The Magdalene Deception (The Magdalene Chronicles #1)

by Gary McAvoy

One is surrounded by vipers masquerading as pious souls.

This. This is the quote that got me. I was a massive fan of 'Young Pope'. There's something about the inherent grossness of mixing politics with religion that really tickles my fancy. This book does just that.

Well, he considered, I’ve long ago abandoned the concept of Hell, so burning there for such a minor transgression is hardly a deterrent.

Words to live by.