"Mystery/Thriller!"
This most unusual novel captivated this reader, more from
its unusual plot and daring connections than from its back
cover synopsis. Russo manages to link three most improbable
events in a manner that richly deserves the label of
mystery/thriller. On a mysterious trip to a Middle Eastern site, Travis
Johnston is excited about the possibility of again working
on the Superconducting Super Collider (SST). This amazing
invention will enable Johnston and fellow scientists to
study the particles of mass and lead, perhaps, to
unexpected discoveries and inventions. After a highly
secret trip and agreement, the project begins and its
conclusion is so powerful that its effects will be
physically and mentally challenging every particpant for
devastating years to come. We then meet Father Alex Fonker, a Vatican investigator
sent to examine the claims of a middle-aged housewife who
is punctually transformed into the Virgin Mary once a week.
Kari, the seemingly normal woman, is surrounded by
detractors and critics alike, including a seductive single
parishioner, an enthusiastic parish priest who hints at
some underlying jealousy, another young but disabled young
woman who heals and causes disease, and an amazingly large
number of people suffering from carcinomas who all lived in
the same place at one time. Tightly written, the author forces the reader to spin
mental wheels of credibility, cynicism, and outright doubt
at an astonishingly rapid rate. Some of the scenes seem too
contrived to merit acceptance - are they possible? Don't be
so quick to say yes or no. Is there an Anti-Christ? If so, what are his/her/its powers
and how does one counteract them? If not, how does one
explain phenomena that lie so far beyond one's mental,
physical, or spiritual faculties' experience and
understanding? Hang on to your seat for a ride on the worst
possible, horrific scenario growing and growing and
growing... You won't forget this one for a long time! It is definitely
worthy of the few hours it will take you to fly through
this world of the "unexplainable"! Enjoy! Reviewed by Viviane Crystal
Reviewed by Viviane Crystal
Courtesy Crystal Reviews
Posted January 26, 2003
| 
