Death of Splendid Daring combines Jerry Camery-Hoggatt’s deep knowledge of the Gospel of Mark, with his talents as a storyteller, and skills as an educator.  This compelling novel focuses on the good news of the gospel of Mark as members of one Roman family read together and discuss Mark’s original letters.  Their reckoning with the gospel, each other, their servants and their Roman citizenship takes place in the midst of Rome’s persecution of the emerging Christian community.  It is filled with drama and suspense, the entire array of human weaknesses and strengths, and the steady mystery of God’s hand on human hearts.

I believe in the power of story.  A strong story will homestead in my heart and soul for the long haul.  This book has settled within me.  This story brought Mark's Gospel to life in a way I never imagined was possible.  For me, the term 'commentary' has experienced a welcome transformation.

A Death of Splendid Daring is a unique and different look at the 1st century and the Roman Empire. Jerry brings to life a number of very interesting Roman Citizens. Their individual stories will make it hard to put the book down. I must say I really enjoyed the colorful descriptions Jerry implanted in my mind making it a most educational and enlightening read.

Here is a story that provides a new look at the book of Mark.  Not only is it novel but the characters come to life and the reader feels for the characters as they go through their trials and adventures.

This very talented author has a way of bringing his listeners (or readers) behind the scenes to make all the characters real, in a way you just want to keep listening (or reading).

This novel approach to the Gospel of Mark is by a master storyteller who is accomplished in understanding and weaving the fabric of a vital story that lives in the very language and culture of ancient Rome and the Middle-East. Now, we claim the story as our own, and it is a story second to none. Growing up, I’ve often reflected on the ready images and ideas about Jesus of Nazareth that was part and parcel of my youth....

...Professor Camery-Hoggatt’s novel helped me experience a Christ who was over the years very much a work-in-progress – individually and collectively in communities around the Mediterranean. People strived to see and understand over a span of years. Gradually, a faith developed that is essentially the root of our own. We experience in the book both the cultural framework and the faith experience of people right around the time of Jesus. Taking the path of the novel’s narrative approach, I felt closely linked to both a living and breathing historical Jesus and the Jesus of our faith.

Jerry Camery-Hoggatt’s impressive and enlightening novel uses meticulous, scholarly detail to place the reader into the ancient times of the Gospel of Mark. Giving voice to various characters in their own setting and customs within a storytelling framework gives us a unique opportunity to better understand Biblical text. Impressive…Scholarly…Enlightening…Unique Biblical perspectives… Deepened understanding.

Professor Jerry Camery-Hoggatt writes an intriguing, informative novel of the Gospel of Mark placed in the first century. The characters live in ancient Rome, but have life problems and differing views on emerging Christianity.  They carry out discussions about their interpretations of Mark’s gospel message as it comes to them on scraps of vellum as it has been reproduced by the hands of secret Christian copiers. Readers may read the Gospel itself as it parallels the lives in the story. Both experienced Biblical readers and neophytes will find fascinating Biblical and historical information in this excellent book. Do you need an approachable and interesting way to read the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament? Jerry Camery-Hoggatt writes a fictional story that parallels  the Gospel and provides a thoughtful interpretation of Mark’s account. It’s a must read!

I was privileged to be part of a group listening to Jerry read the novel aloud prior to publication.  It was a life-changing experience to be transported back to the first century and share the mixed feelings of a group of fascinating people as they grappled with how this strange new religion fit into their lives.

A Death of Splendid Daring takes the book of Mark and allows you to see through the eyes of fictional Roman characters during the historical period when the book of Mark was written. The characters--some new believers, some non-believers, some masters, and some slaves--bring the book of Mark to life, as they gather to ponder this single-God concept in a culture of many gods. This historically, well-researched book weaves a delightful story as the characters explore the story of Jesus and how this experience has an evolutionary effect on this Roman family. The story is full of interesting subplots and allows the reader to see the book of Mark in a fresh new light.

This is a fascinating look into the life and culture of the people of first century Rome. As the gospel of Mark is discussed among the characters, the story also becomes a biblical commentary. The depth of research going into this work was thorough and meticulous, and yet, the members of this Roman family of high standing make all the facts come to life. Entertaining, educational, and faith building all in one beautiful story.

This is an extraordinary book by an extraordinary author. I have attended a number of open group lectures and conversations that makeup this book and became mesmerized by the topics and the reactions/discussion provoked. It was an intellectual adventure at each session.

A DEATH OF SPLENDID DARING is a wonderful and insightful way to read and study the Gospel of Mark. Dr. Camery-Hoggatt transports the reader to Rome after Jesus Christ has died and the gospel is being written. A Roman family, dealing with the problems of the day and each other, set about discussing and trying to understand themselves and the Christ. As the Gospel of Mark is revealed and the characters’ understanding of Christianity grows, so too, does our own insight. A very moving and powerful way to read the gospel.

A DEATH OF SPLENDID DARING follows the lives of a first-century Roman family as they encounter the Gospel of Mark. As the characters read and discuss each newly-written chapter, the story of Christ’s life interweaves with their own unfolding stories and with larger events in the Roman world. Dr. Camery-Hoggatt portrays Roman life and the ancient worldview of his characters with utter authenticity. Through their eyes, we see the teachings of Christ afresh, as something new and strange, but ultimately transformative.

This is a journey everyone needs to take!  I was fascinated by the characters and the stories behind them.  Jerry's writing style/storytelling is very intriguing and captivating.  I could easily believe these people existed during the time of Jesus and when they read the writings from Mark and discussed them as a group I could see how each character’s point of view was formed through their own life experiences and history. Their histories are revealed chapter by chapter with much mystery and suspense, leaving us wanting more.  This is a great book!  Jerry masterfully transports the reader to life in ancient Rome with the backdrop of Jesus's life revealed to us through the Gospel of Mark and the characters’ own opinions, insights and beliefs.