Rating: 
Summary: Dr. Maier a better historian than novelist
Review: Having read and enjoyed both Pontius Pilate and Flames of Rome, I was disappointed to find that A Skeleton in God's Closet lacked the quality of the author's earlier historical novels. Granted, Dr. Maier's latest novel offers insight into archeology and history, while also forcing the reader to think about the theological implications of the 'discovery' of the bones of Christ. The story also offers suspence and entertainment. As literature, however, A Skeleton in God's Closet leaves much to be desired: Dialogue is at times superfluous to the story, certain scenes border on the sensationalistic, and the treatment of romance is awkward. The subject matter itself deserves more literary and theological subtlety than is delivered in this novel. I do not think that the implications of the discovery of Jesus' body can be as easily surmised as they appear to have been in the writing of A Skeleton in God's Closet. There is already too much 'religious' fiction that strips the mystery away from spiritual themes by treating them as material for best-selling thriller novels. Dr. Maier would have done well to stay with the writing of his excellent historical documentary novels rather than add to the plethora of 'Christian' best-seller novels.
Rating: 
Summary: Better than I expected
Review: I agree, sometimes the archaology explanations were a bit unknown to me, it did not make me loose interest in this book. On the contrary, I was so engrossed by this book. One reviewer mentioned that he/she made the review after reading only half of the book (isn't that an incomplete review?). The best part, I say, is the last quarter, that's where intrigue piles up so high...you really wonder HOW the novel will end. This is a good read for someone looking for a thriller in a Christian setting.
Rating:
Summary: Well researched with a great plot line
Review: I always enjoy learning factual information in a fiction book. This was a great book that I would recommend to anyone. it's interesting and raises a good question - would you believe if someone claimed to find the body of Jesus?
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Rollercoaster Ride!
Review: I bought A SKELETON IN GOD'S CLOSET back in 1994. Multiple readings later and I'm still enthralled. Imagine: archaeologists discover a find that strikes at the very heart of the Christian faith, possibly dealing a death blow. How would you react? How would the world react? The premise for this book is just awesome, and after a slighly slow start it hits full burn and you can't put it down. Nothing more needs to be said. It's one of my favorite Christian novels of all time. Five Stars.
Rating: 
Summary: Lame
Review: I do agree that this novel was very well written.It has an interesting plot, intense characters, a very intelligent developement and sound arguments. I just could not see why Mr. Jonathan as a scientist wanted to obliterate the truth.I would like very much that someone would find Jesus' bones (and eventually, we will!) and end this religious hypocresy and finally contradict St Paul and his ridiculous epistles. Anyway I never thought that Jesus resurrected carrying all his bones with him. What for? P.S.(Is a good thing that Mr Maier doesn't write any romance novels)
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I have ever read.
Review: I had trouble putting this one down from the very first page. Well-written, intelligent archaeological discussions, intriguing plot. Really prompted me to think about how important the resurrection is to my faith and to the whole of Christianity.
Rating:
Summary: The End of Christianity Can Be a Blast!
Review: I have been working on my Master's degree at Western Michigan University where Dr. Paul Maier serves as a highly esteemed professor of ancient history. I had the thrill to take his class on Biblical Archaeology and History and he is a natural story teller. Besides being an award winning teacher and author, he is also a Lutheran minister who was able to share his faith in class while doing a professional job of maintaining objectivity while discussing biblical history.I've read "Skeleton In God's Closet" and found it to be a gripping story that displays Maier's extensive knowledge of archaeology and of Israel. My wife and other friends have read it and gave it very positive reviews. All of them remarked how it gave a positive view of Christianity without trying to slam it down your throat. Anyone who thinks Maier had a devious motive by suggesting that Christ was not resurrected have either not read the book or are too shallow to get it. I also recommend his novels "Flames of Rome" and "Pontius Pilate", they are historical fiction that are more historically accurate than any other novels of its kind. His translation of the writings of "Josephus" is also excellent, surpassing any of the other antiquated translations because it is very easy to read while maintaining scholarly excellence.
Rating: 
Summary: Good but predictable
Review: I just finished reading this book which I've been waiting to read for a couple of years ever since I read the far superior novel by Paul Maier, Pontius Pilate. "A Skeleton in God's Closet" is slow to start but for a hundred pages or so in the middle is a great read. Unfortunately since its published by a Christian Publishing House, it seems the end of the novel is almost a forgone conclusion. It appeared that the writer wrote himself into a corner and had no way out except to make one of the archaeologist's the author of the greatest hoax of all time. To me it seemed like it would have been better to have continued on with the speculation of what Christianity would mean if indeed Christ's bones were discovered. Would this invalidate Christianity or just cause people to reconsider their faith and understanding of what they believe in. I also thought the way the book ended with Shannon suddenly coming back to Jon Weber's father's church after leaving him for not trusting her, was just too neat and tidy for my taste. I am probably more at fault than the author because I was expecting something more probing and less confirming.
Rating: 
Summary: A Book That Makes One Think,,,
Review: I loved reading this book. The ideas and purposes behond the book are deep and profound. You will question your faith if you were in that situation. I wondered what would I say to my congregation on the next Sunday morning. I emerged from this book with my faith strengthed and a better understanding of Archaology.
Rating:
Summary: A Religious, Archaeological Mystery-Thriller
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up because I'm interested in historical fiction, and the cover caught my eye. When I first read the book three years ago, I found it really gripping, and wished I had someone to discuss the story with. I decided to pick it for my bookclub this month, and just re-read it in anticipation of our discussion. I finished the whole thing in a day, and it was as good as I had remembered. Personally, I did not think the love interest detracted from the story, and I thought it was handled in a very appropriate way. I think the author has really done a good job of imagining all the things that could realistically happen if Jesus' bones were discovered, and I liked the intrigue the main character had to go through to solve the mystery. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in archeology, historical novels, or religious themes.
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