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Lije Evans Mysteries #3
Jefferson Burke and the Secret of the Lost Scroll
Jefferson Burke and the Secret of the Lost Scroll is a mystery as old as the Christian church wrapped in a modern-day thriller. Though an unwilling hero, professor Jefferson Burke's intellectual curiosity pits him against the powerful Bruno Krueger in a race to find a 2000-year-old scroll that calls into question the divinity of Christ and could shake the foundation of Christian faith, upsetting the balance of power in the modern world. Their deadly quest spans the globe, involving officials from the Vatican, CIA and FBI agents, British royalty, a Hollywood actress, and modern terrorists. This classic battle of good vs. evil will hook believers and doubters alike. The uncertainties raised by the very existence of the elusive scroll will have every reader questioning the basis of their faith and wondering what would happen if certain fundamental truths suddenly were proven untrue. Artfully and thoughtfully told, this is the kind of action-packed adventure story that will keep loyal Ace
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2011
8 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Ace Collins
120 books219 followersCiting his Arkansas heritage, Christy Award winner Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. In that capacity, Collins has authored more than eighty books for 25 different publishers that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children’s works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a television special, been featured on every network morning TV show and does college basketball play-by-play. He is married to Kathy Collins, Chair of the Education Department at Ouachita Baptist University, and the couple has two grown sons. Collins lives in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 8, 2015
I was thankful to receive a review copy of Ace Collins larger-than-life fiction novel. Jefferson Burke reminds me a little bit of three movies, National Treasure, Indiana Jones and Da Vinci Code! What a mix!
Jefferson Burke is a school professor in America who reminds me a little of Harrison Ford’s character. He’s compelled to uncover the mysteries and clues to find the Holy Grail. Jefferson has the same passion and drive to find lost scrolls. If these scrolls were published it could change life and history as everyone knew it.
Burke explains, “Curiosity is not a fight so much as a curse. Curiosity steals focus. It challenges patience and upsets emotions and plans. He knew this better than most. It was curiosity that drove his life, and it had almost ruined it more times than he could count.”
Ace Collins has a brilliant imagination and sets this mysterious story up with an explosive beginning. An old man asks Burke for help in finding lost scrolls. He explains the urgency of mission was to beat Krueger, a cruel, evil man at finding them first. Krueger wanted the scrolls to rule the world and blackmail the church! The old man said the scrolls where from Joseph, the husband of Mary, mother of Jesus. Krueger was convinced the scrolls were lost because the Christians were hiding the fact that Jesus was actually the son of Joseph, not the son of God!
Jefferson Burke couldn’t pass up an opportunity like this. He was drawn to this quest he couldn’t explain it. Life for Burke is suddenly turned upside down as he races to find the first clue in finding the ancient scrolls.
The government gets involved and sends Agent Cho to help Burke in his quest. Reluctantly Burke agrees to join forces with Agent Cho to case down clues and artifacts that take them all around the Globe. He realizes Cho’s extensive research in how secret societies hid the book of Joseph could be valuable.
While on their search Cho and Jefferson start exploring their souls and wondering what they will do when they find the truth. Would they tell the world that Joseph was really the father of Jesus? Could they broadcast that information? They had and obligation to report the truth didn’t they? If Krueger got the scrolls first, he would blackmail the church and if they refused his demands Krueger would simply print the scrolls for the entire world to see. It’s a dilemma!
If you liked Indiana Jones, National Treasure or Da Vinci Code movies you will enjoy this thrill ride filled with action, adventure and suspense.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Jefferson Burke is a school professor in America who reminds me a little of Harrison Ford’s character. He’s compelled to uncover the mysteries and clues to find the Holy Grail. Jefferson has the same passion and drive to find lost scrolls. If these scrolls were published it could change life and history as everyone knew it.
Burke explains, “Curiosity is not a fight so much as a curse. Curiosity steals focus. It challenges patience and upsets emotions and plans. He knew this better than most. It was curiosity that drove his life, and it had almost ruined it more times than he could count.”
