The Fifth Gospel: by Ian Caldwell: Summary & Analysis

The Fifth Gospel by Ian Caldwell is a literary thriller that takes place in 2004 at the Vatican, the chief residence of the Catholic pope in Italy. The novel follows the aftermath of the murder of Ugolino Nogara, a Vatican museum curator.

Brothers Alex and Simon Andreou are both priests. Alex is a Greek Orthodox priest and Simon is a Roman Catholic priest as well as Vatican diplomat in the secretariat. Their opposing religious affiliations place the brothers on opposite sides of a centuries-old feud between the two churches.

Alex is married. But his wife, Mona, left him and their son, Peter, when the boy was a baby.

Ugolino Nogara is planning an art exhibit in the Vatican museum. A week before the exhibit is to open, Ugo is found dead. The discovery is reported by both Alex and Simon. That same night a man breaks into Alex's apartment. Peter and the nun who cares for him hide and escape unharmed.

Please note : This is a summary and analysis of the book and not the original book.