A former nuclear engineer, David Hall, believes that Masada, an ancient historical site in Israel, hides a treasure of immense historical value and he’s determined to find it. What he doesn’t know is that Masada also holds a modern secret that could threaten regional stability.

After months of bureaucratic intransigence he’s finally given permission to visit the holy site, but he’s not allowed to dig. David Hall’s desire to violate this limitation sets the story in motion, including being assigned a beautiful, yet troubled minder for the visit to Masada and stirs fear among certain elements of the Israeli security apparatus.

The pace is steady and for good reason. Mr. Deutermann allows the tale and the primary characters to propel the story, not explosive action. It is a well told and well written and worthy of any reader who likes to dabble in historical fiction, enjoys a good mystery or is enthralled with Israeli history.

Does the boy get the girl and are all Masada’s secrets revealed? You’ll have to read it to find out. ( )