The Magdalene Deception

“In this gripping conspiracy thriller, McAvoy applies his love of ancient manuscripts and historical documents to weave a story that spans from the early days of the Catholic Church to the present… Welcome historical context is sprinkled throughout the novel, which includes vivid descriptions of real-world celebrations, history-inspired prophecy, ancient texts… epic poems, and newspaper clippings. Every detail has been carefully curated to immerse the reader in the story, and McAvoy makes sure to leave breathing room for readers to absorb each new piece of information. The rich settings, elegantly described through architecture and antiques, anchor the reader in time and place. Consistent pacing complements the narrative… This story brims with intrigue, danger, and the fight for a religion’s soul. Takeaway: Steeped in Vatican and WWII intrigue, this history-rich thriller will appeal to readers eager to unravel conspiracies and explore the past.”
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY/BOOKLIFE

“It's a well-written novel that, despite the grim stakes, is more entertaining than frightening, more James Bond than Philip Marlowe. You get the feeling you're under the spell of a writer too dignified to dwell for long in the dark corners of his antagonists. But he thinks you should know that evil exists.”
—KEVIN HELLIKER, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and former senior writer for The Wall Street Journal

“Gary McAvoy’s steady, Vatican-set thriller, The Magdalene Deception is an impassioned thriller that’s directed by Church mysteries. Packed with details on the nature of archival work, it’s also a crystalline portrait of persistence.”
—FOREWORD CLARION REVIEWS

“The Magdalene Deception is an entertaining and original Vatican thriller with an engaging hero, vivid setting, and suspenseful circumstances. McAvoy’s novel is fast paced and well-plotted. [With an] alluring setting and appealing premise… McAvoy’s prose is clear, direct, and propels the novel along quickly. It shines when describing the novel’s locations, including the atmosphere inside the Vatican….”
—THE BOOKLIFE PRIZE 2020

“A great thriller that weaves numerous storylines together effectively. Recommended to those who love a good thriller with historical implications, as well as the reader who enjoys Vatican and Catholic politics… McAvoy creates a wonderful story that never stops building throughout… [He] captures the secrecy and deep-rooted history of the Vatican and its politics throughout this piece, with a strong story and plot that moves in many directions. McAvoy pulls the reader in and keeps them guessing, while also refusing to place a damper on the action. Juggling modern and ancient Church issues, McAvoy does not lose his reader at any point, as his writing is so clear that the attentive reader will likely want more.
—MATT PECHEY, REEDSY DISCOVERY