Ace Collins has a brilliant imagination and sets this mysterious story up with an explosive beginning. An old man asks Burke for help in finding lost scrolls. He explains the urgency of mission was to beat Krueger, a cruel, evil man at finding them first. Krueger wanted the scrolls to rule the world and blackmail the church! The old man said the scrolls where from Joseph, the husband of Mary, mother of Jesus. Krueger was convinced the scrolls were lost because the Christians were hiding the fact that Jesus was actually the son of Joseph, not the son of God!
Jefferson Burke couldn’t pass up an opportunity like this. He was drawn to this quest he couldn’t explain it. Life for Burke is suddenly turned upside down as he races to find the first clue in finding the ancient scrolls.
The government gets involved and sends Agent Cho to help Burke in his quest. Reluctantly Burke agrees to join forces with Agent Cho to case down clues and artifacts that take them all around the Globe. He realizes Cho’s extensive research in how secret societies hid the book of Joseph could be valuable.
While on their search Cho and Jefferson start exploring their souls and wondering what they will do when they find the truth. Would they tell the world that Joseph was really the father of Jesus? Could they broadcast that information? They had and obligation to report the truth didn’t they? If Krueger got the scrolls first, he would blackmail the church and if they refused his demands Krueger would simply print the scrolls for the entire world to see. It’s a dilemma!
If you liked Indiana Jones, National Treasure or Da Vinci Code movies you will enjoy this thrill ride filled with action, adventure and suspense.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
July 31, 2011
I had the privilege of interviewing Ace Collins, on our radio show "Kingdom Highlights", for his new book, "Jefferson Burke And The Secret Of The Lost Scroll" published by Zondervan.
Dr. Jefferson Burke is the Dean of History at the University of Illinois in Urbana. A man on a mission, claiming to be an agent of the Vatican, states that he needs Dr. Burke on a matter of life and death. He is searching for an ancient scroll, another Gospel, allegedly written by Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus. Now this scroll may discount the divinity of Jesus and it may be stored right there at the University and only Burke can get it. And the adventure begins!
The hunt is on for this ancient scroll which will lead Dr. Burke and FBI agent, Lisa Marie Cho, who is trying to protect him, to the mountains of Afghanistan and various other spots on the planet as new information leads the little team to the next encounter with possible death. The bad guys are led by multi-billionaire, Bruno Krueger who will stop at nothing to posses the scroll to use in his quest for world dominion.
What makes a book a thriller? Putting the heroes in deadly danger and keeping them there until almost the last page. Ace Collins has delivered an exciting, pulse-pounding thriller with "Jefferson Burke And The Secret Of The Lost Scroll". Burke and the team are narrowly escaping death trap after death trap set up by Krueger as both teams hunt for this scroll. Ace Collins has given us a mystery, detective story, spy adventure and romance all neatly rolled up into one book. I did not want to put down ""Jefferson Burke And The Secret Of The Lost Scroll". There are a number of great themes in this book one of which is fear of the unknown. No one has read the scroll yet most people fear what it has to say. Your relationship with Jesus plays an integral part in this book, to find out why it must be read. Mr. Collins has created a winner with this series as he said there will be more Jefferson Burke stories. I recommend this book highly and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
If you missed the interview for "Jefferson Burke And The Secret Of The Lost Scroll" and would like to listen to it and/or other interviews as well please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dr. Jefferson Burke is the Dean of History at the University of Illinois in Urbana. A man on a mission, claiming to be an agent of the Vatican, states that he needs Dr. Burke on a matter of life and death. He is searching for an ancient scroll, another Gospel, allegedly written by Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus. Now this scroll may discount the divinity of Jesus and it may be stored right there at the University and only Burke can get it. And the adventure begins!
The hunt is on for this ancient scroll which will lead Dr. Burke and FBI agent, Lisa Marie Cho, who is trying to protect him, to the mountains of Afghanistan and various other spots on the planet as new information leads the little team to the next encounter with possible death. The bad guys are led by multi-billionaire, Bruno Krueger who will stop at nothing to posses the scroll to use in his quest for world dominion.
What makes a book a thriller? Putting the heroes in deadly danger and keeping them there until almost the last page. Ace Collins has delivered an exciting, pulse-pounding thriller with "Jefferson Burke And The Secret Of The Lost Scroll". Burke and the team are narrowly escaping death trap after death trap set up by Krueger as both teams hunt for this scroll. Ace Collins has given us a mystery, detective story, spy adventure and romance all neatly rolled up into one book. I did not want to put down ""Jefferson Burke And The Secret Of The Lost Scroll". There are a number of great themes in this book one of which is fear of the unknown. No one has read the scroll yet most people fear what it has to say. Your relationship with Jesus plays an integral part in this book, to find out why it must be read. Mr. Collins has created a winner with this series as he said there will be more Jefferson Burke stories. I recommend this book highly and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
If you missed the interview for "Jefferson Burke And The Secret Of The Lost Scroll" and would like to listen to it and/or other interviews as well please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 30, 2020
Audiobook
Jefferson Burke and the Secret of the Lost Scroll is a mystery as old as the Christian church wrapped in a modern-day thriller. Though an unwilling hero, professor Jefferson Burke's intellectual curiosity pits him against the powerful Bruno Krueger in a race to find a 2,000-year-old scroll that calls into question the divinity of Christ and could shake the foundation of Christian faith, upsetting the balance of power in the modern world. Their deadly quest spans the globe, involving officials from the Vatican and the CIA, and FBI agents, British royalty, a Hollywood actress, and modern terrorists. This classic battle of good vs. evil will hook believers and doubters alike. The uncertainties raised by the very existence of the elusive scroll will have every listener questioning the basis of their faith and wondering what would happen if certain fundamental truths suddenly were proven untrue.
Jefferson Burke and the Secret of the Lost Scroll is a mystery as old as the Christian church wrapped in a modern-day thriller. Though an unwilling hero, professor Jefferson Burke's intellectual curiosity pits him against the powerful Bruno Krueger in a race to find a 2,000-year-old scroll that calls into question the divinity of Christ and could shake the foundation of Christian faith, upsetting the balance of power in the modern world. Their deadly quest spans the globe, involving officials from the Vatican and the CIA, and FBI agents, British royalty, a Hollywood actress, and modern terrorists. This classic battle of good vs. evil will hook believers and doubters alike. The uncertainties raised by the very existence of the elusive scroll will have every listener questioning the basis of their faith and wondering what would happen if certain fundamental truths suddenly were proven untrue.
September 3, 2019
Not exactly sure if this is a book I love, a book I hate, or a book I love to hate. The pace was entirely too slow for me & I honestly had a difficult time staying connected to this book. However, I am so so glad I did. The end is AMAZING to say the least & my jaw dropped on more than one occasion. I did think the reveal of what is in the Book of Joseph was anticlimatic though. I was like, "Really? All that time for this?"
The biggest complaint I have is all the editorial errors I kept finding. There were many passages in which sentence structure was messed up or wordings didn't make sense. (I have a physical copy of the book that isn't advanced reader or anything like that.)
The biggest complaint I have is all the editorial errors I kept finding. There were many passages in which sentence structure was messed up or wordings didn't make sense. (I have a physical copy of the book that isn't advanced reader or anything like that.)
October 14, 2020
First of all, I don't know why it says that this is book #3 in the Lije Evans Mysteries. Because it isn't. It has nothing to do with Lije Evans and he isn't mentioned anywhere in the story. But this book is a great read all on its own!
Professor Jefferson Burke is on a quest to find an ancient scroll that was allegedly written by Joseph. Someone else is also on the hunt whose motive is the power the knowledge the scroll holds provides. It is a race that leads all over the world, from a old monastery located in the mountains of Afghanistan to Las Vegas Nevada. Intrigue, suspense, good vs evil. This book has it all.
Professor Jefferson Burke is on a quest to find an ancient scroll that was allegedly written by Joseph. Someone else is also on the hunt whose motive is the power the knowledge the scroll holds provides. It is a race that leads all over the world, from a old monastery located in the mountains of Afghanistan to Las Vegas Nevada. Intrigue, suspense, good vs evil. This book has it all.
