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The Liturgical Mystery #4
The Soprano Wore Falsettos
(No. 4 in the Liturgical Mystery series) Detective Hayden Konig is a success in anyone's book. He has a job that he loves as Chief of Police in the small Appalachian town of St. Germaine, North Carolina. He's employed as the part-time organist and choirmaster at St. Barnabas Church. He's just proposed to his sweetheart, Meg Farthing, and, to top it all off, he's as rich as a televangelist with his own 900 number. In spite of all his apparent success, Hayden Konig's life-long dream is yet to be realized. He longs to write the next great hard-boiled mystery. Though his past attempts have been less than impressive, Hayden is convinced that using Raymond Chandler's actual typewriter (purchased at an auction) is just the impetus his writing needs to push his detective story over the top. Unfortunately, he's dead wrong. St. Barnabas, meanwhile, has come into a great deal of money. Sixteen million dollars, to be exact, and the members of the congregation all have ideas on how to spend it. Suddenly, a shot rang out! A woman screamed, and Detective Konig has another dead body in the choir loft. It's business as usual in St. Germaine. With Easter right around the corner and suspects galore, Hayden must find the murderer. Can things get any worse? Hayden Konig's 4th mystery
The Soprano Wore Falsettos
It's not what you expect...it's even funnier!
The Soprano Wore Falsettos
It's not what you expect...it's even funnier!
208 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2006
21 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Mark Schweizer
37 books83 followersIn 1974, Mark Schweizer, a brand-new high-school graduate decided to eschew the family architectural business and become an opera singer. Against all prevailing wisdom and despite jokes from his peers such as "What does the music major say after his first job interview?" (answer: You want fries with that?), he enrolled in the Music School at Stetson University. To his father, the rationale was obvious. No math requirement.
Everything happens for a reason, however, and he now lives and works as a musician, composer, author and publisher in Tryon, North Carolina with his lovely wife, Donis. If anyone finds out what he’s up to, he’ll have to go back to work at Mr. Steak. He actually has a bunch of degrees, including a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Arizona. I know! What were they thinking?
In the field of bad writing, Mark had the distinction of receiving a Dishonorable Mention in the 2006 Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, an annual contest in which the entrants compete for the dubious honor of having composed the worst opening sentence to an imaginary novel. In 2007, his sentence now found on page 17 of The Mezzo Wore Mink was runner-up in the Detective Category. This, and two other of his entries, were featured in It Was A Dark and Stormy Night: A Collection of the Worst Fiction Ever Written, edited by Scott Rice and published by The Friday Project.
In varying stages of his career, Mark has waited tables, written articles for Collgehumor.com, won opera competitions, sung oratorios, taught in college music departments, raised pot-bellied pigs and hedgehogs, directed church choirs, sung the bass solo to Beethoven’s 9th with the Atlanta Symphony, hosted a classical music radio show, taught in a seminary, sung recitals, started a regional opera company, published choral music, built a log cabin, written opera librettos, directed stage productions, helped his wife to raise their two children and managed to remain married for thirty-two years. He also owns several chainsaws.
“Well,” Donis says, “it’s never boring.
In the fall of 2001, I began what I hoped would be a funny little book about an Episcopal choir director/ detective that had a flair for bad writing. Now, nine years later, that book, The Alto Wore Tweed, has had its ninth printing and the rest of the books (bad writing aside) are winning awards and working hard to catch up. Thanks to you, the Hayden Konig adventures continue to make their way into the hands of mystery lovers and across church choirs, one reader and singer at a time.
Everything happens for a reason, however, and he now lives and works as a musician, composer, author and publisher in Tryon, North Carolina with his lovely wife, Donis. If anyone finds out what he’s up to, he’ll have to go back to work at Mr. Steak. He actually has a bunch of degrees, including a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Arizona. I know! What were they thinking?
In the field of bad writing, Mark had the distinction of receiving a Dishonorable Mention in the 2006 Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, an annual contest in which the entrants compete for the dubious honor of having composed the worst opening sentence to an imaginary novel. In 2007, his sentence now found on page 17 of The Mezzo Wore Mink was runner-up in the Detective Category. This, and two other of his entries, were featured in It Was A Dark and Stormy Night: A Collection of the Worst Fiction Ever Written, edited by Scott Rice and published by The Friday Project.
In varying stages of his career, Mark has waited tables, written articles for Collgehumor.com, won opera competitions, sung oratorios, taught in college music departments, raised pot-bellied pigs and hedgehogs, directed church choirs, sung the bass solo to Beethoven’s 9th with the Atlanta Symphony, hosted a classical music radio show, taught in a seminary, sung recitals, started a regional opera company, published choral music, built a log cabin, written opera librettos, directed stage productions, helped his wife to raise their two children and managed to remain married for thirty-two years. He also owns several chainsaws.
