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The Rose Conspiracy
Publishers Weekly called Craig Parshall's Trial by Ordeal "an enjoyable romp for legal thriller aficionados." Now Parshall takes his readers to the nation's capital, where a hitherto unknown document has turned up...and turned into murder. As the Smithsonian's president examines a newly discovered account of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, an intruder steals in, kills him, and disappears into the night with the document. Vinnie Archmont, an accomplished and stunningly beautiful artist, is implicated. She hires the brilliant but secretly guilt-burdened criminal law professor J.D. Blackstone. Blackstone finds himself uncovering the Mystic Freemasons' most guarded secret. He reluctantly turns to his uncle, a Bible-quoting Anglican priest and occult-religions expert. Enemies like a sorcery-obsessed billionaire English lord, a powerful U.S. Senator, and a ruthless prosecutor force Blackstone to employ all his cunning. In the process, he is compelled to choose between spiritual counterfeit and Gospel truth, guilt and forgiveness...destruction and a new beginning.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2009
28 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Craig Parshall
32 books73 followersCraig Parshall is a bestselling fiction author with twelve suspense novels to his credit. His tales of human drama and spiritual encounter have garnered rave reviews from critics and readers alike. Craig is also a Washington insider serving as special counsel to the American Center for Law and Justice on matters before the US Supreme Court, on Capitol Hill, and before state supreme courts. As a constitutional lawyer, Craig has testified frequently before committees of Congress and the FCC, and has been interviewed on a wide range of cultural issues by most of the major media networks and newspapers nationwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 10, 2009
Perfect for : Personal reading, book club read
In a nutshell: This was a fun, fast-paced, page-turner of a mystery. . . it has everything, including murder, conspiracy, adventure, history, and some great interpersonal relationships (loved J.D.'s partner!). If you enjoy books similar to The DaVinci Code, you should love this one.
Extended Review: People had always claimed that there were missing pages from John Wilkes Booth's diary, and when they are given to the Smithsonian Institute, a man is murdered behind locked doors and the diary pages are stolen right before a team of experts was going to authenticate them.
J.D. Blackstone is a college professor and brilliant lawyer with a painful past. A favorite of the students, and not afraid to dig in and get to the truth - he was a character that I really enjoyed.
Vinnie, an artist in her early 30's is implicated in the murder as she was in the building just prior to the murder, and she has asked J.D. for his help to clear her name - and save her life!
From here the book takes off and we get adventure and a nice dose of the Freemasons' history!
While the book is included in Christian Fiction, I did not find it preachy or pushy in the least!
Characters: Well-developed and memorable.
Readability: A fun, easy read that will keep you entertained. I did have to look a few words up (or guess at their meanings), but I'm not at all familiar with legalese!
Overall: A very fun read, especially if you are a mystery, conspiracy or intrigue fan (if you liked The DaVinci Code, you will enjoy this book!).
In a nutshell: This was a fun, fast-paced, page-turner of a mystery. . . it has everything, including murder, conspiracy, adventure, history, and some great interpersonal relationships (loved J.D.'s partner!). If you enjoy books similar to The DaVinci Code, you should love this one.
Extended Review: People had always claimed that there were missing pages from John Wilkes Booth's diary, and when they are given to the Smithsonian Institute, a man is murdered behind locked doors and the diary pages are stolen right before a team of experts was going to authenticate them.
J.D. Blackstone is a college professor and brilliant lawyer with a painful past. A favorite of the students, and not afraid to dig in and get to the truth - he was a character that I really enjoyed.
Vinnie, an artist in her early 30's is implicated in the murder as she was in the building just prior to the murder, and she has asked J.D. for his help to clear her name - and save her life!
From here the book takes off and we get adventure and a nice dose of the Freemasons' history!
While the book is included in Christian Fiction, I did not find it preachy or pushy in the least!
Characters: Well-developed and memorable.
Readability: A fun, easy read that will keep you entertained. I did have to look a few words up (or guess at their meanings), but I'm not at all familiar with legalese!
Overall: A very fun read, especially if you are a mystery, conspiracy or intrigue fan (if you liked The DaVinci Code, you will enjoy this book!).
January 29, 2021
"The Rose Conspiracy" has been my first experience in the fiction of Craig Parshall, but it will not be my last after this invigorated read. I read the back cover blurb and then I could not help but have a desire to go and watch National Treasure and National Treasure 2 both on Blue-Ray. It was fabulous as several of the historical characters mentioned in the second movie were all through out the historical conspiracies of this book. It put me in a definite mood with a thirst for more.
