Matt McAvoy Book Review

A direct sequel to The Magdalene Deception, and it’s a good one, from my namesake (no relation, I promise).  One thing I will say from the off is that before you read …Reliquary it would definitely help to have read its predecessor first, because there is great backstory for most of the endearing cast of characters in this book, and there are multiple strands of narrative which stem from the first.  While the quest of this book is a new one (these books tend to revolve around archaeological missions for holy relics – think Dan Brown, or perhaps a more down-to-earth take on Raiders of the Lost Ark).  For those of you who don’t know, a reliquary is a chest containing the remains of a historical figure – in this case, the secret child of Christ and Mary Magdalene, so I suggest perhaps not for the more devout Christians amongst you. 

The characters are good, and interesting too, including an intrepid priest, a ruthless cardinal, Russian mobsters and a pair of Swiss special forces soldiers with hearts of gold – McAvoy certainly knows how to craft a good book.  This story is perhaps less intricate than the puzzle format aspect of the first, but it still contains the trademark genius artefacts; I would say the revenge aspect of the storyline will have a more mainstream appeal, but in fact this is an altogether more subtle affair.  It is a little bit slow to build, with a lot of detail and some wordy filler, but I certainly think readers will enjoy it; it’s more of a relaxed frame of mind, cosy winter evening book, which moves gradually toward a pretty action-packed climax.  I thought of it perhaps as if Indiana Jones were to feature in an episode of Agatha Christie’s Poirot – this is perhaps enhanced by the continuing storyline involving stolen Nazi gold.

McAvoy is a tremendously eloquent author of the utmost professionalism.  His attention to detail is definitely a strong point, and he clearly carries out a huge amount of research into the technicalities and historical accuracies in his work – this is a piece of work which takes itself very seriously.  I would describe him as a jobbing author, and a highly proficient one at that, with a wonderful work ethic.  I look forward to the next instalment in what I hope is an ongoing series.  I would definitely recommend this book, and …Deception before it, to fans of slow-burning, intelligent and interesting stories with a theological aspect.