Ark of Fire

Nonstop action and clever plotting power this thrilling debut. When freelance photographer Edie Miller witnesses a brutal murder and the theft of a sacred relic, she knows her life is in danger. She contacts former MI5 agent and scholar Caedmon Aisquith, one of the victim's colleagues, who thinks Edie is crazy until someone tries to kill them. When Edie and Caedmon discover that the Warriors of God believe the artifact will lead them to the Ark of the Covenant and kick off an epic war, they must decipher clues and travel the globe in a race to find the Ark first. Palov makes even the most arcane biblical, historical and mythological knowledge intriguing and accessible, tossing in just a hint of romance and politics. Fans of Dan Brown and Steve Berry will be enthralled. (Dec.)