Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. The story takes place in a city with two religions in three centuries. There are four characters, a brother, an orphan, a refugee and a traitor who are separated in time and actions with a dark secret that will link all four. We find Eric who, after confronting his brother whom he betrayed, finds himself wandering the streets of Amsterdam looking for the son he didn't know existed. But he's going to come across the biggest cover-up in history. And some people will do anything to stop him. A book read in one sitting, so much so that I was hooked on the story, so gripping, addictive, captivating, full of suspense and twists and turns with very endearing characters. ~ Anthony CHERRIER (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Very interesting read and easy to keep up with the interwoven plots. Looking forward to what comes next from this author! ~ Meghan T (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This is not a light read. The detail of the differing story threads builds the story from a brothers' feud to the search for a daughter by her father. The back story's history is built through the chapters as Mark Townsend takes his characters through time and reveals secrets long thought forgotten. Definitely a thriller that requires readers to think and draw conclusions in the manner of Dan Brown's writing style. A very good read. I'd not read any of this author's titles before so my TBR pile is going to get larger. ~ Denice Langley (Reviewer), NetGalley

Great setting and plot, filled with secrets and a great cast of characters. This book was a quick read for me as it's definitely a page turner. ~ Kim McNamara (Reviewer), NetGalley

The Traitor’s Child: A MUST READ The Traitor’s Child: Mark Townsend Life takes on many different turns and forms but what happens when you live your entire life in fear and despair? Nuns are supposed to protect children and guide them. Some as we meet them at the orphanage are tortured, abused and hurt by the nuns they call The Black Crows. Daring to ask questions, thinking they would defy their authority the sisters were more than cruel to the children who were unfortunately left at their doorstep. Making them feel dirty, unworthy and less human the indignities they endured will bring chills down your spine. The year was 1970 and the setting South Wales. The story is told in three timelines as we move to 1981 and meet Peter and Eric van Kroot two brothers that hate each other but are about to find they have a secret bond that will destroy history and a secret about their family that will change the course of the Church. Eric hands a bound book to his brother and the color goes out of his face knowing what this book might hold beneath its pages and as the story begins we take a trip back to 1535 and we meet Ezra Van Kroot where the events begin. When you read his testimony and his words you will understand the impact on the Church and how the Jewish people were inflicted. The first-born son must carry the message and this book and scroll keeping it safe but what was the significance and how would what be written beneath these pages change the view of the church. Jews to live had to convert to Christianity and yet the Church did not believe they were not still practising their religion. Many were killed and tortured by the Inquisition and turned over to them. That is the past in the present we meet Hannah, Rose, Rachel and Lucy wards of the orphanage and each one has her own history and story. Rose is touch and stands up to the nuns. Lucy is dropped off by her mom and is afraid, so afraid that the life ends at her own hands. Hannah asks questions and the nuns see her as tainted, a non-believer and when Sister Simon comes to the orphanage, she is her only salvation from harm until they send the sister away. The Reverend Mother, Sister Dominic and Sister Matthew enjoy torturing Hannah and the others and making them feel unworthy. When Rachel finally leaves and Rose decides to deal with two of the nuns, things take on a deadly turn and Hannah is left alone to face them all. But, in the present Eric learns the truth behind his brother’s wife death, the fact that he has a daughter and goes on a pilgrimage to find her and uncover the secret that his great great great grandfather protected. Trying to find the truth behind the book Eric learns a harsh truth about Ella his brother’s wife and the fact that he has a daughter. Hannah/Maggie is in this orphanage and you grow to love her and when Rose acts and one of the nuns is killed, you almost want to cheer. Eric meets Penelope an old friend and the bond becomes strong and she helps him uncover the secrets that Ezra wanted hidden in the past. What really happened to Jesus? Did he die on the cross? Was Judas really forgiven by him? What is the truth behind the history? Eric tells us of the bust-up with his brother over Ella. As he recounts it to Hannah when they finally meet. Searching for her, learning something about her past,, calls, letters and visits to churches and meeting a Priest that he thought was on his side, Eric learns the harsh realities when the Catholic Church does not want the truth behind the scroll revealed. Travelling to Mexico and to the community known as Maranos, Eric’s journey took on many directions. He tells of his journey throughout southern Spain leading him to Mojacar and the Indalo Man, and how he learned about his original family name and more. Then he tells of his journey back to Amsterdam where he uncovered his ancestor Ezra’s book. The emotions are real, and the torment revealed as he shares what he learns with Hannah. Added in she wants to learn why it took so long for him to find and his reaction to learning he had a daughter. Stopping his quest for the scroll and wanting to find Hannah became paramount and meeting with Father Ambroos who he though was on his side along with having Penelope at his side. Thinking Hannah was gone and not knowing the truth he learned about the clues about the so-called Rainbow Man and then realized that he and Penelope were being followed and watched. The Church is vigilant, and the leaders would stop at nothing to prevent what he wanted the world to learn. Leading the discussion to the Gnostic Gospels and the Gospel of Judas. The revelation is startling and author Mark Townsend creates for readers what he titles The Judas Scroll which you need to read for yourself and decide after reading it and completing reading this novel, what is fact and what or fiction. The year moves ahead to 1985 and we hear the voices of the church leaders who want to take down Eric, as we learn that his lineage is Dutch and the Cardinal is furious with what he hears and learns but will they resort to drastic measures? The story moves ahead to 1990 and we learn the fate of Rose and how Hannah reaches out to her friend but there is an ending you won’t believe and a nun that will endear you to her heart as we see this nun relive for another child her past, what she went through hoping that this young girl will find peace and happiness. As she relates to this young girl the truth behind the scroll and uncovers, he hopes the tomb of Jesus. Listen to his broadcast as he shares his findings and then you the reader decide the facts, fiction and the why his name will never be trusted and why this man from the pasts name will always stand for traitor and his son will be known as the Traitor’s Child. Heartbreaking, informative, engaging and raises questions about the Catholic church, nuns and their abuses that are often brought to light today in the news, the author includes Historical notes to clarify any questions you might have. Fran Lewis: Just reviews ~ Just Reviews, Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. An engaging book which follows three time lines, which at first seems disjointed, but soon becomes clearer. The story goes back and forth between Hannah who is in an orphanage and Eric, her father, who is searching for her and the mystery of an ancient scroll. There are twists and turns, with a surprise ending and a fanciful re-interpretation of what happened after the death of Jesus Christ. Excellent writing. This is a great read. ~ Cynthia Trotter (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. OMGoodness what an amazing read. It got me hooked from the outset. I read it in two sessions. A great twist on a religious theme - but don't let this put you off. Certainly the twist gave me a lot of food for thought. It is beautifully written. It certainly lets the reader appreciate the truly Christian message and reminds us those who appear to be " most Christian" are often most cruel and unkind. Well done Mark Townsend for a gripping story - I cannot wait for your next masterpiece. ~ Chrissie Johnston (Reviewer), NetGalley

