This book was everything The DaVinci Code was not. It was tense, suspenseful, and extremely well-written, with a twist at the end that was logical in the context of the story, but was a complete and delightful (to me, anyway) surprise.

Sam Cabot is a collaboration between SJ Rozan, one of my favorite mystery writers, and Carlos Dews. Their writing styles integrate so seamlessly that I can't tell who wrote what. I'm starting Skin of the Wolf, the second book in the series, immediately. I expect that I'll be disappointed when I finish it because I'll have to wait for the next one in the series. ( )

Intriguing & original take

I have to admit I picked this up because I'm a big fan of SJ Rozen. But this book is huge departure for her, unlike the bill/Lydia series.
As you've probably read in other reviews, this is a vampire story but we're no talking about trendy white faced teenagers full of angst & romantic notions. Here, we're introduced to the Noantri ("we others"), vampires who have been around as long as mankind. Except for needing blood, all other old stereotypes do not apply. Their existence is brought about by the introduction of a virus that prevents cells from deteriorating, granting immorality. Otherwise, they are just like you and me (unless you're one of them).
The book opens during the 1849 uprising of the Risorgimento, Italians who rebelled against the power of the church in Rome. The Pope has fled the city & called in French armies to defeat them. Mario Damiani, a soldier in the Italian army, is on a mission. He has stolen the Concordat, a document hidden in Vatican archives for centuries. Fearing death, he proceeds to hide it, leaving behind clues for those worthy of deciphering them. Unfortunately, Damiani learns too late the French are the least of his worries.
In present day, Father Tomas Kelly gets an urgent call from Lorenzo Cardinal Cossa. Thomas is a Jesuit in London when he hears his old friend has been promoted to Archivist & Librarian of the Vatican. Lorenzo needs him in rome ASAP, a request he cannot refuse. He can't possibly know his life will never be the same.
Thomas has always had immense faith, 100% certainty in his vocation, God & the teachings of the church. Lorenzo has been a father figure, guiding his education & research. So when he tells Thomas he must retrieve a lost Vatican document, he agrees. All he knows is the document is a contract signed in 1431 by the church & another party.
Meanwhile, Livia Pietro is happily living in Rome as a professor of art history. Her neighbours find her a bit eccentric but they have no idea. She's a vampire & finally moving on after her former lover Jonah left her. She changed him without the permission of the Conclave (Noantri ruling body), a major no-no. Unfortunately, she's been summoned before the Conclave again. She's to meet Father Kelly & assist in any way she can to retrieve the Concordat. But instead of returning it to the church, she's to give it to the Conclave. Oh, and one more thing...kill Jonah.
This book is really two stories. One is a tale of action/adventure as we follow Thomas & Livia running around Rome trying to piece together clues that will lead to the document. They have to deal with Damiani's cryptic messages & being chased by various police, a rebel faction within the Noantri & Jonah. The other side of the plot is more cerebral than thriller. Both Thomas & Livia will acquire knowledge that rocks their worlds & turns their respective belief systems upside down. Through them, the authors explore topics such as faith, power, prejudice & betrayal.
As a Jesuit, Thomas has always craved & accumulated knowledge. To him, it's all evidence supporting his faith & the legitimacy of the church. But doubts start to creep in as he learns of the Noantri & the role of the church in their existence. He'll have to question the difference between faith & religion for what is faith but belief in the absence of all evidence? He also has to consider the motives of all those around him as he reels from a personal betrayal.
No doubt this book will incite a few discussions about religious dogma, role of the church & why you believe what you do. It's interesting the authors chose to portray the Noantri & the Catholic Church as very similar organizations in terms of their structure.
To me , this is the more compelling & intriguing side of the story. The adventure element was creative & obviously well researched but as Thomas & Livia raced around the neighbourhood of Trastevere, I found the pace oddly bogged down & ended up doing a fair amount of skimming. Also, I felt the side story of an attraction between the two completely unnecessary/unbelievable & detracted from the weightier issues they are struggling with. It added nothing to the story & there are enough elements without trying to turn it into a romance as well.
Upon reaching the end of their search, Livia Thomas & the readers will have their collective minds blown by the discovery of the biggest secret of all & I'm not going to even touch that one.
All in all, a really interesting & original take on creation & religion mixed with a Steve Berry-like plot of international intrigue & buried treasure. My only issues: lengthy time spent in the heads of a couple of minor characters (rambling & repetitive) and I thought the sections devoted to the accumulation of the clues would have benefitted from a tighter edit.
If you're someone who takes their religion seriously or was offended by Dan Brown's books, this may not be for you. But if you're a fan of stories about mythology, conspiracy theories, secrets & artefacts, give this a try. ( )

Sam Cabot is the pseudonym for Carlos Dews and S. J. Rozan. I'm a real fan of S. J. Rozan and enjoy her style. This is a great real !

Father Thomas Kelly has been called to the Vatican by his mentor to search for a long lost document. the document is also being search for by a group called the Noantri's who want to expose the Church. Noantri are vampires which adds a whole new twist to the legend. It is believable also.

Father Kelly finds Livia Pietro also looking and together they search the missing poems of a long ago poet for the location. This is the first of a new series and by all accounts should be a great series.

The history and location have been well research. If you have visited Rome you will find yourself going- I've been there. The plot and twists in the plot make this a fast paced read with the clues always just in reach. The punch line will surprise the reader and may offend some Church members.
Recommended for fans of Dan Brown as well as Stephenie Meyer . Young Adults will jump right in. ( )

Book Review & Giveaway: I was intrigued by the book cover for Blood of the Lamb: A Novel of Secrets by Sam Cabot. When I read the publisher’s brief description of its concept, I knew I wanted to read it. Were you a fan of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code or other Church conspiracy novels? How about vampire novels? Or maybe you just like a fun, high-speed, non-stop thriller. If you like any of those types of novels then Blood of the Lamb is going to make your day, if you’re like me. And, thanks to the publisher’s generosity, you can win a finished hardcover copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6351. ( )

When I began this book I thought I was in for a Da Vinci Code sort of experience, but it wasn't. This is a really good book that has mystery, history, and the supernatural all tied into one. The characters were all believable, and each given depth by the author so that you felt you knew them and understood them. The under current of tension between the main characters, Father Thomas Kelly (human) and Livia Petrio (Noantri) adds to the story. Whilst the Noantri are vampires, this is no Twilight or Dracula novel. The story takes you through the streets and churches of Rome and delivers an unexpected ending. No spoilers here. High recommended reading. ( )