Orphaned Paul begins building on Tom’s father’s work and that of a rival scholar Vincent Taft, but turns to Tom for what he hopes to be intuitive answers. Soon the seductive text draws Tom in, causing him to neglect his own studies and his burgeoning relationship with fellow student Katie, who has a hard time accepting his obsession with someone else’s work.

Tom is able to regain control of his life and Paul continues his work on the manuscript, but soon academic rivalries and jealousies turn ugly and someone is murdered. Paul becomes more determined than ever to solve the mysteries held within the ciphers and riddles. Soon the four friends are drawn into a maze, much like the steam pipe subsystem they play war games in and their loyalty and bravery are put to a test they all may not pass.

The Rule of Four is an intelligent suspense novel that will have readers reaching back into their classical studies to try and work out the puzzles left by Renaissance scholar Francesco Colonna. The setting is as rich as the text the boys are working on. Princeton traditions - from eating clubs to the now defunct Nude Olympics - give a sense of immediacy to the setting. As Tom becomes more obsessed with the manuscript, he is able to understand more about his father’s work, yet his obsession seems more motivated by guilt over his father’s life, rather that a genuine desire to solve the puzzle for his own satisfaction. Readers will be fascinated by Paul’s diligent hard work and intent on finding solutions that eluded scholars for centuries.

The delicacy and fragility of relationships, friends, family and mentors are examined. In addition, the author delves into the jealousy of academic rivalries, the rigors of an Ivy League degree and the social stratums that are often found at these schools.

This absorbing novel will have readers seeking out their own copies of the Hypnerotomachia to see if they can match wits with great scholars and solve the riddles left by Francesco Colonna.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry