The Third Secret

A Novel of Suspense

By: Steve Berry

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Fatima, Portugal, 1917: The Virgin Mary appears to three peasant children, sharing with them three secrets, two of which are soon revealed to the world. The third secret is sealed away in the Vatican, read only by popes, and not disclosed until the year 2000. When revealed, its quizzical tone and anticlimactic nature leave many faithful wondering if the church has truly unveiled all of the Virgin Mary's words or if a message far more important has been left in the shadows.

Vatican City, present day: Papal secretary Father Colin Michener is concerned for the Pope. Night after restless night, Pope Clement XV enters the Vatican's Riserva, the special archive open only to popes, where the church's most clandestine and controversial documents are stored. Though unsure of the details, Michener knows that the Pope's distress stems from the revelations of Fatima.

Equally concerned, but not out of any sense of compassion, is Alberto Cardinal Valendrea, the Vatican's Secretary of State. Valendrea desperately covets the papacy, having narrowly lost out to Clement at the last conclave. Now the Pope's interest in Fatima threatens to uncover a shocking ancient truth that Valendrea has kept to himself for many years.

When Pope Clement sends Michener to the Romanian highlands, then to a Bosnian holy site, in search of a priest, possibly one of the last people on Earth who knows Mary's true message, a perilous set of events unfolds. Michener finds himself embroiled in murder, suspicion, suicide, deceit, and his forbidden passion for a beloved woman. In a desperate search for answers, he travels to Pope Clement's birthplace in Germany, where he learns that the third secret of Fatima may dictate the very fate of the church, a fate now lying in Michener's own hands.

©2005 Steve Berry (P)2005 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Berry handles his thriller tradecraft skillfully: his descriptions are stellar, and of special interest, he offers a vivid re-creation of the majestic conclave, in which the College of Cardinals elects a new pope." (Booklist)

Wonderful

I have listened to be abridged version many times. I am so glad I found this unabridged version. There is so much more information here that adds an awful lot to the story. The narrator here was good, but the one on the abridged version added a lot more accent and made it easier to identify who was speaking.

Great story!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Third Secret to be better than the print version?

I really like this book print or audio.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Third Secret?

Cant say its a Secret

Which character – as performed by Paul Michael – was your favorite?

The pope.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I have read many nonfiction books on Vatican this was a really enjoyable read, if you like Vatican history get it.

Thought provoking listen.

Very good story, excellent performance. Good summer listen, perfect for Sunday mornings when feeling guilty about skipping church.

Great book but weakened by political correctness

Excellent story, fast pace, and fascinating insight into the workings of the Vatican and Administration of the Catholic Church. Sadly, the author saw fit to bring politically correct items into the story. If you are a liberal you will love it, if you are conservative not so much. I'm the latter, and was able to overlook it because the story and writing were so compelling.

Quiet interesting

I can recommend this book only to a people who are not catholic. For me it was very interesting to see how the author has tried to separate religion and faith and to question the main church doctrins. The plot is not so active and thrilling as in other S.Berry's books, but the book makes you think.

interesting foray into the Catholic church

very suspenseful, great story line, interesting suppositions for a what if.
I don't agree with all presented but raises a large what if.

great

love Steve Berry's books and was not disappointed, well done as usual. want more soon

More Credible than Traditionalists will Like

Warning: this review might give some of the ending away. My only critique with the book, this fictionalized account - of what the Third Secret of Fatima might really have been- is not what the ending contained, but what it didn’t - and that the author’s imagination didn’t seem open-minded - enough. If the “Mother of God” (or “Divine Maternal”) really appeared to poor shepherd children, would She really not have warned them against the false religious authority - of an institution of men - that cover up crimes against children? Would She really not tell them God is already within their Souls, much as “Christ” was in her - as Mary on earth?

The priest takes a lover

Is it really plausible for a vatican based priest to lose faith as fast as the main character in this book? He is sent on a quest by a pope he respects and is his mentor and what does he do? He immediately includes his former lover. If you can set aside all common sense and just sit back and enjoy - it's a great summer read.

Believable Vatican Thriller

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would highly recommend this read - the narrator was superb in switching between 15 or so characters

What other book might you compare The Third Secret to and why?

I would compare this book to Dan Brown's

Which scene was your favorite?

Favorite scene was the Vatican intrigue surrounding the conclave for the new pope.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes - had to listen to it all day while working,

Any additional comments?

With the possible exception of the