M.J. Rose, The Reincarnationist

The Reincarnationist

M.J. Rose

Mira, Sep 2007, $24.95

ISBN 9780778324201

In modern day Rome, a terrorist bomb explodes near photographer Josh Ryder, but he fortunately survives the attack. However, his reaction shakes him to the core of soul. He has visions of a pagan priest Julius willing to die to protect the holy statues of his gods as well as keeping his virginal lover safe against the sanctimonious Roman emperor's directed implementation by the sword of Christianity in AD 391.

Six months later, the Phoenix Foundation leads a mission to study pagan memory stones found in a tomb that allegedly can cause past life regression incidents; if true this will affirm the reincarnation theory and cause doubts re the major three religions. Josh who wonders if he was once Julius has joined the expedition. However, the Foundation is not the only group interested in the stones as others are willing to kill to take these artifacts away.

THE REINCARNATIONIST is an enjoyable Da Vinci code derivative that is refreshed by the premise of past lives being the theme that could destroy the Jewish-Christian concept of the heavenly afterlife. Josh is a fascinating protagonist as he ponders whether he was once Julius and hopes the stones can do what they allegedly are said to be able to perform so that he learns the truth. M.J. Rose provides a strong thriller that will please her fans and those who enjoy a brisk invigorating Brownian like story line.

Harriet Klausner