Textus HaereticorumAn Alex Carey Novel
By AJ Treloar
Some secrets were never meant to be discovered.
When controversial archaeologist Professor Alex Carey receives a cryptic letter—written in Latin, unsigned, and marked with an ancient symbol—its obscure references and forgotten symbology set him on a path he never expected. The letter speaks of lost writings, hidden truths, and a betrayal that reshaped the foundations of Christianity.
But what Alex uncovers is far more dangerous: a set of ancient documents hidden for two thousand years—the Textus Haereticorum. Their contents don’t just challenge church doctrine—they threaten to expose a truth the Vatican has buried since the crucifixion.
Pursued by a ruthless Vatican faction—the Custodes Veritatis—Carey and his student Claire must race across France, unravelling clues laid down centuries ago by Sulpician monks, Carthusian mystics, and an elusive guardian order that has protected the texts since the time of Christ.
As the secrets of the documents are slowly revealed—including a letter written by Jesus himself—the team is thrust into a shadow war of relic hunters, assassins, and a global conspiracy that stretches from the deserts of Judea to the catacombs beneath Rome.
What if Judas wasn’t the traitor history made him out to be?
What if Jesus survived the crucifixion?
What if the Church knew—and silenced it?
Blending historical intrigue, ancient languages, cryptic symbolism, and non-stop action, Textus Haereticorum is a gripping archaeological thriller for fans of Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. The first in a globe-spanning six-part series, it will challenge everything you thought you knew about faith, history, and truth.
Andrew Treloar is a loving husband and father of two-a son, Mitchell, and a daughter, Kyniska. He lives with his wife, Andrea, in their rural home in sunny Hervey Bay, Queensland.Andrew has had a varied career: he began with a stint in the Royal Australian Army as an engineer with the Royal Australian Engineers (RAE), later working as a contract electrician before settling into a full-time career as a project manager. He holds degrees in both Project Management and Construction Management and is always on the lookout for a new challenge.From an early age, Andrew was an avid reader-a passion passed down wholesale from his father, a career army officer. He started with the ubiquitous adventures of Wilbur Smith and Clive Cussler, before becoming captivated by the world of techno-thrillers by the likes of Stephen Coonts, Michael Crichton, and Dale Brown. Over time, his tastes evolved to include thrillers by Dan Brown, Dean Koontz, Harlan Coben, and Stieg Larsson-all of whom have influenced Andrew's writing style and prose.Though Andrew considers himself an amateur writer-unreviewed and as yet unpublished-he believes his work has reached a level of maturity capable of entertaining readers and leaving them wanting more.If he were to review his own debut novel, Textus Haereticorum, he might say: "Treloar's writing is confident and atmospheric, alternating between razor-sharp dialogue and detailed, immersive prose. The pacing is deliberate yet satisfying, with revelations unfolding organically. The novel weaves theological speculation with historical fact, inviting the reader to question the veracity of institutional narratives without lapsing into conspiracy for conspiracy's sake. The mystery is well-structured, with breadcrumbs expertly laid throughout."While self-praise may be subjective, it might just be worth checking him out.When not writing, Andrew finds peace in the quiet solitude of his rural Hervey Bay home-or rides Tomsk, his trusted Triumph Tiger, down dirt trails and forgotten tracks, chasing silence, dust, and the kind of adventure that leaves no map behind.
