The Ararat Conspiracy is a book about passion-one man's overriding obsession for the truth and his once best friend's passion for power. The former endangers the lives of his family and friends. The latter's involvement in illegal drug and slave trade endangers all of England. Conspiracy and scandal reach all the way to the country's highest political office. Leading the intense investigation is England's newly formed national police force. It is Scotland Yard's first major case.
The outcome could change England. It certainly changes both men and those closest to them. That their adventure could just change you and the way you understand some familiar literature already found in your home is the danger of this book.
Alfred Holland, born in 1793, deals with the unimaginable changes wrought by the technology of the new century. Later he bears the marks of his service to the Realm in the King's Army, but still fears his father's opinion. Sir Alfred Frederick Isaac Holland is a doctoral candidate at Oxford University and a knighted champion of the British Crown yet struggles with straying from his father's wishes.
Why would this enigmatic professor finally oppose his father's will? Why would he leave his ailing wife, abandon a promising career, and travel to a faraway land that he hates? And why would he choose to get there aboard a ship owned by Sheffield Holsgrove, his childhood friend turned nemesis?
He is not forced against his will, and has no ulterior motive. The Ararat Conspiracy truly is a story of passion. What is it really? How does it develop? Why does it develop? And most importantly, why do most of us seem to traverse the majority of our lives without it?
While researching an archaeological excavation in north eastern Syria, he is called home. On the way he is sidetracked by the possibility of an ancient treasure near the foothills of Mt. Ararat. What he finds there takes us to the heart of the story.
The documents he uncovers appear to be personal correspondence between the apostle Paul and his close friend, Timothy. The inner sanctum which houses the colossal find is deep in the caverns of the cliff side monastery where he is either guest or prisoner. But the hidden cave is off limits, and Alfred is expelled from the fortress when he is discovered. He manages to retain his notes but is now alone and lost and without hope of ever publishing his find-a find he believes would have a profound effect on mankind.
His prospects of survival deteriorate but he survives to escape the wilderness and eventually see Mary one last time. Her 'ailing condition' was due to a dangerously late in life pregnancy and she dies shortly after giving birth.
Later, at his son's bittersweet christening Alfred secures forgiveness from his father. He is surprised to discover that his grandson bears his name spawning an uncharacteristically emotional moment and a new relationship with his son.
The investigation of Alfred's activities reveals that the Anatolian ambassador operated independently, clearing his brother who has recently been named prime minister. Sheffield is found guilty but given a reduced sentence. He not only cooperated with Scotland Yard, he worked 'undercover' to expose his old friend's attackers.
The mystery of the 'seal' which is behind all the intrigue surrounding Alfred since discovering the scrolls is eventually solved but not in Alfred's time.
A century later a Harvard School of Archaeology graduate fascinated with Sir Alfred's story solves not only the mystery of the seal but stumbles into an even more miraculous find. A book to follow details the scrolls discovered by Alfred and the astonishing discovery by his chronicler, Gregg James.