From Publishers Weekly
Father Robert Koesler is back to cast his knowing eye over a series of murders that might implicate the Catholic Church. A man in clerical dress is killing, eviscerating and branding elderly prostitutes in Detroit's inner city. When priest Richard Kramer is found in circumstances that appear to be leading up to another murder, homicide lieutenant Alonzo Tully is certain he is guilty. Koesler, a friend of the priest, is not so sure and begins to investigate at the urging of Kramer's assistant, Sister Mary Therese. Meanwhile, morgue attendant Arnold Bush, considered rather strange by fellow workers, develops a morbid fascination with the case. Recent changes in the Church bureaucracy and anecdotes about past prelates as well as some of the seamier aspects of Detroit provide Koesler with clues in his hunt for the killer. Kienzle (Deadline for a Critic) comes up with another solid story. While his plot gapes at times, in this case the denouement takes place totally offstage, his depiction of the Church coping with the often uninterested modern world and of those still devoted to the faith makes up for these lapses. An interracial and adult love story involving the black Tully is especially appealing.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
A serial killer has murdered three prostitutes, marking each body with a brand in the shape of a cross. Detroit Police have only one clue--the killer wears a clerical collar. In Kienzle's tenth police procedural featuring amateur detective Father Robert Koesler, the Catholic priest agrees to help police see past their religious reverence and deal with a possible renegade cleric. Unfortunately, the author almost topples the suspense with detail overload. But narrator Edward Holland, who's read all 10 Kienzle mysteries, uses his voice to build anticipation and create a tension-filled atmosphere. His male voice also successfully creates the ambiance of a seedy inner-city in midwinter. This is a must-hear for lovers of puzzles with tiny pieces that finally come together in a satisfying whole. E.V. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
