Shadow of Death

Father Koesler #5

by William X. Kienzle

"Another Kienzle top seller. Excellent in style and story. Original and timely." --Lucy Freeman, Mystery Writers of AmericaFrom William X. Kienzle, author of the classic mystery, "The Rosary Murders."A bizarre plot to destroy the papacy seems to be the motive for murder in this fifth thriller from best-selling mystery writer William X. Kienzle. One cardinal is brutally murdered in his own church. Another is slain in the Vatican. A clue is left at the scene of each crime. What is the connection? Who is behind these sinister attacks? When Kienzle's crime-solving hero, Father Robert Koesler, and his friends intervene to catch the criminals, they find themselves targets for assassination. And the plot takes an unexpected twist toward an ending that brings Koesler's past back to haunt him.Kienzle's fans will cheer the return of all their favorite characters as they make a treacherous journey to Rome, London, and Ireland, where this series of murders and attempted murders threatens the lives of the Catholic hierarchy. Father Koesler, the priest with a talent for detective work, is joined by his old friend Inspector Walter Koznicki in the search for a solution to these puzzling crimes as they accompany Detroit's archbishop to Rome for his induction into the church's College of Cardinals.Along to report the action for their rival Detroit newspapers are reporters Joe Cox and Pat Lennon, who continue to share everything but their leads. Kienzle completes his cast of characters with a rich array of expertly drawn personalities so human they seem like old friends.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Religion, Thriller, Ebooks

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

William X. Kienzle was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1954 and spent twenty years as a Roman Catholic parish priest. Kienzle left the priesthood in 1974 because of his disagreement with its refusal to remarry divorcees. He became an editor of MPLS Magazine in Minneapolis, later moving to Texas where he was director of the Center for Contemplative Studies at the University of Dallas.

He was married to Javan Herman Andrews, a journalist from the Detroit Free Press, from 1974 until his sudden death from a heart attack on December 28, 2001.

Kienzle was the author of twenty-four crime fiction/mystery novels featuring Father Robert Koesler, a Catholic priest who doubles as a detective. One of his best known novels is his first, The Rosary Murders (1978), which was made into a 1987 movie starring Donald Sutherland as Father Koesler. Kienzle's books are set mostly in Detroit, Michigan.

His biography, Judged by Love, by Javan Kienzle, was published in 2003.

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadow of Death (Father Koesler, #5) by William X. Kienzle.
This was not a favorite of mine. The author explained in minute detail the workings in the Catholic church from the Pope down. Possibly if it had not been the focus of the first third to half of the book it would have been more enjoyable for me. Fortunately, the main characters surrounding Father Koesler appeared and my interest was perked.

I stayed with it since I truly enjoyed books in this series. Only 3 stars for me.

[Mgb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmmm

[Midu Hadi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick-look at the Book
Detroit's very own Archbishop is about to become a Cardinal. In Rome. Koesler and his posse along with the two competing journalists all head there to witness the occasion. And then Cardinals start dropping off like flies!

Thoughts on this Series
This is a nice enough cozy mystery series. The central character is Father Koesler who by no actions of his own--mostly--keeps tripping over murdered people and getting roped into police investigations.

While the characterization and motivation behind each suspect are well-described, there can be often too many POVs or too many details that detract from the action.

That said, the author repeatedly hits you over the head with the same details about priesthood and religion. If you can bear with that, and are okay with the protagonist arriving at the euphoria! moment while in the bathtub or car or...you get what I mean...read on.

My advice? Space em out. Or, they start to become a blob (Lily & Marshal style).

Review of Book 6 here

[Kellylynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very quick read. Not a favorite in the least and I really can't place my finger on why.

Attacks on cardinals start occurring and it is up to a detective from Detroit and Father Koesler to figure it out before more actually die. There is a twist to t and a very weird wrap up at the end. Just did not like it.

[Becci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy and quick read. A pretty good who done it.