Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar [Versión Kindle]

Before purchasing suggest reviewing author's web page; in particular his 02/04/12 statement. Enjoyed suspense to that point. If statement is a ruse then let the game begin.

This is best book I have read on the Rennes-le-Chateau subject and the most enjoyable non-fiction book I have ever read. Although it seems to have been written for the non-academic reader, it nevertheless is a comprehensive, scholarly approach to a fascinating subject and reveals many new areas of research not covered by other books covering this subject. Anyone who subscribes to some of the myths and pseudo histories involving the mystery of Rennes-le-Chateau should read this book, because you will learn something new.

Ben Hammott's writing style makes the book vastly enjoyable, and in many places, very, very, funny. Anyone who has read the book will know what I mean when I mention the Pontils Tomb Night Raid, utterly hilarious.
With the addition of Hammott's humorous, and sometimes ill-fated, journeys through France, it reads like a travel book in places. But this is not a criticism as the trips are very enjoyable and enables the reader to get an idea of the author's character. It also adds to the story Hammott is telling about his research and discoveries over the years. How I would have liked to be with him on some of his trips as they seem to have been very exciting at times.
Because I don't want to spoil the surprise for those who will read the book, I have purposely given nothing away about the book's content. I read it without really knowing much about it, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I am sure other readers will also. But I will mention it is an exciting treasure hunt that starts with the deciphering of clues hidden in the decorations of an ancient church dedicated to Mary Magdalene.
At over 600 pages and over 300 images, it is very good value for money. As soon as I started reading I did not want to stop. This is definitely a book that keeps you turning the pages, which is unusual for a work of non-fiction.
Even if you have never heard of, or have no interest in, Rennes-le-Chateau, the Knights Templar, treasure hunting or Mary Magdalene, do not let that put you off reading this book. It is not your typical non-fiction prose, it is so much better. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a thrilling enjoyable read. Learning history has never been so fun.
I can also recommend highly Beginnings: Hunt for the Treasure of Rennes le Chateau (The Tomb, the Temple, the Treasure) (The Tomb, the Temple, the Treasure) by Ben Hammott. Available in Paperback and Kindle versions. It's an exciting Archaeological Thriller and is his first novel on the same subject. I bought his Lost Tomb book after reading it. Once you start reading you won't want to stop and is one of those books you don't want to end - it's that good.

I would ignore the criticisms of the book from some of the other reviewers, who if they have even read the book, which I doubt all of them have by some of their comments, seem to have an axe to grind against the subject covered. I guarantee if you read this book you will not be disappointed. Go on give it a try.

Eight established Rennes-le-Chateau researchers whose nationalities include English, American, French, German, Italian and Dutch looked through the plethora of English books written about the Rennes-le-Chateau Mystery and using an allocated points system voted for the one the thought offered the best information.
Each book was awarded points, five maximum for each category.

Value for money

Readability

Level of Research

Originality

Lastly, Content - what new information does the book reveal?
Each researcher kept their results secret until all of the books had been allocated their individual points.

I will start with the book that received the most points earning itself the title of the best non-fiction book written about the Rennes-le- Chateau Mystery. I am sure it will come as no surprise to those who have read the book that Ben Hammott's Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar has won the award.
A few of us were caught off guard by this book, we had all heard of it and many of us had dismissed it as yet another poorly researched book making sensational claims, but it turned out to be the exact opposite. Well done Mr. Hammott.
Here are the accumulated points for each category.

Value for money = 40 points. - With 662 pages and over 300 images it was streets ahead of any other book in this category. The hundreds of photographs really help to bring alive Hammott's quest. If he is talking about something there is usually a photograph of it so you can see it for yourself. They say a picture paints a thousand words, and it has never been so true as with this book.

Readability = 38 points - The reason it did not score top marks was as some of the researchers thought the few grammar/spelling mistakes should have been rectified before release. Personally, for myself and some of the others this did not matter, we thought the content was far more important. It still scored top marks in this category though as we all agreed it was by far the most easy and enjoyable book to read. Hammott's wry humor had us all laughing aloud at times.

Level of Research = 40 points - Whatever you say about Hammott, you cannot fault his level of research. In fact, so thorough is he that at times he goes beyond the bounds that is necessary to research the facts of a certain detail. Even if you strip away from the book his discoveries, the information that is left is still worth the price of the book and some information is unique to this publication.

Originality = 40 points - There is no other book like this.

New Information = 40 points - I have already touched on this but the information Hammott has included in his book is unique. However, does it add anything to the Rennes-le-Chateau Mystery? We were all unanimous on this point, YES, Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar does shed new light on the mystery and I have no doubt many researchers will be using this book to carry out further research. I expect this book will be debated for many years to come.

Total Points Awarded: 198 out of a possible 200

To sum up - Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar by Ben Hammott is an essential read to anyone interested in learning new information about the Rennes-le- Chateau mystery. I can even see people with no interest in Rennes-le-Chateau purchasing the book just for the easy, enjoyable and interesting read that it is. The Rennes-le-Chateau Mystery has long needed such a book and we are all grateful that at last it is here.

We are all more than pleased to award Ben Hammott's LOST TOMB OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, the Rennes-le-Chateau Researchers Best Book of 2010 award. Congratulations Ben, it is very much deserved.

Visit Amazon.co.uk to purchase Ben Hammott's books in paperback format.

Visit Ben Hammott's website for more details about his books, his research and discoveries.

Just search for The Best and Worst Rennes-le-Chateau Book in your search engine to see the full list of books reviewed and the points each were allocated.