Book Review: A Skeleton in God's Closet by Paul Maier

Stars: 3 out of 5

Pros: The plot will make you think and is very tight once it starts.

Cons: The beginning of the book with needless background information.

The Bottom Line: 

Very slow to start

But when it does, hold on tight

Wish it were better

Once the Story Actually Begins, the Book is Good

What would happen if archaeology were to find Jesus' bones? That's the basis for Christian thriller A Skeleton in God's Closet. While working a dig during a summer off, Dr. Jonathan Weber appears to have made just this startling discovery. The bones and their markings are the right age; they come complete with a parchment identifying them and explaining how they got there. While he searches for the answers, the rest of the world panics. Millions abandon Christianity while some still take the Bible at its word and believe that Dr. Weber has uncovered the hoax of the century. Meanwhile, Weber finds himself hated by many people in the world who think He is out to destroy their faith. His investigation seems to lead nowhere with all the pieces of evidence checking out, but is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

I really have a mixed reaction to this book. The first hundred pages drag. It takes that long for our characters to find what they have. Meanwhile, the reader is bored waiting to learn something not on the back of the book. This part could have been told in 50 pages and kept the reader's interest more. Once the story gets going, it is interesting. Still, the story spends a little too long on the archaeology details before it reaches its satisfying conclusion.

Fortunately, the characters are likeable. Weber especially comes across well while he searches everywhere he can to figure out the truth. His belief that he's found a hoax drive his quest to figure out the truth, and he doesn't let his set backs slow him down. Naturally, there's a romantic sub-plot, but she's a major part of the story and a great character as well. The supporting characters are great as well, and serve their purpose in the story. Several real people from the early nineties wander through the pages in brief cameos. Even so, Billy Graham's appearance really got to me.

As with many Christian novels, the writing is a little rough, often telling instead of showing. I find that the writing deficiencies go away as I get further into the story, showing just how much attention I pay to that detail.

What I found most challenging about the book was the theme. The reactions of the general populace really made me examine what my faith was in, archeology or God's word. I would like to say it's in the Bible, but I'm afraid the real answer would be elsewhere, which was a sobering realization.

A good editing job could have taken A Skeleton in God's Closet from a mediocre book to a great Christian novel.