Lost Book of the Grail

by Charlie Lovett

Arthur Prescott is happiest when surrounded by the ancient books within the library at the Barchester Cathedral.  Having to teach at the university is just a necessity of life and he gladly escapes to the library every free moment he has.  He isn’t happy one bit when his sanctuary is invaded by a loud, talkative, woman (an American no less), bearing electronic equipment, she informs him, will make his beloved books available to anyone online via the internet.  Arthur is a mild luddite and abhors this turn of events.  However, as work progresses, Ms. Bethany Davis comes across a startling find that will entice Arthur to join her in the perusal of these books and will lead them and their friends on an adventure that will push their boundaries and open a whole new world for Arthur.   

I love books that take you in search of lost treasure but not all adventures need to happen in exotic locations with blood flowing and bullets flying.  This book reminded me a bit of the movie Ball of Fire which stars Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck or A Song is Born with Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo which is a later remake of Ball of Fire.  You insert a modern, young, beautiful woman into the lives of men who live together and devote their lives to certain research with little regard to what is going on beyond their world.  Lost Book of the Grail is similar to these movies as the lovely young lady comes in and stirs things up and challenges the staid gentlemen.  There are some chuckles, not belly laughs, and exciting discoveries.  The writing is steady and you get a good feel of each character.  It’s not a fast-paced story by any means but well worth the slow stroll through the pages.  

I wouldn't recommend this to teen reluctant readers but true book lovers might gladly embrace it for the good read it is.  

PUB: Viking Publishing

PUB DATE:  February 28, 2017

ISBN:  9780399562518

Genre:  Fiction