Please note this is a 3.5.

Where to even begin with this book is a very difficult question. There is so much in here that is simply beyond intricate, incredibly fascinating, and a testament to the trappings of the human mind in situations where there is a certain narrative that is preferred. It makes for an intense psychological study, and there is so much in here that is absolutely incredible to read. I've never been partial to Dan Brown novels myself, and I've successfully avoided them- so some of the content in here was a bit beyond my knowledge at times (specifically the pop culture references).

This book goes to show that academic scandal can be every bit as juicy as The Real Housewives...although in this case, they'd probably be 'The Not-Quite Real, Maybe Forged Housewives Of Nazareth'. I understand the motivations of Dr King and the propensity to believe, the driving desire to understand that maybe there is something beyond the patriarchal approach of the church (hint: it's called Judaism). But to go so far as to want to believe as much as Fox Mulder sitting in the FBI basement is beyond fathomability. There were glaring issues with the Gospel of Mary from the outset, and it's incredible to watch the story unfold.

My issues with this book come down to the fact that it is, perhaps, too dry for most. I found myself plodding in places, and I have to read legislation all day. There could be more vibrancy to the presentation of this book, a bit more of a narrative voice to match the doggedness that the author pursues the tale with. This book is fascinating, intricate, and incredibly well-researched- I just wish it had taken itself a little further with the presentation of, let's face it, an incredibly wild story.

I had a particular interest in this title as an ex-historian of the early church, a lapsed academic and a lover of ivory tower shenanigans, and Ariel Sabar did not disappoint. Veritas is ruthless in its meticulous dismantling of the Gospel of Jesus's wife, Prof. King's personal investment in selling the hoax and the original creator. The portrait of the hoaxer, a strange German failed Egyptologist turned businessman and pornographer. (The pornography parts weren't strictly relevant but they were nonetheless eye-opening and showcase Sabar's relentless attention to every detail.)

At times, Sabar's desire to document every single stage of his research and outline in full every single detail of the saga means that it sometimes feels like you have read three books in one, and his attempts to psychologically analyse both King and the hoaxer Walter Fritz are often unconvincing and not his strength. Hi strength is presenting what could have been a dry exploration of a niche academic subject (Gnostic gospels and women in early Christian communities) into a pacey, gripping thriller-like read that is entirely convincing.

A well researched and highly entertaining book. It kept me hooked till the end and I appreciated the characters and how well the author explains the historical facts and the topics.
Some moments are bit disturbing but I thoroughly enjoyed it even if I'm always a bit skeptics when I read about Gnostic and Mary Magdalene.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine