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Cotton Malone #14
The Malta Exchange
A deadly race for the Vatican’s oldest secret fuels New York Times bestseller Steve Berry’s latest international Cotton Malone thriller.
The pope is dead. A conclave to select his replacement is about to begin. Cardinals are beginning to arrive at the Vatican, but one has fled Rome for Malta in search of a document that dates back to the 4th century and Constantine the Great.
Former Justice Department operative, Cotton Malone, is at Lake Como, Italy, on the trail of legendary letters between Winston Churchill and Benito Mussolini that disappeared in 1945 and could re-write history. But someone else seems to be after the same letters and, when Malone obtains then loses them, he’s plunged into a hunt that draws the attention of the legendary Knights of Malta.
The knights have existed for over nine hundred years, the only warrior-monks to survive into modern times. Now they are a global humanitarian organization, but within their ranks lurks trouble — the Secreti — an ancient sect intent on affecting the coming papal conclave. With the help of Magellan Billet agent Luke Daniels, Malone races the rogue cardinal, the knights, the Secreti, and the clock to find what has been lost for centuries. The final confrontation culminates behind the walls of the Vatican where the election of the next pope hangs in the balance.
401 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2019
3192 people are currently reading
4550 people want to read
About the author
Steve Berry
110 books7,497 followersSteve Berry is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of twenty-two novels, which include: The Last Kingdom , The Omega Factor , The Kaiser's Web, The Warsaw Protocol, The Malta Exchange, The Bishop’s Pawn, The Lost Order, The 14th Colony, The Patriot Threat, The Lincoln Myth, The King's Deception, The Columbus Affair, The Jefferson Key, The Emperor's Tomb, The Paris Vendetta, The Charlemagne Pursuit, The Venetian Betrayal, The Alexandria Link, The Templar Legacy, The Third Secret, The Romanov Prophecy, and The Amber Room. Steve has also co-written a novel with Grant Blackwood, The 9th Man (a Luke Daniels Adventure), and four novellas with M. J. Rose: The End of Forever, The House of Long Ago, The Lake of Learning, and The Museum of Mysteries, all Cassiopeia Vitt tales. His books have been translated into 41 languages with over 25,000,000 copies in 52 countries. They consistently appear in the top echelon of The New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestseller lists. Somewhere in the world, every thirty seconds, one of his novels is sold.
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March 5, 2019
Finally released today!
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Steve Berry, and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Steve Berry returns with another Cotton Malone thriller, sure to impress series fans that those readers who love peeling back some of the mysteries history has left unsolved. Cotton Malone arrives on Malta with a mission to intercept a collection of letters that could ruin Britain if they see the light of day. These letters were written between Winston Churchill and Italian dictator Benito Mussolini during the Second World War, pertaining specifically to the possession of Malta. While this mission does not seem too difficult, there is more to the story than meets the eye, particularly as it relates to Malta. Long guarded by a security force, the Knights of Malta, the country has been the gem sought by many autocratic leaders, including both Mussolini and Napoleon Bonaparte. However, it is not simply the land they seek, but a secret that could change the face of world domination. This secret, Nostra Trifectà, holds information that many within the Vatican have long hoped would never be found, as its contents could change the Church forever. Vatican City is abuzz, with the death of the recent pope and a conclave about to begin. Over one hundred cardinals are making their way to cast ballots to elect a new leader for the world’s Catholics, but there is a twist. One contender seeks to use a great amount of information he has amassed to turn the tides in his favour, while using the secret enforcement arm of the Vatican to keep all hurdles out of his way. While Malone discovers what is going on, he is joined by others from his former employer, the Magellan Billet, to stop this and finally uncover the Nostra Trifectà. It will take more than brains and a little brawn to discover the secrets hidden in Malta and bring them to Vatican City before the doors of the Sistine Chapel are closed for the commencement of the Papal Conclave. Will this be one adventure through history’s lesser-known mysteries that even Cotton Malone will not solve? A highly captivating story that will hold the reader’s attention until the final pages, as they seek to decipher fact from fiction. Recommended for those who enjoy Steve Berry’s work, as well as the reader who finds solace in historical mysteries where much of the accepted truths are put to the test.
There’s nothing like a Steve Berry novel to get the brain working. He is able to pull on the lesser-known parts of major historical events, pulling the reader into the middle of an adventure, where there is much to learn. Berry’s protagonist, Cotton Malone, has been a wonderful staple throughout the series, moving from an active role as a Magellan Billet agent to a quiet bookseller with a passion for rare documents. While Berry does not offer a great deal of back story or development, Malone is effective in this book by showing his attention to detail when it comes to ciphers and hidden codes. Malone is able to lead his group through mysteries while always flexing his muscles when needed. Berry’s use of a number of secondary characters, both returning from the series and unique to this book, to help move things along, particular as it relates to those who serve as antagonists throughout. The story is interesting on multiple levels, as it tackles some of the events surrounding Mussolini’s fall from grace, the history of the island of Malta, as well as papal conclaves and the role the Catholic Church has long played in the world. Juggling these plots, Berry is able to advance many interesting historical possibilities, as well as injecting some history that may not be readily known to the reader. As with all of his novels, Berry embeds both fact and fiction within the narrative, leaving the reader to decide what to believe, at least until Berry sets the record straight at the end of the story. Tackling the power of the Catholic Church and how a collection of documents, Nostra Trifectà, could derail much of what is known or expected, as well as the power that the pope and his entourage. Set against the mysterious island of Malta, I was able to enjoy the second book in as many months on this island that lays between Italy and the African continent. I am eager to see what else Berry has in store for Malone and the other members of the Magellan Billet in the coming months. It’s always nice to see something that bears Steve Berry’s name, as the reader is guaranteed a jam-packed read.
