Retro Books
Inquisition
David Gibbins returns with another absorbing historical adventure featuring marine archaeologist Jack Howard, whose latest investigation takes him on a dangerous quest involving one of Christianity’s most enduring mysteries — the Holy Grail.
In Inquisition, Gibbins weaves together three different periods in history, linking religious persecution in ancient Rome, the turbulent politics of 17th-century Europe and a modern-day archaeological investigation.
The result is an intriguing mixture of historical fact, archaeological discovery, secret societies and high-stakes adventure.
The story begins in AD 258, when Christians face brutal persecution under the Roman emperor Valerian. Before his death, Pope Sixtus entrusts a sacred relic to a trusted follower, setting in motion a chain of events that will remain shrouded in mystery for centuries.
The narrative then moves to 1684, when Samuel Pepys, the famous English diarist and naval administrator, is involved in the evacuation of the English colony of Tangier in North Africa. Amid the political manoeuvring, a valuable relic resurfaces, attracting the attention of a ruthless secret organisation connected to the Inquisition.
A Jewish merchant becomes a victim of its relentless pursuit, adding a disturbing dimension of religious intolerance and human suffering to the unfolding mystery.
In the present day, Jack Howard and his team discover a 17th-century shipwreck off the coast of Cornwall, England. Among the clues is a silver coin bearing the Star of David. The seemingly insignificant discovery raises questions that lead Jack towards a mystery he had once thought impossible to solve.
His investigation takes him across continents, from the wreckage of a forgotten past to the sunken remains of Port Royal in Jamaica and the darker territories of Spanish colonial South America. As he pieces together the evidence, Jack realises that the shipwreck is merely the beginning of a much larger puzzle. The trail leads towards the legendary Holy Grail, while powerful enemies remain determined to prevent its secrets from being revealed.
One of Gibbins’ greatest strengths is his ability to make archaeology an integral part of an action thriller. His professional background as a marine archaeologist lends considerable authenticity to the underwater explorations, shipwreck investigations and historical details. Readers are drawn into the painstaking process of interpreting physical evidence and connecting it with events recorded in historical documents.
The three timelines also give the narrative considerable depth. Pepys is a particularly interesting historical figure, while the sections dealing with the Inquisition expose the cruelty that can emerge when religious conviction becomes an instrument of power. These darker passages provide a sobering counterpoint to the excitement of the treasure hunt.
However, readers unfamiliar with the Jack Howard series may find the abundance of historical information, archaeological explanations and competing mysteries demanding. At times, the emphasis on research and exposition slows the pace, while the elaborate connections between past and present require careful attention.
Nevertheless, Inquisition offers plenty for admirers of historical conspiracy thrillers. Gibbins combines the appeal of ancient secrets with modern scientific investigation, creating an adventure in which every discovery raises further questions.
Ultimately, this is more than a hunt for a legendary Christian relic. It is also a story about the enduring consequences of fanaticism, the manipulation of faith and the lengths to which people will go to control knowledge and history.
For readers who enjoy archaeological mysteries, historical intrigue and globe-spanning adventures, Inquisition is a rewarding addition to Gibbins’ Jack Howard series. An interesting and intriguing read.