Piers Paul Read has managed to combine sheer storytelling power with great learning and insight about the inner workings of the Church to fashion an entertainment of the highest order. If John le Carré took on Vatican politics, his book of suspense might aspire to be much like this one.

– Ron Hansen, Author of Mariette in Ecstasy and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

The Death of a Pope is a faith-driven theological thriller, narrated by a storyteller of the first order — as refreshing as it is rare among the bedraggled ranks of contemporary novelists.

– Joseph Pearce, Author of The Quest for Shakespeare

In The Death of a Pope, the versatile Piers Paul Read, who has distinguished himself in many genres, returns to what can be called the ecclesiastical thriller. If the mystery looks to the past to explain a crime already committed, the thriller aims to prevent something from happening. When that something is a terrorist act, planned for the Vatican, drama is assured, and Read, writing in the present tense but in multiple viewpoints, takes us from character to character, from city to city, from continent to continent, with everything converging on the Vatican during the conclave following the death of John Paul II. To say more would rob the reader of his pleasure. The Death of a Pope is a great Read — in every sense of the term.

– Ralph McInerny, Author of the Father Dowling Mysteries

If you love the Catholic Church, you will probably love this book whether or not you love a good story. If you love a good story, you will probably love this book whether or not you love the Catholic Church. But if you love both the Church and a good story, you will certainly love this book.

– Peter Kreeft, Author of The God Who Loves You

The Death of a Pope was a thoroughly satisfying read from the start to the end and [it was] totally satisfying how the plot resolves. While it is an enjoyable read for Catholics, the novel is quite well written and should see a large audience.

– Jeff Miller, a.k.a. The Curt Jester, Catholic Blogger (full review)

The Death of a Pope is an enjoyable and fast-paced read. ... Those inclined to literary snobbery will not find themselves holding their noses as they read this novel by any stretch. The less pretentious reader will enjoy the fast-paced plot, which whisks him from a terrorist trial in London, to the refugee camps of Uganda, the chemistry labs of Cairo and at last to the 2005 papal conclave.

– Brendan Hodge, a.k.a. DarwinCatholic, Blogger (full review)

(Title: An Alternative to Angels & Demons.) Hot off the presses this week is a fast-paced novel... Read's style is several notches above Brown's...

– Mike Potemra, National Review Online (full review)