This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Genizah Codex by Susie Helme is set in three separate but interconnected timelines. Murders in 2nd-century Alexandria, 12th-century France, and 21st-century Jerusalem revolve around an ancient document and are key to the crimes. In 2008, Catherine, an American Ph.D. student, discovers an ancient codex in Jerusalem. This codex, a primary resource from the 2nd century, reveals secrets and brings riches. In 165 CE, Shiphrah, part of the Academy of Sisters, translates forbidden memoirs containing magical recipes from various ancient cultures. In 1307, ex-Templar Hughes, seeking revenge for his father's betrayal, purchases Aramaic scrolls of these memoirs. This novel intertwines early Christian, Jewish, and medieval history with elements of mysticism and is the sequel to Helme's first novel, The Lost Wisdom of the Magi.
The Genizah Codex is the first novel I have read that centers on the source of murders instead of a traditional whodunnit and author Susie Helme does an exceptional job with this. The writing is both engaging and a fully immersive experience. I did find that the ultra-deep dives into Christian history to provide backstory were sometimes heavy-handed and slowed down the pacing, but the wrap-up is usually clever and I loved quips like, “We are going to pause from gospel-hunting for a while... We’re going treasure-hunting.” The alternating points of view and creation of timelines were among the best I've come across and Helme manages these without any confusion. These enhance the narrative and push the story forward in a way that only the seasoned hand of a skilled writer can accomplish. Overall, this is a thought-provoking and well-written novel and there is no question as I take my trip to Jerusalem in a few weeks that having some stories in my back pocket will make it even better. Very highly recommended.
