D. S. Lliteras, Master of Secrets

Master of Secrets

D. S. Lliteras

Hampton Roads, Mar 2007, $19.95

ISBN: 1571745386

Rabbi Jesus is dead, having been crucified. His followers are stunned, grieving, and fleeing. In that troubled Golgotha environs, a frightened Boy who watched the great Rabbi die seeks solace from his mother, but she instead tells him to find his father, a devout disciple of the late Rabbi Jesus.

Frightened but young enough to hide his fear with bluster, the lad finds only distraught and angry people. That is until he meets devious conman Jeshua, who persuades Addan to come with him as the rambunctious charmer takes the youngster under his wings. They team up, trying to survive the post-crucifixion danger from authorities, true believers, and others while Addan is mesmerized by the charlatan who keeps him physically safe, but morally breaks Jesus' ethical and religious code.

As with his powerful biblical tales, JUDAS THE GENTILE and THE SILENCE OF JOHN, D.S. Lliteras provides a strong, insightful, character-driven thriller that occurs immediately following the crucifixion. The storyline is told from the perspective of young Addan who is confused by what he saw and sees, but finds comfort with the pretender Jeshua rather than in the teachings of Rabbi Jesus. Interestingly, Jeshua in his own way is a moral "swindler," but this deep poignant novel is all about Addan's faith as he initially clings to the bird in the hand rather than believe there might be two in the bush. This is great work by one of the best early Christian authors.

Harriet Klausner