The Devil’s Bible

Written by Steve Berry
Review by Adele Wills

The Devil’s Bible is Steve Berry’s twentieth thriller featuring Cotton Malone. Malone is now a retired agent who previously worked for an elite, black-ops division within the US Justice Department. However, Malone is tempted back by his former boss for yet another covert and politically sensitive assignment.

This instalment is centred on the Codex Gigas – a medieval tome known as The Devil’s Bible. Produced in 13^th-century Bohemia, the book was plundered during the Thirty Years’ War and became the property of Sweden’s Queen Christina. It has since remained in Swedish hands. However, the Czech Republic desires the book to be repatriated. And when Sweden applies to become a member of NATO, an opportunity arises: the Czechs block Sweden’s application until the Codex is returned. However, the return is thwarted when the King of Sweden’s sister is kidnapped, the Codex being her ransom. And suspicions fall on the Russian Federation. Enter Cotton Malone who is brought out of retirement to rescue the princess without sacrificing the Codex. It is an almost impossible task to begin with, but things rapidly become much more complicated.

Although primarily a thriller, there is a strong sense of history throughout this novel. Key historical scenes are recreated vividly as we follow the journeys of the Codex to its final home in Queen Christina’s royal palace in Stockholm. The modern Swedish locales provide a fascinating, and visual, backdrop to the thrilling events: Stockholm; Uppsala; Sigtuna. We are also reminded of former political intrigues in the unsolved assassination of Olof Palme in 1986, which could be linked to what is now happening.

This is an exciting novel, although historical events are used solely to serve the interests of the modern plot. But for readers who enjoy an intelligent thriller, written with fluency, skill and a sprinkling of interesting historical facts, this is not to be missed.