculous feats of escapism. She uses what any intelligent woman would use to get out of situations: her intellect and the ability to match wits with the foe, known as the Kolektor - which had just enough of a James Bond factor to keep me happy.
The book moves along at a great pace - even with the heavy lifting at LSU as they study the jar and its contents, there is action that keeps everyone on their toes. Some have noted that the book is "wordy". i found it to be intelligently written instead of purely action driven. Another amazing BookBub find. This is one that will hold the interests of all kinds of readers from the first page to the last. Why not five stars?
Well, the end frankly. The big resolve is not there. It is open ended. Not for another book but for readers to ponder upon the information provided and think about all the "what if" scenarios that were presented along the way. If that is enough to satisfy your soul, then its a five star read. I just wanted an ending to a great book.
July 19, 2015
"
Ancient language expert Dr. Clotile Lejeune is happily living a quiet life in Seattle when her world is profoundly shaken. After she learns that her estranged father has been murdered, Cloe must travel with her soldier son, J. E., back to her Louisiana hometown to unlock the mysteries of a two-thousand-year-old oil jar her father has left her—a jar inscribed with the name Judas Iscariot. Anxious to find her father’s killer and dispel her own personal demons, Cloe has no idea that what she is about to uncover has the potential to set the international religious community on fire.
With the help of a mysterious cleric, her son, and a letter from her father, Cloe soon realizes the African oil jar her father unearthed during the war may be the most important relic discovered in centuries. But it is only the beginning. Across the globe, a billionaire arms merchant is leaving a trail of bodies in his wake in his pursuit of the jar and its contents.
In this biblical thriller, the race for answers takes a language professor on a dangerous quest across three continents in order to discover the identity of Judas Iscariot. Now only time will tell if Cloe can find out what the past is reaching out to tell her—before it is too late.
"
Review"A solid thriller with an invigorating religious theme." -Kirkus Review
"An edge of the chair thriller, a stunning history and geography lesson, and an unparalleled glimpse into the past of one of history's most maligned figures...Judas The Apostle tells a great, and truly plausible story, against the rich and often diverse tapestry of Louisiana, America's most colorful and mysterious region."
-Bill Profita, Radio Talk Show Host, 107.3 FM Baton Rouge, Louisiana
About the AuthorVan R. Mayhall Jr. is the senior partner in a Baton Rouge, Louisiana law firm where he practices corporate and business law and handles selected litigation. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, he was educated at Louisiana State University and Georgetown University. He and his wife, Lorri, have three grown children and enjoy boating on Lake Pontchartrain.
January 10, 2015
I received an ARC from the Publisher IUniverse and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Judas the Apostle" by Van R Mayhall, Jr. is a well written Christian thriller based on a subject that has been of so much interest by Christians worldwide. Who is Judas? Was he the traitor portrayed or simply a tool used in the fulfillment of a Prophecy?
The author, Mayall, has provided a well written story with plenty of intrigue and action that brings this captivating story to an amazing conclusion.
The heroine of the story, Chloe and her son travel to her hometown to attend the funeral of her father. They had been estranged since Chloe, pregnant at seventeen, ran away from home. She feels regret that she did not try to heal the breach with her father before it was too late. At the reading of the will she is concerned to hear that her father left the house and other property to the church. He did leave to Chloe an ancient jar. It was at this time, that she learned of the history behind the jar and the obligation she feels to learn the identity of her father's killer and to answer her fathers last request, to discover what is in the jar.
Chloe with the help of the Vatican, the Monsignor they send, her son, the parish priest and the University of Louisiana are working together to find out what the origins of the jar are and what it holds.
With many twists and turns and the capture of Chloe and her team by the evil Kolektor, who in his madness, will not prevent anything or anyone stopping him in his quest to destroy the Catholic Church. The Church he blames for what happened to his family and himself.
This is such a fascinating read with so many twists and turns that you are kept engaged and interested to the very end. I highly recommend this title to anyone who enjoys reading a thriller with religious undertones.
"Judas the Apostle" by Van R Mayhall, Jr. is a well written Christian thriller based on a subject that has been of so much interest by Christians worldwide. Who is Judas? Was he the traitor portrayed or simply a tool used in the fulfillment of a Prophecy?
The author, Mayall, has provided a well written story with plenty of intrigue and action that brings this captivating story to an amazing conclusion.
