The Sacred Cut is the third book in the Nic Costa series written by David Hewson. This gripping crime thriller takes readers on a journey through the streets of Rome as Detective Nic Costa and his team investigate a series of gruesome murders that seem to be connected to an ancient religious sect.

The story begins with the discovery of a mutilated body in a church in Rome. The victim, a renowned art restorer, has been brutally killed and his body arranged in a disturbing manner. As Nic Costa and his partner, Gianni Peroni, delve into the investigation, they uncover a trail of similar murders that have taken place over the years.

The murders bear a striking resemblance to the work of an infamous serial killer known as The Red Madonna, who was active decades ago. The Red Madonna was never caught, and it is believed that he may have had connections to a secret society within the Catholic Church. As Nic and his team dig deeper, they find themselves entangled in a web of conspiracy and corruption that reaches high into the Vatican.

As the body count rises, Nic Costa must navigate the treacherous world of Vatican politics and ancient religious rituals to catch the killer before more lives are lost. Along the way, he encounters a cast of intriguing characters, including a mysterious priest with ties to the secret society and a journalist who may hold the key to unraveling the truth.

Hewson’s writing is atmospheric and evocative, bringing the streets of Rome to life with vivid descriptions. He skillfully weaves together elements of history, art, and religion to create a richly layered narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that propels the story forward.

One of the strengths of The Sacred Cut is its well-developed characters. Nic Costa is a complex protagonist who struggles with personal demons while striving to do what is right. His relationships with his colleagues and the people he encounters during the investigation add depth and nuance to the story. The supporting cast is equally compelling, each with their own motivations and secrets.

Hewson’s meticulous research is evident throughout the book. He seamlessly blends historical facts with fiction, creating a believable and immersive world. The descriptions of Rome’s landmarks and art treasures are particularly well done, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the story.

Overall, The Sacred Cut is a gripping and thought-provoking crime thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Hewson’s masterful storytelling and attention to detail make this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

• The Sacred Cut

• The Rome Series: Book 3
• By: David Hewson
• Narrated by: Saul Reichlin

Christmas is approaching in Rome and the snow is falling in a way that only happens once every 20 or 30 years. The city is soon paralyzed by an unnatural icy grip, and in the dark corners of the Pantheon, a dark and mysterious story begins to unfold.
Nic Costa and his partner Gianni Peroni are called in to report an intruder. Instead, they found the naked body of a woman, with geometric scars. Almost immediately, they meet a team from the FBI determined to take over the investigation into the man they claim to be the killer who has murdered American tourists around the world, in structurally relevant ways. mysticism of the Pantheon itself.

But one agent, Emily Deacon, has another story to tell, a tragic personal one. Through her and the elusive Iraqi girl Laila, the sole witness to death in the Pantheon, Nic Costa is constantly drawn into the world of the Iraq war and secret agents tasked with infiltrating the regime. Saddam Hussein before the armed forces attacked.

He soon realizes that there’s a conspiracy at the heart of these deaths that runs back to Washington, and Emily Deacon’s deceased father’s past, a tangle of connections he must unravel, even when it comes at a personal and professional cost. . A madman is lost in the frozen winter scene of Rome, and as Costa soon realizes, he is one of the American agents who know all too well.

The plot gets lost in the heavy narrative and monotonous narrator. This story was billed as a thriller/mass murder mystery but turned out to be a lengthy novel. This is a really great listen. I listen to A LOT of books and this is one of the best. This is a very good horror movie with a similar theme to The Da Vinci Code… but not a hoax at all. Definitely a must read

This is one of the best books I have heard recently. It is very well written and not only tells a story with great characters but also shows a lot of the complicated and corrupt mechanics of the Nations. Humans are nobody, they are the interests of the State and its minions, all. This is the third book in a great series. Since I couldn’t find the others as audio, I bought the book. Great read!!!!!

A good fast-paced police/spy thriller that is excellently delivered by the reader. The characters are deep and believable, the story is engaging with a well thought out plot. A very interesting listen, I would be interested in more from this author and readers.

 

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