Author Xavier Romain has released his debut novel Gospels & Murder, a historical work that delves into the complex interplay between faith, power, and the preservation of truth in ancient times. The book arrives during the Thanksgiving season, with Romain noting the timing reflects a desire to honor those who carry important truths forward, even when the burden remains unseen by others.
The novel unfolds against the backdrop of ancient Alexandria and Jerusalem, where sacred texts become the focus of intense political and religious struggles. The story begins with a dramatic murder in Alexandria's harbor, where a messenger carrying documents intended to shape the future of the early church is killed while aboard a Grecian galley. This violent act sets in motion a chain of events that draws retired centurion Quintus Cornelius Amadeo into a world of spiritual intrigue and dangerous secrets.
Romain describes his work as exploring the weight of memory and the cost of silence in preserving religious truth. The narrative follows various factions competing for control of a lost gospel, with Quintus facing a critical decision about whether to use his influence to protect a truth that could reunite a fractured religious community or allow it to disappear into imperial archives. The author's approach combines emotional realism with historical depth, creating what he characterizes as a story about bearing witness when original witnesses are no longer present.
The novel features rich historical settings ranging from the siege of Jerusalem to the sacred halls of the Great Library of Alexandria. Through characters including Quintus, Ashri, and scribe Jabari, Gospels & Murder examines how religious stories are preserved, distorted, and reclaimed throughout history. Romain's prose has been described as both cinematic and reverent, immersing readers in a world where scripture serves as both spiritual salvation and political battleground.
The book is available through major online retailers including Amazon, making this exploration of ancient religious conflicts accessible to contemporary readers interested in historical fiction with spiritual themes.