The heroine of the story, Chloe and her son travel to her hometown to attend the funeral of her father. They had been estranged since Chloe, pregnant at seventeen, ran away from home. She feels regret that she did not try to heal the breach with her father before it was too late. At the reading of the will she is concerned to hear that her father left the house and other property to the church. He did leave to Chloe an ancient jar. It was at this time, that she learned of the history behind the jar and the obligation she feels to learn the identity of her father's killer and to answer her fathers last request, to discover what is in the jar.
Chloe with the help of the Vatican, the Monsignor they send, her son, the parish priest and the University of Louisiana are working together to find out what the origins of the jar are and what it holds.
With many twists and turns and the capture of Chloe and her team by the evil Kolektor, who in his madness, will not prevent anything or anyone stopping him in his quest to destroy the Catholic Church. The Church he blames for what happened to his family and himself.
This is such a fascinating read with so many twists and turns that you are kept engaged and interested to the very end. I highly recommend this title to anyone who enjoys reading a thriller with religious undertones.
March 2, 2015
Dr. Clotile Lejeune, scholar of ancient languages, and her son J.E., return from Seattle to her hometown of Madisonville, Louisiana, after the murder of her estranged father. Thib's death appears to be the the result of a break-in, and he managed to shoot the intruder when the intruder shot him. But the police can't identify the dead intruder, and it's not immediately obvious what he was after.
Things get stranger when Clotile, J.E., and Thib's parish priest, Father Aloysius, attend the reading of Thib's will. The house has been left to the parish, to support charitable work, except that Clotile is to take any items she wants from the house first. The one specific bequest to Clotile is an ancient oil jar, that Thib found in a cave in Tunisia during World War II. He's left a letter telling her the story of the jar--and it quickly becomes clear that the jar is what the intruder was after. He didn't find it and clear out before Thib awoke and they had their fatal encounter, because Thib had become alarmed by an attempt to buy the jar from it and moved it to the church for safekeeping.
And he wanted Clotile, whose career he had followed, to find out the secrets of this jar bearing the name of Judas Iscariot, in Greek.
Of course Clotile accepts the challenge. And of course, despite the murder of her father, she has only the dimmest idea of just how dangerous this will become.
This is a very solid thriller built around an intellectual puzzle, some speculative history, and smart, strong, complex characters, including a nicely challenging and evil villain.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
Things get stranger when Clotile, J.E., and Thib's parish priest, Father Aloysius, attend the reading of Thib's will. The house has been left to the parish, to support charitable work, except that Clotile is to take any items she wants from the house first. The one specific bequest to Clotile is an ancient oil jar, that Thib found in a cave in Tunisia during World War II. He's left a letter telling her the story of the jar--and it quickly becomes clear that the jar is what the intruder was after. He didn't find it and clear out before Thib awoke and they had their fatal encounter, because Thib had become alarmed by an attempt to buy the jar from it and moved it to the church for safekeeping.
And he wanted Clotile, whose career he had followed, to find out the secrets of this jar bearing the name of Judas Iscariot, in Greek.
Of course Clotile accepts the challenge. And of course, despite the murder of her father, she has only the dimmest idea of just how dangerous this will become.
This is a very solid thriller built around an intellectual puzzle, some speculative history, and smart, strong, complex characters, including a nicely challenging and evil villain.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
February 9, 2015
Judas the Apostle gives The DaVinci Code a run for its money!
Could the ancient manuscripts give a first-hand account of Jesus' earthly ministry?
Biblical intrigue
Theological thriller
Mystery
Suspense
Good versus evil
After the death of her father, Chloe returns to her childhood home in Louisiana to learn his death was far from a home invasion gone badly. When she is given a hand-written letter from her father during the reading of his will, she embarks on a mystery of biblical proportions.
The mysterious jar and its contents bring both a future and a possible ending to any who come in contact with it. Will the ancient text prove beyond a shadow of doubt the ministry and mission of the Catholic Church? Or, as the evil nemesis desires, disproves the basis of the Catholic religion once and for all.
Immerse yourself with Chloe as she and other scholars try to unravel the mysterious Gospel of Judas before their time runs out!
My rating: 6 out of 5 stars, A++
I loved the way Van R Mayhall Jr intertwined biblical archeology, the study of ancient languages, and a riveting plot to make this a must read. I was hooked from page one with the story ending much too quickly. Good news - - - - - The next book in the series, The Last Sicarius, was published on February 6, 2014.
