`The Warsaw Protocol' is thrilling, timely novel

“The Warsaw Protocol,” Minotaur, by Steve Berry

Poland becomes a battleground between several other countries and only a former agent for the United States has a chance to make things right in “The Warsaw Protocol,” Steve Berry’s latest adventure starring Cotton Malone.

Historical artifacts related to Christ’s crucifixion are stolen from places around the world, and these relics, collectively known as the Arma Christi, are being used as an entrance fee to a secret auction. Cotton Malone reluctantly agrees to represent the U.S. in the bidding process, but that means he needs to steal a religious symbol that also has a spiritual meeting to the inhabitants of Poland.

The president of Poland is in a tumultuous re-election campaign, and it seems as that even his supposed allies don’t want him to win another term. The winner of the auction will not only receive personal details that could be used to blackmail the Polish leader but will also shift the balance of power in the region. The reverberations would be felt all over the world.

Berry blends a fascinating history of Poland and its neighbours and tweaks it a bit to deliver a novel that is both thrilling and timely. Elements of classic spy thrillers play out on a scale where all the players have multiple motives to achieve their goals, and that includes people as well as entire governments. Details get a bit complicated at times with so many moves and countermoves, but it all makes sense as everything plays out. The result is another great historical thriller from the twisty mind of Steve Berry.

Jeff Ayers, The Associated Press