Proof is the enemy of faith

For a moment I thought I had stumbled into the pages of a book by Simon Toyne or even Dan Brown. Does God exist? What of the God Particle and the Big Bang Theory? And if two particles collided at the beginning of time and created the universe - who put them there in the first place?

Ross Hunter finds himself faced with this dilemma. Hunter is a successful freelance journalist; he is contacted by Dr Harry F. Cook, a former RAF officer and a retired history of art professor at Birmingham University: ”I know this is going to sound strange but I’ve recently been given absolute proof of God’s existence - and I’ve been advised there is a writer, a respected journalist called Ross Hunter, who could help me to get taken seriously”. Could such proof really exist? Hunter is sceptical but intrigued. To be able to publish such a momentous story could be the making of him and his expectant wife, Imogen.

Who else might want to lay their hands on such ‘evidence’? The Vatican? The Anglican church? High-profile militant atheists? Big pharma organisations? Or perhaps a forty-six-year old evangelist preacher, Pastor Wesley Wencelas, who has amassed huge wealth from the gullible? Throw them all into the mix and you have a thriller of ‘divine’ proportions! Hunter will put himself in serious harms way to seek the proof, our Lord’s DNA… The Archbishop of Canterbury tells him: ”This is on a different scale to anything you’ve delved into before. You are tackling the most fundamental question for humankind. And there are a lot of people in the world who would use religious belief to legitimise violence….”.

And how on earth could Michael Henry Delaney, an ageing American close magician, be involved?

Peter James has tackled a very difficult subject. The idea for the book was first given to him in 1989. Read how he copes with the most fundamental question for humankind.

And a quite stunning ending!!

Wow – A huge topic! Absolutely enthralling. Ross Hunter, a reporter who is ‘on the fence’ about organised religion is approached by a retired Professor who tells him he has the key to proof of God’s existence. And that Ross is the man to help him uncover it. He leaves him a manuscript and a cryptic first clue.

It quickly becomes apparent that there are others who are interested in this news, either through greed and how it can be exploited or those that feel threatened by it. Business interests, Big Pharma, established religions large and small and rich pseudo-Evangelical preachers – all want to either profit by it, exploit it, own it or feel threatened by it – true religion being ‘faith’, not ‘proof’. Ross and his home life are threatened; he is in great danger. Murders of main players begin.

Absolutely fascinating, and horribly gripping – there was quite a bit of (necessary) religious theory and argument, though written in Peter James’ unputdownable style – and balanced by the atheists’ take on the theories. I read this in 2 sittings – it annoyed me in parts when I wanted the story to continue and felt it got slightly bogged down by some of the religious stuff, but well, the subject matter kind of makes that pretty crucial!

A definite ‘feelgood’ factor in there too. I couldn’t imagine how this ends and hoped it wouldn’t be infantile. It isn’t. Definitely recommended.

I would normally devour a Peter James book in just a day or two but I'm afraid I really struggled with this one and have had to force my self to finish it. Not for me I'm afraid

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I really like this author and we have a new character Ross Hunter. Great standalone thriller.

Investigative reporter Ross Hunternearly didn't answer the phone call that would change his life - and possibly the world - for ever.

Ross Hunter recieves a phone call from a man of questionable sanity who tells him that he can lrove Gods existance. Ross's natural natural curiosity gets the better of him . Dr Harry Cook is a retired professor and he asks Ross not to dismiss him as a crazy old man. Ross is always on the lookout for his next big scoop and he's gradually becoming intrigued as he wants to prove the possibility of Gods existance, especially with others also showing an intrest. Ross I'd hoping that this is going to be the biggest story of his career.

This is the first standalone book written by Peter James that I have read. I usually read and enjoy his Roy Grace series but I thought I would give this book a try. The book did seem a little bit long and drawn out. The book started of well then it started to drag on a bit in the middle. There is also extensive coverage of Ross's time in Afghanistan that's not really relevant. With a pastor who cashes in on people's faith, an atheist seeking to increase the power of his pharmaceutical company and a few greedy villain thrown in, I was still expecting something more. The final third of the book was much better. I did enjoy this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Pan MacMillan and the author Peter James for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what a great book! According to the blurb, Peter James has been working on this novel since 1989 and I can understand why. It is complex. The subject matter is dealt with sensitively - many religions are mentioned and there is an understanding that proof of god's existence would have a profound effect on the world across many cultures.

