Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Holy Predator by Deborah Stevens is an intriguing story that should sit comfortably on the shelf beside works of Dan Brown, a crime with powerful religious hints. Two murders of important bankers with links to the Vatican, one thirty years ago, the other just this morning. Ettore Garibaldi Poggiani, dismissed from the Vatican Bank, has just been found dangling from a scaffolding erected in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Anthony Andruccioli has been working with a covert organization known as the Guardians to stop Peter Romanus from murdering the pope and creating the New World Order. Can they solve the mystery surrounding the murders and prevent a more gruesome crime from being committed? With the help of Christine, can they use the only clue left behind to unravel the mystery, and what has the exclusive club of the richest men in the world, the Bohemian Club, got to do with the crimes?

Deborah Stevens has created a story that raises questions about the workings of the Vatican. While this is a work of fiction, it has relevant historical elements, including the curious resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the election of a Jesuit as the new pope. The intrigue is powerful, the red herrings manifold, and the suspense exacting, elements that make it hard to put this book down. The short chapters, coupled with the timely paragraph breaks and the unique and delightful phraseology, make this book a compelling read. Holy Predator is well researched with characters that are sophisticated and real. The conflict is well handled and readers will enjoy watching as different powerful factions, including the mafia and covert organizations, get into play. Religious themes are skillfully woven into the story, leaving readers with the feeling of watching a drama that takes place behind the closed doors of the Vatican. I just loved this book, from the gorgeous writing to the tight plot to the elaborately developed characters.