Kudos, Mr. Berry, for another winner. I learn so much with you at the helm and your ability to tell stories is second to none.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Steve Berry, and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Steve Berry returns with another Cotton Malone thriller, sure to impress series fans that those readers who love peeling back some of the mysteries history has left unsolved. Cotton Malone arrives on Malta with a mission to intercept a collection of letters that could ruin Britain if they see the light of day. These letters were written between Winston Churchill and Italian dictator Benito Mussolini during the Second World War, pertaining specifically to the possession of Malta. While this mission does not seem too difficult, there is more to the story than meets the eye, particularly as it relates to Malta. Long guarded by a security force, the Knights of Malta, the country has been the gem sought by many autocratic leaders, including both Mussolini and Napoleon Bonaparte. However, it is not simply the land they seek, but a secret that could change the face of world domination. This secret, Nostra Trifectà, holds information that many within the Vatican have long hoped would never be found, as its contents could change the Church forever. Vatican City is abuzz, with the death of the recent pope and a conclave about to begin. Over one hundred cardinals are making their way to cast ballots to elect a new leader for the world’s Catholics, but there is a twist. One contender seeks to use a great amount of information he has amassed to turn the tides in his favour, while using the secret enforcement arm of the Vatican to keep all hurdles out of his way. While Malone discovers what is going on, he is joined by others from his former employer, the Magellan Billet, to stop this and finally uncover the Nostra Trifectà. It will take more than brains and a little brawn to discover the secrets hidden in Malta and bring them to Vatican City before the doors of the Sistine Chapel are closed for the commencement of the Papal Conclave. Will this be one adventure through history’s lesser-known mysteries that even Cotton Malone will not solve? A highly captivating story that will hold the reader’s attention until the final pages, as they seek to decipher fact from fiction. Recommended for those who enjoy Steve Berry’s work, as well as the reader who finds solace in historical mysteries where much of the accepted truths are put to the test.
There’s nothing like a Steve Berry novel to get the brain working. He is able to pull on the lesser-known parts of major historical events, pulling the reader into the middle of an adventure, where there is much to learn. Berry’s protagonist, Cotton Malone, has been a wonderful staple throughout the series, moving from an active role as a Magellan Billet agent to a quiet bookseller with a passion for rare documents. While Berry does not offer a great deal of back story or development, Malone is effective in this book by showing his attention to detail when it comes to ciphers and hidden codes. Malone is able to lead his group through mysteries while always flexing his muscles when needed. Berry’s use of a number of secondary characters, both returning from the series and unique to this book, to help move things along, particular as it relates to those who serve as antagonists throughout. The story is interesting on multiple levels, as it tackles some of the events surrounding Mussolini’s fall from grace, the history of the island of Malta, as well as papal conclaves and the role the Catholic Church has long played in the world. Juggling these plots, Berry is able to advance many interesting historical possibilities, as well as injecting some history that may not be readily known to the reader. As with all of his novels, Berry embeds both fact and fiction within the narrative, leaving the reader to decide what to believe, at least until Berry sets the record straight at the end of the story. Tackling the power of the Catholic Church and how a collection of documents, Nostra Trifectà, could derail much of what is known or expected, as well as the power that the pope and his entourage. Set against the mysterious island of Malta, I was able to enjoy the second book in as many months on this island that lays between Italy and the African continent. I am eager to see what else Berry has in store for Malone and the other members of the Magellan Billet in the coming months. It’s always nice to see something that bears Steve Berry’s name, as the reader is guaranteed a jam-packed read.
Kudos, Mr. Berry, for another winner. I learn so much with you at the helm and your ability to tell stories is second to none.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
March 16, 2019
Every once in a while, I wonder if I have read the same book as other reviewers. This book was SO BORING. And I rounded the rating up from the 1.5 stars it really deserved. There are two basic plots: (1) retired Cotton Malone is working freelance to find a lost document last possessed by Benito Mussolini, with a deep dark secret of the Catholic Church that is supposed to have cataclysmic consequences. He is being pursued by two different adversaries, the Church's secret police and the Knights of Malta. (2) Magellan Billet's Luke Daniels is on Malta tracking a cardinal scheming to become the next Pope, with a thumb drive of evidence to blackmail his peers once cloistered in the upcoming Conclave. The cardinal's identical twin seems opposed to this elevation. I am not a big Luke Daniels fan, and Berry is now giving him equal billing with Cotton. Too little plot bulked up with too much unnecessary history, especially Mussolini.
July 18, 2021
This was a really awesome book I like all the details of the Vallett, Malta and the history kept me turning the pages
March 5, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, provided in exchange for my honest review.
I'm a huge fan of Steve Berry and his Cotton Malone series. It's in my top favorites. Sadly, to me, this entry fell short of Berry's usually high standards.
It wasn't the plot that fell short, as the plot was a really entertaining one. Papal conclave, secrets that could devastate the church, twisty betrayals and double agents... all check. Sadly, the big twist was predictable, and I saw it coming from the moment they introduced the second character involved.
Also, Berry usually excels at weaving the history lesson into the story in a way that doesn't feel like an infodump or a lecture, but in this one, it felt very "plot point/action moment, long history lesson, plot point, long history lesson, plot point, long history lesson"... just alternating between the two, rather than weaving them together.
Cotton and Luke didn't feel as deeply developed as they usually do, Stephanie was barely in it, and Cassiopeia wasn't in it at all.
It had its strong points as well, though. The history was fascinating. The locale and details of the church's history on the island of Malta was very interesting, and was definitely a cool concept for a book.
I just feel like, overall, it wasn't as cohesive or developed or well-woven as his books usually are, so I give it 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I'm a huge fan of Steve Berry and his Cotton Malone series. It's in my top favorites. Sadly, to me, this entry fell short of Berry's usually high standards.
It wasn't the plot that fell short, as the plot was a really entertaining one. Papal conclave, secrets that could devastate the church, twisty betrayals and double agents... all check. Sadly, the big twist was predictable, and I saw it coming from the moment they introduced the second character involved.
Also, Berry usually excels at weaving the history lesson into the story in a way that doesn't feel like an infodump or a lecture, but in this one, it felt very "plot point/action moment, long history lesson, plot point, long history lesson, plot point, long history lesson"... just alternating between the two, rather than weaving them together.
Cotton and Luke didn't feel as deeply developed as they usually do, Stephanie was barely in it, and Cassiopeia wasn't in it at all.
It had its strong points as well, though. The history was fascinating. The locale and details of the church's history on the island of Malta was very interesting, and was definitely a cool concept for a book.
I just feel like, overall, it wasn't as cohesive or developed or well-woven as his books usually are, so I give it 3.5 stars, rounded up.
September 13, 2024
This book had been in my book pile for a long time now and somehow despite loving Cotton and rivetted by Steve's stories, I had stopped reading the books after the previous adventure, The Bishop's Pawn.
