Free (nook/Kindle/iTunes/ePub) Elegant Solution [Xtian 1720s Mathematical Thriller]

[ATDrake]

An Elegant Solution by Paul Robertson, himself apparently a former history and mathematics teacher, if I'm reading the dedication correctly, is his mathematical historical conspiracy thriller set during the 18th century, starring notable Swiss mathematicians Leonhard Euler (Wikipedia) and his mentor Johann Bernouilli (Wikipedia), involving a dramatic struggle over the "inheritance" of the Chair of Mathematics position at the University of Basel (something that seems to have actually happened IRL) which is tied into the mysterious death of an uncle of Euler's (probably highly fictionalized, at least for the conspiracy bits), free courtesy of Christian publisher Baker's Bethany House imprint.

While this does seem a bit on The Da Vinci Code-esque side, at least it seems like the author does know what thereof he writes (unlike Dan Brown, who could literally have done a 5-minute flipthrough of a public library book to find out that written Chinese/Japanese ideographic symbols DO NOT WORK THAT WAY, and in fact actually work more like this, instead of basing a protagonist skillz-showcasing plot point on completely made up and inaccurate nonsense that could have been corrected with even a cursory attempt at research and therefore makes said protagonist look like a clueless idiot, but I digress).

And the customer reviews indicate that actual mathematical concepts are incorporated into the prose in a poetic manner (apparently this is one of those historical novels that tries a bit to emulate the literary style of the times in the narrative), as well as real-life historical events and details (or dramatic re-enactments thereof), so this one actually looks interesting from a mathematical-history-interested secular viewpoint, and should be for any science-y inclined faith-oriented history-loving Gentle Readers in the audience.

Currently free, probably just for the rest of the day @ B&N (may also drop in the UK), Amazon (available to Canadians and in the UK), Kobo & iTunes & Google Play (all available to Canadians). Normally, these also show up @ ChristianBook (ADE-DRM ePub available worldwide), but this one was stubborn to drop last evening and still isn't free this morning, although it might possibly get adjusted later in the day if someone over there notices that it's otherwise on multi-store promo. If not, it'll probably turn up during a repeat cycle.

Description
For young Leonhard Euler, the Bernoulli family have been more than just friends. Master Johann has been a demanding mentor, and his sons have been Leonhard's allies and companions. But it is also a family torn by jealousy and distrust. Father and sons are engaged in a ruthless competition for prestige among the mathematical elites of Europe, especially the greatest prize: the Chair of Mathematics at the University of Basel, which Johann holds and his sons want. And now, their aspirations may have turned deadly.

Lured into an investigation of the suspicious death of Uncle Jacob twenty years ago, Leonhard soon realizes there's more at stake than even a prominent appointment. Surrounded by the most brilliant--and cunning--minds of his generation, Leonhard is forced to see how dangerous his world is. His studies in mathematics have always been entwined with his thoughts on theology, and now, caught in a deadly battle of wills, he'll need both his genius and his faith to survive.

[ATDrake]

Now dropped to free @ B&N UK and can be added to your library @ BookShout (online reading & in-app download).