May 31, 2020
A convoluted mystery
Jefferson Burke & the Secret of the Lost Scroll will cause you to need a new cushion for your favorite reading chair, what with the dangerous twists & turns. I was disappointed that Dr. Burke never came to faith in God, but rather Fate. Otherwise an excellent nail biter. I do wonder how this was included as a Lije Evan's mystery, since the action was far from Arkansas. Except, of course, for the mention of the author in reference to the old Packard.
Jefferson Burke & the Secret of the Lost Scroll will cause you to need a new cushion for your favorite reading chair, what with the dangerous twists & turns. I was disappointed that Dr. Burke never came to faith in God, but rather Fate. Otherwise an excellent nail biter. I do wonder how this was included as a Lije Evan's mystery, since the action was far from Arkansas. Except, of course, for the mention of the author in reference to the old Packard.
January 10, 2018
Reads like an Indiana Jones story....... :)
September 17, 2019
Grammatical errors and awkward sentences suggest that this book was written in a hurry.
November 12, 2019
freebie from library for Caleb's reading program reward/ young adult
February 3, 2021
This book had a good story, likable characters and plenty of action. A very enjoyable and quick read.
January 25, 2023
Not quite sure this is under the 3rd book in the series, so that disappointed me. The book was action packed and had a good plot, but for me it was missing something a little more believable. Just me I guess. I have read better books by Collins.
May 1, 2012
The action-adventure thriller, Jefferson Burke and the Secret of the Lost Scroll, is sure to catch the attention of anyone brave enough to delve into it. Ace Collins has created a fascinating plot following the adventures of a history professor on the search for a scroll that is supposed to discredit Christ’s divine birth. The result is a mixture of a fast-paced and complex plot, creative characters, and realistic descriptions.
When an elderly man interrupts his routine college research projects, Dr. Burke has no idea the adventure he has in store. The visitor, a historian from the Vatican, informs Burke that a scroll exists written by Joseph about the early life of Jesus. The scroll, he says, claims that Christ’s birth was not divine. If validated, this information would contradict the Bible and cause people to question the whole of Christianity (Matthew 1:18). The scroll had been lost through a series of political and religious uprisings with the only trail leading to the university where Dr. Burke works. After this, his informant, the historian, is killed.
Dr. Burke is now alone. At least he thinks he is. After that brief encounter, he wakes up in the hospital with policemen and an FBI agent standing over his bed. The agent, Lisa Marie Cho, helps him on his adventure to find the lost scroll. As the story goes on, readers get to see their relationship grow. Will they survive the journey together? And will they end up together? That’s the question that will keep the pages turning.
Within those pages, Collins has created a new world of intrigue and mystery. The countless links among characters such as Hitler, agencies such as the CIA and FBI, terrorist organizations including the Taliban, as well as a host of celebrities, seem a little far-fetched. Also, at times, there may be some difficulties with readability. Nevertheless, if a reader ignores these problems, the plot is creative and refreshing.
Jefferson Burke and the Secret of the Lost Scroll would be a great Christian alternative to Clive Cussler or James Rollins books. As well, anyone who enjoyed the Indiana Jones movies will love the pace and theme of this new story. Just be warned, once the pages start turning they’re hard to stop.
See the rest of the review at... http://www.christianbookpreviews.com/...
When an elderly man interrupts his routine college research projects, Dr. Burke has no idea the adventure he has in store. The visitor, a historian from the Vatican, informs Burke that a scroll exists written by Joseph about the early life of Jesus. The scroll, he says, claims that Christ’s birth was not divine. If validated, this information would contradict the Bible and cause people to question the whole of Christianity (Matthew 1:18). The scroll had been lost through a series of political and religious uprisings with the only trail leading to the university where Dr. Burke works. After this, his informant, the historian, is killed.
Dr. Burke is now alone. At least he thinks he is. After that brief encounter, he wakes up in the hospital with policemen and an FBI agent standing over his bed. The agent, Lisa Marie Cho, helps him on his adventure to find the lost scroll. As the story goes on, readers get to see their relationship grow. Will they survive the journey together? And will they end up together? That’s the question that will keep the pages turning.
