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Tom Grace
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The Secret Cardinal (Nolan Kilkenny Book 5) Kindle Edition

by Tom Grace (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 59 ratings
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Ex-Navy Seal Nolan Kilkenny is still grieving a personal tragedy when he is unexpectedly called to the Vatican, where the dying Pope Leo XIV has a secret mission for him: rescue Chinese religious prisoner Yin Daoming, who—unbeknownst to the rest of the world—has been a secret cardinal for 20 years. Entrusted with the dangerous truth about an unreported atrocity committed against the underground Church in China and its link to the mysterious Yin Daoming, Kilkenny grimly sets out on a complicated journey that will take him from the Vatican to the U.S., China, and Mongolia, and will ultimately involve the C.I.A., the Mafia, Amercian Special Forces, a conclave of cardinals, and the U.S. President.
"Grace builds a suspenseful head of steam as Kilkenny and friends overcome twists and obstacles in a dangerous race against Liu's forces." —Publishers Weekly
Previous page
  1. Book 5 of 6
    Nolan Kilkenny
  2. Print length
    355 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Regnery Fiction
  6. Publication date
    August 21, 2017
  7. File size
    2534 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Grace's latest featuring series hero ex-navy SEAL Nolan Kilkenny spins a complicated fugue around papal succession. After the tragic loss of his beloved wife and unborn son, Kilkenny arrives at the Vatican and is soon called to the side of the dying pope Leo XIV. The pope discloses that more than 20 years earlier he made Yin Daoming—who has been a religious prisoner in China for longer than that—a secret cardinal. He asks Kilkenny to head up a team to go to China, free Yin and bring him back to the Vatican. Standing in Kilkenny's way is intelligence agent Liu Shing-Li of the Chinese Ministry of State Security, a very serious fellow indeed. Interspersed with rescue mission chapters are detailed descriptions of the Vatican's inner workings and the details of the process of pope selection, which thrills-only readers may find distracting. But Grace (Bird of Prey) builds a suspenseful head of steam as Kilkenny and friends overcome twists and obstacles in a dangerous race against Liu's forces.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Nolan Kilkenny, the former Navy SEAL turned globetrotting adventurer, returns for a mission that will test his skills to the limit. Called to Rome by his late father's oldest friend, ostensibly to assist in the cataloging of the Vatican library, Nolan has a sneaking suspicion his presence is necessary for some other, less-mundane reason. After a woman dies in his arms, Nolan is told the real reason for his summons to Rome: the pope needs him to spring a cardinal from a Chinese prison. The Kilkenny novels have grown increasingly far-fetched, but the author keeps us reading with a combination of solid characters and fast pacing. He doesn't give us a lot of time to slow down and ponder the story's many imponderables; we're too busy running around after Kilkenny as he charms, fights, and worms his way into enemy territory, usually on a mission to save the Catholic Church. Fans of high-flying adventure yarns will enjoy the romp, even if they find themselves rolling their eyes now and then. Pitt, David

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B072M5Y2M9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Regnery Fiction; Reprint edition (August 21, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 21, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2534 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 355 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 59 ratings

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Tom Grace

Tom Grace

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
59 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

BILLIE
5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended by a friend
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2018
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Just when you think your anticipation will be confirmed, it isn't! I would call this book historical fiction, even though I don't believe it is proclaimed as such, with the most winding, daring, and adventurous storyline that I have read in a long time. My heart was so involved with the characters, and the intrigue, that I didn't want to put the book down - an exciting book. Recommended by a friend, this is the first Tom Grace book I have read, and I ask myself, "how have I missed this author 'til now?"
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Catstat
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2012
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This book was an engaging read that was hard to put down. If you are looking for a book that incorporates SEAL and Special Ops type-action and intrigue, along with political education on strained international relations, you will find this book enjoyable. The author happens to be Catholic and as such refers to his faith in a way that is never preachy, but is a matter-of-fact way of life. From his point of view one can speculate on how the Vatican might become involved foreign affairs when it has an interest in protecting its own, and how it has strong friends in all walks of life to help it accomplish its mission of faith.
No matter what your background is, this book is to be recommended.
I look forward to reading more of Tom Grace's novels. If you like Grisham, Clancy, etc., you will love Tom Grace.
3 people found this helpful
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Roger F. Webster
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2014
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The story is well written by a brilliant author. It gives an insight into China from a different perspective. It also shines some light on the inner workings of the Vatican. I was tipped off to Tom Grace when he called the Rush Limbaugh radio show within the last few months.
One person found this helpful
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BG-expat
4.0 out of 5 stars Buy It! Wait to see if KilKenny Grows---
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2014
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I like this series!!! Tom Grace has a Great dialogue flow and knows enough people in "the trade" to give a good gloss!

