The Artifact by D. Grant Geddes

About the book

The Artifact, a mystery suspense novel, focuses on the murder of a Benedictine monk on a secret mission for the Vatican who is robbed and murdered for an object entrusted to his care. It is the most precious artifact in all Christendom, a nail from the Crucifixion of Christ, which has been excavated from the crypt of a Roman Centurion entombed under St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Peter Grant, a stylish, witty New York art sleuth, is in Venice at the behest of Lloyd's of London to attempt the recovery of a priceless Bellini masterpiece stolen from the palazzo of an Austrian Archduke. He welcomes the task for it provides him an opportunity for reconciliation with his estranged wife, Claire, a gorgeous, but often erratic, former fashion model who resides in Venice. As a result of his failed marriage, the urbane, once self-confident Peter Grant has become tentative and vulnerable. Prior to his arrival in Venice, Claire rebuffs him, but allows him to occupy her apartment while she disports the continent with a German Prince.

Seeking guidance from former mentor, Vatican Museum Director, Dr. Umberto Feculi and droll Venice Police Commissario, Luca Moretti, Peter becomes ensnared in a web of Venetian intrigue. The sinister Count Ugo Benzoni, the scandalous Lili Poirel and their unsavory entourage frame Peter for the murder of the Benedictine monk, the theft of the artifact, and the murder of an artist friend's figure model, Adriana Fiorucci.

To evade arrest, Peter relies on his quick wits and help from enigmatic Russian Princess, Irena Dolgaruki, stunning Venetian beauty, Cinzia Aliverti, his pals at Harry's Bar, and "Franco," Claire's pet black widow spider. Tracking down the stolen art, Peter recovers the artifact, saves Claire's life, and unmasks the surprise culprit, the esteemed Dr. Umberto Ferculi, who meets a violent demise, crushed inside a chapel by a gigantic chandelier, a fitting retribution for his crimes. Afterward, a grateful Claire reappraises her relationship with Peter.

About the author

A native New Yorker, D. Grant Geddes currently makes his home in New Orleans French Quarter where he lives with his Yorkshire Terrier, "Hemingway" and devotes his time to writing short stories and novels. The former real estate developer, international executive, and registered investment advisor continues a forty-five year interest in marine archaeology with The Institute of Nautical Archaeology at Texas A&M University and The Explorer's Club. Geddes has lectured and published numerous papers and articles on archival research and historical Caribbean shipwrecks of the 15th to 18th centuries. The Artifact is his first novel.