Books Like...

'Gospel' by Wilton Barnhardt follows the journey of two main characters, Patrick O'Hanrahan and Lucy Dantam, as they search for a lost first-century gospel that could potentially revolutionize Christianity. The plot involves a mix of historical references, intriguing characters, and a quest filled with endless intrigue that includes encounters with a mad monk, a rabbi, the CIA, a TV evangelist, and more. The writing style combines elements of scholarship, humor, and mystery, with footnotes that add depth to the narrative and challenge the reader to question the book's premise.

In the book "Labyrinth" by Kate Mosse, readers are taken on a journey between two timelines - the medieval era in France and the modern day. The story revolves around the mysteries of the Holy Grail, intertwined with the lives of two heroines, Alais and Alice. As the past and present collide, secrets are uncovered, and destinies are intertwined, all against the backdrop of the Languedoc region in France. The narrative weaves together elements of history, mythology, and adventure, creating a captivating tale that keeps readers engaged as they delve into the depths of the past to unravel the mysteries of the present.

"The Book of Air and Shadows" by Michael Gruber is a thrilling tale revolving around the discovery of a lost manuscript purporting to reveal unknown information about William Shakespeare. The story follows a group of characters who become entangled in a dangerous race to uncover the manuscript, leading to murder, mayhem, and even romance. With three intersecting storylines, the plot involves Russian gangsters, English professors, and cyphered letters that may lead to a lost Shakespearean play.

The book combines elements of mystery, historical intrigue, and literary detective work, with a mix of modern-day settings and 17th-century manuscripts. As the characters navigate through a web of deceit, fraud, love, and infidelity, the audiobook version is praised for its well-narrated performance, adding depth to the diverse cast of characters.

'The Eight' by Katherine Neville follows a dual storyline covering two women, Mirielle in 18th Century France and Catherine in 1973, who become connected to the Montglane chess service holding a mystic formula of great power. The plot intertwines historical events, treasure hunts, and the pursuit of ancient knowledge, all centered around a chess set with pieces that hold significant power. The narrative alternates between the past and present, weaving together intrigue, suspense, and adventure across different countries like France, Russia, Algeria, and New York.

The author, Katherine Neville, expertly connects characters and events to a chessboard with clarity, creating a captivating and complex plot. Despite some readers finding the book slow-paced at times, the intricate storyline, historical references, and the mystery surrounding the chess set keep readers engaged until the end. With themes of power, symbolism, and interconnected characters, 'The Eight' offers a blend of historical fiction, adventure, and suspense, appealing to readers who enjoy intricate plots and dual timelines.

'Napoleon's Pyramids' by William Dietrich follows the adventures of American Ethan Gage who finds himself in big troubles after winning a mysterious medallion in a card game. Set against the backdrop of Napoleon's invasion of Egypt, the story is filled with fast-paced action, historical contexts, and a quest to unravel the secrets of the medallion. Gage faces grave dangers, encounters dark villains, and embarks on a journey reminiscent of an Indiana Jones adventure, complete with mysterious symbols, ancient artifacts, and thrilling escapades across exotic locations.

The writing style in 'Napoleon's Pyramids' is described as a mix of historical fiction, adventure, and mystery, with elements of humor and witty banter. The plot unfolds with a blend of true historical facts and imaginative storytelling, featuring a hapless hero, sinister adversaries, and a quest for hidden treasures amidst the chaos of Napoleon's expedition to Egypt. offers a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged with its vivid descriptions of geography, geology, and historical events, creating an enjoyable and immersive reading experience.

Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea by Gary Kinder is a captivating non-fiction book detailing the history and discovery of the world's richest shipwreck, the SS Central America. The book follows the thrilling adventure of salvaging a shipwreck filled with gold, sunk so deep that new technologies had to be developed to locate and retrieve it. Through the story of the engineer and crew working on the recovery, readers are taken on a journey of innovation, technology, and high-stakes underwater exploration.

The Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason follows Princeton undergraduate Paul Harris as he delves into the mysterious Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, a Renaissance text that has eluded scholars for centuries. Paul, along with his friend Tom Sullivan, becomes obsessed with deciphering the secrets of the ancient document, leading to complex relationships, old rivalries resurfacing, and even murder. The book is set in a snow-covered campus, providing a backdrop for the characters' journey from academic life to the real world, all while unraveling the enigmatic puzzle of the Hypnerotomachia.

'Gringos' by Charles Portis is a humorous and witty novel that follows the adventures of Jimmy Burns, an ex-Marine living in Mexico, as he navigates through a series of misadventures involving a diverse cast of characters including hippies, archeologists, and UFO enthusiasts. The plot revolves around Jimmy's search for a young man named Rudy Kurle, leading to unexpected encounters and challenges in the Mexican jungle. Portis' writing style is described as clear, insightful, and filled with dry humor, offering a satirical take on American expatriates living in Mexico.

The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry follows Cotton Malone, a retired espionage officer turned rare book dealer, who gets pulled into a quest by his former boss to find a lost treasure of the Knights Templar that challenges Christian orthodoxy. The narrative is described as well-researched, blending early Christianity and 14th-century France with a strong sense of place and time. The story involves a hunt for Templar secrets, clever clues, historical facts mixed with fiction, and a blend of action and adventure.

The book is likened to a mix of National Treasure and The Da Vinci Code, providing a thrilling adventure with real and fictional history intertwined. The characters, including Cotton Malone, Cassiopeia Vitt, and Henrik Thorvalsen, are well-developed and complement each other in their pursuit of justice and uncovering ancient mysteries. The author, Steve Berry, is praised for creating an engaging plot filled with twists, turns, and a balance between actual historical facts and fictional storytelling.