I decided to start The Atlas Maneuver which I had procured earlier this year and found that I had missed the intervening books, several of them in fact. Trying to make up lost ground having recently completed a Cassiopeia Vitt story, this was the book I started with, to progress serially. The Warsaw Protocol is next, starting shortly. :)
The intervening break has done me a lot of good as I could savour the adventure well and get used to Steve's style of providing details for the problems and goading us to research the material further.
This story is based on so many facts that the fiction almost slips through unscathed. Steve has also dwelled lot on Christian religious history and the early myths with a lot of details about the various power centres under the Catholic church as well as the kings and kingdoms who influenced its activities over the millennia. The foundation of the church, it's earliest promoter Constantine and the relation between them along with others like Napoleon and more controversially Mussolini.
The incidents in this book happen with the pope having just died and a conclave about to happen to appoint the next pope.
The next bit reminded me of The Man in the Iron Mask, Dumas' historical adventure and part of his D'Artagnan trilogy.
Here the story rides fast and steadily involving a now retired Cotton as a freelancer and draws the net tighter to involve the Magellan Billet and the church. Luke has also finally come into his own in this story.
There would be inevitable comparisons with the Da Vinci Code style of stories but this story has a life of its own and Steve has proven it many times earlier.
Enjoyed the story as well as the historical side stories.
I decided to start The Atlas Maneuver which I had procured earlier this year and found that I had missed the intervening books, several of them in fact. Trying to make up lost ground having recently completed a Cassiopeia Vitt story, this was the book I started with, to progress serially. The Warsaw Protocol is next, starting shortly. :)
The intervening break has done me a lot of good as I could savour the adventure well and get used to Steve's style of providing details for the problems and goading us to research the material further.
This story is based on so many facts that the fiction almost slips through unscathed. Steve has also dwelled lot on Christian religious history and the early myths with a lot of details about the various power centres under the Catholic church as well as the kings and kingdoms who influenced its activities over the millennia. The foundation of the church, it's earliest promoter Constantine and the relation between them along with others like Napoleon and more controversially Mussolini.
The incidents in this book happen with the pope having just died and a conclave about to happen to appoint the next pope.
The next bit reminded me of The Man in the Iron Mask, Dumas' historical adventure and part of his D'Artagnan trilogy.
Here the story rides fast and steadily involving a now retired Cotton as a freelancer and draws the net tighter to involve the Magellan Billet and the church. Luke has also finally come into his own in this story.
There would be inevitable comparisons with the Da Vinci Code style of stories but this story has a life of its own and Steve has proven it many times earlier.
Enjoyed the story as well as the historical side stories.
March 31, 2019
Ex-Justice Department operative, Cotton Malone has traveled to Lake Como, Italy in the hunt for some legendary letters between Winston Churchill and Benito Mussolini that disappeared at Mussolini's death. It is said that these letters could re-write history if they were ever found. However, for Malone will this little treasure hunt quickly lead to something bigger when he gets involved in a hunt for a document that dates back to the 4th century. A document that could change history for the Roman Church and not everyone wants the document to be found.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
March 9, 2019
3.5 stars
The Cotton Malone books are like reading Indiana Jones. You want some popcorn and then kick back to enjoy a fast paced action adventure. Malone is a retired special agent from the U.S. who is now running an antique book store in Copenhagen. He still does does freelance cases and is hired by the British for this one.
The adventure involves the Knights of Malta, Charlamagne, Napoleon, a Vatican Conclave and Mussolini. It leaves you breathless just reading the cast of characters. Berry's novels are so interesting because not only are they a thrill a minute but there is so much much history packed into them. He does an amazing amount of research.
This one centers around a disgraced Cardinal who wants to be the Pope. The lengths he'll go to are without limits and and dead bodies pile up everywhere. Luckily, Malone is on the case and things get resolved. This is a fun book with great history thrown in.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
The Cotton Malone books are like reading Indiana Jones. You want some popcorn and then kick back to enjoy a fast paced action adventure. Malone is a retired special agent from the U.S. who is now running an antique book store in Copenhagen. He still does does freelance cases and is hired by the British for this one.
The adventure involves the Knights of Malta, Charlamagne, Napoleon, a Vatican Conclave and Mussolini. It leaves you breathless just reading the cast of characters. Berry's novels are so interesting because not only are they a thrill a minute but there is so much much history packed into them. He does an amazing amount of research.
This one centers around a disgraced Cardinal who wants to be the Pope. The lengths he'll go to are without limits and and dead bodies pile up everywhere. Luckily, Malone is on the case and things get resolved. This is a fun book with great history thrown in.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
April 29, 2019
What a fantastic read. Fact and fiction melded together with a brilliant storyline.
Really loved reading about Malta and the Knights of Malta and reading about the vatican secret intelligence service. Mussolini and churchill papers what wonderful intrigue.
I really didnt want the story to finish as now I'm left waiting for the next book but one wonders just how Mr Berry is going to be able to top this. I have no doubt that he will though.
The book could easily be read a a stand alone although its nice to know the background and the relationships between the characters.
Can well recommend the Cotton Malone series
Really loved reading about Malta and the Knights of Malta and reading about the vatican secret intelligence service. Mussolini and churchill papers what wonderful intrigue.
I really didnt want the story to finish as now I'm left waiting for the next book but one wonders just how Mr Berry is going to be able to top this. I have no doubt that he will though.
The book could easily be read a a stand alone although its nice to know the background and the relationships between the characters.
Can well recommend the Cotton Malone series
December 31, 2019
Another adventure in the Cotton Malone series, and in true Berry fashion, a story that delves deep into history and interwoven with current themes. I found this novel to be a heavier read than that of other Cotton Malone novels. Berry really drives home the historics in this Malone story; not to say that's its a bad thing, but it did slow the story down. I found that this Berry book took me much longer to get through, compared to others in the series. The pace picks up at the end of the story and the true Cotton Malone thriller begins. I enjoyed this book, but would have given it a higher rating if it wasn't as slow of a read. I'm definitely looking forward to the next Cotton adventure!
