An Unholy Communion, book review
Introducing An Unholy Communion, Book 3 in The Monastery Mysteries series by Donna Fletcher Crow. Crow is an award-winning author of more than thirty-five novels. She’s also been a finalist for “Best Inspirational Novel” from the Romance Writers of America.
About this book: Following the ancient tradition, ordinands from the College of the Transfiguration gather at first light on Ascension morning to sing their praises from the top of the college’s tallest tower. Not one to miss any liturgy, Felicity finds herself swept up in worship as she listens to the timeless words. But her delight quickly turns to horror when a black-robed body hurtles over the precipice and lands at her feet. Her investigative instincts immediately kick in when she sees a double-headed snake emblem clutched in the lifeless hand. Was this suicide? Or murder?
Genre: Mystery/Christian
Judge this book by its cover? Loved the cover (big reason I wanted to read it), but didn’t find the mystery as beguiling as I’d hoped.
Reminds me of…Modern-day version of the Brother Cadfael mysteries (Ellis Peters).
Buy or borrow? Borrow to see if the series appeals. If so, you might end up buying the whole lot.
Why did I read this book? Received it from Litfuse Publicity/Lion Hudson to review.
Rating: 3/5 stars. Strong on historical detail, weak on mystery.
My take: I appreciate the level of craftsmanship and meticulous detail that went into this mystery. The series also boasts a couple of endearing main characters/sleuths, Felicity and Father Antony–who, in this book, are newly engaged.
I really wanted to like this mystery more than I did. It has all the makings of a book I’d love: a foreign setting (a Welsh one at that), the masterful weaving of historical fact with fiction, an eerie mystery, ancient Christian themes. But I’m wondering if perhaps this book attempts too much. The historical detail, which is wonderful in and of itself, slows the pace of the mystery. I got impatient with the long digressions into historical backstory. I also needed to feel more was at stake for the main characters. It wasn’t until the very end that I sensed any real risk to their well-being.
Thanks to Lion Hudson for providing me a copy to review. All opinions are mine.
Visit the author online and see what other reviewers are saying here.
Donna Fletcher Crow is celebrating the release of An Unholy Communion with a Kindle Fire Giveaway.
One winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- Books 1-3 in The Monastery Murders series by Donna Fletcher Crow
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 12th. Winner will be announced on 5/14/13 {HERE}.
