Book of Thomas

Ritualistic killing at a church in Prague prompts the Vatican to send a spokesperson, Thomas Adwell, from the Office of the Holy See. He arrives to offer comfort to the city and manage the spin offered by the spokesperson, Karina, from the mayor's office. Soon Thomas becomes entangled in the investigation and one of the suspects, Jiri, claims to know Thomas and his secrets. Jiri offers information that sends Thomas into a sperate, more underground investigation, the search for an original Gospel of Thomas hidden somewhere in the city. Thomas, a scholar of the Gnostics and the lost Gospels takes part in both investigations, one overt, to help find a serial killer, and the other, covert, to locate the original Book of Thomas. As he works both, he embarks on his own quest for forgiveness and compassion amongst the souls of Prague.

Night. DRIP! DRIP! Footsteps on the stone floor kept eerie time with the splat of dripping blood from a corpse dangling upside down from the cross over the altar. There is a murder in Prague. This activates the duties of THOMAS ADWELL, spokesperson for the office of the Holy See. An attractive man in his thirties, Thomas has spent ten years serving punishment and forced to wait for his confirmation as priest. On hold for his outspoken thoughts, he suspects that his church-imposed hold may be nearing an end as he is dispatched to handle a gruesome murder and a potential serial killer in Prague. He hopes if he can clean up the bad press, he will be released and given his collar. Arriving, Thomas is whisked to the murder site where he meets KARINA KARLOVA, a beautiful businesslike adjunct for the Lord Mayor's office and DETECTIVE NOVAK, an arrogant sod with a one-track mind for crime in charge of the investigation. Three different agendas drive suspicion and tension. After seeing the crime scene, Thomas is taken to St. Vitus run by his former mentor and friend ARCHBISHOP SCARLETTI pushed up the ranks with his diplomatic demeanor and dedication to his church. A strained reunion since Scarletti played a role in Thomas' punishment. Thomas, not wanting to relive hurtful memories sets a press conference to do his job and get out. JIRI SEMECKA, a young and determined artist and one in a group of ͞local radicals that protest the church, is picked up for the murder. During interrogation, he reveals a connection to Thomas. Jiri shows drawings he made referring to the lost gospels of Thomas the basis of Thomas' research that was hidden away, and his censor. These gospels, if revealed, would prove Mary Magdalene a disciple. therefor a founder of Christianity, creating turmoil for the Church. Jiri reveals to Thomas a secret order of Gnostic Priests and that he has discovered the whereabouts of a surviving copy of the original papyrus hidden inside with the crown jewels in King Charles' Chamber, inside St. Vitus Cathedral. Entering requires SEVEN GOLD KEYS to open the door. Thomas embarks on a search with Jiri and Karina to find the keys. During their quest, Karina finds herself all in unraveling the mystery with Thomas solidifying her unforgiveable lust for Thomas although he still vies to get his Priest's collar. Thomas struggles between what he thought was faith and what his heart felt was conviction for the truth no matter the power. He must fight and win to share that truth, so the world can think for themselves and find free will and not hold blind to the binds of religion. Thomas soon realizes that the hunt for the serial killer and the keys are inexplicably linked. It's only through solving one that the truth for the other will come to light. He must actively work on both cases to find the scrolls no matter the cost.

Johnny B. Dunn has created a richly diverse library of fiction, non-fiction, and feature films. With stories steeped in rich history, Dunn challenges the darkest and most troubling human conditions without judgment. Dunn moves his characters forward through complex relationships, tumultuous change, dramatic and humorous journeys filled with mindful change and redemptive relief. DUNN's work consistently lays a foundation that will gnaw at the conscience of divided beliefs through provocative, entertaining, and unforgettable storytelling.