So, do you know who the Sicarii are?
Happy Reading!
Ellen
Please note: I received a complementary digital copy of Judas the Apostle for my honest review from NetGalley.com and iUniverse Publisher for my honest review.
Could the ancient manuscripts give a first-hand account of Jesus' earthly ministry?
Biblical intrigue
Theological thriller
Mystery
Suspense
Good versus evil
After the death of her father, Chloe returns to her childhood home in Louisiana to learn his death was far from a home invasion gone badly. When she is given a hand-written letter from her father during the reading of his will, she embarks on a mystery of biblical proportions.
The mysterious jar and its contents bring both a future and a possible ending to any who come in contact with it. Will the ancient text prove beyond a shadow of doubt the ministry and mission of the Catholic Church? Or, as the evil nemesis desires, disproves the basis of the Catholic religion once and for all.
Immerse yourself with Chloe as she and other scholars try to unravel the mysterious Gospel of Judas before their time runs out!
My rating: 6 out of 5 stars, A++
I loved the way Van R Mayhall Jr intertwined biblical archeology, the study of ancient languages, and a riveting plot to make this a must read. I was hooked from page one with the story ending much too quickly. Good news - - - - - The next book in the series, The Last Sicarius, was published on February 6, 2014.
So, do you know who the Sicarii are?
Happy Reading!
Ellen
Please note: I received a complementary digital copy of Judas the Apostle for my honest review from NetGalley.com and iUniverse Publisher for my honest review.
December 3, 2013
I picked this book up because I saw that it was set in my local area. This proved to be a good decision because the story itself was very interesting and unique.
The story opens with the murder of WWII veteran Thibodeaux LeJeune as an intruder breaks into Thib's house looking for a jar that Thibodeaux brought back from a cave in Africa in 1943. The jar with the foreign inscription on it is believed to have belonged to Judas Iscariot, and its contents may contain the actual writings of Judas.
Thibodeaux's estranged daughter, Clotile (Cloe for short), and her son, J.E., arrive in Madisonville, LA to attend Thib's funeral, and Cloe learns that her father has left her this mysterious oil jar. With the help of the priest from Thib's church (St. Anselm Catholic Church), a monsignor sent from the Vatican, and two professionals from LSU's lab, Cloe begins the search to uncover the contents of the jar.
Meanwhile, a billionaire artifacts collector in Jerusalem becomes aware of the jar and believes its contents can destroy the Catholic Church. Cloe and her group soon learn that the ruthless "kolector" will stop at nothing in order to obtain the jar.
The book was an enjoyable read, and I found the possibility of a journal written by Judas to be intriguing. I also enjoyed the Biblical history. I image there will be a follow-up novel, and I look forward to reading it.
The story opens with the murder of WWII veteran Thibodeaux LeJeune as an intruder breaks into Thib's house looking for a jar that Thibodeaux brought back from a cave in Africa in 1943. The jar with the foreign inscription on it is believed to have belonged to Judas Iscariot, and its contents may contain the actual writings of Judas.
Thibodeaux's estranged daughter, Clotile (Cloe for short), and her son, J.E., arrive in Madisonville, LA to attend Thib's funeral, and Cloe learns that her father has left her this mysterious oil jar. With the help of the priest from Thib's church (St. Anselm Catholic Church), a monsignor sent from the Vatican, and two professionals from LSU's lab, Cloe begins the search to uncover the contents of the jar.
Meanwhile, a billionaire artifacts collector in Jerusalem becomes aware of the jar and believes its contents can destroy the Catholic Church. Cloe and her group soon learn that the ruthless "kolector" will stop at nothing in order to obtain the jar.
The book was an enjoyable read, and I found the possibility of a journal written by Judas to be intriguing. I also enjoyed the Biblical history. I image there will be a follow-up novel, and I look forward to reading it.
April 4, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. Throughout the story it is packed with different theories about why Judas, easily the most hated man in the Bible, betrayed Jesus to those who were after him. I admit to a large fascination with Judas, and more than a little sympathy for him. This book was a great way for me to feed my need for more information.
It is a fictionalized account of a man who accidentally stumbles upon a clay jar during World War II, and brings it home, where it stays on his mantle until present day. Suddenly, forces are at work to gain possession of the jar, which include killing the now elderly man, and going after his daughter and her son with murderous intent, before they can figure out what exactly is inside the jar itself.
