The Six Messiahs

The Six Messiahs is a supernatural mystery novel set in 1894, following Arthur Conan Doyle and his brother on a book tour across America. A murder on their ocean voyage brings them into contact with Jack Sparks, who has survived his apparent death at Reichenbach Falls. The plot centers on the theft of sacred texts from different religions and a series of shared prophetic dreams drawing six distinct individuals toward Utah. These characters include a Buddhist warrior-monk, a Native American woman, a Jewish scholar, an Indian prince, and others who find their paths crossing as they traverse America. The story spans from New York to San Francisco, building tension as the characters move toward a mysterious religious settlement in Utah called New City. Elements of mysticism, Victorian-era politics, and theological intrigue drive the narrative forward. This sequel to The List of Seven continues Frost's exploration of late 19th century spiritual movements and the intersection of faith, power, and ancient prophecy. The novel balances historical fiction with supernatural elements while examining humanity's eternal quest for meaning and truth.

Readers call this sequel to "The List of Seven" less engaging than its predecessor. Many note it feels fragmented as it follows multiple character storylines across America. Readers appreciated: - The supernatural Western atmosphere - Return of Arthur Conan Doyle as protagonist - Historical details and Buddhist mythology - Fast pace in the final third Common criticisms: - Slow start and middle sections - Too many characters to track - Less focused plot than first book - Reduced role of Jack Sparks character Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (671 ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (52 ratings) "The climax makes up for the meandering first half," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader states: "Ambitious but scattered - tries to cover too much ground." Several reviewers mention abandoning the book partway, while others push through for what they consider a satisfying ending. The supernatural elements receive mixed response, with some finding them excessive compared to the first book.

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🔍 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle actually conducted a real American lecture tour in 1894, which served as inspiration for the novel's setting. 🎬 Author Mark Frost was co-creator of the legendary TV series "Twin Peaks" with David Lynch, bringing similar elements of mystery and supernatural intrigue to this novel. 📚 The Six Messiahs is a sequel to Frost's earlier novel "The List of Seven" (1993), which first introduced the character of Jack Sparks. 🌎 The book's diverse cast of characters reflects the actual cultural melting pot of 1890s America, including the significant presence of Buddhist and Eastern philosophical thought in the period. 🔮 Conan Doyle had a real-life interest in spiritualism and the supernatural, which Frost incorporates into the novel's metaphysical themes, though Doyle's serious involvement with these subjects didn't begin until after World War I.