BABYLON RISING The Secret on Ararat

Jason Culp depicts Michael Murphy, biblical scholar, archaeologist, and professor, as an action figure reminiscent of Indiana Jones. LaHaye is the author of the wildly popular, and recently completed, Left Behind series. The second book of his new series features Murphy going up against his nemesis, Methuselah, who taunts the hero with clues that require him to repeatedly defy death in his search for Noah's Ark. Using flashbacks, Culp also portrays Noah, his family, and their journey on the Ark with a sense of adventure and innocence. Culp's taut reading style and brisk timing lead to palpable suspense. Although well done, the story's flashbacks demand attention, several subplots are unresolved, and the ending is too quick. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE/JULY 05]