The author wrote the book well, allowing enough detail in the book so that readers could visualize the scenes in their minds, while not becoming cumbersome and bogging the storyline down. The action was well-placed, and kept the storyline going at a decent clip.
The next in the series promises to be just as good.
I really enjoyed this book. Throughout the story it is packed with different theories about why Judas, easily the most hated man in the Bible, betrayed Jesus to those who were after him. I admit to a large fascination with Judas, and more than a little sympathy for him. This book was a great way for me to feed my need for more information.
It is a fictionalized account of a man who accidentally stumbles upon a clay jar during World War II, and brings it home, where it stays on his mantle until present day. Suddenly, forces are at work to gain possession of the jar, which include killing the now elderly man, and going after his daughter and her son with murderous intent, before they can figure out what exactly is inside the jar itself.
The author wrote the book well, allowing enough detail in the book so that readers could visualize the scenes in their minds, while not becoming cumbersome and bogging the storyline down. The action was well-placed, and kept the storyline going at a decent clip.
The next in the series promises to be just as good.
February 17, 2015
Brilliant! We all learn that Judas betrayed Jesus - but the story may be more complex than that simple statement suggests.
Dr Clotile (Cloe) LeJeune - expert in ancient languages - is devastated when her father is murdered. Decades before her father had found an ancient jar, inscribed with the name Judas Iscariot. This jar, which has for decades sat on his mantlepiece, was what the killer was looking for - but her father had thought to remove it to safety.
When Cloe is reunited with the jar, it has to be unsealed with great care by a team of university scientists so that the jar itself, and its contents, are not damaged. The account of the science behind the examination and opening of the jar is fascinating in itself. Once opened, Cloe then gets to work to translate the writings found in the jar.
There are people who are desperate to steal the jar and its contents - and Cloe and those working with her are in danger as a result.
Why is it of such importance?
This was a very interesting story, highly recommended.
Dr Clotile (Cloe) LeJeune - expert in ancient languages - is devastated when her father is murdered. Decades before her father had found an ancient jar, inscribed with the name Judas Iscariot. This jar, which has for decades sat on his mantlepiece, was what the killer was looking for - but her father had thought to remove it to safety.
When Cloe is reunited with the jar, it has to be unsealed with great care by a team of university scientists so that the jar itself, and its contents, are not damaged. The account of the science behind the examination and opening of the jar is fascinating in itself. Once opened, Cloe then gets to work to translate the writings found in the jar.
There are people who are desperate to steal the jar and its contents - and Cloe and those working with her are in danger as a result.
Why is it of such importance?
This was a very interesting story, highly recommended.
March 16, 2015
This book would, by its' title, be outside my realm of interest. However, the blurb convinced me that it would be an interesting read. The premise of the book is that Chloe LeJeune's father brought back an ancient jar from his escapades in the war. He has since been killed in what is discovered to be an attempted theft of the jar. This theft brings in the Vatican, Chloe, her son, the local priest, several shadowy criminals, and the international collector pulling the strings to get his hands on the jar. Unfortunately, this storyline was ruined a bit by poor characterization. In the parts of the story, where the author is narrating, the book moves along quickly and keeps your interest. In the parts where the characters are speaking, especially Chloe, the story bogs down and you find yourself asking, "Who speaks like this?" It upset me quite a bit because otherwise, the book is well written and has an excellent plot.
*This was an ARC copy received in return for an honest review for NetGalley.*
*This was an ARC copy received in return for an honest review for NetGalley.*
April 22, 2015
Fast paced action thriller!
Dr. Cloe Lejeune an ancient Language expert, returns to Louisiana to bury her father. His legacy to her was a ceramic jar; but not just any jar. This one has historical significance specific to the Church and one Judas Iscariot.
There has been much speculation as to the role Judas played in making the prophecy of the Hebrew Bible become a reality. His betrayal of Jesus has often resulted in his being portrayed as a traitor. But is this just church doctrine? The jar now in the possession of Dr. Lejeune could hold the true writings of Judas. His story, in his words. Cloe's task is to interpret what secrets the jar holds.
But another individual with a vendetta again the church wants this information to use it again the church and will go to any means to secure its possession for themselves. And so the race between the forces of science battle against the twisted desire for revenge.