March 20, 2024
In the beginning of the book the pope has died, and His Eminence Kastor Cardinal Gallo schemes to get the job. The chances of this happening, he knows is slim since he is a "persona non-grata" in the church and has been proclaimed a "threat to all the faithful” which is true since he only fakes his religious belief. Power is what he wants, and he is willing to kill for it. He has an identical twin brother, Pollux, who is a Knight of Malta, but he's not a priest and certainly not his "brother’s keeper". Meanwhile, Cotton Malone is on a special assignment from Britain’s MI6, looking for a rumored secret correspondence between Winston Churchill and Mussolini. Former Army Ranger Luke Daniels trails Kastor, who is from Malta, where much of the story takes place. Cotton finds a mysterious ring engraved with a Maltese cross and a five-word palindrome that’s spelled out a bit too often. Maybe there is a secret in the engraved words. He also uncovers documents hidden by Mussolini and looks for what’s hidden in Rome. The intrigue is intense as Kastor, and a few others will stop at nothing short of murder to assure his rise to the most powerful post in the Roman Catholic Church. Thriller fans will eat this up! We also learn a great deal about the inner workings of the church, its history dating all the way back to Constantine, and the very troubled past of Malta. A word of warning...Cynicism about Christianity is very strong here; Simon Wiesenthal, the Nazi Hunter, once said "the Vatican has the best spy service in the world". Cotton Malone and his little band of "Merry Men"...and women, is more than capable of righting any wrong...“Failure is not his style” ...but Kastor and Pollux are the conniving characters that really stand out in this one. Another good page turning yarn from a master of suspense thrillers. The books do not necessarily need to be read in order but "in order" will allow the reader to see how Cotton and his group evolved.
May 27, 2019
I am a Steve Berry fan. Berry is an author I follow and collect. I like his books because they all center on some historical event, fact, or legend and in the course of being entertained by the book's plot you are also in a position to learn something as well. Of course simply because I am a fan doesn't mean that Berry gets a pass on objective criticism. Some of his books are better than others and occasionally I think he makes mistakes or poor choices. This book is, in my opinion, one of his better books but I do think he has probably set himself up for some criticism from his more religiously conservative readers.
The historical event that is the center of the plot for this book is the 325 CE Council of Nicaea and the foundations of what we know today as the Catholic Church. A pope has recently and unexpectedly died thus requiring the surprise necessity of holding a Conclave. The Conclave is the process of assembling the members of the College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church in order to elect a new pope. There is, however, a conspiracy afoot to rig the election of the new pope that involves the existence of letters written by Winston Churchill to Mussolini before the start of WWII that could embarrass the British government. There is also the legendary existence of a document that records an agreement between the Roman Emperor Constantine and the bishops attending the Council of Nicaea that could embarrass the Church. All of these documents may or may not have been in the safekeeping of the 900 year old Order of the Knights of Malta. The documents in question must be found and kept from being used for evil purpose. In the course of reading this book you will learn a little WWII history, a little Church history, something about the Knights of Malta, and something about the process of electing a pope and the operations of the Vatican. You will also be treated to the geography, scenery, and history of Northern Italy and the Island of Malta while being totally entertained. In what I consider a marked departure from his usual plot structure Berry has supplied this story with more twists and turns than any of his previous books. Reading this book will defy the reader's ability to foresee the next surprise and this is certainly something a reader will enjoy. So pick this one up and enjoy.
The historical event that is the center of the plot for this book is the 325 CE Council of Nicaea and the foundations of what we know today as the Catholic Church. A pope has recently and unexpectedly died thus requiring the surprise necessity of holding a Conclave. The Conclave is the process of assembling the members of the College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church in order to elect a new pope. There is, however, a conspiracy afoot to rig the election of the new pope that involves the existence of letters written by Winston Churchill to Mussolini before the start of WWII that could embarrass the British government. There is also the legendary existence of a document that records an agreement between the Roman Emperor Constantine and the bishops attending the Council of Nicaea that could embarrass the Church. All of these documents may or may not have been in the safekeeping of the 900 year old Order of the Knights of Malta. The documents in question must be found and kept from being used for evil purpose. In the course of reading this book you will learn a little WWII history, a little Church history, something about the Knights of Malta, and something about the process of electing a pope and the operations of the Vatican. You will also be treated to the geography, scenery, and history of Northern Italy and the Island of Malta while being totally entertained. In what I consider a marked departure from his usual plot structure Berry has supplied this story with more twists and turns than any of his previous books. Reading this book will defy the reader's ability to foresee the next surprise and this is certainly something a reader will enjoy. So pick this one up and enjoy.
April 6, 2019
It is not necessary to believe in God to be a good person. In a way, the traditional notion of God is outdated. One can be spiritual, but not religious. It is not necessary to go to church and give money. For many, nature can be church. Some of the best people in history did not believe in God, while some of the worst deeds were done in his name. - Pope Francis I
"Defiant priests and indifferent bishops had inflicted immeasurable damage....Few studied for the priesthood anymore. Even fewer Catholics cared. Traditionalists had drawn many of the older faithful away, while the young were simply disenchanted with religion in general. An educated laity seemed no longer willing to blindly memorise catechism and ignored the dreaded question, why?" (215-216)
The 14th instalment in the Cotton Malone series by Steve Berry comes at a critically influential time in as the Catholic church finds itself in a bit of an identity crisis. By no means is The Malta Exchange a critical look at the contemporary politics of the Vatican, but instead uses that backdrop as a plot point for a page turning thriller. Interwoven amongst it's pages is an upcoming conclave to elect a new pope, the historical relationship the church had with Benito Mussolini, the Knights of Malta, the council of Nicaea, and in the middle of it all, ex-federal agent turned bookseller Cotton Malone. The two lovely settings provided are Italy around Lake Como and then Rome, and the incredible island of Malta, a historically important Mediterranean island.
Arguably this isn't the best book Berry has written in the series, but it's satisfying enough due to the contemporary nature and headline making attention the Vatican has received in the past decade or so, combined with our understanding of how we perceive the idea of a faithful religion in the 21st century. The election of Pope Francis acts as a response to the shifting dynamic of these questions.
Rating: 3.5/5
"Defiant priests and indifferent bishops had inflicted immeasurable damage....Few studied for the priesthood anymore. Even fewer Catholics cared. Traditionalists had drawn many of the older faithful away, while the young were simply disenchanted with religion in general. An educated laity seemed no longer willing to blindly memorise catechism and ignored the dreaded question, why?" (215-216)
The 14th instalment in the Cotton Malone series by Steve Berry comes at a critically influential time in as the Catholic church finds itself in a bit of an identity crisis. By no means is The Malta Exchange a critical look at the contemporary politics of the Vatican, but instead uses that backdrop as a plot point for a page turning thriller. Interwoven amongst it's pages is an upcoming conclave to elect a new pope, the historical relationship the church had with Benito Mussolini, the Knights of Malta, the council of Nicaea, and in the middle of it all, ex-federal agent turned bookseller Cotton Malone. The two lovely settings provided are Italy around Lake Como and then Rome, and the incredible island of Malta, a historically important Mediterranean island.
