Map of Bones by James Rollins

James Rollins' Map of Bones is an action-packed fiction thriller and a smart, historical and religious mystery.  It is part of the author's Sigma Force book series.  In this installment, US Intelligence teams up with Vatican secret intelligence and one of Rome's finest carabinieri.  The heroes are very strong, both the men and the women characters.  You will admire their strength, endurance, dedication, and intelligence, with a touch of humor!  And there are other characters in the novel that you will really dislike.

The action starts right from the beginning in Cologne, Germany.  Two unwitting innocents stumble into a horrific scene.  And I will caution you that this novel contains lots of graphic violence.  But getting past that you'll follow the clues, and the smart story twists, and you'll be rewarded with many sweet onion layers to pull back and savor.  Discover what's been revealed.  Keep piecing it all together as the clues take the team to the sites of the seven wonders of the world.

You'll get caught up in the excitement, the danger, and the purpose our heroes are immersed in.  You'll hang on by your fingernails at every cliffhanging point, racking your brain to try and help your heroes.  Commander Gray Pierce and his team will be uncovering secrets to a mysterious ancient power, racing against a heretical, fanatical gnostic sect - the Dragon Court.  The Court has its own evil purpose for solving the mystery, and it has a head start.

 Researching the past, to save the future, you are intensely living in each moment.  Clever and suspenseful - get ready for a wild ride through time.

James Rollins is the New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers that have been translated into more than forty languages. Known for unveiling unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets, Rollins has a knack for breakneck pacing and stunning originality that has been hailed by critics and embraced by millions of readers around the world.

James Rollins is the founder of Authors United, a group of bestselling authors dedicated to raising funds and awareness for USA Cares. This nonprofit organization seeks to help soldiers and their families through job placement, housing assistance, and emergency aid. Their mission is simple: restore financial stability and self-sufficiency, while instilling a renewed sense of hope among the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for our freedom.