© Copyright by Andy Claus/ 2005

The novel concerns itself with life in a sect, the Free Church of Knowledge, it only becoming apparent during the course of he story that its real power is a secret world Government and a new world order. The reader is submerged in a sea of dependence and manipulations within the sect and accompanies the characters which could not be more different against a background of a series of sadistic killings, which undermines the Free Church foundations. A somewhat difficult love relationship also develops between two of the members, this threading its way through the story. The novel starts in Cologne, moves on to the Church's training facility in Hungary and comes to an end with a showdown in the Caribbean.

The investigations
The story starts with another body being found in the vicinity of Cologne and poses the first questions in this first chapter. The reader is acquainted with Detective Inspector Simon Berger, a policeman who lets the first series of killing in his career to get to him. He starts to investigate together with his colleague, Alexandra Kaiser, albeit without any initial success due to there not being any clues. Only an anonymous tip brings them on the right trail which leads to the Free Church and the sect leader. From that moment on, Simon has to contend with colleagues who are against him, fight against overwhelming odds and even suffer suspension.

A small wheel in a large machinery
The 17 year-old callboy Benny Stern has his own view of the world. He is a lone wolf and his only best friend is his dog, Gay. He ran away from his home in a small Bavarian town because no-one wanted to accept his homosexuality and since then he has been living on the streets, a life which he had in the past mastered without resorting to drugs. He arrives in Cologne and knows that he will have to make friend with the other kids. He has to complete a task before he is accepted by the others and it exactly that which drives him into the hands of the Free Church.

Undercover
Sandro da Romano has infiltrated the Free Church in order to carry out research. He has come very close to the sect leader and cannot allow himself to fall in love and annoy him. He is however, unable to prevent this happening. Sandro has a lot to deal with during the course of the novel but tries to retain his directness but that is not easy, especially when he meets the killer for the first time.

The boss
Drago Bartory is a charismatic, handsome man who runs the Free Church like a state within a state. He finds support for his power and wealth in a lodge. He keeps the church members in the church by using drugs and inflicting Draconian penalties. He also has abilities which appear to be supernatural, thereby almost providing him with the status of a demon. Although it initially looks as if he has everything under control, in time he becomes increasingly entangled in the whirl of events.

The serial killer
... remains shrouded in secrecy, even if the reader learns a lot about his personality and motives during the course of the story. The disclosure of his identity is certain to be a surprise.

© Copyright for translation by Trevor Salisbury/ 2005