The Fifth Gospel

A Novel

By: Ian Caldwell

Narrated by: Jack Davenport

Length: 15 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

In Ian Caldwell's masterful follow-up to his international sensation The Rule of Four, a lost Gospel, a contentious relic, and a dying pope's final wish converge to send two brothers--both Vatican priests--on an intellectual quest to untangle Christianity's greatest historical mystery.

Now, after a decade of painstaking primary research, Ian Caldwell returns with a new intellectual thriller that confirms his place among the most ambitious popular storytellers working today.

In 2004, as Pope John Paul II's reign enters its twilight, a mysterious exhibit is under construction at the Vatican Museums. A week before it is scheduled to open, its curator is murdered at a clandestine meeting on the outskirts of Rome. The same night a violent break-in rocks the home of the curator's research partner, Father Alex Andreou, a Greek Catholic priest who lives inside the Vatican with his five-year-old son. When the papal police fail to identify a suspect in either crime, Father Alex, desperate to keep his family safe, undertakes his own investigation. To find the killer he must reconstruct the dead curator's secret: what the four Christian Gospels-- and a little-known, true-to-life fifth Gospel known as the Diatessaron--reveal about the Church's most controversial holy relic. But just as he begins to understand the truth about his friend's death and its consequences for the future of the world's two largest Christian Churches, Father Alex finds himself hunted down by someone with vested stakes in the exhibit--someone he must outwit to survive.

At once a riveting literary thriller, a feast of biblical history and scholarship, and a moving family drama, The Fifth Gospel is a novel about the depths of sacrifice and the power of forgiveness. Rich, authentic, erudite, and emotionally searing, it satisfies on every level.

©2015 Ian Caldwell. All rights reserved. (P)2015 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Davenport offers a nuanced narration whether delivering Simon's secretive manner or Alex's pragmatic one.... Caldwell's uncluttered, thoughtful writing and Davenport's performance make worthwhile listening." (AudioFile)

Story LOVE,Narrator LOVE, Scored!

This is a new book, zero ratings and usually I like to wait too see what others say about a book before I pull the trigger. I'm sort of a book follower you might say. But I loved this story, great mystery topic about the Catholic church that doesn't have anything to do with little boys. Well researched historical information. Almost had me reading the Bible again to check the details. Almost they told me enough to be curious about how it was written at least and that wasn't the motive for the story. It has you sailing back and forward into history and modern times. I'll probably look for more from this Author.

Character development at its best!

A very serious story with utmost detail and respect for the Church. The characters become living through this performance. In the midst of a serous section you will find yourself laughing from clever antic dotes. Also, a must listen is the Rule of Four. I can't wait for more books!

This is not a De Vinci Code

If you were expecting a rip snorting tale with an 'I told you so' ending, then I hate to tell you but.....That being said, the theological landscape and the insights into the Catholic Church machine, no disrespect, is deep and real. Mainly, I think, because of the wonderful read by Jack Davenport. Caldwell has a wonderful lexicon, rich and with a picked vocabulary he is not soppy or gooey. The tale is another matter. I think I will need to hear it again before I really 'get' the underlying tale. I know what the tale is, it is clear, but as to why it is worth the investment of book I need to invest more concentration I think. As an Agnostic it could be argued that I would miss the subtly that comes from understanding of Faith. So let me not turn you off if Faith is a part of your gene pool, it may make your soul soar. It left me feeling a bit 'so what'ish'

Beautiful

The performance was excellent and in the end brought me to tears. I loved this book and am so grateful to its author.

Interesting but needs to be pared down.

What did you like best about The Fifth Gospel? What did you like least?

I really liked the historical references to passages in the bible but I stopped listening 2/3 of the way through it. There was so much to the story that could have been taken out. It just went on and on. I think an abridged version could be much better. This was a book club pick and most of the other girls didn't finish either.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Possibly yes. I think as a movie it would be edited to make it more action and the boring blah blah blah would be gone.

well done!

a rich tale full of intrigue and grace. splendidly narrated. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Inspiring!

Great story! I learned so much about my catholic religion. Things I never knew and am now inspired to learn more!

Educational Entertainment

Really loved everything about the story and characters. Having been to the Vatican twice and 9 years in Bible study I learned quite a bit about our religious background and history of traditions.

Educational and easy listen

I really enjoyed the introduction to so many aspects of the Roman and Orthodox churches, though I'm sure some are fictional.

AMONG THE BEST NOVELS IVE EVER READ/HEARD

What made the experience of listening to The Fifth Gospel the most enjoyable?

I must have downloaded and listened to hundreds of books on Audible and I have never written a review. When I finished this book tonight I felt compelled to go online and order this author's only other work and to write this review. The author weaves a compelling mystery, wrapped in the present of Seminary type reviews of the four Gospels. Mr. Caldwell has done an amazing job and he has a committed fan.

What other book might you compare The Fifth Gospel to and why?

none

Have you listened to any of Jack Davenport’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The narrator was great, the focus was on the story and each of the characters was brought to life.

If you could rename The Fifth Gospel, what would you call it?

No Greater Love

Any additional comments?

A great read/listen.....certainly worth your time