Arguably this isn't the best book Berry has written in the series, but it's satisfying enough due to the contemporary nature and headline making attention the Vatican has received in the past decade or so, combined with our understanding of how we perceive the idea of a faithful religion in the 21st century. The election of Pope Francis acts as a response to the shifting dynamic of these questions.
Rating: 3.5/5
July 8, 2025
This is a book I would normally devour in a day or two at most as it is "unputdownable." However, events (the UK State visit, the French Open, and, most importantly, the 75th anniversary of D-Day observances) intervened to delay non-stop reading. Never mind, it's a truly first-rate thriller written in a clear, crisp style and much more satisfying than the popular Dan Brown.
I am new to this author, and I'm sure I lost something by picking up #14 in the Cotton Malone series rather than #1, but I plan to remedy that. I can't write about plot without spoilers, but the reader should be prepared to pay attention as the author moves rapidly between scenes often using a particular character's name just once followed by personal pronouns for the remainder of the section; this might have been less confusing had I been able to read without interruption. Be prepared for unnerving and exciting plot and character twists (but the clues are all there) and lots of dead bodies; it feels akin to driving a narrow mountain road at high speed and encountering hair-raising switchbacks every 100 yards. Very satisfying if you survive the ride!
Many thanks to my GR friend David Eppenstein and his reviews for introducing me to this series.
I am new to this author, and I'm sure I lost something by picking up #14 in the Cotton Malone series rather than #1, but I plan to remedy that. I can't write about plot without spoilers, but the reader should be prepared to pay attention as the author moves rapidly between scenes often using a particular character's name just once followed by personal pronouns for the remainder of the section; this might have been less confusing had I been able to read without interruption. Be prepared for unnerving and exciting plot and character twists (but the clues are all there) and lots of dead bodies; it feels akin to driving a narrow mountain road at high speed and encountering hair-raising switchbacks every 100 yards. Very satisfying if you survive the ride!
Many thanks to my GR friend David Eppenstein and his reviews for introducing me to this series.
April 4, 2019
What a total downer this book was. Easily the worst of the Cotton Malone books. First, it had far too many threads/stories: Churchill & Mussolini, throw in Napoleon, add some organizations like the Secretti and the Elitists, some Church legends and then finish it off with the Knights of Malta and you have one confusing, meandering story. I almost put it down several times but since I've read many of Berry's books, I thought this would come through at the end. Alas, it never did. As I finished the last couple of chapters last night, I fought to keep myself from falling asleep either from my tiredness or boredom. Probably a little of both. My recommendation: don't bother with this one.
March 14, 2019
Berry goes full leftist, inventing out of whole cloth an ugly slander against the Catholic Church in particular and all religion in general. Its a shame, since the storytelling itself is still tight - going to interesting locales and tying in plausible historical pseudo-events - but when in the final pages Cotton Malone passively watches the destruction of fantastical (invented) historical documents and ponders what a 'hard decision' it was, that is in direct contrast and contradiction to the ending of his previous novel, when Cotton Malone intentionally does the same thing himself. Irony, like truth and shame, is lost on leftists.
November 14, 2025
I enjoyed "The Lost Colony" and "The King's Deception," and was looking forward to this novel. Unfortunately, "The Malta Exchange" was disappointing. The book has a predictable and at times confused "treasure hunt" plot, with many pointless, shallow characters who inevitably meet violent deaths (Laura Price, Sir James Grant, Chatterjee, etc.).
Steve Berry writes so the reader is given facts mixed with his imagination and apparent prejudices, and it's often difficult to figure out which is which. This is particularly a problem in the part of the novel I call the blatantly anti-Catholic diatribe (the "BAD"), which takes place on the jet to Rome, as the character who has killed five people, even praying with two of them before he shoots them in cold blood, reads and vitriolically muses upon "Constantine's Gift" (which Mr. Berry tells us is totally his invention), and in the final Writer's Notes where Mr. Berry states as "historical fact" that religion is a creation of man, "as religious historians have long explored in minute detail," but he fails to cite which historians influenced him or to mention that there are many scholars and clergy who see things differently.
Of primary importance to the Christian is the life, passion and ultimately the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the words of Dr. Edward Sri, "Who would die for a lie?" It's likely that all of the Apostles except John died horrible deaths for their faith in Christ and witness to his resurrection. From St. Stephen in the Acts of the Apostles to recent times, there have been hundreds of martyrs.
In the BAD, Mr. Berry's supposedly well-read "Roman Catholic" character claims the Old Testament never mentions eternal damnation (hell), heaven or the devil. Consider the talking snake in Genesis 3 and the accuser who confers with Yahweh in the Book of Job, and also in the Old Testament:
For Thou wilt not abandon my soul to the nether-world; neither wilt Thou suffer Thy godly one to see the pit. Thou makest me to know the path of life; in Thy presence is fulness of joy, in Thy right hand bliss for evermore. (Psalms Chapter 16, a Michtam of David, 10-11)
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to reproaches and everlasting abhorrence. (Daniel Chapter 12:2)
Further compare:
See, I [God] have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil.” (Deuteronomy 30:15)
I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil; I the Lord do all these things. (Isaiah 45:7)
with the apparent theological development as evil is no longer attributed directly to God:
And Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. (1Chronicles Chapter 21:1)
And when the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people: "It is enough, now stay thy hand." . . . . . . (2 Samuel, Chapter 24, 15-16)
Also, through Mr. Berry's "Roman Catholic" character, we learn:
"Holy Communion is for children" (See John, Chapter 6, and the breaking of the bread in Emmaus at Luke 24:13-35, Dr. Brant Pitre "Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist" and Hebrew Catholic scholar Dr. Lawrence Feingold "The Eucharist: Mystery of Presence, Sacrifice and Communion"),
the Church "persecutes mystics" (See St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Polycarp, Basil the Great, St. Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Catherine of Siena, St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Padre Pio, St. Faustina Kowalska), and
"faith is the death of reason." (See all of the above and St. Thomas Aquinas!!)
Further, even though Mr. Berry presents Luke 17:20-21 as a "settled" interpretation, there is much debate about whether the translation should be the Kingdom of God is "within you" or "in the midst of you" (i.e., in the person of Jesus Christ). Is Jesus proposing some new-age focus on the self or explaining what the kingdom of God is like and will be like in Christ? But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9 KJV, see second sentence.)
