by Brian Moore
First published 2005
Cardinal Bem barely survives when assassins target him in an unnamed Eastern European country. The attack raises disturbing questions about who wants him dead. The Secret Police remain obvious suspects, but evidence points toward Catholic extremists who view Bem as a traitor to the faith. They believe his diplomatic efforts to maintain harmony between the Church and the communist state represent unforgivable compromise. After escaping the initial murder attempt, mysterious figures abduct Bem and transport him to what they claim is protective custody. He breaks free from these unknown captors only to discover a more terrible reality. Trust becomes impossible as Bem realizes enemies may be allies and supporters could be assassins. The cardinal faces a stark choice as political revolution threatens to destroy his homeland. Only he possesses the influence to prevent the violent upheaval, but first he must survive long enough to act.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, mystery, crime, action, political-thriller
Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-allies, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Eastern Europe
Period: 20th Century
208 pages · Paperback · Harper Perennial
Content warnings: violence