There is nothing I didn't like about this book. The characterisation is strong - although sometimes I had to stop and think about who a named person was, as there are so many people involved! The storyline is great, not predictable and full of suspense. The settings are appropriate and wide ranging - I particularly liked the Los Angeles aspect.

All in all a great read and a book that could sit on your shelves for years, worthy of a re-read now and again.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This is a stand-alone thriller by Peter James, which keeps up a fast pace virtually all of the way through. Our main characters is Ross Hunter, a journalist. He is married to Imogen, who is expecting their first child, but all is not well. After a terrible event, reporting in Afghanistan, Ross returned home to find Imogen in bed with another man and, even some years after, he still harbours doubts about their relationship.

The story really starts when Ross is contacted by an elderly man, Dr Harry Cook. This retired professor claims to have absolute proof of God’s existence and asks that Ross does not simply dismiss him as a crazy person. Of course, Ross is always looking for a story and gradually becomes intrigued as it becomes apparent that others are taking the possibility of proving God’s existence very seriously indeed.

As Ross follows co-ordinates around the world, which are supposed to lead him to this proof, a whole host of other characters are introduced – including wealthy evangelist pastor’s, high profile militant atheists, monks in an isolated monastery and an American magician – colliding in a roller coaster ride to the hunt for proof of God’s existence and those who, for whatever reasons, are desperate to stop Ross discovering the truth.

An exciting, thrilling novel, with lots of action. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.

Absolutely loved 'Absolute Proof'. James posed question after question and doubt after doubt,. Each time I thought he and the reader would have an answer or could at least trust someone, the doubts once again reared their heads.
This was a gripping journey in which the main character faces many physical dangers as he attempts to unravel one of the biggest questions facing mankind. To make his choices even worse are the personal struggles his quest causes.
Towards the end I was seriously doubting James could come up with a viable conclusion but I needn't have worried. A thoroughly enjoyable book that questions serious issues but within the frame-work of a well-written thriller adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ross Hunter, an investigative journalist is contacted by a man who says he has proof of the existence of God. So begins a fast paced and intriguing thriller.
Good characterisation and the plot builds nicely, the story poses many ethical questions but doesn't set out to preach. An intricate and well plotted read with many threads that eventually combine to give an exciting climax.

As a big fan of Peter James books I was delighted to get a preview copy of Absolute proof to read from netgalley.
I actually read it on holiday and was absolutely transfixed from the opening page telling my husband the plot each night over dinner and discussing how you would prove the existence of God! Russ Hunter is a great character and as always Peter James describes his characters brilliantly so that you feel intimately acquainted with them early on. The book at first felt a bit like a Dan Brown and would definitely appeal to fans of his books but it is very different and very credible. As always the book has its fair share of bad guys and moves at a fast pace. It’s hard not to just read one more chapter before bed and still be awake an hour later! I don’t want to say too much about the content as it would spoil it but if you’ve ever wondered about the existence of God, well haven’t we all and you want a thrill of a ride then this book is for you. Another Peter James masterpiece and as always I was sorry to get to the end which didn’t disappoint.

Yet again another master piece from Peter James. As much as I love every Roy Grace novel, I equally love every stand alone book this wonderful writer produces and Absolute Proof does not disappoint.
Ross Hunter is a renowned investigative journalist living in Brighton. One day Ross answers his phone to Dr Harry Cook a University Lecturer who informs him that he has the story of a lifetime for him, he has proof of God’s existence! From that moment Ross Hunterks life will chnge forever. This was a roller coaster of a read that had me hooked from page one. Whether you’re a ‘believer’ or not this will fascinate you.

Well.I certainly enjoyed reading this book. Not a book I normally associate with Peter James .His novels that I am familiar with are those of the Brighton Detective Roy Grace.

