The Last Templar\ is the first novel from screenwriter Raymond Khoury. The novel is set in post- 9/11 New York City, where the Vatican's most priceless possessions are on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Four horsemen dressed like the Knights Templar raid the museum and steal most of the priceless artifacts, including a multi-geared rotor encoder. In the aftermath of the destruction, FBI agent Sean Reilly and his team begin their investigation, along with Father De Angelis, the Vatican's Monsignor. The book then begins with a convoluted, twisted and sometimes confusing plot. It is revealed that the missing multi-geared rotor encoder is a Templar device that can be used to decode papers that will lead to the hiding place of Jesus of Nazareth's personal diary. This diary, found by the Templars in the Holy Land, would prove that Jesus was not in fact the Son of God, but just a preacher or rabbi.
Reilly, along with Tess Chaykin, an archeologist present as the museum is raided, travels across the world looking for this lost Templar treasure that, if found, will bring devastating effects to the world's faithful. On their tails are De Angelis, who is trying to keep the secret from coming out and destroying the church, and the raid's mastermind, professor Bill Vance, who is trying to bring the Templar's secret to the world.
Sprinkled throughout the plot are personal and historical narratives in the form of flashbacks that explain the importance of the Templars and their mission. While interesting, they often feel out of place. They are not integral to the plot and often distract from it. The novel moves at a fast clip for the first part of the story, but then slows to an almost boring pace. The story finishes quickly, with no explanation, and with an unbelievable ending.
In addition, it appears that no story is complete without an awkward and unbelievable romance. The sexual relationship between Tess and Reilly is not just clichéd, but annoying. These are supposed to be professionals, but the first thing they do when they are alone together is have sex. Regardless of any attraction they may have felt, two such people—an archeologist on the search of her life and an FBI agent hunting down a thief—would never act in such a manner.
An interesting aspect of this novel is that Tess is the main character. Reilly does play a large role, but it is her ambition to find the lost treasure and her actions that drive the plot. It is definitely a breath of fresh air for an intelligent, educated woman to be the main character.
""The Last Templar"" is not a deep novel, but it is fun to read and does raise some questions about faith and the reasoning behind holy wars and persecution. It is obvious that Khoury is a screenwriter, and there is a distinct possibility that this novel would translate much better to the big screen. Interesting and fun, this book is definitely worth it for those looking for a quick read during the summer.
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