Set against the turbulent background of the Middle East and Rome, a Vatican-appointed Jesuit Priest is pitted against an Israeli archaeologist to investigate an extraordinary find that not only threatens the very foundations of Western religion, but could also blow apart the region's fragile peace. An ancient skeleton has been discovered in Jerusalem in a rich man's tomb. Colouration of the wrist and leg bones indicates the cause of death was crucifixion. Other signs, including a gold coin bearing the mark of Pontius Pilate and faint markings around the skull, lead authorities to suspect that these could be the bones of Christ. Politicians, clerics, religious extremists and those using terror as a means to an end, find their beliefs and identities tested while risking their lives to unearth the truth.