The Fifth Gospel / Ian Caldwell / 431 pages

"In 2004, as Pope John Paul II's reign enters its twilight, a mysterious exhibit is under construction at the Vatican Museums."  Its curator, Ugolino Nogara, had discovered the Diatesseron, the fifth gospel and had planned to use it to authenticate the Shroud of Turin.  A week before the exhibit is to open, Igo is found murdered on the grounds of Castle Gandolpho, the pope's summer estate.  The body is discovered by a Roman Catholic priest, one Simon Andreou.  His brother, Father Alex, is a Greek Catholic Priest with a five year old son, living and working within Vatican City.  On the night of the murder, his home is ransacked while his son and his caregiver hide in a closet.  His books on the shroud are missing.  Of course, the two incidents are related.  This page-turner is packed with information about Vatican City, the gospels, the Church, and the meaning of faith.  Focusing on the greatest commandment and what it means to be Christian, it demands reflection, soul-searching, and a renewal of commitment to faith.