by J.G. Jurado (Author)
The novel takes place in the days following the death of Pope John Paul II, when 115 cardinals have to be called to the Vatican in order to take part in the Conclave to elect the new Pope. With Rome under siege to foreign press and thousands of mourners, the last thing it needs is a serial killer on the loose. Paola Dicanti is a profiler who works with the Italian police - she has been put in charge of profiling serial killers in a department of one ie herself. She is untested and her experience of serial killers is, as yet, theoretical. This is until she is called to the church of Santa Maria in the Vatican state. A cardinal has been found murdered, his eyes destroyed, his hands cut off. It seems that this is not the first victim - another cardinal was found in similar circumstances but the authorities didn't want a scandal. Recovering from a bitter affair with her boss, Paola begins to build her profile using information from the scene of the crime, from the autopsy, and from forensic evidence. She is helped in this by Anthony Fowler, a priest from the States. But it turns out that Fowler is no ordinary priest - he clearly has links to the CIA, and knows a lot about the serial killer than Dicanti could ever have guessed. The situation is complicated further when a young female journalist intercepts tapes that were meant to be sent to the press, putting her life in danger.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: Orion
Published: 11 Jul 2007
ISBN 10: 0752875698
ISBN 13: 9780752875699
Book Overview: Stunning first novel for which rights have been already sold in 39 countries. Its already a bestseller in Spain, Germany, Serbia, Portugal, Mexico, Denmark, Spain, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina Subject matter very much like Angels and Demons by Dan Brown 'A riveting debut. Gomez-Jurado deftly weaves together the perspectives of perpetrator and pursuers alike. A first-rate thriller. Thomas Harris meets Dan Brown' Booklist 'A grisly story in the tradition of Thomas Harris, richly detailed' Library Journal Electrifying action, mystery, compelling protagonists in pursuit of a twisted, cold-blooded psychopath plus a heart-pounding finale, God's Spy has all the ingredients to become a bestseller and share the bookstore windows with Thomas Harris and Dan Brown. ABC