On the front of the book, it’s compared to the Da Vinci Code, and it’s pretty easy to see why. It has that same kind of twisty-and-turny vibe that made Dan Brown’s stuff such a success, only Peter James is a better writer. That’s a good thing because the Da Vinci Code has the edge at being the Da Vinci Code, and this just has a few similarities whilst simultaneously setting out to achieve something different.

Absolute Proof: The Thrilling Richard and Judy Book Club Pick

What would it take to prove the existence of God? And what would be the consequences? Peter James' gripping thriller Absolute Proof follows the journey of investigative reporter, Ross Hunter, who is soon to discover the answers to those very questions. The false faith of a billionaire evangelist, the life’s work of a famous atheist, and the credibility of each of the world’s major religions are all under threat. If Ross Hunter can survive long enough to present the evidence . . . As for the end? The useless wife conveniently divorces by text, the baddies die and the evidence is lost. As Ross follows co-ordinates around the world, which are supposed to lead him to this proof, a whole host of other characters are introduced – including wealthy evangelist pastor’s, high profile militant atheists, monks in an isolated monastery and an American magician – colliding in a roller coaster ride to the hunt for proof of God’s existence and those who, for whatever reasons, are desperate to stop Ross discovering the truth.P: Its genesis was in 1989, I got a phone call out of the blue from an elderly sounding guy saying is that “Peter James the author?” and I go “Yes . . . ” and he says, “Thank God I found you! I'm not a lunatic, I was a pilot in the war, I'm a retired university professor, and I have been given absolute proof of God's existence. And I've been told you're the man to help me get taken seriously . . .”

Absolute Proof, Peter James | AustCrimeFiction Absolute Proof, Peter James | AustCrimeFiction

I'm also curious as to how proving the existence of Jesus Christ would constitute definitive proof of God's existence? But that could just be my ignorance showing. But even with that said, I thought it was fascinating that the book raised those kinds of questions and it’s always a lot of fun to read something that has that effect. It was made even better by the fact that those sorts of ethical and philosophical questions came about at the same time as an action adventure novel was happening. The storyline that takes us from Britain to Monaco, Egypt, and Los Angeles is far-fetched, as is that of any thriller. International readers may not be aware of the legend that Joseph of Arimathea travelled after the death of Jesus to first-century Britain with the chalice from the Last Supper, concealing it near Glastonbury. As an evangelical Christian, that the improbable survival of holy relics (the chalice is not the only one) might play a role in a proof of God’s existence troubled me. However, I don’t suggest you read this book for the realism of the storyline or the subtlety of the characters. What I think James has done successfully is to put forward many of the important ideas and viewpoints in the science and religion conversation in everyday language. As a starting point or an overview in popular and palatable form, this book could be recommended to enquiring young adults. They will be taken on a whirlwind tour of the problem of suffering, the multiverse, Paley’s watch, natural selection, coincidence, miracles, New Atheism, Deism, and Theism. Those more familiar with these ideas who like some escapist reading will also enjoy this book.Apologies to you if you loved the book but there was so much I just couldn't get past with this one and we will have to agree to disagree. And Ross himself. I had major issues with Ross. For a smart guy, he made some incredibly silly decisions. His relationship with his wife... Whatever that was going on with Sally... His decisions and naivety through 99% of the book floored me and I got so frustrated with him. I enjoy a book with romance, I don't enjoy a romance when the man is married to someone who is NOT the love interest. It felt like his wife's behaviour in the beginning of the book was used as an excuse to why he was behaving like he was later on, even though years had passed. It's really hard to believe that Peter James has put his name to this novel. Had he been an unknown author it's more than unlikely that this novel would ever have been published. Only goes to show that even talented writers like Peter James can get it so wrong.