Conspiracy of Silence
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The plot of Conspiracy of Silence heavily centers around the discovery of Bronze-era censers. Based on the biblical account found in Numbers 16, I tied these censers to an ancient codex, known as the Keter Aram Tzova, Crown of Aleppo, or Aleppo Codex (also called the Crown of Jerusalem). This is an amazing manuscript, the oldest “complete” Hebrew Bible known to exist (although approximately one-third is missing) and was the first of its kind to be bound like a traditional book, versus written as scrolls. There is no shortage of articles or controversy about this incredible manuscript, its missing leaves, and its journey from Syria to Jerusalem in the 1950s. I capitalized on the myriad of controversies, apparent confusion, and conflicting reports to create a fictionalized journey for the Aleppo Codex. Conspiracy of Silence is a work of fiction, and I had fun imagining the lives the Codex touched, those who fought for it. I teased in elements of the purported curses and blessings around the Keter. But out of great respect for the Jewish community, I also worked hard to protect the integrity of the Codex, its journey, and those who were involved in its journey and protection.
Readers, I strongly encourage you to explore the Keter Aram Tzova, reading articles, controversies, and even some of the actual leaves, which can be found online. There is a lot out there to explore, but here are some valuable resources to consider:
The Aleppo Codex: In Pursuit of One of the World’s Most Coveted, Sacred and Mysterious Books by Matti Friedman (Algonquin Books, 2013)
Crown of Aleppo: The Mystery of the Oldest Hebrew Bible Codex by Hayim Tawil and Bernard Schneider (Jewish Publication Society, 2010)
www.aleppocodex.org
Acknowledgments
A hundred thousand thank-yous to my good friends Tosca Lee and Jim Rubart—for the Skype sessions that became challenge sessions on claiming my identity and confidence. For brainstorming the Tox Files with me.
To Dr. Joseph Cathey, who never failed to inspire and inform me as I worked this series. And thank you—sorry?—for letting me fictionalize you in these books.
To Carrie Stuart Parks, author and friend extraordinaire, as well as forensic artist and deception expert, who made my heroine Haven/Kasey legit with deception skills. Actually . . .
To my husband, Brian Kendig, and our humble Tae Kwon Do instructor, Senior Master Antonio Rodriguez, who acted out fight scenes and helped me figure out the best tactic to take down the bad guy.
Kind thanks to Kara Isaac for helping with the correct pronunciation of Tane Maangi’s Maori name. Who knew?
To talented author and former Navy JAG officer, Don Brown, who helped me throw articles and the death penalty at Tox. Thank you, sir, for your help, but also for your service to our country!
My Rapid-Fire Fiction Task Force—Rel Mollet (awesome team leader), Emilie Hendryx, Sarah Penner, Jamie Lapeyrolerie, Lydia Mazzei, Elizabeth Olmedo, Heather Lammers, JoJo Sutis, Brittany McEuen, Linda Attaway. Thank you, ladies! You are THE BEST! Also, thanks to Rissi for your constant support and encouragement!
About the Author
Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She’s penned over a dozen novels, including THE QUIET PROFESSIONALS series and the BREED APART series. She and her hunky hero hubby have a fun, crazy life with their children and a retired military working dog in Northern Virginia.
Resources: bethanyhouse.com/AnOpenBook Website: www.bethanyhouse.com
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