The Magus Covenant by Toni Pike

Shades of Dan Brown this is a religious conspiracy theory novel.   An unsuspecting Anglican priest and scholar is thrust into situations that test his faith and physical rigor.   The Magus Covenant is a threat to the Catholic church and some of the churches members and clergy use despicable means to contain the threat.

Jotham Fletcher is still struggling with the grief of losing his wife and child in an auto accident.   Asked to speak about his research into Simon Magus or Simon the Magician, who was a contemporary of Christ's disciples, he makes the trip from Australia at the behest of Antonella Pavoni, a fellow scholar.

Shortly after his arrival, Jotham is accused of murder, kidnapped by a rogue church group, saved by a billionaire and followed by a fanatic.   The action takes place across Europe and includes a bilious Cabrini captain and his unhappy assistant. 

The book was entertaining but stretched the imagination to accept that a simple Anglican priest would have the wherewithal and stamina to survive his travails. 

https://tonipike.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.