Textus Haereticorum by Andrew Treloar

Congratulations to my good mate and former colleague, the talented Andrew Treloar, for publishing his first book, called Textus Haereticorum.

Textus Haereticorum is Latin for “Text of the Heretics”. Without spoiling the story, the plot entails the discovery of letters by Jesus, Mary and Judas, which would shake the foundations of Christianity if published.

I suggested to Andrew that he change the title to something in English, but he was happy to stay with the original.

Textus Haereticorum is a confident and gripping dive into the well-loved genre of historical conspiracy thrillers.

Fans of Dan Brown will feel right at home within these pages, which follow a familiar but expertly executed formula.

While it operates within established territory, Andrew handles the material with such energy and well-researched detail that it stands as a compelling adventure in its own right.

The story kicks off when jaded archaeology professor Alex Carey receives an enigmatic, centuries-old letter that pulls him from his quiet academic life into a world of ancient secrets.

What begins as an intellectual puzzle quickly explodes into a high-stakes chase across France and Ireland, as Carey and his brilliant graduate student, Claire Marlowe, find themselves hunted by a ruthless Vatican secret society known as the Custodes Veritatis.

Masterful blend of fact and fiction

Andrew masterfully blends historical fact with speculative fiction, weaving a compelling tapestry of Templar legacies, Sulpician secrets, and Masonic orders that provides a rich, textured backdrop for the relentless pursuit of the titular heretical texts.

The pace is superb, escalating the tension from a dusty university office to life-or-death confrontations without feeling rushed.

While the plot is a thrilling ride, the novel’s greatest strength lies in the dynamic between its two leads.

Carey is the classic weathered academic, cynical yet driven, while Marlowe is his sharp, witty, and refreshingly capable counterpart.

Their rapport is the heart of the story, full of intelligent banter and mutual respect that feels earned. Claire’s frequent exclamation of “F***ing-A” becomes an endearing quirk, encapsulating her bold spirit.

The antagonists, led by the chillingly pragmatic Bishop De Silva, are genuinely menacing, ensuring the threat to our heroes feels palpable and immediate throughout their journey.

As a first novel, Textus Haereticorum is an impressive achievement. It may not reinvent the conspiracy thriller, but it delivers a taut, intelligent, and thoroughly entertaining experience.

Andrew has crafted a page-turner that is perfect for anyone who loves a good historical mystery packed with ancient secrets, relentless action, and a pair of likeable heroes.

I enjoyed travelling with the characters, from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff to France and Ireland.

The detail is meticulous, and I asked Andrew about this. He spent a lot of time researching to get everything right, from aircraft design to train timetables and French motorways.

There are lots of vivid food descriptions too, which had me wishing I was at the table!

I can see this book becoming a series given the strength of Alex and Claire as characters.

Textus Haereticorum is available on Amazon, Google Books and in all good book stores.

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