This is a well created suspense thriller with twists and turns that keep the reading intrigued to the very end.
Dr. Cloe Lejeune an ancient Language expert, returns to Louisiana to bury her father. His legacy to her was a ceramic jar; but not just any jar. This one has historical significance specific to the Church and one Judas Iscariot.
There has been much speculation as to the role Judas played in making the prophecy of the Hebrew Bible become a reality. His betrayal of Jesus has often resulted in his being portrayed as a traitor. But is this just church doctrine? The jar now in the possession of Dr. Lejeune could hold the true writings of Judas. His story, in his words. Cloe's task is to interpret what secrets the jar holds.
But another individual with a vendetta again the church wants this information to use it again the church and will go to any means to secure its possession for themselves. And so the race between the forces of science battle against the twisted desire for revenge.
This is a well created suspense thriller with twists and turns that keep the reading intrigued to the very end.
April 9, 2015
Judas the Apostle
By Van R. Mayhall Jr.
Slow Read
Judas the Apostle is the second book in a series by Mayhall Jr. featuring Cloe, a professor in ancient languages and cultures. This book follows on directly from the first.
I found the style of writing difficult to engage me, with a good edit required to remove some of the continual descriptive language, which should have been immersed in the story, not a side attempt to paint a story.
The book follows the lead character as she discovers an old jar which supposably holds the Gospel of Judas. There are over parties after the gospel, which leads to chases around the world, murders, and exotic locations.
Most readers will draw comparisons to Dan Brown’s book, which contain discoveries that will rock the church.
The story development is slow, with an over emphasis on minor details, trying to give the story some authenticity, which I found it lacks.
Overall I found it a slow read.
By Van R. Mayhall Jr.
Slow Read
Judas the Apostle is the second book in a series by Mayhall Jr. featuring Cloe, a professor in ancient languages and cultures. This book follows on directly from the first.
I found the style of writing difficult to engage me, with a good edit required to remove some of the continual descriptive language, which should have been immersed in the story, not a side attempt to paint a story.
The book follows the lead character as she discovers an old jar which supposably holds the Gospel of Judas. There are over parties after the gospel, which leads to chases around the world, murders, and exotic locations.
Most readers will draw comparisons to Dan Brown’s book, which contain discoveries that will rock the church.
The story development is slow, with an over emphasis on minor details, trying to give the story some authenticity, which I found it lacks.
Overall I found it a slow read.
January 16, 2015
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Judas the Apostle by Van R. Mayhall Jr. gives a whole new slant on Judas. This book will grab you from page one and before you know you will watch the pages turn and turn and turn some more. It doesn't stop until you get to the last page. The characters are well developed. This is a thriller with religious undertones. The story is based in Louisiana. Kolektor has one main quest ... that is to destroy the Cathlic Church. He blames the church for everything that happened to his family and himself. There are many twists turns in this story. This book is very thought provoking and is a must read. It is such a good book. I totally enjoyed reading it. I gave it 5 stars but it deserves many more. This would look good on any bookshelf. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look for more by Van Mayhall Jr.
Judas the Apostle by Van R. Mayhall Jr. gives a whole new slant on Judas. This book will grab you from page one and before you know you will watch the pages turn and turn and turn some more. It doesn't stop until you get to the last page. The characters are well developed. This is a thriller with religious undertones. The story is based in Louisiana. Kolektor has one main quest ... that is to destroy the Cathlic Church. He blames the church for everything that happened to his family and himself. There are many twists turns in this story. This book is very thought provoking and is a must read. It is such a good book. I totally enjoyed reading it. I gave it 5 stars but it deserves many more. This would look good on any bookshelf. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look for more by Van Mayhall Jr.
February 24, 2015
I thought this was a pretty well written book. There is lots of action and the character development is pretty good, as is the dialog and scene setting. I was worried that the gospels would be attacked, but, in the end, the integrity of the gospels was not attacked. The characters dialog much about manuscripts, how they are investigated, etc., so there was some to learn about that topic. There really is a Judas Gospel, Coptic version, and the author surmised an earlier version of the item. We are left hanging what the manuscript actually said so that must come in the sequel I look forward to reading it.
See my entire review at http://bit.ly/1MOBQAX.
I received a complimentary egalley of the book through NetGalley for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
See my entire review at http://bit.ly/1MOBQAX.
