This book seemed appealing enough to ask for an ARC, but when it arrived it went into my pile, and I couldn't get around to choosing it. I guess one would have to consider that a review of a sort.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters were interesting and believable (though at times quite stereotyped). The plot was fascinating, and I'd like to see more from this author on the subject. There are too few books that address the negative historical affects of religion in society, and I appreciate that this has been tackled by Eilis Leyne.

The book seemed well researched, for the most part. One tidbit that I didn't find believable was the "nurse" entering the hospital dressed in white, and getting into a hospital room without anyone noticing she was dressed in what constituted a Halloween costume (and without identification). Unless this book was set in the 1980s, scrubs have been the uniform of choice for nursing staff. I also had trouble believing that the hospital administration would allow cameras and mics in a room, and an adjoining room taken over for a surveillance crew. I could be wrong, though.

Would I read a sequel? Absolutely! ( )

Wicked Gods is a mystery thriller that highlights the evil excesses of religious fanatics of all stripes. A full cast of modern stereotypical characters - liberal humanist professors, megastar televangelists, Islamic extremists, smarmy Arab businessmen, etc. This is a fast-paced mystery with plenty of suspects.

It appeals to the religious skeptic, as would be expected for a book published by Humanist Press. Dr. Veron, the main character comes to an uneasy understanding of faith. Perhaps we need a god, if only as a final arbiter to avoid the numerous and often-fatal human misjudgments of others that drive the plot of this book. ( )