This book, Absolute Proof , is one that you expect to find from Dan Brown being a mixture of religious nonsense and conspiratory theory.
Ross Hunter a successful freelance reporter gets a phone call ,out of the blue. Someone he has never met or heard of previously wants to meet and give him a document to read about the Second Coming and proof of the existence of God.
The problem then arises when others will go to any length to acquire the information that Ross gets from this document. They really mean business which becomes a threat to his life.

The book twists and turns as Ross Hunter starts his quest that takes him to all sorts of people and places .Danger is only a footstep away all the time both to him and his family.
Great book ,worth a read good storytelling .

Academic Dr Harry Cook contacts journalist Ross Hunter claiming to have absolute proof of God's existence. The rest of the book involves Hunter's search for this evidence via Glastonbury, Egypt and America, encountering friends and foes along the way.

A host of interested parties shadow Hunter's journey for their own ends including the archetypal corrupt wealthy evangelist, a staunch atheist scientist (and head of a major pharmaceutical company), a blind Muslim cleric, a Bishop and the Archbishop of Canterbury, reclusive monks, the Security Services and of course the Vatican!

Hunter has a fractious relationship with his partner/wife Imogen as Hunter is both sceptical of his search and curious enough to pursue it, even at the cost of his family security. Imogen, who we're told is a Christian, is more concerned with the practicalities of family safety over Hunter's search which puts them all in danger.

Absolute Proof has been compared to Dan Brown but I think this is unfair as where Brown tends to over sensationalise James keeps things more grounded.

The book isn't without faults as I think it's a bit too long, some characters are quite one dimensional and there are several plot holes (perhaps understandable given the topic)! It starts well but I found the middle sections plodded a bit but then took off from about three quarters of the way through when the tension and revelations are ramped up. The ending was fascinating if a bit underwhelming.

James doesn't seem to have any axe to grind himself re God's existence or otherwise but does a good job of presenting theological information in a mostly reasoned and non preachy way.

Curiously, in the after notes, James says he found this the hardest book he's ever written but also the one he's learned most from.

It would be a good choice for a reading group and there's a good section of further reading at the end from reputable academics rather than the pseudoscience frequently associated with this genre.

If you like this genre it's worth a read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an ARC in return for an honest review. Also posting on Goodreads.

Another excellent book by Peter James. It shows his ability as a superb writer to write quite a different type of book from his well known Roy Grace novels.

My thanks to Peter, and Netgalley for the ARC.

I love Peter James and have read all the Roy Grace series. This book was very different although Brighton did feature! I really loved it - you really cared about Ross from the first page. I felt it was a slow build but you very quickcly became engrossed and I really couldn't put it down. Yes, shades of Dan Brown, but I thought it was easier to follow as there weren't as many characters central to the plot. Well done Peter James for a fantastic read!

Brilliant! As a huge fan of DI Roy Grace, I was interested to read a stand alone novel by Peter James. It didn’t disappoint. I’m always intrigued the Holy Grail and this thriller came across as completely plausible rather than complete fantasy. Well worth a read.

This is a fast moving book, a page turner which you won't want to put down. It is a stand alone book and I am not writing more as it would spoil it for you.
What would you do if someone contacted you saying he had proof that God existed? Would you drop everything and go looking for him even if it put you and your family in danger?
Ross decided to do just that despite not really believing and it nearly killed him.
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book

This was a very unusual but highly enjoyable and interesting read. Lots of twists and turns as the story unravelled in true Peter James' style. I really enjoyed this book, it was different and really held my interest. It was also a very topical read and one to make us think hard about the age old question of the existence of God and also a very current one in terms of megalomania and the pursuit of money and power.

You can't go wrong with a Peter James novel, and if you're a fan of his other work, you'll enjoy this one too. From the UK to Egypt, and even a hop across to the US, this is a fast paced thriller that's got undertones of the Da Vinci code to it.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the book in exchange for an honest review.
I normally avoid reading books about being given proof of God’s existence and it took awhile to realise that was what it was about.
Having said that any book by Peter James is one you willing want to read. The book was extremely interesting and was absolutely fascinating.
Full of facts, incidents, murder, foul deeds and possible miracles.
Highly recommended.