Debt, The (A Cal Donovan Thriller Book 3)

I loved everything about the book but the ending. When you read it, and I hope you do, you will see what I mean. Cal Donovan was great as usual and wasn’t drinking himself in to a stupor as he usually does. The premise was quite unusual and played out quite well The Pope seems very similar to our present one, but I don’t think even he would do as Celestine does. Lots of drama, action, intrigue for readers. I really enjoy Cooper’s book as they are researched well and open our eyes to possibilities we may not have contemplated. Ready for the next one!!!

Glenn Cooper has written a "thriller" that pushes all my buttons:. . . . the hero is an erudite East Coast academic who also has "bad boy" tendencies;. . .. the plot centers around art and artifacts of historic interest;. . .. and , the Catholic Church plays a central role (but NOT for religious reasons).THE DEBT may not be for the fervently religious reader because it presents the Catholic Church (over the centuries) as a less than sacred entity. But, it is a ripping good story and the protagonist, Cal Donovan, is fascinating to follow He is smart, but imperfect and how many fellas have the Pope as a new best friend?I enjoyed everything about THE DEBT and will look forward to following Cal Donovon on future adventures.NETGALLEY provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Awesome plot and adventure at every turn.

5 starsIn about 1848, the Vatican borrowed the considerable sum of 300,000 pounds sterling from a Jewish family named Sassoon. This was following the loan from another Jewish family named the Rothschilds. It was to be a completely secret loan; the loan papers were destroyed. Was it ever paid back? This forms the premise for Glenn Cooper's new novel The Debt.While researching one subject in the Vatican archives, Professor Cal Donovan comes across a copy of the original loan papers that the Vatican had not destroyed. When presented to Pope Celestine, the Pope becomes quite worried. The Vatican finances are in a mess and this possible outstanding loan presents a great conundrum.Cal is asked by the Pope to continue his research into the loan and while the Pope tells his closest advisors, he swears them to secrecy. But the secret gets out. Cal must now speak to the Sassoon family to whom the debt is owed. But the Sassoon family is entrenched in their own problems and their relationships are very messy.This is a very well written novel as are all of Glenn Cooper's books. The writing is smooth and invites the reader to keep turning the pages as the story goes along. The transitions are very well done and almost flawless. I very much like Cal and Pope Celestine is a rare treat with his ferocious support of the poor and lesser fortunate in the world. I really like this book, but felt it was not quite as good as some of his others. No worries! It is still a very good read. I am very much looking forward to the next in this series.I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House/Severn House Publishers for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.

Harvard professor Cal Donovan, while looking through the Vatican libraries, discovers a 200-year-old-loan which the Vatican owes to a Jewish bank. With interest the sum of the debt is now 25 billion Euros. Pope Celestine asks Cal to meet with the Sassoon family, owners of the bank. Cal soon finds himself involved in more than he bargained for.This is the 3rd book in the Cal Donovan Thriller series. I have read the other two books (Sign of the Cross and Three Marys) and have enjoyed both of them. This one does not disappoint either. I like the character of Cal Donovan and find him a very positive asset to the series. He is a good friend of Pope Celestine and comes to his aid whenever the Pope requests his help. I find the plots of these books to be very unique and full of interesting history. Glenn Cooper is an excellent writer and his books flow nicely and keeps the reader interested until the very surprise ending. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series and I would highly recommend them to those who love historical thrillers.I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for a copy of this book for an honest review.

I Love Glenn Cooper books. I really enjoyed the Cal Donovan Book 1 & 2. But the third one I found boring. I actually jumped pages just to get to the end. I am hoping the next one in the series is better.

Is i just me that finds the lead (Cal Donovan) tedious and used as the writer's ego trip stud muffin?