Review: Divine Revelations

T A Hunter, Divine Revelations, (TigerUnicorn, 2025)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Divine-Revelations-infamous-Campania-Vesuvius-ebook

Beneath the ash and pumice of Herculaneum is a treasure

DCI Reid Gilchrist is in Rome, with the British consul Sarah Murray. ‘Perhaps a nice job for you,’ she says. The death of a priest, 104 years old, who left the Embassy a box.

1942 Herculaneum. The young deacon excavates a ceramic jewellery box. He and his mentor Father Stewart were interested in the ancient Christians buried by Mt Vesuvius. Inside are four bejewelled rings and an enamelled bracelet. Beside them in the ash –  a man’s signet ring.

Reid leaves the retirement home with a death certificate for the old priest, a Perugina Baci chocolates tin and a safe deposit key. His Italian archaeologist girlfriend Cristina helps him find the bank. The safe deposit box, last accessed in 1950, contains only a brown envelope. Inside, a carnelian signet ring. The Greek letters read a name – a very famous name, and one well known to Christian history.

The story goes back and forth between the dig site in 1942, as the Church representatives excavate the villa of the famous Roman, and the detectives in 2026, unravelling the death of Father Stewart. The Vatican and the Swiss Guard become involved, with (natch) a cover up, and Reid and Cristina are being followed. We also travel back to Judea in 31 CE concerning the matter of a certain ‘Galilean orator’. Archaeological treasures are at stake.

I just love an archaeological thriller. A really great concept, and the pace is quite exciting throughout. Jumping back and forth between ancient and modern timelines is well handled. A lovely, understated ending to all the excitement.

I was confused about the use of ‘the church’. When we’re talking about 2026, it probably means the (Christian, usually Catholic) Church. In the context of 30s CE Judaea, what does this mean? Does it mean the nascent Jesus movement? The Sanhedrin? The Temple? This came up so many times that it confused my understanding of the whole plot. If we’re talking about the Jesus movement, there was no such thing as the Church until about 90 CE, and then it was called an assembly (ekklesia) not a church.