Paul L. Maier, an expert in ancient history, takes readers on a sensational ride with his popular character Jonathan Weber (Skeleton in God’s Closet, More Than a Skeleton), a Harvard professor. Shannon, Weber’s archaeologist wife, make a startling discovery at Pella, Jordan, then a second discovery in the geniza—a storage place for decaying manuscripts—in the Eastern Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul, Turkey. What begins as a cataloging of ancient manuscripts ends with the revelation of long-buried portions of the New Testament in the Constantine Codex.

The codex includes the lost ending of the Gospel of Mark as well as Second Acts—both real historical mysteries and capable of making “every Bible in the world obsolete.” When it is stolen, Jonathan sets out to track it down and confirm its authenticity.

Weber debates a leading Islamic theologian on the world stage, makes a daring archaeological journey and faces betrayal. Maier’s work is rife with excitement and possibility as he creates a fictional world that holds promise for the real world. His message of truth, hope and peace will draw all believers, while his grasp of history will keep readers turning pages as fast as they can.

—Ann E. Byle

FICTION

The Constantine Codex

Paul L. Maier

Tyndale House Publishers

hardcover, 416 pages, $19.99

978-1-414-33773-9 

softcover, 416 pages, $13.99

978-1-414-33774-6

June 2011