Kindle Edition Amazon Amazon US Mystery Sequels Book Depository Category:  Mystery/Suspense Publisher: ClioStory Publishing ISBN-10:  1496179919 Type: Fiction Pages: 429 Copyright: March 19, 2014 ISBN-13: 9781496179913 Price: $3.99 (eBook) An archaeologist raises the oldest Irish bridge from the mud of the Shannon, sunken for 1200 years, and finds it perfectly preserved. What could account for this astounding longevity? Why is all Ireland so desperate to prevent him learning the secret? Griffin Clonmac will go through hell to find out. A maritime archaeologist raises a medieval monastery span from the mud of the River Shannon, sunken for 1,200 years... and finds it perfectly preserved.  What could account for this astounding longevity? Why are his colleagues and the Church so desperate to prevent him learning the secret? And why is his consummate lover his greatest enemy?  Griffin Clonmac will go through hell to find out.  He won’t go alone. Inspired by a real discovery, Clonmac’s Bridge shifts between contemporary times and 9th century Ireland. It tells the story of two men who struggle against envy and mediocrity — a millennium apart — aided only by a loyal helpmate and an unconquerable will.  Excerpt Excerpt Chapter Three The speaker stepped down from the dais to polite applause. The audience was too stunned to offer anything more. They hadn’t heard such impassioned rhetoric in favor of the Church in many generations. They were unlikely to hear it again; the speaker was the last of his kind. Radicals were out of fashion in Ireland, perhaps permanently. The large auditorium at Trinity College, Dublin was filled to near capacity. It usually was when this particular guest chose to offer a few words of wisdom on the latest current events. They would be forgotten the next day, but the feeling they evoked, and the influence that would have, would last much longer. That, in the end, was the speaker’s goal. The sunlight streaming in through the windows lent it the look of a medieval church, though the architecture was as far from that as a toad from a prince. It was thoroughly postmodern. In truth, both styles amounted to much the same thing. They left the sitter with an impression that his own life was of no importance. That, too, was the speaker’s goal and his speech achieved it to perfection. A few of the bolder members of the press sought him out to ask a few questions. In a small clot in one corner where they surrounded him, they urged him to expound on one or two of his more extreme statements. Like most of their brethren, they lived for extreme statements as their bread and butter. It was the surest way to attract attention. Even so, every moment of their workaday life made them feel uncomfortable when hearing one. They simply chose to live with the contradiction. A few reporters hovered near the back of the crowd, unable to say why they hung back. Getting too close to the cleric seemed, in their minds, to associate themselves with his speech. One of them shuddered at the thought. The others just thought this particular speaker could always be relied on to supply at least a few outrageous claims, enough at any rate to get the bourgeoisie riled up, which is all most of them cared about. This day, he didn’t feel like staying behind to provide any more. He had something more important on his mind. Just before his talk he’d been handed a lengthy note by a young man from the Department of Classics. His first instinct on reading it was to cringe. As was his habit, he suppressed his reaction in order to gain time, vital seconds to devise the face he wanted the world to see. He’d dismissed the messenger without an answer other than to order its author to meet him later. That care, along with his more natural gifts — a sonorous voice, a fascinating ugliness, and a full head of wavy hair — were what allowed him to put over extreme statements that sounded spontaneous. They also aided him to escape criticism that would’ve been visited on most others. No blame could attach to one who seemed so sincere. When effective, as they usually were, those weighty utterances would attract the right people. Those who’d be repelled rarely mattered. In consequence, he tailored each pronouncement to the unique occasion, to obtain maximum impact among those who did. He had no time for more of that careful crafting just now. He drew his fingers impatiently through his hair, as if combing the reporters out of it. Then he sped through the knot of press and fled out the back way. None dared follow. He was whisked into a large black car that drove him directly to his office near Clonliffe College. The car’s dark windows prevented the day’s bright sunlight reaching him as they rode along cobblestoned streets. That helped shade his delicate pink skin and also hid him from the view of the riffraff, who might insist on waving to him, obligating him to wave back. Near the end of the journey, the car glided past a public house in Drumcondra and its rider frowned. He could hear, even through the tightly closed window, the happy sounds of laughter from within. The common people would surely do better to focus on raising their spirit than lifting a glass of spirits. That idea, put just that way, sounded good to him. He made a mental note to include the phrase in his next speech. He stepped out of the vehicle in front of his office and was immediately met by Daley Garvin, a man he knew well. He waved him inside with a subtle gesture as the servant opened the door then drew back like mercury sliding along a marble floor. The pair made their way into the library and Daley took the seat his host indicated. Daley started to light up his pipe but then put it away when he noticed the disapproving mouth of the clergyman. For once, he waited until he was invited to talk before beginning. His host gave that signal with a delay only long enough to seat himself behind his immense desk. It was raised on a platform about six inches high, just enough to intimidate his guests. For once, Daley was intimidated. “Tell me everything,” the clergyman said, looking down on his guest as if from a throne — and bearing the appropriate look to go with the rank. “I’m not sure what to add just now,” Daley said. “You read the note.” “You can start by telling me how this happened.” “I don’t quite understand...” “The river near Clonmacnoise has held no special attraction for archaeologists to date. They’ve been mostly interested in the grounds. Why suddenly now?” ***END***

Ancient Bridge Connects Astonishing Events
This book will keep the reader intrigued and turning every page as fast as the information is absorbed, seeking answers to these puzzling questions, where was Clonmac Bridge's exact location in Ireland, who built it and why did it disappear. Jeffrey Perren has written a highly enjoyable and thoroughly entertaining, edge-of-your-seat suspense filled mystery that includes romance, murder, and ancient secrets. Discovering the answers, the reader will be astonished and amazed at the deep and winding maze of fierce, jealous competition which exists within the Anthropology Department at the University of Virginia. The ultimate goal is to publish research related to newly discovered archealogy findings in a peer reviewed journal and thus make a name for one's self, gaining more grant money from available sources to continue working in this exciting field. Researching and uncovering monuments, buildings and artifacts related to ancient cultures is an intoxicating and perilous journey as one will discover when reading this book.

Dr. Griffiin Clonmac was reading an ancient text in the Special Archives at the University library to uncover references about his latest research, Clonmac's Bridge in Ireland located somewhere along the Shannon River, when he noticed a colleague and rival, Dr. Daley remove an irreplaceable book from the library. Griffin was hooked on uncovering this mysterious anamoly, a bridge built in Ireland in the 9th century, over 1200 years ago. He knew the stolen book was relevant to his research. He did what anyone with protective instincts would do, he snuck into Dr. Daley's office to read the book for himself. This suppressed conflict between colleagues grows exponentially with convoluted, complex layers that promise the reader a fantastic ride into the past as well as into dark secrets related to the the building of the bridge and later its abandonment.

The author enhances the plot by deftly weaving several cultures into his book, ancient and modern Irish, modern American both within a University setting and related to corporate business dealings, and also South American, specifically Peruvian. Dr. Mari Quirpe a knowledgeable and expert archaelogist, loses her job in Peru when her assistant dies in an unforeseeable accident on a dig. Her father is a highly placed government official within the Ministry of the Interior who *could* help her obtain a university teaching post in her chosen field but she refuses his help. She is stubbornly independent and knows she would have to make a deal, compromise her principles and marry someone of his choice as the custom. Through a twist of fate, Mari learns of Dr. Griffin Clonmac's research and is selected to work on his project in Ireland. Not unexpectedly, they develop a close bond both professionally and in their personal lives. However, each faces romantic temptations as new situations arise related to the project. This surprise development keeps the reader enthralled, wanting to know *both* the outcome of the archaelogical expedition related to Clonmac's Bridge as well as their personal lives. It is ultimately clear, someone or some group is out to sabatoge the research expediton and its discoveries. In this book, Jeffrey Perren connects the dots from the past to the present in an astonishing and satisfying manner, providing the reader a roller coaster of a ride right to the very end. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: Reviewer received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review. Erika Borsos Vine Voice

Great Mystery and Intrigue
"Clonmac's Bridge was a very intriguing mystery, with twists and turns that keep the readers mind spinning, characters that you root for one hundred percent as well as ones that you just aren't completely sure about until the end, archaeological discoveries, and more. Perren masterfully balanced mystery, archaeology, and relationships, into a very interesting read that will keep readers interested until the last page.

I love books that are set in other countries, especially ones is Europe, so I really liked that this one was set in Ireland and enjoyed some of the history and setting. The archaeological aspect of the book was very interesting and unique, and I really liked reading about Griffen and Mari's enthusiasm towards finding old treasures.

There were characters I liked, those I didn't, and those I wasn't completely sure about until the end. There were enough plot twists to keep me from figuring out all the mystery and secrets.
I would like to say more, but I don't want to spoil any of the book because that would ruin any book, especially a mystery.

I received this book from the author, for free, in exchange for an honest review."
David Higgins

Very well written and intriguing story
“Clonmac’s Bridge” is a globetrotting thriller featuring an archaeologist who will stop at nothing to solve a historical mystery. Perren cites in a footnote to the story that the tale was inspired by an actual archaeological discovery while all else is fiction. The story is written with a strong sense of authenticity. Perren invites the reader to point out errors that he might have made in the 9th century chapters of the novel. The language, care and invitation to readers speak of an author with a deep investment in history and accuracy of his narrative.

Griffin Clonmac is a well-rounded character. At the start of the story we get a picture of a man who is perhaps a bit wonderful. Too good looking, too charming and too willing to do absolutely anything to find what that which he seeks. As we get to know the character we discover that while he has flaws, Griffin’s challenge is to stay ahead of the people trying to stop him. In order to stay ahead Griffin is canny, quick witted and ideally suited to his challenge. A lessor man wouldn’t stand a chance because Perren isn’t likely to cut this character a break. He may survive by his wits but Griffin has to work to make his story happen and everyone is looking to stop him from those closest to colleagues he’s always despised.

Perren’s plot is information heavy. For this highly detailed story to make sense the reader has to know what Perren knows and the author does so with a skill that doesn’t slow the story. The last third of “Clonmac’s Bridge” barrels to an eventual conclusion without leaving the reader in the dark. There are no stones unturned, no threads untied. Every element is natural, logical and something of a surprise.

If you like thrillers, “Clonmac’s Bridge” is a wonderful and complete read." Rabid Readers Reviews