In this suspense novel for the CBA market, the author of Dark Moon
spins a tale of genetics, biblical archeology and avarice. When engineer Perry Sachs attempts to rescue Dr. Jamison Henri from the hands of a thug, Sachs comes to possess a leather satchel with papers that promise to unveil the location of a great life-changing "treasure" from biblical times. The contents of the satchel send Sachs and his crew into the California desert, where they begin excavation. But when a bitter, smalltown mayor intrudes, the expedition turns into a media circus and leads to murder. Among the bad guys who attempt to hamper operations are some of the henchmen of Dr. Rutherford Straight, a brilliant, wealthy scientist suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease he believes can be healed by the "treasure." Straight holds hostage Dr. Henri's wife, Claire, and her 24-year-old savant son, Joseph, whose unusual gifts add intrigue to the story. Their plight poses more ethical questions for Sachs. Although there are some fine moments of suspense, the pacing tends to drag, and the flashback information might have better been used chronologically. The dialogue is too surfeited with clever, sarcastic banter, and a shoot-'em-up scene at the end is a stretch. However, with biblical archeology making the news recently, this latest from Gansky will appeal to some readers of faith. (Jan.)