Within those pages, Collins has created a new world of intrigue and mystery. The countless links among characters such as Hitler, agencies such as the CIA and FBI, terrorist organizations including the Taliban, as well as a host of celebrities, seem a little far-fetched. Also, at times, there may be some difficulties with readability. Nevertheless, if a reader ignores these problems, the plot is creative and refreshing.
Jefferson Burke and the Secret of the Lost Scroll would be a great Christian alternative to Clive Cussler or James Rollins books. As well, anyone who enjoyed the Indiana Jones movies will love the pace and theme of this new story. Just be warned, once the pages start turning they’re hard to stop.
See the rest of the review at... http://www.christianbookpreviews.com/...
August 8, 2012
I love a good action/suspense novel! And I was surprised by the action, adventure and pure suspense in Ace Collins book, The Secret of the Lost Scroll!
WOW! When a book begins with "Baltore the priest had no idea where they had come from. Like ghosts, they seemed to appear out of thin air, but he was well aware that his plight was his own making." (p. 11) then the reader knows this is going to be a one.of.those.fantastically.great reads!
Dr. Jefferson Burke is approached by Anthony Columbo to help him find the lost scrolls. Actually this first scene of the book where Columbo talks with Burke reminded me of the beginning of Indiana Jones . . . college history professor talked into helping find an ancient artifact for the "good of humanity." But there's oh-so-much-more!
I love National Treasure, so again there's a bit of that in Burke too! Burke's life is turned upside.down! as he races to find the first clue!
This is an incredible read with Cho and Burke having some serious soul searching as they think what would happen if they find that Joseph is the true father of Jesus! Because if one finds the truth then one has the obligation to tell the world the truth, right? God has a way of bringing the truth to light for those who search for righteousness! Of course, there's always a "bad guy", Krueger, the evil one who would love nothing more than spreading lies and untruths!
I loved it and truthfully had a hard time putting this book down! I'll be looking for more books by Ace Collins.
*This book was provided for review by Zondervan*
WOW! When a book begins with "Baltore the priest had no idea where they had come from. Like ghosts, they seemed to appear out of thin air, but he was well aware that his plight was his own making." (p. 11) then the reader knows this is going to be a one.of.those.fantastically.great reads!
Dr. Jefferson Burke is approached by Anthony Columbo to help him find the lost scrolls. Actually this first scene of the book where Columbo talks with Burke reminded me of the beginning of Indiana Jones . . . college history professor talked into helping find an ancient artifact for the "good of humanity." But there's oh-so-much-more!
I love National Treasure, so again there's a bit of that in Burke too! Burke's life is turned upside.down! as he races to find the first clue!
This is an incredible read with Cho and Burke having some serious soul searching as they think what would happen if they find that Joseph is the true father of Jesus! Because if one finds the truth then one has the obligation to tell the world the truth, right? God has a way of bringing the truth to light for those who search for righteousness! Of course, there's always a "bad guy", Krueger, the evil one who would love nothing more than spreading lies and untruths!
I loved it and truthfully had a hard time putting this book down! I'll be looking for more books by Ace Collins.
*This book was provided for review by Zondervan*
June 1, 2014
First off: What does this book have to do with Lije Evans? Other than on the cover and in the back matter, his name is never mentioned.
Now, for my review: This Indiana Jones-style adventure is a little bit short on action; instead, historical discussions take center stage. It also ends with a whimper. It still proved to be moderately enjoyable...but nothing terribly special.
Now, for my review: This Indiana Jones-style adventure is a little bit short on action; instead, historical discussions take center stage. It also ends with a whimper. It still proved to be moderately enjoyable...but nothing terribly special.
May 1, 2015
This book reminded me of an old time serial movie--each chapter ended with some impending problem that is solved in the next chapter. I enjoyed this book. I think it is supposed to be a Christian Indiana Jones adventure --all in all good fun and quick read.
August 9, 2016
A book that grabbed my attention from the beginning. It's one of those that keeps you wondering what's going to happen next, so you start reading the next chapter.
January 20, 2016
Well-written, intriguing and fast-paced. This is one mystery I would recommend to everyone, and anyone. Super-read!
October 31, 2016
Suspenseful, complicated, mysterious and too much violence and evil and murder by wicked men.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews