Amazon I Publish Press Buy.com Barnes and Noble Category:  Historical Fiction Publisher: I Publish Press ISBN-10:  098091602X Type: Fiction Pages: 388 Copyright: May 29, 2008 ISBN-13: 9780980916027 On the eve of the Second World war, Dr. Gerhard Denninger, a German archeologist is approached by infamous Grail seeker Otto Rahn who tells him a fantastic story of Templars, Church scandal, a long-buried manuscript, and the key to finding the famous lost treasure of the Cathars. In 1944, with the help of a group of American soldiers, Denninger continues his quest for the secret of the Cathar treasure. With dangers dogging them at every step, will they find what they're seeking? And will they be prepared for the shocking discovery that awaits them?

An Intriguing Spin

If you have a passion for stories about the lost treasure of the Cathars and love mysteries surrounding the Templars and you enjoy adventures linked to the Holy Grail and Church scandals, you will probably love this novel. With “The Judas Apocalypse” Mr McNeil puts an intriguing spin on these subjects.

Dr Gerhard Denniger an archaeologist is approached by the infamous Grail hunter Otto Rhan, with a fantastic story about a long buried manuscript, a key to finding the famous lost treasure of the Cathars and needs his help to find it. If this was the entire premise, it would have been an average mystery but Mr Mc Neil adds more intriguing elements to the story: it takes place in the 40’s during WW11; Dr Denniger is working for the S.S. and a member of Himmler’s Ahnenerbe (the heritage bureau). Helping Otto Rhan will put him in a delicate situation and in a dilemma with both Hitler and Himmler who had dedicated much money to find the Holy Grail and religious artefacts believing it would help them win the war.

After a short introduction you mistakenly think the story is going to be on the drab side but things start to go wild and take many twists and turns when Dr Denniger finds himself in the back alley of Carlotta’s (a period club), from then on there is non stop action. The dialogs all through reflect the characters diversity as the story unfolds but I wonder if the language in the 40’s was as colourfully spoken …(Occasionally a little overdone on the raw side). Although the plots at times were far fetched and improbable (soldiers fighting amongst themselves while the enemy is in their proximity), just the same it made for a fantastic read.

I couldn’t help imagining a Hollywood screen play with Harrison Ford as the lead character :)….. Wishing Dr Denninger long life and hoping to see him in a sequel someday …. Congratulations Mr McNeil on a very entertaining first novel.

A Different Take on Church Conspiracy
This book was an entertaining take on the wide variety of church conspiracies. Part of the new family of conspiracy theory inspired mystery novels that The Da Vinci Code made way for.
The story starts out in Nazi Germany, where we are introduced to a German Archealogist, Gerhard Denniger, who works for the SS trying to locate religious relics for Adolf Hitler. The Nazi's had believed that some of these artifacts would ensure their superiority and victory. Dr. Denniger's particular obession happens to be the Cathars, specifically their fabled treasure. Even he finds his obsession strange. A Jew hiding amongst the Nazi's, and over focused on Mystical Gnostic Christians. Who would have thought?
The story takes us to Tibet, back through Germany, France and finally Egypt. The only thing I found lacking was that McNeil created such a character driven work that there is little sense of place. The back drop to the story could have been anywhere.
That aside, his characters are compelling. Dr. Denniger picks up a motley crew of assistants on his route to the Cathars. Otto Rhan, an odd and flamboyant researcher. Corporal Markham, an American soldier and what's left of his squad. And Etienne a French farmer.
It was an entertaining read. If you like the conspiracy theory type books, it would be another one to put on the list. I am sure we will see more out of McNeil yet.

Canadian author's debut novel is - Fascintating, Compelling, Interesting, PAGE TURNER
Dan McNeil's vivid description, compelling and lyrical prose will submerge you into a fascinating read with this page turning, fictional, and historical suspense. Emotional, charging and an excellent novel, which I highly recommend.