“Well,” Donis says, “it’s never boring.
In the fall of 2001, I began what I hoped would be a funny little book about an Episcopal choir director/ detective that had a flair for bad writing. Now, nine years later, that book, The Alto Wore Tweed, has had its ninth printing and the rest of the books (bad writing aside) are winning awards and working hard to catch up. Thanks to you, the Hayden Konig adventures continue to make their way into the hands of mystery lovers and across church choirs, one reader and singer at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 8, 2011
This is the fourth in the hilarious series. Go back and read my earlier reviews to get some idea of the characters and situation, although Hayden is on extended leave as organist from St. Barnabas. Another book within a book, the interior one again Hayden hopes will be a contender for the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. For example: “The wind slapped me in the mug like a petulant chippy; then it threw its drink in my face, kissed me hard on the mouth, slapped me again, kissed me once more, showed me a good time, stole my wallet and banged open the door of the Possum ’n Peasel just as I walked up--it was one heck of a wind, and I oughta know.” and “All I knew for sure was that when-ever she spoke, I could swear that I heard bells--like she was a cement truck backing up.” and “She walked past the table, her dress clinging to her torso like paint on the nose cone of a B-17 Flying Fortress, a blond bombshell with more curves than an 48/M reverse-panel throttle bracket assembly. “Hi there,” she purred, her engines dropping to idle as she lowered...”
Lots of puns, e.g. the temporary organist is named Agnes Day (For those who don’t get it, it’s a pun on Agnus Dei, translated as “lamb of God” and colloquially as scapegoat.) She’s also the murder victim. In this episode we have a transexual, a medical marijuana grower, a Power Ball winner, Dave gets engaged (but not to Nancy), a new Dip-N-Tan salon (you get dipped into a tanning solution) and a Pirate Eucharist. Again, some LOL scenes.
One comment. To my shame, I was not aware that Vaughn Williams had composed 9 symphonies. I was only familiar with the Sea Symphony, (a choral work) which I like very much, so this comment, “I had taken my time driving in, enjoying the scenery and listening to the Ninth Symphony of Vaughan Williams. It was the symphony about which Aaron Copland quipped, ‘It’s like watching a cow for forty minutes.’ Aaron Copland was right[*], but it was beautiful music for driving through the mountains on a crisp morning in March,” sent me directly to Amazon’s MP3 download section where you can purchase all symphonies as one set.
*P.S. I think Copeland was full of shit.
P.P.S. I never would have guessed the murderer.
Lots of puns, e.g. the temporary organist is named Agnes Day (For those who don’t get it, it’s a pun on Agnus Dei, translated as “lamb of God” and colloquially as scapegoat.) She’s also the murder victim. In this episode we have a transexual, a medical marijuana grower, a Power Ball winner, Dave gets engaged (but not to Nancy), a new Dip-N-Tan salon (you get dipped into a tanning solution) and a Pirate Eucharist. Again, some LOL scenes.
One comment. To my shame, I was not aware that Vaughn Williams had composed 9 symphonies. I was only familiar with the Sea Symphony, (a choral work) which I like very much, so this comment, “I had taken my time driving in, enjoying the scenery and listening to the Ninth Symphony of Vaughan Williams. It was the symphony about which Aaron Copland quipped, ‘It’s like watching a cow for forty minutes.’ Aaron Copland was right[*], but it was beautiful music for driving through the mountains on a crisp morning in March,” sent me directly to Amazon’s MP3 download section where you can purchase all symphonies as one set.
*P.S. I think Copeland was full of shit.
P.P.S. I never would have guessed the murderer.
May 26, 2018
These books are best read by not trying to make any sense of the plot. Although they are ostensibly murder mysteries, really that's beside the point. Don't think Agatha Christie; think P.G. Wodehouse. Sort of. The protagonist tis the police chief of the small North Carolina mountain town he lives in. He is also: a church organist and choir director (in this volume recently resigned from the Episcopal church--see previous volume); independently wealthy due to a twist of fate mentioned in the first volume; a Raymond Chandler wannabe who taps out chapters of absolutely terrible hard-boiled detective stories on a manual typewriter previously owned by the great author himself. These chapters he passes out to the choir (when he is working for the church) and to his remarkably tolerant love interest who universally pans them.
But that's the least of it. I suppose these books are marginally easier to follow if one reads them in order (and I have), but really the best thing is just to strap yourself in and enjoy the ride. Your experience is definitely likely to be enhanced if you are familiar with the mass-order service (used by Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and most Lutherans). The Pirate Eucharist (complete with a live macaw) in this one is worth the five stars I've given it without any other virtue at all.
