The Rule of Four

Since its publication in 1499, a Renaissance masterpiece has consumed its readers and destroyed the fools who believe they can unravel its secret.
Five centuries later, Tom Sullivan is haunted by the broken destiny of his father, who dedicated his life to interpreting this unheard-of work, The Hypnerotomachia Poliphili. And now, the book has captivated Tom's best friend, Paul Harris, who has come into possession of a forgotten manuscript that seems to contain the keys to the coded text. Together, the two young men marvel at the engravings, with their disturbing eroticism and surprising violence.

Together, through the hidden messages, they discover the consuming passion of a Quattrocento prince, the existence of a secret crypt, and submerged treasures. But the murder of a history student reminds them of the ultimate stakes of this enigma that has shattered friendships, dreams, and lives. An enigma for which one is willing to die, and to kill.