The Book of Names (Paperback)

According to Jewish tradition, each generation produces 36 righteous souls who hold up the universe. In this page-turner, a Gnostic group that wants the world to end, thus defeating God and paving the way for their own spiritual ascension, has murdered 33 of the 36. Ever since he was involved in a childhood accident, David Shepherd has been compulsively writing down names. When he learns through a kabbalistic rabbi that he is the keeper of the names of righteous souls (and realizes that his stepdaughter is one of them), he finds himself in the middle of a nightmare filled with killings, natural disasters, and the knowledge that the fate of the world in his hands. Coauthors Gregory and Tintori use the now-common Da Vinci Code formula of short chapters and steadily building suspense, but their intriguing premise--also behind Sam Bourne's The Righteous Men (2006)--helps separate this tale from garden-variety religious thrillers. And where others have tried and usually failed, the authors give succinct explanations of the principles of kabbalah and Gnosticism, both complex and often misunderstood. Compulsively readable. "The Book of Names...(is) an intelligent suspense thriller...a tense murder mystery (that) self-assuredly fulfils the requirements of the religious thriller in terms of characterisation, plot and pace. With...the addition of many religious legends, this story has real breadth. The Book of Names gathers together all the elements that could make it a huge commercial success." ---The Economist "Gregory and Tintori('s) intriguing premise...helps separate this tale from garden-variety religious thrillers. And where others have tried and usually failed, the authors give succinct explanations of the principles of kabbalah and Gnosticism, both complex and often misunderstood. Compulsively readable." ---Booklist "Intricately plotted historical suspense ... an intriguing synthesis of Jewish mysticism and modern murder mystery. A swift, intelligent thriller." ---Kirkus Reviews (starred) "Relentless and riveting, The Book of Names speeds you across continents and centuries in the ultimate seductive read. From fascinating characters to real-life legends, this debut ranks as unforgettable." ---Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Spymaster "The Book of Names grabs you on page one and doesn't let you go. Weaving together the Kabbala, the tarot, and the forces of good and evil, this chilling thriller has a self-assured voice and all the right elements to make for a nonstop, nail-biting read." ---M. J. Rose, author of the international bestseller The Venus Fix "Convincing characters and a rapidly moving plot combine to create an enjoyable religious thriller!." ---Library Journal

This historical suspense thriller, a classic battle of good and evil, mines ancient history and the secrets of the Kabbala. The Zohar claims that the "Book of Names", an operating manual for creation, does exist. The Gnoseos, a group of people that want to get rid of mankind and to remake the world are desperately trying to get hold of the "Book of Names". But one man stands in their way: David Shepard, a professor who has been haunted by the sacred names in the book since a near-death experience as a child. He must find the book before the Gnoseos do in order to save mankind.