The Traitor’s Child’ is a mystery/historical fiction, with some interesting and engaging aspects to keep readers turning the pages to uncover the secrets many of the characters seem to be hiding........... it is a worthwhile read overall, particularly in its shock tactics and questioning of religion and the teachings of the Christian church. ~ Annemarie Macken (Educator), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. It's a fast paced, well written and gripping story that kept me hooked till the end. I loved the dual storyline, the style of writing and the well thought characters. The plot kept my attention and made me turn pages as fast as I could. Highly recommended. ~ Anna Maria Giacomasso (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This was a surprising read, as I wasn't sure what to expect from it and it was definitely an enjoyable read. The story is told in two different timelines -Amsterdam in the late 1800s and Wales in the 1970s which are interconnected into a big family secret. I am actually considering reading it a second time as I get the feeling it's one of those novels with hidden details. A fast, enjoyable read that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a good mystery book. ~ Jemima Reads (Reviewer) , NetGalley

This book had me gripped from the first page, I wont spoil it by talking about the plot but I loved the settings , the different characters, and how they intertwined, I especially love the questions from the child. This a thought provoking book with a great plots that keep you guessing. I read it over two days as I couldn't wait to pick it up again whenever I had to put it down. I guarantee you will not be disappointed its a truly great read. ~ Lisa Weaver, Goodreads