I received a complimentary egalley of the book through NetGalley for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
January 20, 2015
I loved this book including the many religious overtones. The subject matter covers an area of much interest to me, and to the extent possible the historical information is accurate. The story uses the early church and its documents as a stage, but the plot revolves around some very likeable modern people. The danger, intrigue, adventure, research and pure evil grab the reader early on and holds them in suspense to the very end. In every chapter the authenticity in descriptions and actions makes the reader feel to be part of the story. The ending is a little Deus ex Machina, but aptly sets the stage for the next book.
January 20, 2015
I loved this book including the many religious overtones. The subject matter covers an area of much interest to me, and to the extent possible the historical information is accurate. The story uses the early church and its documents as a stage, but the plot revolves around some very likeable modern people. The danger, intrigue, adventure, research and pure evil grab the reader early on and holds them in suspense to the very end. In every chapter the authenticity in descriptions and actions makes the reader feel to be part of the story. The ending is a little Deus ex Machina, but sets the stage for the next book.
January 12, 2015
Good subject matter; not-so-great writing technique.
The subject matter was enough to carry me through to the end, but the writing style was rather simplistic, and much of the dialogue bore no resemblance to the way that "real people" actually talk. This is a common occurrence in books by new authors. Also, the villain was just a bit too comic-book evil, and there were no plot twists, red herrings or surprises at all.
Having said all that, I do plan to read the sequel, again because of the subject matter, and I hope to see improvements in the writer's craft.
The subject matter was enough to carry me through to the end, but the writing style was rather simplistic, and much of the dialogue bore no resemblance to the way that "real people" actually talk. This is a common occurrence in books by new authors. Also, the villain was just a bit too comic-book evil, and there were no plot twists, red herrings or surprises at all.
Having said all that, I do plan to read the sequel, again because of the subject matter, and I hope to see improvements in the writer's craft.
February 9, 2015
Thought provoking. A bit tedious at time to track the discussions of Coptic versus Gnostic and perhaps a somewhat elementary style in the conversational aspects. All in all a good story and one that merits much consideration of the Apostle Judas Iscariot. I am a theological weakling so not qualified to speak on those subjects. The plot and the involvement of the Vatican lends a twist from the usual mystery while also providing some historical insight. I give it only four stars because of the aforementioned tedious parts the reader must slog through to get to the action.
March 21, 2015
Dr Clotile Lejeune, an ancient language expert who lives in Seattle and was estranged from her family in Louisiana for the last 25 years. She gets a call from her uncle that her father has been murdered. Her son J.E. and Clotile fly home to bury him and find themselves in a mystery of an oil jar her father had found years ago. A man called the Kolector was an evil man trying to get the jar to prover the Catholic church need to be destroyed. ***I received this book in exchange for an honest review***
January 10, 2015
I could not put this book down!!! This book is great for readers who love anything to do with a thriller religious historical fiction and a good feisty intellectual heroine.
Very much in line with the like of Dan Brown this is fast paced with great locations & a good back story. I highly recommend.
p.s just a side note ...Having never been to America i also liked the setting & the description of the creole food too!!
Very much in line with the like of Dan Brown this is fast paced with great locations & a good back story. I highly recommend.
p.s just a side note ...Having never been to America i also liked the setting & the description of the creole food too!!
November 9, 2017
I received this free from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
The first in the Cloe Lejeune series. Cloe receives shocking news that she as inherited an oil jar from her estranged father who was murdered for the same. This was a twisty tale, with a bad guy who would stop at nothing to attain what he wanted. I found it slow at times, the theories interesting enough to keep me reading.
The first in the Cloe Lejeune series. Cloe receives shocking news that she as inherited an oil jar from her estranged father who was murdered for the same. This was a twisty tale, with a bad guy who would stop at nothing to attain what he wanted. I found it slow at times, the theories interesting enough to keep me reading.
February 27, 2015
Christ said: "Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged." So I find it ironic that many Christians judge Judas harshly without even thinking about the fact that Christ needed somebody to kill him according to Christian doctrine. What an absurd paradox the Judas-hating religious fanatics of Christianity weaved.
Finally somebody is sticking up for poor, picked on Judas. Five stars for questioning the status quo.
Finally somebody is sticking up for poor, picked on Judas. Five stars for questioning the status quo.
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