Review: The Trinity Game by Sean Chercover

• Hardcover: 356 pages
• Publisher: Thomas & Mercer; First Edition edition (July 31, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 1612183506
• Source: Publisher

In all his years as an investigator for the Vatican’s Office of the Devil’s Advocate, over 700 cases, Daniel Byrne has yet to come across a legitimate miracle. His most recent assignment is to investigate a tent-show televangelist who seems to be able to foresee the future, predicting weather and other events with remarkable accuracy.  This televangelist, Tim Trinity, also happens to be Daniel’s estranged uncle. Tim has a history of cons, one of the many reasons Daniel ceased communication with him. Intent on debunking his uncle, Daniel reluctantly accepts the case.

One of the trademarks of Trinity’s abilities include speaking in tongues. It isn’t long before Daniel discovers a meaning behind this speech and the improbability that it is an act that is impossible to perform. Is it a coincidence that Trinity’s abilities were granted after he survived (albeit in a cowardly fashion) the devastating Hurricane Katrina? Daniel, questioning his own devotion to his faith, begins believing his uncle’s talents are genuine, risking his life to protect a man he always assumed was a fake. Several individuals are out to put an end to Trinity’s sermons, including government agencies, religious leaders, and finally sports bookies, out of business due to Trinity’s ability to predict the outcome of sports events before they occur. Daniel relies on a connection he has with his former girlfriend, Julia Rothman, a journalist, to give Trinity the screen time to speak a message only he can relay.

For all those wary of the religious aspect of The Trinity Game , you need not worry. Chercover presents a truly thrilling storyline without being preachy or overwhelming the reader with religion. On the reverse side, he doesn’t bring disrespect to religion, either. Instead, gives readers a truly remarkable novel, finely balancing the battle between good versus evil, filled with truly engaging characters and a well thought out plot.

Daniel’s character is an incredibly remarkable one. A man of faith, he’s forced to come to terms with a failed relationship with his uncle, his own positions on faith, and a relationship with his ex-girlfriend within days. By far, his character is the one who undergoes the largest transformation in this novel. His uncle, Tim Trinity, on the surface lives up to all preconceived notions of those eccentric televangelists: loud, bright “costumes,” boisterous voices, etc. And, like many of these individuals who have fallen from fame, Tim uses this “character” he has created as a mask to hide his true identity, shielding himself from judgement.

This novel has frequently been compared to Dan Brown’s work. In my opinion, I don’t see that as a compliment at all, a comparison that clearly shouldn’t be made. Chercover’s novel is incredibly well-written, devoid from unrealistic and unbelievable probabilities and shuns on faith. It is a novel that stands on its own, not requiring a comparison to any other novel, because frankly, it is so unique that it is incomparable.

The Trinity Game is truly a well-plotted, incredibly engaging thriller. I cannot wait to read more of Chercover’s work! Highly recommended.

I just happen to have an extra copy of THE TRINITY GAME for giveaway. To enter, please fill out the form below. Open to US & Canadian residents only.  Winner will be contacted on Saturday, August 18th.  Good luck to all who enter!