It could be that I already have a passion for stories such as this, dealing with history and Freemasons as well as religious facts and conspiracy. Either way, this book was full of fascinating detail and keep me extremely intrigued and entertained.
Toward the end as details were being fully revealed I was a little bit aggravated with the author, because the main character would find some out, but not let the thought pass through to the reader. It bothered me and made me feel on the outside, I like feeling like I am on the ride with the characters. But things were explained and in good detail. I just had to be patient enough to get to that page. *grin*
I recommend this read. It is high tensity and makes me want to go and read some more about our Civil War history. Love it!
It could be that I already have a passion for stories such as this, dealing with history and Freemasons as well as religious facts and conspiracy. Either way, this book was full of fascinating detail and keep me extremely intrigued and entertained.
Toward the end as details were being fully revealed I was a little bit aggravated with the author, because the main character would find some out, but not let the thought pass through to the reader. It bothered me and made me feel on the outside, I like feeling like I am on the ride with the characters. But things were explained and in good detail. I just had to be patient enough to get to that page. *grin*
I recommend this read. It is high tensity and makes me want to go and read some more about our Civil War history. Love it!
July 16, 2020
Why did the Freemasons think it was the ultimate secret, the missing papers of John Wilkes Booth. Vinnie was a sculptor doing one at night
of the president of the Smithsonian. Murder happen and she is accused. Then she hires Blackstone, with fees being taken care of by Lord Dee who was a Freemason himself. Stopping by to see his uncle at the college, giving him a book, hot off the press, saying he thought Blackstone would end up reading it, about the Freemasons. Very heavy with courtroom language.
of the president of the Smithsonian. Murder happen and she is accused. Then she hires Blackstone, with fees being taken care of by Lord Dee who was a Freemason himself. Stopping by to see his uncle at the college, giving him a book, hot off the press, saying he thought Blackstone would end up reading it, about the Freemasons. Very heavy with courtroom language.
December 30, 2018
My reviews are being ignored or deleted. None of these people get to love your family and friends as you love yourself. Maybe they don't.....maybe they are just crazy!
Forgiveness is more important than death, but a minister told me they don't preach about that much. (Forgiveness.) I can still not regret what happened. That is being a sincere friend. They come here on Christmas Eve and then I feel like they are trying to run me off the road.
Forgiveness is more important than death, but a minister told me they don't preach about that much. (Forgiveness.) I can still not regret what happened. That is being a sincere friend. They come here on Christmas Eve and then I feel like they are trying to run me off the road.
July 30, 2020
The DaVinci Code Light. Not a bad mystery. A little long on the historical explanation/hypothesis/fantasy - but okay. Certainly nothing in the same league as the popular Dan Brown novels by which it has obviously been inspired. But, it's an engaging short novel and pleasant enough way to pass the day and evening, if not earthshattering or edge-of-your-seat thrilling.
July 15, 2020
Loved this book. It was complicated but really held my interest and made it difficult to put down. I don't think the last two chapters were necessary, but I liked the impression they left as I finished the story. A great read!
June 24, 2019
Good book. Glad I took a chance on this author
July 29, 2019
Engrossing
I found it was difficult to put this book down. It was interesting. There was a lot of new information for me
I found it was difficult to put this book down. It was interesting. There was a lot of new information for me
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July 17, 2020Wow!
Riveting! Great page turner form beginning to end! First time reading anything by this author. Was not disappointed.😁 Will recommend to friends.
Riveting! Great page turner form beginning to end! First time reading anything by this author. Was not disappointed.😁 Will recommend to friends.
September 19, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! Why this hasn’t been made into a movie yet is beyond me.. and if Matthew McConaughey isn’t cast as Blackstone, that would be an opportunity missed.
October 2, 2020
I don’t read law books much anymore - this one felt a little heavy at times. I really liked the ending though
April 18, 2021
Should be 3-1/2 stars
June 13, 2022
To quote another review "DAN BROWN light". Very interesting but a few gaps in the storyline. I would try another by this author though.
July 22, 2022
Great mystery novel from a Christian writer.
October 31, 2009
One more post because I promised I'd do one for this book.
Upon receiving the book, The Rose Conspiracy
, and looking at the blurb on the back cover, I was prepared not to like it. It has “conspiracy” in the title and mentioned the Freemasons in the blurb.
