Extraordinary Temptation- Patrick McCusker


A really good read; but I need to start by saying that those with traditional and solid religious views must be prepared to read this as totally ridiculous entertainment, if at all. As an agnostic ‘believer’ I had no trouble at all with this story. If I had exacting believe in any scriptures, especially specifically Christian ones, I may well have done so.
The book is technically well written and the plot is very entertaining. The first half of the book is particularly good, and plausible enough to this reader. We start in a conventional conspiracy thriller, which is both pacey and credible. I wish to give nothing away, by saying that after the mid-point the plot becomes increasingly extra-ordinary. Even the science may be plausible, or at least be in the not such distant future. However, I’m sure we can all rest easy in the fact that the specific application of science is actually impossible. There is a lull in the pace for a while as the book metamorphoses, however, tense interest is maintained. As the plot slows it becomes increasingly creepy. We are ladled a good dollop of food for thought.
The plot of this book is actually very brave and even ambitious, as it invites us to reflect on many aspects of our humanity and ‘inhumanity’. There are some great what if’s in here, but no it doesn’t offer much ‘hope and happiness’. The theme of the lost crown of thorns is a nice change to the over-used one of the missing Holy Grail; as did the theme of the conflict between the academic lover of antiquities and the greed driven ‘grave robber’.
So an exciting book, but at by necessity this must be treated very tongue-in-cheek by religious fundamentalists of many Abrahamic colours.
I very much enjoyed most aspects of this book, best described as first half crime thriller, second half horror. Totally extraordinary.


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