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. The Traitor's Child is a great read. I couldn’t put it down. It would make a great film and I very much look forward to this author's next book. ~ Sally Adams, NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. An interesting story, that could very well be true... I like the way the book is set up.. it moves from one character to another in such a way that enables you to get to "know" the character better.... It drew my interest into the beginnings of the church and how the "badness" within it has expanded over the years, slowly dissolving the goodness... In the end, my heart so wants what happened in the book to be true... Even though this is a fictional book I will take away from it, not only the fabulous story, but hope too... we do not see the whole or true story of history ever, so lets take the positive "stories" and run with them... :) Thanks Mark for a fabulous read, can't wait to start reading the other book I have on file of yours... ~ Greta McKenzie (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I picked this book up and started to read from start to finish without being able to put it down. It is such an exciting story that I was not able to stop. Very interesting historical views on the story of Jesus, his followers, a lost child and her story. Highly recommended and very exciting. ~ Doreen Kraatz (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended to everyone who enjoys gritty, haunting novels in the style of Karen Maitland. Well written, fast paced, and delivered from an insider’s perspective, this is a book I enjoyed tremendously! ~ Peter Stockinger (Reviewer), NetGalley

The Traitor's Child by Mark Townsend is my first experience with this author, but it is unlikely to be my last. He cleverly twines three different stories set in three different locations and time periods to craft a clever historical mystery that dates back to the foundation of the Catholic Church. The book opens with seedy scene in a brothel in 1980's Amsterdam, the city that is the setting for much of the book. We are then introduced to Eric van Kroot, a native of the city who has returned to patch up his relationship with his brother, after a terrible falling out years before. The second thread of the story follows Eric's ancestor, a Jew who was forced to leave his home or convert at the time of the fall of Granada, while the third is that of a young girl in a Welsh orphanage run by some very cruel catholic nuns, Over the course of the book we learn how history shaped the lives and destinies of these characters, and how they are connected, largely while following Eric on a series of Indiana Jones like adventures as he uses his ancestor's diary to uncover a precious religious relic. The mystery is an engaging one, even if the ending does not come as a huge surprise, and as long as you are willing to suspend your disbelief and go where the story takes you, you are in for an entertaining time. ~ Annette Jordan (Reviewer), NetGalley

A very interesting and addictive read . I throughly enjoyed the story and found it hard to put down once I started .Hannah the main character to me was an inspiration, watching her grow from the depths of despair to a woman of wisdom to help others for me kept me glued to the book. ~ Julia Evans, Goodreads

............ It was a quick read - started on Friday, finished Monday morning, but my measure of how interesting I find a book is "Do I sit and read it over lunch"? And yes, I did - on Saturday and Sunday! I very much liked the portrayal of what Jesus was like, and what he taught, and why he died: I liked the way Jesus's teaching was encapsulated, the characters from the time were well rounded and sympathetically described - even in a sketchy form. I really loved the phrase that Jesus "challenged the comfortable and comforted the challenged" - and this is going to become a sentence I get into as many sermons as possible!........... ~ Alison Wale (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I was really surprised by this book. It’s not the usual book I’d read but the story intrigued me and I’m happy I’ve decided to read it. The plot is strong and the characters very well developed and compelling. We can notice that the author has made a lot of research, to put together a very good mystery historical fiction. I’d definitely recommend this book. ~ Flavia Labre (Educator) , NetGalley

(Five Stars *****) Wow I read this in less than 24 hours! It's a quick read anyway but you do want to know what is going to happen, so hence I couldn't put it down! I loved how at the beginning you are drip fed different parts of the story from different characters, which eventually all tie up. My only slight criticism is that I would have liked a little more detail, some parts are skimmed over (for example when Eric and Penelope go to the ancestors house). I would have liked to read more about the dangers they faced there. But aside from that, it's a great beach/lockdown read and would make a great BBC/Netflix serialisation. ~ Emily (reviewer), Goodreads.com

