Title: Rob the Vatican
Author: Robert Wilcox Gallant
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media
ISBN: 1643768662
Genre: Fiction / Action & Adventure
Pages: 290
Reviewed by: Aaron Washington
Pacific Book Review
Author Robert Wilcox Gallant takes the readers on a wild ride as one traverses the Vatican. The Vatican is known as the pope’s residence. What many do not know is that there is a fascinating history of the place and gems that even the most powerful governments in the world cannot access. Robert Wilcox Gallant introduces the reader to the Vatican not known to many. His account of the events that occur at the place and the people who are in charge of everything is so striking that one gets the impression of knowing the entire place. The Vatican holds different characters; some are religious, others are there to protect their interests and others still have been mandated to keep the place holy as it should be. The pope, of course, is a critical figure.
I like how the author depicted Pope Clement. Other than being a symbol of authority, the pope was seen as the glue that holds the Vatican together. This is seen when every concerned party tries to figure out who drugged the pope around or with the knowledge of the Vatican’s loyal servants, who are committed to protecting him. One of the many characters that made Rob the Vatican an exhilarating read was Craig Reynolds, an American jewel thief. This character was not only daring but also bold in the sense that he tried doing what many thought to be insane.. This man robbed all the high places you could think of. jewelry stores, personal properties, and the craziest of all, the Vatican.
This idea of robbing the Vatican was not only impractical but also dangerous. Craig Reynolds, however, did not see things this way. The Vatican had coin and jewelry collections in the museums which were valued over $50 million, gold bullion, jewelry, negotiable bonds and currency in the vault, ancient paintings, gifts to popes, and religious artifacts that were preserved for centuries. Robbing the Vatican off these items would make one an instant billionaire as insurance companies and even the Vatican itself would readily buy them back.
Craig wanted to commit this grand heist before going on retirement. This would be his final job and he would have the title the Master Thief. Rob the Vatican is intriguing. The planning of the heists, the disclosure of the valuables and the revelation of how some officials willingly collaborate with thugs to steal from institutions was engrossing to read. Craig Reynolds is exceptional character due to how well he played his roles. This character was outstandingly developed, with the author focusing on his strengths and how his mind worked. Other characters rounded off the cast, including Romano, Monsignor Pompa, Colonel Guista, and Rita.
The characters are uniquely created with distinct personalities and remarkable traits. I loved how the author described Rita. From the description, you could picture the lady’s physical features and tell why she was attractive. Candalio and Cardinal Lastavis were other interesting characters whom I never liked too much nor loathed. Rob the Vatican has a one-of-a-kind storyline. The plot keeps you on the edge with the conversations among characters, while the book entertains it also keeps you within its page-turning grip.
