IR VERDICT:
In the GOLDEN CORD OF ARRAM, a former federal agent is called out of grumpy retirement to investigate a suspicious murder off the record. Teamed with a no-nonsense up-and-comer, they uncover the killing is connected to a secret society with roots in a thousands-year-old legend. Walt Runkis’s quirky, anachronistic thriller is at its best when it spouts clever turns of phrase or enters into philosophical mode. Fans of conspiracy theories, UFOlogy, world religion and counterculture history will all find something to grab onto.