Dear Great Book Guru, I see a long winter ahead and I would like nothing better than to find a compelling series to read - something meaningful, thoughtful, but also entertaining…and I do love a mystery!  Seeking a Series

 Dear Seeking a Series, Just this week I read a book in a series I have enjoyed greatly over the years. Daniel Silva’s THE ORDER is the 20^th book in his Gabriel Allon series and while I had read most of his earlier books, this latest addition might be my favorite.  Allon is a brilliant art restorer and legendary spy who is now head of the Israeli spy organization, the Mossad, referred to as the Office in the series.  Throughout the books there are references to famous art masterpieces in museums, churches and private collections. Interwoven with these art references is the basic plot line of international intrigue and Allon’s job is to prevent catastrophic upheaval with as little mayhem as possible. In THE ORDER, the setting is the Vatican and the plot involves the suspicious death of a present-day, progressive pope.  A secret organization that has its roots in early 20^th century Europe and steeped in anti-Semitism is plotting to have its candidate elected the next pope. Using large sums of money to bribe the electors, the group seems about to change the international power structure when Allon is called upon to right the situation.  The various characters - good and evil - are meticulously drawn and the vivid descriptions of Rome, Florence, and Venice alone are worth the read but the underlying mystery itself is completely enthralling.  A very satisfying, thought-provoking addition to the series…highly recommended!