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)

a story to make red state Christians see red

Marian visions, apocalyptic prophecies, the politics of the Papacy, and tangible proof for the existence of God all add up to a new summer thriller in the genre of Dan Brown. This is a story that will make red state Christians see red. It will give conservative Catholics and the Christian right something new to scream about and condemn. For the rest of us it is a fast paced, fun and thought provoking read.

Great til the end

I enjoyed this book until the end. The reader is terrific. However, the ending makes this book seem like another outlet for making the homosexual agenda seem approved by God.

Barry makes you think

If you could sum up The Third Secret in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, thought provoking

What did you like best about this story?

The twist about the third secert

What about Paul Michael’s performance did you like?

Very good.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the entire third secret was revealed.

Is Steve Berry a prophet?

Great story. Wonderful characters plausible conclusions. I really enjoyed this book. Great performance by Paul Michael.

Third Secret Review

After reading all the Dan Brown novels and thoroughly enjoying them I was a bit skeptical about this one but I loved it! One of the best reads (listens) I've had in a while. Anyone know if the gentleman who read the book was the same person who did Angels & Demons?

Love Steve Berry

I love the historical section stories of Steve Berry and this one did not disappoint! Great reference to history and some very thought
provoking storylines

It became liberal theology

It's a shame that what began as a good book became anti-catholic sputum. The third secret is reveled and guess what- it's all heresy and liberal anti Christian BS.

A truth revealed at last.

If you could sum up The Third Secret in three words, what would they be?

The revealing truth.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Kenyan cardinal. Wiling to stand up against a conspiracy in his own church.

Which scene was your favorite?

The death of the Italian Pope elect.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I haven't the foggiest idea for one.

Starts out slow....

This was my first Steve Berry book. I found it very slow to get started, but once it did I really enjoyed it. I am presently listening to another of Steve's books and it seems to be a trend to start out slow. Worth a listen!

Missing Writers Notes

I loved this book, but I’m extremely disappointed that the writer’s note from the book wasn’t included.