Once you pick up this book you will not be able to put it down. The book starts with curious and innocent questions of a child who is not willing to believe that the followers of a God who is so kind and forgiving can be so cruel and so unlike the God himself. The child gets into trouble for asking questions. Very early in life she witnesses the hardships and hypocrisy of a world which seems so pious from outside. In other part of the world is a man digging the past of his family, completely unaware of the fact that he has a daughter who turns up dead when he finally finds her. Future holds not only unearthing of several secrets related to lineage of the family but also something which threatens the basic foundation of entire christianity. It raises several questions on how Christianity has established its foundations on lies all over the world and to what extent it will go to protect their territory. You will want to read the book in one sitting. Language of the book is easy and appealing to senses. Innocence in questions of a child, grief in voice of a father, anger, surprise and fear; all emotions combines in this masterpiece of a book. ~ Ankur G, Reviewer, NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. The Traitor's Child is a powerful read, full of secrets and intrigue, that grips you from the first page and keeps you turning the pages as the plot unfolds. One you cannot help but keep reading. ~ Kelly McFarland (Media), NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley and John Hunt Publishing for the eARC. This is a very interesting read and a lot of it takes place in Amsterdam, which I loved, having spent time there. It's set in several time lines and countries, with the main characters Eric and the daughter, Hannah, he's desperate to find. An ancient scroll is also being sought by Eric, a scroll the Catholic Church is desperate to keep secret. It's a good mystery, thought provoking and obviously well researched. I loved Mark Townsend's final remarks and explanations, fascinating... Definitely recommended. ~ Hannelore Chenney, NetGalley

The Traitor's Child is a powerful read, full of secrets and intrigue, that grips you from the first page and keeps you turning the pages as the plot unfolds. One you cannot help but keep reading. ~ Kelly M, NetGalley

I loved this story!!! What a powerful statement!!!! I loved the characters, setting, and plot! My attention was held the entire time!!!!! I couldn’t put the book down. ~ Jacob R, NetGalley

was originally drawn to this book because of the cover, but as soon as I read the blurb, I was hooked. I stayed up very, very late reading, and finished the book in one sitting. The book mainly follows the story of two different people, Eric, a Dutch man in Amsterdam in 1981, and Hannah, a young girl in a Welsh orphanage in 1970. Eric has recently returned from 20 years in Mexico to see his estranged brother about a recently discovered family secret that could ruin not only their lives, but the very standing of the Church. In return, he learns about the daughter he never knew existed, and so much more. Will Eric find his daughter? What is the family secret that threatens to tear the Church apart? And how do Hannah and Eric's secrets entwine? ~ Amra Hamill , NetGalley

Highly recommended to everyone who enjoys gritty, haunting novels in the style of Karen Maitland. Well written, fast paced, and delivered from an insider’s perspective, this is a book I enjoyed tremendously! ~ Peter Stockinger, Goodreads.com

It was amazing ***** Good book, well written and easy to read. Several twists and turns even at the end. ~ Gaynor Kirkham-Painter, GoodReads.com

Once you open this book you can’t put it down was really good read start to finish ~ Gavin Williams, Goodreads

There have been times when I've started a book, then put it down because I get bored with it. This is not the case with "The Traitor's Child." A riveting read! What more can I say that hasn't been said in the other reviews? Read the book, you won't be disappointed! ~ Tony De Mallo, Goodreads

Absolutely fantastic read. I was hooked from page one. It kept you guessing all the way through. The historic detail was amazing. It would make an amazing film. ~ Patrica Mitchell , Goodreads

Well I am surprised at this book, this book is a real Page Turner, probably one the best religious thriller i’ve read in a while, I would love to see more thrillers by the author Mark Townsend ~ Phillip, Goodreads

I’ve read several of Mark Townsend's’s factual books and both enjoyed and admired them but this is the first fiction one I've read – and boy, can he write fiction! It’s a fast-moving whirlwind of a book, back and forwards in time and it engaged me within minutes. I read the whole book in one day and was cross when interrupted! I don’t know how long it would take other readers to work out what the three denouements were but, having written my own fictional trilogy on a very similar line, more than 20 years ago, it was very clear to me the main direction that the book was going. However, the anticipation didn’t impede my enjoyment one bit. However, in the book’s three plot climaxes there is one that made me slump. Okay, that’s just me; In my line of work I often meet people who hold this view and it just doesn’t compute to me. If it’s true, then so much in the mystical tradition of all beliefs wouldn't make sense. But this is dramatic and effective fiction and if that bit that's off-putting for me makes someone else think anew, then that's great. That's the only reason it's a four star review and not five. A beautifully-written and engaging novel. ~ Maggy Whitehouse, Goodreads.com

What a cracker! This one had me gripped and was unputdownable. The message behind it needs to be heard in this world. I highly recommend this book. The characters are well-drawn and believable and the story has pace. As other reviewers have said, this would make a great film. ~ Maria Barry, Goodreads.com

I am currently reading The Traitors Child and i honestly haven't read a book so engrossing. I haven't been able to put it down. It is by far the BEST book I've read so far. I think it would make an amazing film !!!!!! ~ Victoria Minnican, Goodreads

