Cabal of the Westford Knight: Templars at the Newport Tower

David S. Brody
Martin & Lawrence Press (2009)
ISBN 9780977389872
Reviewed by Deb Shunamon for Reader Views (3/09)

Did you know that 14th century medieval Europeans, with connections to the famous Templar Knights, may have explored North America? Readers of “Cabal of the Westford Knight: Templars at the Newport Tower” will be constantly challenged to accept the connections made by Cameron, a real estate lawyer with a conscience, and Amanda, a medieval-studies expert, as they run for their lives whilst deciphering New World clues about Templar secrets and the Jesus bloodline. Through the use of real New England artifacts, sites, and history, a story bursting with intrigue, murder, exploitation, faith, and some very original conclusions is revealed.
           
David Brody is a wonderful writer. I particularly loved that whenever I had a question about the way our heroes were considering the clues, a character would soon ask just that and the answer was given – a lot of forethought has clearly been put into this work. Good reasoning and believable situations support the continuous action, and the reader is constantly kept on edge with the suspense. This is a fictional story based on real people, sites and artifacts, and is sure to stir up controversy for a number of reasons. The book’s fabulous storyline will most likely generate comparisons to a very popular book/Hollywood film about the Jesus bloodline, but the author has prepared for it by having his characters openly discuss this very novel. However, Brody’s story stays focused on America and Canada and by doing so, remains original.

The believable, and sometimes surprising, assumptions made by the characters had me wanting to follow-up with the author’s notes on non-fiction references. As well, the antagonism presented between historians and archeologists as they vie for credibility and funds is quite interesting. With part of the sales of the book going to the New England Antiquities Research Association (NEARA), local history’s take on the past of North America is clearly the favored one, and this book is a wonderful way of raising public interest. “Cabal of the Westford Knight: Templars at the Newport Tower” by David S. Brody will make readers think and question, and provide them with a darn fun reading experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

 

Make comment on weblog