Other Resources: The Didache (circa 96 AD). Eusebius "The History of the Church." Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI / Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger "Eschatology, Death and Eternal Life," which contains a section on the development of the theology of death in the Old Testament, and "The Fathers," on the early Church Fathers. Dr. Scott Hahn "The Creed, Professing the Faith Through the Ages" and "A Father who Keeps His Promises." Dr. Brant Pitre "The Case for Jesus" and "Jesus the Bridegroom." Dr. Edward Sri "Love Unveiled, The Catholic Faith Explained." There are many, many others.
Agreed - Pope Francis is extremely confusing! (See Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, Cardinal Robert Sarah, Cardinal Raymond Burke, Cardinal Carlo Vigano, who have addressed some of the Pope Francis issues.) God willing, in June I will visit Fatima (and I'm pretty sure the Third Secret does not address priestly celibacy or abortion on demand), and intend to pray for the Church and Pope Francis.
Steve Berry writes so the reader is given facts mixed with his imagination and apparent prejudices, and it's often difficult to figure out which is which. This is particularly a problem in the part of the novel I call the blatantly anti-Catholic diatribe (the "BAD"), which takes place on the jet to Rome, as the character who has killed five people, even praying with two of them before he shoots them in cold blood, reads and vitriolically muses upon "Constantine's Gift" (which Mr. Berry tells us is totally his invention), and in the final Writer's Notes where Mr. Berry states as "historical fact" that religion is a creation of man, "as religious historians have long explored in minute detail," but he fails to cite which historians influenced him or to mention that there are many scholars and clergy who see things differently.
Of primary importance to the Christian is the life, passion and ultimately the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the words of Dr. Edward Sri, "Who would die for a lie?" It's likely that all of the Apostles except John died horrible deaths for their faith in Christ and witness to his resurrection. From St. Stephen in the Acts of the Apostles to recent times, there have been hundreds of martyrs.
In the BAD, Mr. Berry's supposedly well-read "Roman Catholic" character claims the Old Testament never mentions eternal damnation (hell), heaven or the devil. Consider the talking snake in Genesis 3 and the accuser who confers with Yahweh in the Book of Job, and also in the Old Testament:
For Thou wilt not abandon my soul to the nether-world; neither wilt Thou suffer Thy godly one to see the pit. Thou makest me to know the path of life; in Thy presence is fulness of joy, in Thy right hand bliss for evermore. (Psalms Chapter 16, a Michtam of David, 10-11)
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to reproaches and everlasting abhorrence. (Daniel Chapter 12:2)
Further compare:
See, I [God] have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil.” (Deuteronomy 30:15)
I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil; I the Lord do all these things. (Isaiah 45:7)
with the apparent theological development as evil is no longer attributed directly to God:
And Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. (1Chronicles Chapter 21:1)
And when the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people: "It is enough, now stay thy hand." . . . . . . (2 Samuel, Chapter 24, 15-16)
Also, through Mr. Berry's "Roman Catholic" character, we learn:
"Holy Communion is for children" (See John, Chapter 6, and the breaking of the bread in Emmaus at Luke 24:13-35, Dr. Brant Pitre "Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist" and Hebrew Catholic scholar Dr. Lawrence Feingold "The Eucharist: Mystery of Presence, Sacrifice and Communion"),
the Church "persecutes mystics" (See St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Polycarp, Basil the Great, St. Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Catherine of Siena, St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Padre Pio, St. Faustina Kowalska), and
"faith is the death of reason." (See all of the above and St. Thomas Aquinas!!)
Further, even though Mr. Berry presents Luke 17:20-21 as a "settled" interpretation, there is much debate about whether the translation should be the Kingdom of God is "within you" or "in the midst of you" (i.e., in the person of Jesus Christ). Is Jesus proposing some new-age focus on the self or explaining what the kingdom of God is like and will be like in Christ? But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9 KJV, see second sentence.)
Other Resources: The Didache (circa 96 AD). Eusebius "The History of the Church." Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI / Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger "Eschatology, Death and Eternal Life," which contains a section on the development of the theology of death in the Old Testament, and "The Fathers," on the early Church Fathers. Dr. Scott Hahn "The Creed, Professing the Faith Through the Ages" and "A Father who Keeps His Promises." Dr. Brant Pitre "The Case for Jesus" and "Jesus the Bridegroom." Dr. Edward Sri "Love Unveiled, The Catholic Faith Explained." There are many, many others.
Agreed - Pope Francis is extremely confusing! (See Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, Cardinal Robert Sarah, Cardinal Raymond Burke, Cardinal Carlo Vigano, who have addressed some of the Pope Francis issues.) God willing, in June I will visit Fatima (and I'm pretty sure the Third Secret does not address priestly celibacy or abortion on demand), and intend to pray for the Church and Pope Francis.
October 28, 2018
5 stars
This book has it all: a Vatican conclave, nefarious and corrupt cardinals, another cardinal vying for the top spot, rogue Maltese Knights, turncoat British agents and of course Cotton Malone, Stephanie Nelle and Luke Daniels, along with an assortment of other intriguing and colorful characters.
Kastor Cardinal Gallo has gotten in trouble with the Pope. Now that Pope is dead in sudden circumstances and the conclave to elect a new Pope is going to commence very soon. Cardinals from all over the world are gathering. Meanwhile, both sinister and good forces are trying to locate a mysterious document that was supposedly hidden by Mussolini in the late 1930’s or so. The document originated in the 4th Century with Constantine the Great. It is very important to the Vatican, so both the bad guys and Cardinal Gallo want it. (However, the jury remains out as to whether Cardinal Gallo is a good or bad guy…)
At the same time Cotton is on the trail of some letters between Winston Churchill and Benito Mussolini. Little does he know that the two trails will soon merge.
This is a fast-paced, high action thriller from the bear chasing Malone all the way through to the end of the story. It is very well written and plotted, as are all of Steve Berry’s novels. The story flows smoothly, with hardly an un-needed word. The story transitions are flawless and inserted into the story at well-crafted intervals. The reader gets to take a fast tour around Rome and Malta and their environs. There are some exciting twists and turns and some nice, big surprises. The thing I love about Steve Berry’s novels is that the reader gets an in-depth lesson in history. The history of the Knights of Malta and the Maltese influence of the story were very interesting as were all the little tidbits inserted throughout the book. Very good – and fascinating!
