The Vatican Archivist: Tales of Terror from the Secret Vatican Files

by Connor Phillips

The mystery surrounding the Vatican Secret Archives spans centuries. So when America’s leading exorcism historian receives an opportunity to steal a laptop with access to The Vatican Secret Archives during a research trip to Vatican City, he takes it. But as he learns about the Catholic Church’s startling connection with the occult while fleeing Italy, he begins to question everything he thought he knew about exorcism. Now a fugitive, he must come to terms with an alarming Hell is coming for us all. From the first I’m placing my life at serious risk by writing this. The title alone—if given enough attention—will set forces in motion that would shatter the courage of even the bravest men. I’m a leaker, you see, and what I have to reveal has been ferociously guarded for centuries. And for a good reason. The Catholic Church has an intricate (and often sinister) past. What you read in textbooks, or watch on the news, is only a minuscule fraction of the Vatican’s vile history. Even historians—a profession which I’m fortunate enough to call my own—hardly understand the scope and power of the Papacy’s influence. I know that I didn’t. That is until I stole a laptop from a high-ranking Catholic priest that has access to the Vatican Secret Archives, and learned truths so staggering that they have made me question everything I thought I knew about the Church’s history. The public deserves access to the information in these archives; it is criminal that the Church has gotten away with concealing these valuable documents for so long. Don’t believe the Vatican’s recent transparency regarding this ancient knowledge. The Pope’s digitalization and “disclosure” efforts are nothing more than a sham—a thinly-veiled masquerade designed to keep the public happy. The real insights that the archives have to offer will never see the light of day. They will forever languish on dusty bookshelves and encrypted hard drives deep within the walls of Vatican City. Which is why I decided to act. I can’t sit around while people are lied to—while history’s most important documents are left to rot in the hands of peevish priests. As any self-respecting scholar would agree, information is power, and public information is the foundation of democracy. I should warn you, though. The information that I have to share will shake you to your core. Never before had I felt so frightened in all of my life than the first time I dived into the archive’s darkest secrets. How I came by this information is a horror story all to its own, and one which I feel is necessary to share with you now—for maybe then you will understand why I have volunteered to venture on such a perilous crusade.

Genres: Horror

161 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2024

Reviews

[Lisa LaFontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read/listen to a very scary book… this is. The Vatican Archivists: Tales of Terror from the Secret Vatican Files by Connor Phillips is amazing. I could not put this book down as it was that good. I am not a very “churchy” person and it has a lot of that topic, however, I kept on reading. It makes you think and ask yourself: should we believe everything we hear in the news about the Vatican, believe in all the books and movies about exorcism available?? What are they hiding???After listening to this audiobook you will have lots of these questions. The narrator, Dan Delgado, is also amazing at what he does with all the tones and different accents throughout the book.
The publisher/editor (I believe) Velox Books is always my go to when I want something scary to read at night. I also like that with Velox Books you can read the books in any order even if they belong to a series! I highly recommend this book to anyone into the horror genre and hopefully you can sleep at night!

[Karen Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vatican Archivist by Connor Phillips

For October I wanted to read a horror story, so I went through the options in kindle unlimited and this is what came out.
I am so glad ! This was a very entertaining read.

The Vatican is obsessed with finding out the secrects of Heaven, so a group of priests try to figure them out by getting people possessed by demons in hope of torturing them and getting them to talk.
Of course it goes all wrong and Hell comes to Earth. Literally.

But since it is the Vatican, no one is the wiser, it is all kept hush hush.
Until a reporter stumbles upon this findings, and wants to make them public.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed these short stories. But honestly the narrator made this audio book.
The way he put energy into the reading, changing voice tone and inflection to make each character sound completely different was good. However it was his laugh for the bad guys that got me every time.
Each story is good, stand alone but all work well together.
If you like horror that's religious, church related than you might enjoy this audio book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vatican Archivist was one long scare. I liked the characters. The storyline was interesting. A historian makes a choice, and it will haunt him until the day he dies. The story builds up the horror in my opinion. It starts with a normal meeting and then turns into more. It is entertaining. It is scary. I had to stop listening twice because I needed to get it out of my head.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katy Van Steenhoven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read!

I have 4 stars as the ending is frustrating! But well written, kept me on the edge of my seat!

[Christine Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book

I read this so quickly. I couldn't put it down. Good story, good writer. I really hope this story is continued.

[Brett J Bersche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I recommend this for anyone who's ever had questions about what the Vatican hides. Author is top notch story teller.

[Louise Storey · Rating 4 out of 5]

multi POVs

I enjoyed that this jumped through time and had multiple POVs.
I liked how it all linked together and am really invested in finding out more

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

praise for your book

Fantastic writing! It had me on the edge of my seat, I like many others have felt the Vatican holds too much power, but only God knows for sure, what goes on

[Jackson Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

I really enjoyed how this was laid out, each story being a piece of bigger puzzle. Bravo to the author! Highly recommend!

[Hailey Veeneman · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10

My absolute favorite series. I’ve read it three times and pick up new details every time around. I love it.

[StephB · Rating 1 out of 5]

Uninteresting at best, a terribly written bore at worse.