The Order
It was nearly one a.m. by the time he crawled into bed. Chiara was reading a novel, oblivious to the television, which was muted. On the screen was a live shot of St. Peter’s Basilica. Gabriel raised the volume and learned that an old friend had died…
Gabriel Allon has slipped quietly into Venice for a much-needed holiday with his wife and two young children. But when Pope Paul VII dies suddenly, Gabriel is summoned to Rome by the Holy Father’s loyal private secretary, Archbishop Luigi Donati. A billion Catholic faithful have been told that the pope died of a heart attack. Donati, however, has two good reasons to suspect his master was murdered. The Swiss Guard who was standing watch outside the papal apartments the night of the pope’s death is missing. So, too, is the letter the Holy Father was writing during the final hours of his life. A letter that was addressed to Gabriel.
While researching in the Vatican Secret Archives, I came upon a most remarkable book…
The book is a long-suppressed gospel that calls into question the accuracy of the New Testament’s depiction of one of the most portentous events in human history. For that reason alone, the Order of St. Helena will stop at nothing to keep it out of Gabriel’s hands. A shadowy Catholic society with ties to the European far right, the Order is plotting to seize control of the papacy. And it is only the beginning.
As the cardinals gather in Rome for the start of the conclave, Gabriel sets out on a desperate search for proof of the Order’s conspiracy, and for a long-lost gospel with the power to put an end to two thousand years of murderous hatred. His quest will take him from the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, to a monastery in Assisi, to the hidden depths of the Secret Archives, and finally to the Sistine Chapel, where he will witness an event no outsider has ever before seen—the sacred passing of the Keys of St. Peter to a newly elected pope.
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Daniel Silva
Daniel Silva is a name synonymous with gripping political thrillers and international espionage. With a background that merges the worlds of journalism and fiction, Silva’s writing seamlessly blends his sharp understanding of global politics with his knack for creating complex, captivating characters.
Born in Michigan and raised in California, Silva’s early career saw him writing for major publications, but it was the world of espionage fiction that eventually drew him in. His debut novel, The Unlikely Spy, was just the beginning of a series that would redefine the genre. Known for his masterful portrayal of Gabriel Allon, a multifaceted Israeli intelligence officer, Silva's books are as much about the inner workings of intelligence agencies as they are about exploring the human condition. The series continues to resonate with readers, offering an intricate mix of historical context, contemporary relevance, and high-stakes action.
Gabriel Allon
The Gabriel Allon series invites readers into a world where the lines between duty and morality blur, and the stakes are always higher than they first appear. At its heart is Gabriel Allon, an Israeli intelligence officer whose sharp mind and complex personal history make him both an asset and a liability in the world of international espionage. As a master art restorer turned operative, Allon’s expertise in both the restoration of priceless masterpieces and covert operations adds a unique depth to his character, drawing readers into a universe where every mission is an art in itself.
Gabriel Allon consists of twenty-five books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
