From the author who “ranks one of the better of younger American spy novelists” (The Washington Post) comes a sensational thriller of ancient and contemporary betrayal.

Munich: The article writer Benjamin Stern entered his level to see a man standing up there, leafing through his study, and said, “Who the hell are you?” In answer, the person shot him. As Stern place dying, the gunman murmured several phrases in Latin, after that gathered the writer’s papers and left.

Venice: The art restorer Gabriel Allon applied a dab of on the subject of The Confessor paint carefully to the Bellini, then saw the boy approaching, a bit of paper in his hands. It might be about Stern, he knew. They would desire him to leave right away. With a sigh, the Mossad agent completed his work, then started to pack his brushes.

Vatican City: The pope referred to as Paul VII-“Pope Accidental,” to his detractors-paced in his garden, taking into consideration the things he knew and the enemies he would make. He thought he realized why God experienced chosen him because of this job, but the road in front of him was hard and exceedingly perilous. If he succeeded, he’d revolutionize the Church. If not, he could very well demolish it-and himself.

In the weeks to come, the journeys of most these men will come together, following a trail of long-buried secrets and unthinkable deeds, departing each one forever changed. Intrigue will dominate their lives and death stalk their paths, all of them in the darkness of the Confessor.

Filled with wealthy character types, remarkable prose, and an intricately woven plot suffused with surprise and intensity, that is an uncommonly effective work by a new master from the art.