In addition, it was a Christian novel. I don’t read many of those because they tend to be romances (UGH :) ) and are usually very predictable, with a main character getting “saved” near the end.
I was pleasantly surprised.
Parshall has woven a nice little mystery around the Lincoln assassination, the Freemasons, the Smithsonian Institute, the Bible, greed, and man’s eternal quest for immortality.
The elements of conspiracy reminded me somewhat of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and the legal maneuvering made me think back to Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent.
Vinnie Archmont, a beautiful artist, is accused of killing the curator of the Smithsonian Institute and stealing the missing pages of John Wilkes Booth’s diary. Financed by a wealthy Freemason living in England, she hires J. D. Blackstone, a law professor and high profile lawyer, to keep her from the death chamber.
The key seems to be a cryptic fragment purportedly from the diary. Blackstone must crack this code before the lovely artist’s trial. His journey to unscramble the meaning takes him into the secrets of Freemasonry, the occult and personal danger, while he tries to deal with his own personal demons.
Then comes the day of the trial and a surprise ending. The last chapter almost ruined it for me, but was sufficiently vague as to keep Blackstone’s salvation in question.
In any case this is a worthy read.
Upon receiving the book, The Rose Conspiracy
, and looking at the blurb on the back cover, I was prepared not to like it. It has “conspiracy” in the title and mentioned the Freemasons in the blurb.In addition, it was a Christian novel. I don’t read many of those because they tend to be romances (UGH :) ) and are usually very predictable, with a main character getting “saved” near the end.
I was pleasantly surprised.
Parshall has woven a nice little mystery around the Lincoln assassination, the Freemasons, the Smithsonian Institute, the Bible, greed, and man’s eternal quest for immortality.
The elements of conspiracy reminded me somewhat of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and the legal maneuvering made me think back to Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent.
Vinnie Archmont, a beautiful artist, is accused of killing the curator of the Smithsonian Institute and stealing the missing pages of John Wilkes Booth’s diary. Financed by a wealthy Freemason living in England, she hires J. D. Blackstone, a law professor and high profile lawyer, to keep her from the death chamber.
The key seems to be a cryptic fragment purportedly from the diary. Blackstone must crack this code before the lovely artist’s trial. His journey to unscramble the meaning takes him into the secrets of Freemasonry, the occult and personal danger, while he tries to deal with his own personal demons.
Then comes the day of the trial and a surprise ending. The last chapter almost ruined it for me, but was sufficiently vague as to keep Blackstone’s salvation in question.
In any case this is a worthy read.
January 23, 2016
THE ROSE CONSPIRACY by Craig Parshsall is a calculated story of intrigue and suspense, with a historical spin that fascinates.
When the head of the Smithsonian Institute is murdered–while study missing pages from the famed John Wilkes Booth diary– a conspiracy is expected. Vinnie Archmont, a free-spirited and beautiful artist is implicated, and soon retains brilliant law professor J.D. Blackstone to prove her innocence. Convinced that Vinnie is being set up, J.D. embarks on a journey of discovery that points to the mystical and secretive practices of the Freemasons, a wealthy Lord in England, and possible corruption within the Washington, D.C. police force. With a sentence of death hanging over Vinnie’s head, and a growing attraction to the eccentric artist, J.D. leaves no stone unturned in her defense. Soon, J.D. finds not only his career at stake, but his life as well.
THE ROSE CONSPIRACY was a fascinating read. Its historical content dealing with the Freemasons made for a thought provoking novel that challenged your own thinking. Though romance is hinted at, it is never fully developed making this an exceptional novel for men who don’t like fiction that gets bogged down with personal relationships. I, myself, would have liked to see these storylines more prominent, but this did not dampen my interest in the book. The secondary characters in Professor Lamb–J.D.’s uncle, and Julia–J.D.’s law partner humanizes J.D. when he could’ve otherwise be seen as a one dimensional lawyer with a single pursuit in life. Though a Christian novel, the only person with a true faith in God is looked at as a daft enthusiast with unrealistic beliefs. Only when J.D. is willing to face the guilt from his past does he open himself up to the possible belief of eternal life.
