Absolute Proof

Thanks to NetGalley and Publishers Group Canada for an advanced copy of this thought provoking and interesting book. It raises important concerns about the nature of God and science. The plot ventures into Dan Brown territory, which to me is a positive thing. The story is long and complex, but easy and compelling reading.

To read for enjoyment it is necessary to suspend rational thoughts and disbelief, and just let the story carry you along on this strange and dangerous adventure. A complicated story with many characters, but easy to follow.

Among the cast is an elderly ex RAF and Professor of Art History, Dr. Harry Cook, who is convinced he has proof that God Exists, a respected investigative reporter, Ross Hunter, who reported on inadequate resources for the army in Afghanistan and did an article on crooked preachers, Ross’s unfaithful wife who fears that Dan may be putting their lives and that of her unborn child in mortal danger, a blind Moslem, several monks, the Archbishop of Canterbury, a beautiful, flirtatious TV personality, a fraudulent billionaire Evangelist, and the head of a pharmaceutical company who is an atheist. I could have preferred less description of what the various characters were eating, drinking and wearing.

When Dr. Cook contacts Ross to tell him he has proof that God exists, Ross initially considers the old man to have a crazy obsession but on further discussions becomes intrigued. Thinking that this will be the biggest story of his career (whether or not it has any validity) he decides to pursue it. His search following coordinates and clues from the elderly Professor takes him to Glastonbury and Egypt. He is relentless and frequently encounters dangers and obstacles. He makes a couple of important discoveries.

There is a contradiction here. The search is based on finding true relics of Jesus Christ would lead to mankind believing in God, restore peace and harmony and save the world. Others fear that such discoveries would cause disharmony amongst Christian factions, and these findings based on Christian beliefs would not persuade the other major religions to accept the absolute proof of God.

The Bishop warns Ross that such a major discovery he is seeking would cause various religions to be in turmoil and bring further disharmony to the world, but Ross is determined in his pursuit. He is also told that businesses, such as the pharmaceutical company, would covet such a find and try to take any discovery that might be used for their own enrichment. The corrupt Evangelist preacher is after whatever Ross finds to add to his own billions. Several murders of leading characters have occurred, and Ross’s home has been trashed and technological and eavesdropping devices have been used to track his every move and conversation. His family has been threatened by unknown subjects.

After finding a couple of relics which he has had scientifically analyzed, his final answer to the mystery and proof is in Los Angeles. His fearful and angry wife insists that he sell his objects to the Vatican or the pharmaceutical company, both having tempted them with huge sums of money. In Los Angeles he meets with a mysterious man whom we met very early in the story, and is vital to the plot. Pursuing Ross to LA are a contract killer who is eavesdropping on his hotel room, and several members of the pharmaceutical company. His life is in jeopardy as well as his marriage.
Recommended to Dan Brown fans. A long, challenging and exciting plot.