I want to very much thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
This book has it all: a Vatican conclave, nefarious and corrupt cardinals, another cardinal vying for the top spot, rogue Maltese Knights, turncoat British agents and of course Cotton Malone, Stephanie Nelle and Luke Daniels, along with an assortment of other intriguing and colorful characters.
Kastor Cardinal Gallo has gotten in trouble with the Pope. Now that Pope is dead in sudden circumstances and the conclave to elect a new Pope is going to commence very soon. Cardinals from all over the world are gathering. Meanwhile, both sinister and good forces are trying to locate a mysterious document that was supposedly hidden by Mussolini in the late 1930’s or so. The document originated in the 4th Century with Constantine the Great. It is very important to the Vatican, so both the bad guys and Cardinal Gallo want it. (However, the jury remains out as to whether Cardinal Gallo is a good or bad guy…)
At the same time Cotton is on the trail of some letters between Winston Churchill and Benito Mussolini. Little does he know that the two trails will soon merge.
This is a fast-paced, high action thriller from the bear chasing Malone all the way through to the end of the story. It is very well written and plotted, as are all of Steve Berry’s novels. The story flows smoothly, with hardly an un-needed word. The story transitions are flawless and inserted into the story at well-crafted intervals. The reader gets to take a fast tour around Rome and Malta and their environs. There are some exciting twists and turns and some nice, big surprises. The thing I love about Steve Berry’s novels is that the reader gets an in-depth lesson in history. The history of the Knights of Malta and the Maltese influence of the story were very interesting as were all the little tidbits inserted throughout the book. Very good – and fascinating!
I want to very much thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
March 11, 2019
A little dry with all the Catholic history. This would be a difficult stand alone. The characters are not fleshed out and unless you have read the previous Cotton Malone's, you wouldn't get the full effect of the relationship between the characters.
April 22, 2019
This is the 14th book from the Cotton Malone series by Berry and it is by far his worst. It is ironic that I finished this book on Easter because it is Berry's passive aggressive attack on organized religion. Let me start of by saying I am not Catholic and that is the focus of Berry's attack. This is a book centered on the establishment of the Catholic Church hidden within an action adventure that those who have read any Cotton Malone books are very familiar with.
In most Cotton Malone books there is a lot of true little known facts spread throughout the fictional tale. In this book not so much. Yes, there is a Writer's Note at the end in which Berry sets out what is fact and what is fiction but the facts are very peripheral. The heart of the story which is Constantine's Gift and the correspondence between Winston Churchill and Benito Mussolini are completely made up. There are no facts to backup any of the crux of the story, unlike most of the other Malone books.
Berry also throws in some "facts" which aren't facts. He states that the Bible only mentions the Devil in the New Testament, which he obviously thinks is the made up part of the Bible created by Constantine to control the people. Yes, the word "Devil" is only in the New Testament but Satan is mentioned in the Old Testament. Sin is also in the Old Testament not just in the "made up" New Testament.
Please quit trying to be Dan Brown and get back to writing good Cotton Malone stories.
In most Cotton Malone books there is a lot of true little known facts spread throughout the fictional tale. In this book not so much. Yes, there is a Writer's Note at the end in which Berry sets out what is fact and what is fiction but the facts are very peripheral. The heart of the story which is Constantine's Gift and the correspondence between Winston Churchill and Benito Mussolini are completely made up. There are no facts to backup any of the crux of the story, unlike most of the other Malone books.
Berry also throws in some "facts" which aren't facts. He states that the Bible only mentions the Devil in the New Testament, which he obviously thinks is the made up part of the Bible created by Constantine to control the people. Yes, the word "Devil" is only in the New Testament but Satan is mentioned in the Old Testament. Sin is also in the Old Testament not just in the "made up" New Testament.
Please quit trying to be Dan Brown and get back to writing good Cotton Malone stories.
January 14, 2019
So, I should start by saying that I've never before read a Cotton Malone novel. Being new to the series, a couple of the relationships were a little lost on me.
Still, I largely enjoyed the book.
For me, the history was everything - to the point where I enjoyed the historical sections more than the modern-day ones.
I did enjoy the Vatican secrets (Hey, I'm Catholic!), but the characters never really swayed me. Again, I put this down to my being new to the characters and not knowing their histories.
It was a good read. It was action-packed, things went boom, and it did keep my going until the end.
I may go back and read prior books in the series, though, and play a little catch up.
Still, I largely enjoyed the book.
For me, the history was everything - to the point where I enjoyed the historical sections more than the modern-day ones.
I did enjoy the Vatican secrets (Hey, I'm Catholic!), but the characters never really swayed me. Again, I put this down to my being new to the characters and not knowing their histories.
It was a good read. It was action-packed, things went boom, and it did keep my going until the end.
I may go back and read prior books in the series, though, and play a little catch up.
March 20, 2019
I can’t believe I’m writing this but I did not enjoy this read. Cotton Malone and the Catholic Church - a perfect mix for me. But alas it was not perfect. Not enough Cotton. Luke...why? He just isn’t interesting to me. And too much fact. It overwhelmed the story. I love history. I love the story of the Catholic Church. But not here. Steve Berry is a great writer and I look forward to his next work.
May 4, 2025
Chouette livre, manque un peu de subtilité et de travail envers les personnages. Largué au milieu d'histoire mais passé les trois quart du livre on ne deccroche plus !
J'ai été dérouté entre la vérité et la fiction mais une note de l'auteur nous éclaire à la fin. Très apprécié.
Je note aussi une vision sur la religion et l'origine du christianisme intéressente.
J'ai été dérouté entre la vérité et la fiction mais une note de l'auteur nous éclaire à la fin. Très apprécié.
Je note aussi une vision sur la religion et l'origine du christianisme intéressente.
May 27, 2019
This one took a while as I had to reorder the book after being halfway through.
Good story lots of twists and turns and complex plot line.
Steve Berry clears up truth vs fiction at the end. A nice touch.
Enjoyable as a stand-alone but better enjoyed with the background the previous books provide.
Good story lots of twists and turns and complex plot line.
Steve Berry clears up truth vs fiction at the end. A nice touch.
Enjoyable as a stand-alone but better enjoyed with the background the previous books provide.
