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Review: Ex-SAS operative Benedict "Ben" Hope has returned to Oxford to continue his study of theology when his old professor and family friend Tom Bradley tells him he fears for the safety of his daughter Zoë, who hasn't yet returned from a archeology expedition to Greece, in The Hope Vendetta, the seventh mystery in this series by Scott Mariani.

Ben has been a freelance "trouble shooter" in the past, but he simply wants out of the business. In his stead, he suggests a friend of his, Charlie Palmer, who is in need of a job and is ably suited for the assignment. But it isn't long after Charlie arrives in Greece when he calls Ben, urgently asking for his assistance. Zoë has been captured by a fanatic religious group, who believe that St. John wrote the Book of Revelations, the last book of the Bible. Unfortunately, Zoë has unearthed an artifact that suggests otherwise. Her discovery may also have implications across the Atlantic, where a candidate for President of the United States, a fervent believer in St. John and the Book of Revelations, may be set up for ridicule. Religion and politics … Ben may be in over his head this time.

The Hope Vendetta is a riveting, nail-biting adventure that creatively weaves a storyline through ancient history and modern times. It also illustrates how two, wildly different factions, who would otherwise seem to be at odds over almost everything, come to an agreement about something that serves their own individual purpose. A little over the top here and there, though never lacking credibility, this is an exhilarating ride that races along to an exciting conclusion.

The Hope Vendetta by Scott Mariani — A Ben Hope Mystery

Publisher: Touchstone
Format: Hardcover
ISBN-13: 978-1-4391-9347-1
Publication Date: March 2012
List Price: $25.00