The Last Conclave

Book Review: The Last Conclave by Glenn Cooper ✝️📚

Rating: 4 Stars

I just finished The Last Conclave by Glenn Cooper, and it was quite the thrilling ride! The premise hooked me right away: a mysterious disappearance during a papal conclave that has been shrouded in secrecy for eight centuries. The story kicks off with the sudden death of Pope John XXIV, setting the stage for what should be a routine election. But when the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel to choose the next pope, hours go by without any sign of a vote or even the usual smoke signals. Then, in a jaw-dropping moment, the chapel is found completely empty—no cardinals in sight. ⛪❓

The plot quickly escalates as Cal Donovan, a CNN religion correspondent covering the conclave, gets pulled into an intense investigation. What follows is a gripping chase uncovering an ancient secret society that has been lurking in the shadows, poised to "cleanse" the Church’s sins in a chilling way. The blend of Vatican intrigue, historical mystery, and conspiracy kept me turning pages faster than I expected. 🕵️‍♂️📜🔥

One of my favorite aspects was the historical connection to the Cathars—an intriguing thread that added real depth to the story. The author’s writing style is sharp and fast-paced, which made it easy and enjoyable to read. Also, shoutout to the book’s cover—it’s striking and definitely caught my eye before I even started reading. 📚✨👍

Overall, The Last Conclave was a fun and engaging thriller that felt especially timely given recent the real-world conclave. The characters were well-drawn and believable, and the stakes felt genuinely high throughout. If you’re into Vatican conspiracies mixed with historical secrets and a fast-moving plot, this one’s worth checking out! 🎯🔍📖

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️