After reading a couple of pages of this book I almost threw it down and returned it to the library. However, I didn't and the more I read the better it got. The author slowly and completely explores all version of the magi story, bit by bit, sorting them based on facts and circumstances. Finally I realized he is writing like a police detective using facts and reasoning to reach a reasonable conclusion that fits the actual story that Matthew told in the Bible. Excellent book, highly recommend it.