The Jerusalem Puzzle by Laurence O'Bryan

The follow up to the Istanbul Puzzle and featuring many of the same characters.

Sean Ryan of the Institute for Applied Research at Oxford and his partner Isabel Sharp, a curator at the British Museum, learn that Max Kaiser, an American archeologist whom they met in Istanbul, has been found murdered in Jerusalem.   At the same time Dr Susan Hunter, who was translating the ancient book that they found in Istanbul, disappears also in Jerusalem.   Sean and Isabel set off for Jerusalem to discover what has happened to Dr Hunter.   They are lead to a dig in the Old City, that is causing uproar among the Muslim population, where they manage to upset the archeologist in charge who has enough pull to get them thrown out of Israel.   They sneak back in through Egypt then Isabel is kidnapped.   Behind the plot is Lord Bidoner, who was behind the plot in Istanbul, and whose hedge fund has bought shares in companies that will prosper if a war kicks off between Israel and the Arabs.   It all hinges on archeological evidence which the various religions will find sensitive to say the least.   The dig in the Old City is hoping to find a transcript of the trial of Jesus for example.  

Provided that one suspends ones disbelief (I have a hook behind the door for this purpose) like it's predecessor the Istanbul Puzzle,  the Jerusalem Puzzle is a first class page turner, a real fun read.   The next Puzzle is due for New York.   Bring it on!