The Trinity Game

The Daniel Byrne Trilogy, Book 1

By: Sean Chercover

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Daniel Byrne is an investigator for the Vatican’s secretive Office of the Devil’s Advocate - the department that scrutinizes miracle claims. Over 10 years and 721 cases, not one miracle he tested has proved true.

But case #722 is different; Daniel’s estranged uncle, a crooked TV evangelist, has started speaking in tongues - and accurately predicting the future. Daniel knows Reverend Tim Trinity is a con man. Could Trinity also be something more?

The evangelist himself is baffled by his newfound power - and the violent reaction it provokes. After years of scams, he suddenly has the ability to predict everything from natural disasters to sports scores. Now the mob wants him dead for ruining their gambling business, and the Vatican wants him debunked as a false messiah. On the run from assassins, Trinity flees with Daniel’s help through the back roads of the Bible Belt to New Orleans, where Trinity plans to deliver a final prophecy so shattering his enemies will do anything to keep him silent.

©2012 Sean Chercover (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Sean Chercover shows a stellar hand through a coiling plot, weaving one taut drama. The story is tense, intelligent, harsh, and surprising - just what a reader wants in a thriller. This one goes on your keeper shelf.” (Steve Berry, New York Times best-selling author of The Columbus Affair)

“The Da Vinci Code meets The Dead Zone in Sean "Chercover’s The Trinity Game, a fascinating thriller that catapults us headlong into Vatican intrigue, global conspiracies, complex family relationships, and nonstop excitement.” (Joseph Finder, New York Times best-selling author of Paranoia and Buried Secrets)

“ The Trinity Game is a rare find. Heart-pounding cinematic action, unpredictable twists, and wonderful characters - all packed into a fascinating story. What a thrilling ride! I loved it from the start, couldn’t put it down, and was sorry to see it end. You have got to read this book!” (Marcia Clark, New York Times best-selling author of Guilt by Association)

A really great ride!!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Trinity Game to be better than the print version?

Absolutely!! I found this book by searching for books narated by Luke Daniels. Mr. Daniels makes all his characters come to life in a way that I never could imagine by reading the same text in a hardback version.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I missed some sleep finishing this.

Which scene was your favorite?

We've all heard those television evangelists and felt sorry for the people that were duped into sending money to pad their pockets. Even good Christians are ashamed of what they see on the airwaves at times.

My favorite scene was the introduction of Tim Trinity and his television sermon, complete with tongues and bible thumping. Luke Daniels had Tim's character down to a science!!

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

More sins of the Vatacan, exposed!!

Any additional comments?

This book was very well written and kept me entertained to the very end. In the beginning, I was afraid that it might offend my Christian upbringing. However, religion was covered from many differing perspectives, with none being stepped on too much.

Religious Mysticism Leavened by Terrific Narration

Would you try another book from Sean Chercover and/or Luke Daniels?

This is a somewhat topical story about religious fanaticism in America dragged down by an unsupported mysticism. Sorry, anyone who is more of a believer than I am. I respect your beliefs--this story, not so much.

Howsomever! Luke Daniels is a superb narrator with a broad range of voices and characterizations. His performance as the television evangelist Tim Trinity of the title is note perfect. As a narrator, I'd follow Luke anywhere!

Not what I expected

I found this to be an interesting story and not at all what I expected.

Sean Chercover has created an interesting set of characters. Daniel Byrne is a Catholic priest who is having issues with his vows. His uncle is a known religious con man who is now speaking in "tongues" and Daniel's old (pre-priesthood) girlfriend becomes involved in the investigation into the truth or falseness of his uncle's predictions. The story is interesting, the characters are well drawn and have real depth, the situation is, to the best of my knowledge, unique in this type of book and the pressures on Daniel Byrne, from his superiors at the Vatican to those exerted by his ex-girlfriend, give this story a very different kind of feel. And, to add to all of that, this has the feeling of a new series and I expect to see Daniel Byrne again in an upcoming story.

The narration is very good, the story takes several very different turns and, although part of the resolution seems predictable, much is not. There are some drawbacks. I have never known situations where priests are granted as much leeway and forgiveness as Daniel is, given his predilections for disobeying orders, but they seem like small concerns given the overall feel and direction of the story line. Recommended, with those reservations, for those interested in finding a new suspense plot.

Conspiracy Theory Mystery, Vatican & Beyond

The premise for the story was sound; it engaged me, as did the character development of our protagonist, a young miracle-disproving priest. Three-quarters through the tale, I was impressed, but it lost momentum and flailed a bit toward the end. That said, it was an enjoyable listen, and those who gravitate toward shadow-government tales, conspiracy theories, Vatican dark-doings and the like are sure to find it likewise a good take.

A seriously good book!

This book had too many good qualities to mention. Very entertaining and also very thought-provoking. I hope to see more by this author soon and hopefully with the same main character. This is one I will listen to again in the future.

Old Themes, New Twist

The themes of the book have been done before, but I really enjoyed the book. Well paced and very blunt. You really start to care about the characters. The diversity of people and religions and cultures was an interesting element.

Hard to stop listening!

I selected this title for the elements contained within the writing. The manner in which the author wove and crafted the story and characters together kept me involved. I never felt a lull in the story. I was excited and engaged throughout. I'm definitely going for book 2!

Just couldn't get into this book

Never finished, was too rough to try to push through. I tried 5x to get through the first few chapters, but they were just too poorly written. The language and story were too harsh for my liking.

At least it has a great narrator

Would you try another book from Sean Chercover and/or Luke Daniels?

Luke - yes
Sean - probably not

Would you ever listen to anything by Sean Chercover again?

I don't think so

Any additional comments?

I love religious who dun its and dramas. I saw this book and that Luke narrated it and had really high hopes. Unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. I found myself day dreaming while listening and not even bothering to rewind. I was just biding my time until it was over and I could get something else. Way too much to wade through with too many characters to appreciate the ending. I won't even go into what I thought about the ending so that I dont spoil it for anyone. But I was disappointed.

save your money!

What disappointed you about The Trinity Game?

Very disappointed

What do you think your next listen will be?

I'd like to listen to all of the John Rain books by Barry Eisler

Which scene was your favorite?

The beginning of the story when trinity starts to foresee events in the near future

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Trinity Game?

After a great start, the rest of the book is very bad

Any additional comments?

I was misled by the stars given to this title. I wish I never had bought it. Worst book I've listened in months!