Book Review: In Tongues of the Dead

An ancient manuscript, several holy men, a gifted but afflicted child, and a great mystery power the plot of this mystery thriller. The Vonyich Manuscript rests in Yale University's Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. The book contains a written language that possibly dates back to the 13th century and remains undecipered. The book waits for the eyes that can read it. A special agent, Father McCallum, is charged with watching over it by the Vatican until that person arrives.

One day, a young autistic boy comes to the library on a class field trip and reads the book. Father McCallum sends word to the Vatican that the mysteries of the book may have a bearer. To his chagrin, Father Benicio Valori, a priest and clinical pscychologist, is called upon by the Vatican to verify his findings and bring the child to Rome. Before Father Valori arrives, the book disappears from Beinecke Library--apparently stolen.

With the book gone, Father Valori goes straight to the remaining source that can provide them with clues about the manuscript's content--the autistic boy. He discovers that he and Father McCallum are not the only ones charged with keeping the mysteries of the book a secret. From there, a chase ensues. Father Valori fears for the safety of the child and flees the other emissaries sent to retrieve the child and the book. His journey takes him to Canada where he seeks the assistance of his old friend Dr. Jake Tunnel. Together, they work to discover the secrets of the manuscript and discern the child's ability to read it.

In Tongues of the Dead offers a quick read with just enough mystery and implications of the taboo to hold readers' interest. I would have enjoyed the story more if it  had included a more expansive imagining of the Nephilim, the off-spring of fallen angels and women, and how they'd been occupying themselves for 70 generations. Kelln's main characters captured my interest; I wish that the story had offered the opportunity to get to know them better. It would have given this well plotted story more texture and depth.

Inevitably, I found myself comparing the book's concept and plot to Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. In comparison, In Tongues of the Dead is a better work. I thought that the presntation of the Church seemed more balanced. Villains and heroes emerged from the Vatican; the mystery presented by the Vonyich Manuscript, as described in the book, embraces a faith based or spiritual life rather than attempting to debunk it. Kelln manages to do this, and address questions that the faithful and the faithless encounter on their journey.

I recommend the book--a good read for a cool autumn night.

In Tongues of the Dead/2008/paperback/ISBN-13: 978-1-55022-830-4/251 pages/ Fiction