Serpent of Moses by Don Hoesel

Title:  Serpent of Moses

Author:  Don Hoesel

Pages:  320

Year:  2012

Publisher:  Bethany House

Note:  I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.  Follow my other reviews at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/  and on twitter @lcjohnson1988

                In the Old Testament, Numbers chapter 21, the Israelites were grumbling and doubting not only Moses, but God.  The Israelites battled with and voiced their grumblings, so God acted.  He sent snakes to bite them.  To save them, Moses was to make a snake emblem, place it on a pole, lift up that pole, and anyone who looked at it would be saved.  There are many Biblical artifacts that have never been located here on earth.  The author takes a true historical event and creates a fictional story that is engrossing and enjoyable.

                Jack is an archeologist who, for the most part, hasn’t delved into Biblical archeology until recently.  He acts very impulsively without any forethought to the repercussions to his friends or himself.  Jack knows many people from his international travels, but not as many as his girlfriend’s brother, who deals in the world of antiquities.

                Jack is on journey that proves to be more about learning what is really of value to him compared to what others believe is of value.  Jack’s friend Ducky was a former CIA agent who retired, but when Jack once again disappears Ducky is compelled to go and locate his friend.  Romero and his sister Espy, who is Jack’s on again off again girlfriend, also join in the search for Jack.  Where do they begin looking?  Espy is ready to tell Jack that their relationship is off.  She is a linguist expert who finds the disappearing behavior of Jack all too frustrating.

                Jack’s friends aren’t the only ones looking for him either.  There is a man who seeks to find Jack for answers to certain questions.  What questions?  As you read the story, you will be surprised at what he asks him.  Several nations want what is now in Jack’s possession and the price some pay to attain it may be very high.  From the desert in Africa, to Libya, to other places, Jack is hounded by one Egyptian in particular who wants to kill him.  Does he maybe have other orders to the contrary?  Does he obey?

                The artifact that Jack discovers by accident is more than what it originally appears to be.  Is that why so many want to get their hands on it?  Does Jack even know what happens when the artifact is finally revealed?  Don Hoesel writes an action-packed story that will leave you wanting to read more of his work.  This story combines Biblical archeology, suspense, and intrigue to make an excellent novel.

My rating is 5+ stars.  I can’t wait for the next story with these characters to come out, at least I hope there is another one!