An ancient code unlocks a discovery hidden for 2,500 years.
When a Jewish U.S. Marine sergeant and his chaplain – a brilliant, courageous Navy rabbi – decipher a code buried deep in antiquity, they are led to a find that could shake the foundations of biblical history.
History waits to be uncovered. Will you open the box?
Part historical fiction, part theological thriller, the Search for the Sacred Scroll series blends the insights of rigorous biblical scholarship with heart-pounding suspense. For the scholar, it offers a pathway into the world of Second Temple scribes. For the seeker, it is a story of faith, courage, and the enduring power of the Word.
Historical fiction has lots of unwritten rules.
Get a sneak peek into the mind of the author. Rabbi Mark L. Shook takes you behind the scenes of his research, writing process, and more in his blog.
BLOG POSTS
I never intended to write a novel.
Historical fiction has lots of unwritten rules.
Earthly thoughts be silent now.
About the author
Mark L. Shook
Mark Shook is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Anthropology/Near Eastern Studies, from the University of Michigan, a Bachelor of Hebrew Letters Degree, a Master of Arts Degree in Hebrew Letters, and a Doctor of Divinity Degree, from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. He was ordained a rabbi in the Reform Jewish Movement in 1972.
From 1972-1980, he was the Assistant, then Associate Rabbi of Congregation Temple Israel in Creve Coeur. In 1973 he began his police chaplaincy as a Department Chaplain for the St. Louis County Police. In 1981 he was called to serve as Rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel, Margate/Northfield, NJ, which he did until 1987. In 1987, Temple Israel in Creve Coeur invited him to return as their Senior Rabbi, a position he occupied until his retirement in 2010. Upon his retirement in 2010, he was named Rabbi Emeritus of the Congregation.
Rabbi Shook taught Jewish Philosophy at St. Louis University, as an adjunct professor, from 1992-2016. He also continued his work in police chaplaincy. Since 2010 he has been serving as the Chaplain Coordinator of the St. Louis County Police, as a Division Chaplain for the St. Louis Division, FBI, and as a Chaplain of the Creve Coeur Police Department.
In addition to his chaplaincy, he continues to teach and write. His first historical novel, The Ezra Scroll, published in 2014, has just been reconfigured as a series with a new title, Search for the Sacred Scroll. It is published by the Newhouse Creative Group Book 1 and 2 are available through Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Book 3 OUT NOW!
What readers said
★★★★★
“As a historical fiction buff, this novel hit all of the things I look for in a good read: well researched insights, characters that draw me in, and just the right amounts of humor, intrigue, and insight!” – Amy F.
★★★★★
“Wastes no time in drawing us into an exhilarating and engaging dualistic journey. His ability to create a balance between fact based and plausible fictitious biblical history in the midst of survival and searching is masterfully crafted.” – Ron E.
★★★★★
“Rigorously researched, extremely informative and suspenseful…a page turner that is fast-paced…This book belongs on the shelf of the serious scholar or those seeking an entertaining story.” -Robert C.
Learn more about Mark’s publisher, Newhouse Creative Group.
All Shook Up 