Theological suspense. It’s really not a common genre, but Paul Maier knows how to make it work. The Constantine Codex is the third book in a series about Jonathan Weber, an archaeologist and professor at Harvard University. Jon and his wife, Shannon, discover an ancient codex, a copy of the Bible. These are extremely rare, and extremely valuable in the study of early Christianity and its beliefs. And not only is this a once-in-a-generation sort of find, but it just might contain a previously unknown book of the New Testament. All this is contingent, however, on proving that the codex is authentic and not a forgery. This process is a bit more fraught with peril than Jon and Shannon expected.
The first two books in this series – A Skeleton in God’s Closet and More Than a Skeleton – are amazing, can’t-put-them-down sort of books. The Constantine Codex doesn’t quite live up to that previously set standard, but it still is a fascinating read. Nearly the entire first half of the book is unrelated to the codex itself. Instead, it focuses on a debate about Islam and Christianity in which Dr. Weber takes part. It’s a creative way for Maier to get those arguments and proofs out there in a way that’s interesting to read and grabs your attention. I certainly learned a lot from this first half. The second half deals with the codex, and it almost feels like Maier is trying to imitate a formula that worked for the first two books of the series. It worked for this one as well. It just felt like he was trying a little too hard.
I can highly, highly recommend A Skeleton in God’s Closet and More Than a Skeleton. As in, go to the bookstore right now and buy them. They are fabulous books. And if you like those two, then The Constantine Codex is worth a read. Enjoy encountering the genre of theological suspense!
The first two books in this series – A Skeleton in God’s Closet and More Than a Skeleton – are amazing, can’t-put-them-down sort of books. The Constantine Codex doesn’t quite live up to that previously set standard, but it still is a fascinating read. Nearly the entire first half of the book is unrelated to the codex itself. Instead, it focuses on a debate about Islam and Christianity in which Dr. Weber takes part. It’s a creative way for Maier to get those arguments and proofs out there in a way that’s interesting to read and grabs your attention. I certainly learned a lot from this first half. The second half deals with the codex, and it almost feels like Maier is trying to imitate a formula that worked for the first two books of the series. It worked for this one as well. It just felt like he was trying a little too hard.
I can highly, highly recommend A Skeleton in God’s Closet and More Than a Skeleton. As in, go to the bookstore right now and buy them. They are fabulous books. And if you like those two, then The Constantine Codex is worth a read. Enjoy encountering the genre of theological suspense!
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