The last will and testament

Under the pseudonym Sam Bourne, award-winning English journalist Jonathan Freedland entered the world of fiction with a bang. His debut novel, "The Code of the Just," reached the bestseller lists of major publications. True to the formula that made him famous, Bourne creates another thriller full of twists and turns and mysteries. This time with a very personal touch: Bourne covered the Middle East conflict for over two decades and, in 2002, mediated a meeting hosted by The Guardian between Palestinians and Israelis. The aftermath of this experience gains dramatic force in "THE LAST TESTAMENT." In April 2003, in US-controlled Baghdad, a 15-year-old boy takes advantage of the chaos to loot the Museum of National Antiquities. The jewel in Saddam Hussein's crown, the institution displays archaeological treasures from Mesopotamia, busts of Nubian princesses, and idols from the city of Ur. Not only Iraq's history, but that of all humanity, peeks into the turmoil through statues of gods, kings, and queens. Carefully hidden, a clay tablet is the portion of the estate that belongs to the boy Salam. Far away, in Tel Aviv, thousands gather for a rally in Yitzhak Rabin Square to celebrate the long-awaited historic agreement between Palestinians and Israelis. In the midst of the crowd, a man in a suit jacket and bloodshot eyes advances toward the podium, his gaze fixed on the Israeli prime minister. Security guards quickly notice the suspect's approach, who reaches into his pocket. Within seconds, the man is on the ground, the target of a well-placed shot to the head. In her palm, only a blood-soaked note... These two seemingly unrelated events are at the heart of a series of deaths that could jeopardize the peace agreement. In response, Washington sends its best negotiator to the region. Maggie Costello is accustomed to forging her way with solid arguments, investigation, and sharp intelligence. Unfortunately, her qualities don't help her resolve the crises in her own marriage or rid herself of ghosts from the past. But she soon realizes that the crimes follow a pattern. Apparently, someone has been killing historians and archaeologists—all scholars of ancient, long-lost secrets. Cornered by violent political extremists, Maggie finds herself embroiled in the Bible's last unsolved enigma. The revelation could mean the end of hostility between Israelis and Palestinians—or trigger the worst war in history.