The Devil's Bible

With a slight turn in their relationships, the return of Cotton Malone, Cassiopeia Vitt and Stephanie Nell, among others is familiar territory. This story is set in Sweden and deals with its monarchy along with the challenge for her admittance to NATO. There is a deal to be made and people are going to extraordinary lengths, depending on the perspective, to gain or prevent Sweden’s entry into NATO. The actual artifact involved, The Codex Gigas also known as The Devil’s Bible, weighing 165 pounds, is real and maintains the main focus and pressure point.

I was so excited to get a copy of this book and I tore through it and then I tore through it again, a little more slowly. No one does this better than Steve Berry. I applaud his show more writing, his research, his reason and logic. I have followed his characters from start to this installment and look forward to the future and promised turn in Cotton Malone’s life. There was one biblical quote too many for seamless reading even if they complimented the related thoughts, but this may be a minor thing for most readers.

If you are going to read Steve Berry be prepared to be introduced and educated on the item on display. He is a master researcher and delves into the information and complexity of the item which is the basis of his book. The Writers Notes are brilliant and a must read, but perhaps save that until you have finished the book.

Huge thanks to Grand Central Publishing / Hachette and NetGalley for a copy. show less

Former Justice Department operative, Cotton Malone, is called to Sweden when the younger sister of King Wilhelm I is kidnapped. The ransom demand? Hand over an 800-year-old book, the Codex Gigas—the largest illuminated medieval manuscript in the world.

Well! Cotton has himself in a hot mess and I am here for it. As usual, he is in a unique place dealing with some unique criminals with some unique demands. I mean…The Devil’s Bible! But, in usual Cotton fashion, he takes this in stride and uses all his strengths to discover the truth, not without some intense situations, that is for sure.

I love how this author weaves real history into his stories. Add in the location and the drama…and you have a winner!

My favorite book by this show more author is still, and probably always will be, The Amber Room. Grab that one as well!

Need a story that will have your heart racing…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review. show less

This twentieth Cotton Malone spy thriller was just published last month. It takes place in the modern era and concerns a codex called the Devil's Bible. The Devil’s Bible contains the complete Bible as well all of the knowledge in the world. On one of it's pages there is a drawing of the devil. From this drawing the codex gets its name. Also, a formula for immortality might be found in its pages. In this installment of the series we see retired spy Cotton Malone coming out of retirement to help his former employer with a job.

As is usual with a Steve Berry thriller it is part history, part mystery and part political. There are only two settings in the book. Normally there are more but here we see action in Stockholm and Prague. I was show more expecting to read more about the codex in the story. All we read about it is that Sweden took possession of it from the Czech Republic as war bounty hundreds of years ago. I was hoping to get more background info about it but the story was only about Sweden trying to regain it after a loan to the Czech Republic.

The characters were divided into two groups. One group worked on locating kidnapped Swedish Princess Lysa. The other group worked to remove the codex as well as find the treasure hinted at in the manuscript. The chapters alternated between the actions of each group. Another feature of Berry's writing is the use of current events in the story to further his plot. It makes the story that much more compelling and exciting to read.

The book was a fast read and enjoyable. Mystery fans will want to read it. show less

Swedish princess is kidnapped to be exchanged for 400 year old Codex.