Kabal, A. M. (Pseudonym of H. S. Bhabra)

New York. 1987. Walker & Company. 1st American Edition. Very Good in Dustjacket. 0802709524. 224 pages. hardcover. keywords: Mystery England . FROM THE PUBLISHER - Charles Winterton is a brash and intrepid, though broke, archaeologist. His twin appetites for fame and fortune grow prodigiously when he unexpectedly makes the discovery of a lifetime, indeed a millennia, certain to establish his name and blow the lid off two thousand years of religious history. Winterton has found the last will and testament of the architect of the early Christian church, the founder of the apostolic line leading to the papacy, and the locator of the young movement in the heart of the Roman Empire: none other than Saint Peter, long presumed buried in Vatican City. Compounding the enormity of the find, the words on the weathered scroll (which was not even excavated, but found nestled among the holy books of a Coptic monastery in the Egyptian desert) promise to turn Roman Christianity on its head, validating the Coptic faith (ironically labeled heretical by Rome in the seventh century), and showing Africa to have been the intended seat and source of the early Christian movement. Before he can ‘go public' with his treasure, Winterton must first have the document authenticated by scholars other than himself. For this he needs money, to buy the silence of the scientists working on the artifact. Winterton's penniless state brings him to the door of David Medina, a secretive millionaire, whose price for his unseen influence and capital is simple: ownership of the will after its contents are made public. Having no option, though secretly hoping to retain his hold on the precious parchment, Charles agrees to the pact. His agreement is doubtless influenced by the presence of Medina's companion, the beautiful woman Carfax, whose every glance suggests pleasures more inviting than he can resist. Is she lover, bodyguard, or traitor to Medina? Which will she be for Winterton? He can't be sure, but is determined to find out. inventory #8441 ISBN: 0802709524.