I remember too many people like the Master Chief and Boats that I worked with 35 years ago in the Boom of the Oil Patch! Dialogue is Really Good! My weakness as a writer, and I lean by reading! Character growth of a Tiger, by a so-so tragedy is weak, but the Plot Runs Fast!

I am Very Happy to read this Paperback Thriller by the Beach or in Sun Dog Pub, to pass time: waiting to see if the Stupid Russians are going to Nuke Poland, now that they have EU rolling over and Wars under way in Estonia and Latvia--

My compadre in the East enjoys these Escapist Stories of what SAS wishes they had and could do!

Just need to break the Formula and try a new story line--AND I think T. Grace is pushing Kilkenny, and KilKenny is pushing back from "his comfort point". Sometimes, an author finds his character takes over the series.

BUT--I'll buy the next one!!!

Enjoy EXCELLENT WRITING! Great Locale Placement!

Wc
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Mary Ryan
5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Tale of International Intrigue
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2011
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Tom Grace writes a compelling tale of international intrigue. It immediately captures the readers attention and is difficult to set down. His work of "fiction" mirrors the reality of the modern day persecution of the Catholic Church in China. Tom's book reminds me of Tom Clancy's series and it is great read for those interested in fiction and international political affairs.
One person found this helpful
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Posh
2.0 out of 5 stars The Church That Never Was
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2012
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Don't waste your time or money. It's a sweet story that could have been written in the 1950s as a futuristic novel about an idealized Roman Catholic Church today; but it denies actual history and scandals. The book is a lie, written for the gullible. There is nothing subtle about the author's unacknowledged agenda. If that doesn't put you off, it's a pretty good read that demonizes modern China and lionizes the College of Cardinals. Intended to be suspenseful, I pegged the outcome from almost page 1.
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Marie DisBrow
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring thriller
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2017
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Excellent faith-inspiring thriller, based on a true story.I love anything by Tom Grace!
One person found this helpful
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jp
3.0 out of 5 stars The Secret Cardinal
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2010
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Very detailed information about the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and the Vatican functionaries. Included is the process for electing a new Pope, although there are liberties taken with that for the story's sake. Military details are not as numerous. Probably because of less familiarity with that element of the story. Very enjoyable reading once you get past some of the heavy detail at the beginning. Looking forward to my next Tom Grace novel.
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

I A Robertson
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 23, 2014
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The book moves along at fast pace keeping the reader wondering how it will go next. As the book plot takes place in two of the most secretive States in the world we have a brilliant backdrop for this fast moving thriller all of which is feasible. It holds Yin up as a true man of God for his forgiving attitude to his captors despite his treatment at the hands of the Chinese. It also highlights a little known fact that one does not have to be a Cardinal to become Pope. Well down Tom may we have many more such books from you. Please put them on Kindle.
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Sam101
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book from Tom Grace
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 26, 2013
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Thrills from start to finish. Tom Grace is a fantastic author and really draws you in to the plot. Great read.
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Jon1
4.0 out of 5 stars An exciting novel, but......
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 17, 2011
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It was a very simplistic, and easy to follow story. I found the book easy to read, and was disappointed that there was not more of a challenge - at least for me. This said, i was excited with the storyline and there were no great surprises, but it was one of those books i couldn't put down from beginning to end.
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Paul
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2015
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Absolutely fantastic. Youll love it. Just buy and read. Highly recommend.
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Oiseau
1.0 out of 5 stars Black and white
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2014
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This is the most simplistic novel I have ever started to read - and one of very few I deleted from my kindle without finishing it.

I expected a simple, entertaining novel - the kind of thriller you read to relax, to switch off your brain after work.

It felt a lot like being caught between the front lines in a war, there is good (the catholic church) and bad (China). Now we throw in a seasoned fighter to save the world and the good (catholic church...) from evil. Obviously such a strategy can be employed to plot a story, but usually that is done in a way that the reader develops an interest in characters, starts to identify with the hero and dislike the antagonists. Here however no such subtlety is necessary, as the author has already clearly defined the world.

A priest is dragged into a church full of his followers and asked to distance himself from the Roman church, else all his followers inside will die. Nota bene, he is to distance himself only from the Roman church, not his religion itself. Now, shouldn't this character experience a bit of inner turmoil? Consider to do as asked to save hundreds? Not here, the world is conveniently black and white, the priest remains stubborn, the church burns and everybody dies, lets all blame the evil and now have the hero save the world.

If you love the Catholic church and hate China - this book is for you!
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