In Jerusalem, two mismatched people - Vatican-appointed Jesuit preist Matt Gutierrez and Israeli archaeologist Sharon Golban - make a tenuous alliance to investigate a find that threatens the foundation of western religion and the region's fragile peace.
Sharon has discovered an ancient skeleton in a rich man's tomb, the cause of death an apparent crucifixion, a gold coin bears the markings of Pontius Pilate, and other signs are evident which might corroborate Biblical descriptions of the death of the first century Judean rabbi Yeshu Ben Yosef... better known to the western world as Jesus, son of Joseph.
Now, against increasingly difficult obstacles placed in their path by those locked in the power struggle in this part of the world - politicians, clerics, extremists, terrorists - Matt and Sharon find their beliefs and identities tested while risking their lives to penetrate the truth of this discovery.