Kindle Edition Amazon S. Eric Wachtel Amazon.com Barnes & Noble Category:  Action/Thriller Publisher: S. Eric Wachtel ISBN-10:  0615426468 Type: Fiction Pages: 308 Copyright: Dec,2010 ISBN-13: 9780615426464 The Essene Conspiracy Reveals a Wall Street Scheme Funding a Clandestine Brotherhood's Plot to Retake Jerusalem's Temple Mount. A high ranking Israeli minister has been murdered in Jerusalem. Muslim terrorists are suspected, but no group has claimed responsibility. Finding a barely legible name scribbled on a blood-stained card in the shirt pocket of the slain minister, the Director of Israeli Intelligence calls upon international security consultant Harry McClure to investigate a possible American connection to the brutal crime. McClure soon uncovers a sophisticated Wall Street money-laundering scheme channeling large sums of U.S. currency into secret bank accounts controlled by a clandestine Messianic brotherhood plotting to return Israel to it's biblical roots. The clock is ticking as Israeli Intelligence, aided by McClure, race to organize a preemptive eleventh-hour strategy aimed at thwarting the brotherhood's imminent attack. A timely blend of historical content and fiction, the Essene Conspiracy builds to an unpredictable ending. Excerpt P R O L O G U E Jerusalem, March 5, 1991 7:15 a.m. The mild morning air hinted at the promise of a brilliant spring as Israeli Finance Minister Uzi Kopelman walked briskly along an ancient narrow corridor of the Jewish Quarter leading to the Zion Gate. Earlier that morning, in remembrance of his father who was killed, three years to the date, by a powerful bomb a Muslim terrorist had detonated in a crowded Tel Aviv restaurant, he had prayed at the Western Wall. On his way to an emergency meeting with the director of Israeli Intelligence, his thoughts dwelled on the alarming magnitude of the financial transactions he had uncovered a day earlier. Moments after passing an alleyway, Kopelman felt a subtle sting on the back of his neck. Instinctively raising his open right hand, the former captain of the Israeli Army soccer team swatted his neck and continued walking. Less than a minute later, his limbs suddenly gripped by muscle paralysis, he staggered and fell to the stone pavement. Unable to move his body, he stared up in terror at the masked figure garbed in an Arab caftan looming above him. Knowing he couldn’t defend himself, his heart sank. Brandishing a dagger, the figure glared at Kopelman and said, taunting him, “You think you can stop us—you’re wrong. Let this be a lesson to those who would challenge the will of God.” His energy drained, gasping for breath, Kopelman murmured in a low voice, “Please . . . I mean you no harm. Don’t—” But it was too late. Intent on fulfilling his mission, the assassin raised his dagger and plunged it deep into Uzi Kopelman’s chest.

Great Mystery-Thriller
Unlike so many so many poorly crafted thrillers I've read, "The Essene Conspiracy grabs you at the start and never lets go.

The fast-paced captivating plot--relying heavily on well researched historical content-- opens with the murder of a high ranking Israeli Minister in Jerusalem. Muslim terrorist are suspected, but finding at blood stained card at the murder scene, Israeli intelligence asks security, Harry McClure, to investigate a possible American link to the crime. The charismatic McClure soon discovers a Wall Street scheme funding a secret brotherhood intent on overthrowing the Israeli government. From there, the action and intrigue never stop. The clever ending left me wondering--did this really happen? Loved it!

Wonderful Read - Recommended!
What a great surprise to read a thriller that is well written, entertaining and intellectually stimulating. I generally read novels on the NY Times best seller list but "The Essene Conspiracy", by a self-published debut author, I'd rank as one of the top novels I've read in the last twelve months. I'm looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

Enjoyable Read!!
I truly enjoyed this book. It reminded me a little of the "DaVinci Code" but different. It is well written and the intrigue and mystery grab you immediately. Even though it's fiction, the factual information was very educational. I will recommend this book to others.