CARBON-14: The Shroud of Turin by R.A. Williams

CARBON-14 The Shroud of Turin by R.A. Williams
Series: Book 1 of 4 in the Amari Johnston Novels
Publisher: Fall Haven Press on September 18, 2017

REVIEW BY GWEN M. PLANO

This is the second book I’ve read by R.A. Williams, and I wasn’t disappointed. CARBON-14: The Shroud of Turin is a fast-paced Christian suspense novel that tackles a centuries-old mystery – the authenticity of the Shroud. I’ve been aware of the controversy for many years, but this is the first novel I’ve read that cleverly brings together scientific evidence, religious tensions, and individual ambitions to forge a compelling story. I read the kindle book while on a five-hour flight across the country. It was so engaging that I barely experienced the trip. Strong and well-developed characters kept me turning the pages, as did the growing threats and hints of fanatical dangers.

there was a tradition around the time of Christ to put coins over the eyes during burial. If you look very closely . . . there is an imprint of a coin over the eye . . . It has the Greek letters UCAI, the inscription for Tiberius Caesar. This is consistent with the Pontius Pilate lepton minted between 27 and 32 AD.

R.A. Williams, CARBON-14: The Shroud of Turin
POV: Amari Johnston

The story begins with the grisly murder of a priest. We don’t know the reason for the atrocity, but we’re left with chilling possibilities. Soon thereafter, we meet the protagonist – Amari Johnston, a young graduate student in Tucson, Arizona. She studies art at the university and is an expert weaver, a skill she learned from her Navajo mother. Through a series of events, Amari’s expertise gives birth to questions about the research related to the Shroud, and those questions lead to precarious situations.

Readers follow the graduate student as she innocently tries to unravel inconsistencies related to the Shroud. Her efforts are not appreciated, and she soon finds herself in the belly of the whale – the university lab where a scientist works diligently to debunk the claims of authenticity.

During the same time frame, mysterious murders occur at several religious sites. Amari’s estranged detective father gets involved and through the hurdles, the father and daughter forgive their past grievances and work together to solve the mysteries.    

Carbon-14 is a thought-provoking story that tugs at the heart. Readers glimpse the behind-the-scenes motivations of the characters, they’re introduced to the political and religious tensions, and they also experience young love and family forgiveness. That’s a lot for any book to attempt, but R.A. Williams does it successfully. I highly recommend this story and give it five enthusiastic fish.