The Sacred Bones

The Sacred Bones

A brazen and violent crime occurs at the crossroads of the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish faiths-the shocking theft of ancient artifacts hidden for many centuries in a secret vault beneath Jerusalem's Temple Mount. In its wake, thirteen Israeli policemen and soldiers are dead-and the fuse is lit on a volatile Mideast powder keg, threatening an explosion that could devastate the world.In Italy, American forensic scientist Charlotte Hennesey has answered a Vatican summons asking for help. Joining with Italian anthropologist Giovanni Bersei, she embarks upon a perilous journey down a twisted path of revelations prowled by sinister zealots and relentless cold killers. For they must expose the astonishing secrets locked in the ancient bones resting in a newly unearthed burial box-the skeleton of a man who lived and died in the first century; a man who was scourged and stabbed . . . and crucified.ReviewExciting, intelligent and incredibly true to life. (Simcha Jacobovici, co-author of The Jesus Family Tomb)Byrnes puts a more contemporary spin on his material than most authors of religious thrillers. (Publishers Weekly)A terrific thriller melding biblical puzzles with modern-day archaeology and the immense knowledge...gleaned by forensic science. Action-driven... (Publishing News (UK))A breathless race through real historical fact laced generously with artistic license. An immensely enjoyable read. (Bookseller (UK))Fans of historical thrillers with religious overtones will eat this up (Library Journal) A pacy read with plenty of surprises (Hampstead & Highgate Express (UK))About the AuthorMichael Byrnes attended Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey, and earned his graduate degree in business administration at Rutgers. Byrnes lives in Florida with his wife, Caroline, and daughters, Vivian and Camille.