This is the 4th book in the Cal Donovan series and gives us more information about Cal's background and his relationship with his father. Hiram Donovan died while working an archeology dig in 1989 in Iraq. An eyewitness saw Hiram when he found a black obsidian stone. Hiram decides to send it to his wife in the United States. 30 years later in 2019, Cal receives a phone call that his mother has been murdered. Cal and his friend, Jessica, find the envelope that Hiram sent home with the black stone and a note mentioning John Dee, British Museum/Scrying stone. Cal investigates the note and finds out that John Dee was Queen Elizabeth's astrologer and alchemist. He also finds out that whoever possesses the black obsidian stone will have the power to scry which is an art of magic that allows communication with the angels.

Glenn Cooper mixes real historical facts with fiction in order to give us a very interesting and unique novel filled with mysticism, angels and evil spirits. He gives us information from 1095 and 1609 in regards to who owned the stone in the past and how it was used for religious and political purposes. The characters, good and evil, are very believable. One character, George Hamid wants the black obsidian stone very badly and chases Cal in order to obtain it. The book ends on a cliffhanger making me look forward to the next book. I would highly recommend this series to those who like history and mystery with a bit of supernatural. Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for an advanced copy for an honest review.

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