When the head of the Smithsonian Institute is murdered–while study missing pages from the famed John Wilkes Booth diary– a conspiracy is expected. Vinnie Archmont, a free-spirited and beautiful artist is implicated, and soon retains brilliant law professor J.D. Blackstone to prove her innocence. Convinced that Vinnie is being set up, J.D. embarks on a journey of discovery that points to the mystical and secretive practices of the Freemasons, a wealthy Lord in England, and possible corruption within the Washington, D.C. police force. With a sentence of death hanging over Vinnie’s head, and a growing attraction to the eccentric artist, J.D. leaves no stone unturned in her defense. Soon, J.D. finds not only his career at stake, but his life as well.
THE ROSE CONSPIRACY was a fascinating read. Its historical content dealing with the Freemasons made for a thought provoking novel that challenged your own thinking. Though romance is hinted at, it is never fully developed making this an exceptional novel for men who don’t like fiction that gets bogged down with personal relationships. I, myself, would have liked to see these storylines more prominent, but this did not dampen my interest in the book. The secondary characters in Professor Lamb–J.D.’s uncle, and Julia–J.D.’s law partner humanizes J.D. when he could’ve otherwise be seen as a one dimensional lawyer with a single pursuit in life. Though a Christian novel, the only person with a true faith in God is looked at as a daft enthusiast with unrealistic beliefs. Only when J.D. is willing to face the guilt from his past does he open himself up to the possible belief of eternal life.
February 16, 2017
For every author there is one you like least. This is the one book by Craig Parshall, I liked least.
July 20, 2009
Fools rush in... After working on a "weightier tome" for five days, I was ready for some fun, light reading. This is a legal thriller that incorporates the Freemasons, Booth's diary, and what (from my limited understanding) I believe to be a misrepresentation of the Gnostic Gospels. It is an engaging mystery with stereotypical characters - the brilliant law professor/defense attorney with a fast car, over the edge life style and tragic past, his dedicated partner/former law student/former lover, a quirky, over the top client, and a mysterious British benefactor. As the mystery unfolded, the evangelical Christian promotion became apparent and only then did I check out the author info - Craig Parshall is Senior Vice President and General ACounsel of the National Religious Broadcasters Association. No wonder. Funny though, as the "non-Christian" Freemasons were being described, my first inclination was to recall the news articles about the politician members of the "Family" - the secret, elitist society of Christian politicians. The quest for power seems to lead in the same direction.
April 26, 2015
This one is a really enjoyable, yet unusual, legal thriller/mystery. Elements of history(John Wilkes Booth's diary), Freemasonry, dealing with guilt, murder, detective work, attitudes toward faith, and romance are all parts of this plot. A famous lawyer, J.D. Blackstone, is hired by Vinnie Archmont to defend her against murdering the President of the Smithsonian Institution to obtain, or destroy, eighteen missing pages that have been found from John Wilkes Booth's diary. How are the freemason's involved, and what would they have to hide? Is is greed or something else? A riddle drives the case, and the book. Very interesting!
November 15, 2011
Very good book. I was caught up in it the whole time. This is a legal thriller: As the Smithsonian’s president examines an account of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, an intruder steals in, kills him, and disappears into the night with the document. Freemasons are involved as well as a Bible–quoting Anglican priest and occult–religions expert.
August 5, 2015
The problem with some faith fiction is that is seems derivative, which is how this book started out. It read like a mix between Dan Brown and National Treasure. The redeeming quality of the book is in the twist at the end. It's an easy read and if that's what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed.
May 29, 2009
It is a good read. Well written and keeps the suspense. It is funny - at my book club the ratings went from 2.5 to 4.25. I read lots of non-fiction so this was a good change with similar info. Lots of info about Freemasons. Not a mushy Christian book.
December 20, 2016
Long exposition could have been cut down a bit to help hook me as a reader. Second half was more enjoyable. Legal mystery conspiracy theory with American history and some contrasting religious themes in the mix.
Currently reading
July 27, 2009This book sheds a lot of light regarding the secrecy of the Freemasons. The writer has a book of mystery and intrique.
June 4, 2014
The plot and mystery was very catchy, but the women or Blackstone's client was to sensual, trying to lure him into things. Don't recomend it.
December 13, 2009
A Dan Brown like mystery from a Christian author.
February 4, 2010
This seemed very similar to National Treasure 2, but it has a really compelling plot. I couldn't put it down!
June 5, 2011
Interesting use of the Freemason organization within the solution of a crime.
May 22, 2012
A nice legal thriller about Freemasonry.
March 1, 2015
Da Vinci style themes, written from a Christian perspective. But don't take that to mean this is it lame Christian copycat. Very easy to read but fun and enjoyed following the mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews