The Showstone - Glenn Cooper

A buried relic. A forgotten language said to be spoken by angels. A discovery that could open the door to paradise-or unleash something far more dangerous.

When archaeologist Hiram Donovan secretly removes a polished disc of black obsidian from a remote Iraqi monastery, he believes he has uncovered a relic of extraordinary significance. The object, known as a "showstone," has long been rumored to possess mysterious powers connected to ancient spiritual practices. Before he can reveal the truth about what he found, Hiram is murdered, and the secret of the stone disappears with him. The artifact vanishes into obscurity, and the circumstances surrounding his death remain unexplained.

Thirty years later, Harvard professor of religious history Cal Donovan finally learns the disturbing truth about his father's death. As he begins to investigate the past, he discovers that the showstone was no legend. The relic is real, and powerful groups have been searching for it for decades. According to ancient writings, the stone may hold the key to unlocking a lost "49th call" within the mysterious Enochian language-a system of communication believed by some scholars and mystics to be the language of angels.

For believers, the discovery of the final call could open a path to divine knowledge and heavenly revelation. For others, the consequences could be far darker. Hidden within centuries-old manuscripts, coded notebooks, and fragments of occult research lies a dangerous possibility: that the power revealed by the showstone might not lead to salvation at all.

Following clues that stretch back to the Elizabethan court of famed magus John Dee-advisor to Queen Elizabeth I and one of history's most enigmatic scholars-Cal uncovers a trail of secret societies, modern-day scryers, and ruthless adversaries who will stop at nothing to claim the stone. As the search intensifies, Cal finds himself caught in a race against powerful enemies who believe the showstone can reshape the balance between heaven and hell.

From ancient monasteries and hidden archives to modern laboratories and shadowy religious factions, Cal must decide what to do with the truth he uncovers. Revealing the secret could change the world forever. But some knowledge, once brought into the light, may be impossible to control.

The Showstone is a gripping religious and historical thriller filled with mystery, ancient secrets, and high-stakes discovery. Blending real historical figures and occult traditions with modern suspense, it delivers a fast-paced adventure that will appeal to readers who enjoy the intellectual puzzles of Dan Brown and the cinematic excitement of James Rollins.