Needless to say, an archaeological dig, a lost scroll, and a quest for stones possessing supernatural powers within E. W. Bonadio's novel, The Masada Stones, had me hooked from the beginning. The story centers on American professor Aaron Skorsky's lifelong search for truth—here, more specifically, the truth behind the historical account of the suicide of zealot holdouts at Masada during the first century. Though he is ridiculed by his academic peers, he knows he must find that which is hidden at the historical site. Skorsky mounts an archaeological dig in the Israeli desert and soon finds himself neck deep in blackmail, the academic jealousy of a colleague, accusations of misconduct with a female student, the machinations of the Mossad (Israel's equivalent of the CIA), and terrorist plots. Skorsky does find more than he bargained for in the desert and must face a life choice between his quest for truth and a woman he has grown to care deeply for.

This mystery thriller is fast paced with interesting plot twists. There are betrayals, interrogations, and abductions—and plenty of things blow up. It is just great adventure fare!

The story gives the reader lots of historical information about Josephus, the Jewish historian who wrote of Masada, and the heroic efforts of the Jewish insurgents against the Roman occupation. The author also gives a detailed glimpse into international archaeological excavations, though I was a little surprised that more of the work wasn't photographed or drawn in situ than Bonadio shows.

The Masada Stones is an interesting look at an alternative theory of history, as well as a great thriller!