The Secret Chapel

By: John Lyman

Narrated by: David Colacci

Length: 14 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's Summary

Summoned to Rome by an old friend, a Jesuit scholar finds himself using a code discovered in the Bible to unearth an ancient, hidden chapel in the catacombs under the city. When a rogue force of Vatican security officials are alerted to his discovery, the priest flees to the Holy Land with a clue...a clue that will lead him and a team of Israeli Christians to a much larger secret in the middle of the barren Negev Desert.

Meticulously researched and drawing on scientific fact, John Lyman's intriguing story takes listeners into the world of scholars, archaeologists, code-breakers, and intelligence specialists who have discovered a prophetic code hidden within the Old Testament that authenticates the Bible as a book of supernatural origin and points to a divine plan. This gripping novel is truly a thought-provoking and action-packed thriller with implications for our future.

©2014 John Lyman (P)2017 Tantor

Suspenseful and Thought-Provoking

I had never heard of this author but decided to give this book a try. So glad I did. Mr. Lyman is a fantastic writer. As a non-Catholic Christian I wasn't sure about listening to hours about priests, the Vatican, and the catacombs but the characters were very "real" and human, with fears and doubts and insecurities. I truly enjoyed these people! Learning about the ancient tunnels under Rome and about the Vatican Swiss Guards was also fascinating.
The narrator was marvelous too. With his voice he painted an intriguing picture of this tale and all the characters...no TV for me for the three days it took to listen.
Some may think this book is similar to Demons and Angels, by Dan Brown, but I submit that Brown's books are darker. Lyman, while he writes about evil and darkness, there is always a sense (no matter how small) of hope.

13 people found this helpful

A Great Theological Thriller

this book kept my interest fixed all day. Multiple plot twists and turns - but also an exploration of the vocational call to the priesthood and of the main characters' backgrounds.

I am hoping Audible has the next in the series out soon!

13 people found this helpful

One of my all time favorites

I have now listened to the first 3 books in this series. I cant wait to get the next one.... This series has been one of the most exciting to which I have had the privilege of listening and enjoying. Edge of your seat for the vast majority of each book. It's one of those stories that make it very hard to put down. Although I'm not totally sure I believe in a code in the bible, at least the way it's presented it is not for fortune telling but for verification of past facts - used to prove the authenticity of scripture. The story line seems very well researched and hashed out making it plausible and much more interesting. I will say if you give each book an hour to fully immures yourself in the back story; From that point on, good luck pausing it. I really wish there was more good what I would call biblical fiction that reflects Gods word in a proper light and gives it the respect it's due. Having the opportunity to enjoy such an exciting read without unnecessary foul language or graphic sex is a true blessing. I would highly recommend this series.

6 people found this helpful

Grabs you from the first few pages

It's been a long time since I've lost sleep over a book or found myself listening to a book while doing housework. The characters are so well done that I feel as though I know them and their motivations. The details of locations was fantastic - even the description of the food served at a dinner had me virtually licking my chops. And most of all the story was so compelling it was a tough thing to turn it off. I liked all the characters, the subtle twists, and the Biblical mystery. I'm so glad this is a series. Going to download the second book and put the third one on reserve.

10 people found this helpful

Excitement and thought provoking through out ...<br />

A must read especially in our current time.
God has seen fit to provide clues on why we exist for better or worse... Blessings. jp

3 people found this helpful

Excellent story.

Love it. exciting mixture of bible lore, history, suspense, and action. Makes me want to research into Bible history.

3 people found this helpful

Hmmmm....

well narrated! accents done superbly. at times hard to figure out which person speaking with Israeli accent but not enough to distract from the story. definitely pushing the Christian narrative and for someone who does not follow the faith may find some of the story lines very fanatical and unbelievable. kept my attention while driving because the history surrounding much of the story is very interesting and anyone who enjoys history will acknowledge that.

2 people found this helpful

Poor

This book failed in many ways. In particular the book lacked credibility. The characters were shallow and their motivation seemed unrealistic. I would not recommend it.

4 people found this helpful

Excellent story!

I really enjoyed this story's religious and historical themes combined with international locations and action. It kept my interest.

Exceptional story

This story was excellent because there is definite good and definite evil. the dance between the two is remarkable by this author.

An Epic

If you enjoy religious thrillers then this is a must. it sets the scene perfectly for the series. Well researched, high octane thriller. A must for all.