This really is a book that is impossible to put down! The author paints incredible pictures and moves with ease between different times as the story unfolds. The story could easily become a great film or mini series and, having read this, I’m am looking forward to further work from Mark Townsend. ~ Kevin Spencer, Goodreads.com

A gripping read, and a real page turner. I very much liked the historical parts. It was well researched, giving many illuminating facts. Usually, when picking up a book after a break from it, I have to go back over the last few pages - to remind me where I was. However with The Traitor’s Child, I was straight back into the plot, without having to remind myself. It had a very satisfying ending too. I think it would make a brilliant film. ~ Felicity Adams , Goodreads.com

I have read all but one of Mark Townsend's non-fiction books and they remain among my KEEPERS. The unread book is now on my shelf and ready for opening! Mark's background as a vicar with the Church of England, open world-view, and sense of humour make his books warm, informative, and thought-provoking. I was fortunate to be among those who gave some feedback and thoughts during the writing of The Traitor's Child and had looked forward to it for a couple of years. It was WORTH THE WAIT! The story is fast-paced and exciting, with characters I came to know and care about. I loved the way the storyline takes us from the present to the past and back again....building the plot to its surprising and beautiful conclusion...a conclusion that will shock some and be absolute truth to others. Throughout the book, I kept coming back to one thought...if ever a book was suited for adaptation to film, this has to be it! It also begs for a sequel....! I enjoyed The Traitor's Child tremendously and consider it a must- read for anyone wanting a thriller of a ride. Superb breakout novel, Mark!!! Keep 'em coming! ~ Marlene MacPhail, Goodreads.com

I could not put this book down! The suspense, story-line, and character development kept me turning through the pages late into the night. A brilliant read! ~ S Mann, Goodreads.com

This is a real page-turner. If you are a lover of the novels Richard Harris and Dan Brown then this will appeal to you. I won't do a spoiler but suffice to say that there are plenty of twists and turns in what is the author’s first full novel. The story is told in parallel threads using three separate times and eventually the three come together beautifully in the climax of the tale. There is an exposure of the evils of a Roman Catholic children's home, the political machinations of a secretive group of RC puppet masters and a secret that could undermine the whole basis of the Christian Religion. I loved this novel - a captivating story imaginatively told by a genius storyteller. I thoroughly recommend this book! ~ Peter Wylie, Goodreads.com

What a story! An amazing read which I found totally absorbing - didn’t want to put the book down but also didn’t want it to end! Well written & wonderfully gripping! In my opinion it’s up there with the best of them! Looking forward to your next book! ~ Pennie Lodge, Goodreads.com

Brilliant book from start to finish! I was hooked from the start and didnt want it to end. Fabulous read! ~ Sophie Ball, Goodreads.com

Great read couldn’t put it down. Would make a great film. ~ Sally Adams, Goodreads

OMGoodness!I picked up "The Traitor's Child" last night and read until 04:30 - never have I ever had a book that I literally could not put down before this one. What a story. I was completely hooked ( it took a few chapters to get used to swinging between dates and characters) and I could feel the love coming from the pages. The story that being Christian is all about showing love and understanding to each other, not which building that you visit to pray in, was overwhelming. Also, the sadness and reality of those who are "most Christian" amongst us may be in fact, the most cruel, narrow minded and twisted of all God's creatures! It is beautifully written, with the odd twist here and there to keep the reader ultra inquisitive. There are many facets to this book that keeps you wanting even more. Well done Mark Townsend on this wonderfully written novel. ~ Chrissie Johnston, Goodreads.com

I picked this book up and started to read it from start to finish without being able to put it down. It is such an exciting story that I was not able to stop. Very interesting historical views on the story of Jesus, his followers, a lost child and her story. Highly recommended and very exciting. ~ Doreen Kratz , Goodreads

"The Next Da Vinci Code" ~ Essie Fox, personal email

The Traitor’s Child is a haunting and heart-breaking novel of betrayal and conspiracy, in which the roots of one family’s sordid secret burrow so deep beneath the pillars of the Church, they threaten to bring it crashing down. Gripping and thought-provoking to the end. ~ Karen Maitland, author of Company of Liars

A real page turner. Exciting and unputdownable! ~ Barbara Erskine

Exhilarating and provocative, this is one hell of a religious thriller. ~ Peter James