The Scroll

In summer 2012, famed biblical archaeologist David Chambers decides to call it quits after his last dig in Israel%E2%80%94and the discovery of Herod's network of tunnels beneath Jerusalem. He has lost faith in the religious stories to which his archaeological finds have provided a foundation of truth. Almost one year later, however, he receives a call from an old friend and mentor in Israel, summoning him to join a small group of archaeologists in the search for the riches promised in the Copper Scroll%E2%80%94one of the Dead Sea Scrolls that contains the location of treasure that Jews hid from the Romans. When Chambers arrives, he quickly discovers that his ex-fianc%C3%A9, Amber, will be a part of the team. Still wondering if he's made the right decision to return to biblical archaeology, Chambers struggles not only with his doubts about his faith but also with the love he still feels for Amber. Marred by stale dialogue, one-dimensional characters, and predictable plot twists, Jeffrey and Gansky nevertheless manage to tell an Indiana Jones%E2%80%93like tale of political conspiracies and intrigues of good versus evil. The novel's surprise ending begs for a sequel. (Sept.)