June 30, 2019
Not the best of Steve Berry's books. A bit disappointing since I was looking forward to another Mediterranean and Italy adventure. I thought that many of the minor characters were included just so someone else could be killed. Too often I felt that this was just a bit like a Dan Brown rip-off.
September 13, 2024
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/עסקת...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/עסקת...
April 8, 2022
בעיקרון מדובר בספר רומן היסטורי בכסות של ספר מתח. הוא מלא
במידע היסטורי נרחב על מקומות, תאריכים וענייניי דת (שעיקרה
נוצרית) מבחינת האמונה, הפצה, מאבקי שליטה וכדומה.
היה לי קשה להתחבר להתרחשויות הסיפור המרכזי כשבמרבית אירועי
הספר היו כל הזמן קפיצות מאירוע לאירוע כדי להסביר איך הדברים
התרחשו מבחינה היסטורית לעניין המקרה. מצב זה הפחית משמעותית
את ההנאה שבקריאה (ייתכן וחובבי היסטוריה ייהנו מזה יותר).
הרגשתי גם ששני הדמויות המרכזיות, הגיבורים הראשיים, היו חלשים
במידת מה. היו קטעים שהם הוצגו בצורה רברבנית כבעלי יכולת להתמודד
עם כל מצב וסיטואציה ומיד אחרי זה, מראה שהם לא כל כך בדיוק בלתי
מנוצחים, אלא ההפך מכך - שהם פגיעים מאוד. ואם שרדו עד עכשיו, זה
לא בשל יכולתם. אלא, בשל מזל גרידא.
משפט (פתגם) שתפס את תשומת ליבי בספר ומתאר הכי טוב את כל
הקורה בו היה: "עד שלאריות יהיו היסטוריונים משלהם, סיפורי הצייד
יאדירו תמיד את הציידים".
במידע היסטורי נרחב על מקומות, תאריכים וענייניי דת (שעיקרה
נוצרית) מבחינת האמונה, הפצה, מאבקי שליטה וכדומה.
היה לי קשה להתחבר להתרחשויות הסיפור המרכזי כשבמרבית אירועי
הספר היו כל הזמן קפיצות מאירוע לאירוע כדי להסביר איך הדברים
התרחשו מבחינה היסטורית לעניין המקרה. מצב זה הפחית משמעותית
את ההנאה שבקריאה (ייתכן וחובבי היסטוריה ייהנו מזה יותר).
הרגשתי גם ששני הדמויות המרכזיות, הגיבורים הראשיים, היו חלשים
במידת מה. היו קטעים שהם הוצגו בצורה רברבנית כבעלי יכולת להתמודד
עם כל מצב וסיטואציה ומיד אחרי זה, מראה שהם לא כל כך בדיוק בלתי
מנוצחים, אלא ההפך מכך - שהם פגיעים מאוד. ואם שרדו עד עכשיו, זה
לא בשל יכולתם. אלא, בשל מזל גרידא.
משפט (פתגם) שתפס את תשומת ליבי בספר ומתאר הכי טוב את כל
הקורה בו היה: "עד שלאריות יהיו היסטוריונים משלהם, סיפורי הצייד
יאדירו תמיד את הציידים".
June 18, 2020
Há cerca de um ano tive a oportunidade de conhecer Malta. Uma ilha fantástica, repleta de História e com uma mistura de tradições incrível!
Steve Berry fez-me viajar de novo até lá neste livro repleto de mistérios da História que envolvem o Vaticano, a Ordem de Malta/Cavaleiros Hospitalários e Mussolini.
Muito bem escrito, lê-se de uma rajada. Vou com certeza querer ler mais deste autor.
Steve Berry fez-me viajar de novo até lá neste livro repleto de mistérios da História que envolvem o Vaticano, a Ordem de Malta/Cavaleiros Hospitalários e Mussolini.
Muito bem escrito, lê-se de uma rajada. Vou com certeza querer ler mais deste autor.
May 12, 2019
Not a bad historical thriller mixing fact and fiction... I think it should be made into a movie with great shots of Malta and Rome...
July 1, 2019
this novel seems to the trend to have latest thrillers based in Malta but I did enjoy it with the latest adventures with the sudden death of the pope and the political background before the conclave started and the missing letters between Churchill and Mussolini. the novel itself is fast paced and many twists and turns
April 24, 2019
I always appreciate the author’s Cotton Malone books, and always learn something new from his fascinating rendering of historical fact mixed with pure fiction. This plot leaned perhaps a tad heavy toward a “National Treasure”-type scavenger hunt, but it was still enjoyable; it never veered too far off course. Definitely one of my guilty pleasure authors, like Dan Brown - and, much like the The DaVinci Code franchise, the religious zealots aren’t going to like this book either.
The author’s notes always provide a way to separate the facts from the fiction, but it’s interesting to note that the basic principle expounded in the story has actually been a matter of scholarly and religious debate for decades, albeit on the down low. Another interesting FACT: the Catholic Church, as an institution, never ONCE denounced fascism, Hitler, or Mussolini. So much for good triumphing over evil, right? Is it any wonder that formal religious participation is rapidly declining, and personal spirituality becoming more the norm? To quote the author: “Religion is a concept created by humans, and long used by humans for political advantage.” Seems like lots of world leaders love the uneducated; that’s how they stay in power. What better way to control the masses than through unprovable fear?
Maybe there’s hope for the world with the newest Pope (although he is constantly being undermined by his own Cardinals and clerics): “Some of the best people in history did not believe in God, while some of the worst deeds were done in his name.” Then again, maybe not.
Three-and-a-half (lapsed Catholic) stars.
The author’s notes always provide a way to separate the facts from the fiction, but it’s interesting to note that the basic principle expounded in the story has actually been a matter of scholarly and religious debate for decades, albeit on the down low. Another interesting FACT: the Catholic Church, as an institution, never ONCE denounced fascism, Hitler, or Mussolini. So much for good triumphing over evil, right? Is it any wonder that formal religious participation is rapidly declining, and personal spirituality becoming more the norm? To quote the author: “Religion is a concept created by humans, and long used by humans for political advantage.” Seems like lots of world leaders love the uneducated; that’s how they stay in power. What better way to control the masses than through unprovable fear?
Maybe there’s hope for the world with the newest Pope (although he is constantly being undermined by his own Cardinals and clerics): “Some of the best people in history did not believe in God, while some of the worst deeds were done in his name.” Then again, maybe not.
Three-and-a-half (lapsed Catholic) stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 860 reviews