But that's the least of it. I suppose these books are marginally easier to follow if one reads them in order (and I have), but really the best thing is just to strap yourself in and enjoy the ride. Your experience is definitely likely to be enhanced if you are familiar with the mass-order service (used by Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and most Lutherans). The Pirate Eucharist (complete with a live macaw) in this one is worth the five stars I've given it without any other virtue at all.
January 8, 2018
Another good entry in this series. Very funny
July 18, 2022
THE SOPRANO WORE FALSETTOS by Mark Schweizer is the 4th volume of The Liturgical Mystery series, which consists of 14 books. Schweizer was a musician, author, composer, and publisher with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. As the author of all 14 volumes, Schweizer writes each one as a mystery packed with humor and satire, relying on material from his own experience as an Episcopal choir director, opera and oratorio singer, college music instructor, classical music radio show host, seminary teacher, and husband and father, with lead character being Detective Hayden Konig. Excellent choice for mystery lovers, choir singers, church folk, and readers of humor and mystery.
April 28, 2012
"The Soprano Wore Falsettos" is the fourth in Mark Schweizer's series of "Liturgical Mysteries." They all center around Hayden Konig, a man with three occupations. He is the chief of police in the small town of St. Germaine, North Carolina. He is the organist and choir director at St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church. And he is an aspiring murder mystery writer, using the 1939 Underwood typewriter of his ideal -- Raymond Chandler -- which he bought at an auction. Each of the books in the series contains not only the murder mystery being solved by Chief Konig but also a parallel murder mystery being written by author Konig ... and the latter are truly dreadful. In this book, a substitute organist is conked dead in the choir loft by a well-placed hand-bell to the head. And Hayden is required to compose and conduct a costumed "pirate mass" with hymns such as "How Great Thou Arrrgh" during which a Scarlet Macaw named Reefer, playing the role of a parrot, steals the priest's host, saying "Reefer wants a cracker." And the Chandleresque story -- "The Soprano Wore Falsettos" -- is as terrible as all the others, maybe worse. May this series never end!
June 14, 2010
This is the fourth book I've read by this author and I have to say it's the best. The description of the pirate church service is priceless.
There is no need to read this series in order. Every book gives the basic background information so the reader doesn't need to have read what was in earlier books. These are not serious mysteries in any way....but they're the best spoofs I've read in a long time.
There is no need to read this series in order. Every book gives the basic background information so the reader doesn't need to have read what was in earlier books. These are not serious mysteries in any way....but they're the best spoofs I've read in a long time.
September 23, 2021
The organist's name was Agnes Day.
Did you roll your eyes? Then you might get more than a few laughs out of this book. Episcopalian? Musician? Even more likely.
Slapstick comedy, cozy mystery, church musician geekery set in Jan Karon's Mitford and shot through with as much silly wordplay as Piers Anthony's Xanth series. Occasionally in poor taste.
Haven't finished yet; already writing the review even though I rarely bother. It's not extraordinarily beautiful prose, but it keeps making me laugh, which may be some kind of official work of mercy during this pandemic.
The narrator is a police chief and part-time church organist (currently trying to take a leave of absence). Much to the amusement and dismay of his girlfriend, he also aspires to be a novelist - in particular, a writer of hard-boiled detective fiction. I leave you for now with an excerpt from his latest work in progress, the pages of which are scattered in throughout the main murder mystery.
(scene in a bar)
“What’ll it be, Mac?” he snarled in a low grunt, casually wiping down a glass.
“A shot of Four Roses and an answer,” I said, laying a sawbuck on the bar. “I’m looking for a palooka that goes by Pedro LaFleur. Big guy, about two eighty. Cauliflower ear. Flat nose. Three-inch scar under his eye. Sings counter-tenor for the Presbyterians. Hard guy to miss.”
"Sorry Mac, I ain't heard or seen nobody like that." He reached for the sawbuck, but I covered it with my badge - the one I'd swiped from Detective Krupke. He gave a nod toward the back of the bar and slid the bill out from under the badge. I smiled and took my drink for a little walk.
Pedro LaFleur and I had been partners in a past life. We had been closer than two cousins in a Kentucky hayloft, but went our separate ways about ten years ago. There were ideological differences. He couldn’t get past my understanding of the doctrine of Divine Simplicity as applied by St. Thomas Aquinas, and I didn’t see his need for wrestling with the hermeneutic problems of tri-theism in reformed theology. Now I needed his help.
---
UPDATE
OK, now I have finished, and I am less enthusiastic. There are some things towards the end that I found rather offensive, and I couldn't decide if I just needed to lighten up or if I was rather shocked. So if I could recommend some of the book highly and then some of the humor really inappropriate/insensitive, I would do so. I realize that makes less sense than I might, but let's just say I am caught between, "OOOOH, I must give this to so-and-so" and "maybe I should just recycle this and not give it to anyone."
If I discuss it with someone else and come to a clearer opinion, I'll post an update to my update.
Did you roll your eyes? Then you might get more than a few laughs out of this book. Episcopalian? Musician? Even more likely.
Slapstick comedy, cozy mystery, church musician geekery set in Jan Karon's Mitford and shot through with as much silly wordplay as Piers Anthony's Xanth series. Occasionally in poor taste.
Haven't finished yet; already writing the review even though I rarely bother. It's not extraordinarily beautiful prose, but it keeps making me laugh, which may be some kind of official work of mercy during this pandemic.
The narrator is a police chief and part-time church organist (currently trying to take a leave of absence). Much to the amusement and dismay of his girlfriend, he also aspires to be a novelist - in particular, a writer of hard-boiled detective fiction. I leave you for now with an excerpt from his latest work in progress, the pages of which are scattered in throughout the main murder mystery.
(scene in a bar)
“What’ll it be, Mac?” he snarled in a low grunt, casually wiping down a glass.
“A shot of Four Roses and an answer,” I said, laying a sawbuck on the bar. “I’m looking for a palooka that goes by Pedro LaFleur. Big guy, about two eighty. Cauliflower ear. Flat nose. Three-inch scar under his eye. Sings counter-tenor for the Presbyterians. Hard guy to miss.”
"Sorry Mac, I ain't heard or seen nobody like that." He reached for the sawbuck, but I covered it with my badge - the one I'd swiped from Detective Krupke. He gave a nod toward the back of the bar and slid the bill out from under the badge. I smiled and took my drink for a little walk.
Pedro LaFleur and I had been partners in a past life. We had been closer than two cousins in a Kentucky hayloft, but went our separate ways about ten years ago. There were ideological differences. He couldn’t get past my understanding of the doctrine of Divine Simplicity as applied by St. Thomas Aquinas, and I didn’t see his need for wrestling with the hermeneutic problems of tri-theism in reformed theology. Now I needed his help.
---
UPDATE
OK, now I have finished, and I am less enthusiastic. There are some things towards the end that I found rather offensive, and I couldn't decide if I just needed to lighten up or if I was rather shocked. So if I could recommend some of the book highly and then some of the humor really inappropriate/insensitive, I would do so. I realize that makes less sense than I might, but let's just say I am caught between, "OOOOH, I must give this to so-and-so" and "maybe I should just recycle this and not give it to anyone."
If I discuss it with someone else and come to a clearer opinion, I'll post an update to my update.
October 12, 2018
Funniest book in the series since the first one. Worth a read for the Pirate Eucharisthg alone, which had me in tears. Note: it is way more fun read aloud. Unlike Tenor, this one stayed away from unnecessary sidebars like men's retreats and stayed with the main story to great benefit. The humor was consistent throughout. Character development was also much stronger though I fear the overall joke may be running thin. After all, how many choir tied murders are truly plausible in a small, small town church with a small choir? But if you come back for the laughs and to see the stereotypical church people you love to hate get their comeuppance, you will be fine. Recommended.
November 21, 2022
I would give this book 5 stars...... but it is not a classic. The story is good, several suspects- all could be guilty, and relatable...to me. This book, and several in the series, were donated to my church library. That's an Episcopal Church. Also, I love choir music, am in the bell choir, and wear gloves while playing. No, I will not tell you why I brought up info about me - without giving away some of the story. But this book had me laughing left and right. An easy/ enjoyable read. Soon I will be reading the first in the series- "The Alto Wore Tweed - A Liturgical Mystery."
November 3, 2024
There is much to dislike in THE SOPRANO WORE FALSETTOS. The humor is sometimes obvious (just look at the subtlety of the title). There are negative gay stereotypes and unnecessary political digs intended for more conservative readers. Yet, Schweizer is not without talent. He is at his best when satirizing the power structure of the Episcopalian church at the center of the novel. It is more a comedy of manners than a detective parody. His joke about his Pirate Eucharist is generally funny, but the scene goes on too long.
October 15, 2019
This time I intentionally skipped all of the “Raymond Chandler” parts but also the Pirate Liturgy parts. As an MDiv and I still might be a priest, there’s a point where a full mockery of liturgy is annoying. Plus, it did nothing to further the plot - since with not reading it, I never felt lost with some backwards reference. But 4 stars because of the belly laughs - “They’ve killed Kenny!” “Those bastards.” And a couple others - I DID like the Maundy Thursday service and the shoe polishers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2024
Lots of fun in spots, but it is even more cringe than the earlier entries in the series. Or perhaps I became tired of the misogyny and the enormous ego of our protagonist. Our professional church musician can’t keep his eyes off the assets of his girlfriend’s mother? His would-be mother in law?? And nobody minds? Ew. It would be funnier if he wasn’t so gross.
I do award an extra half star for the “they killed Kenny” joke that I didn’t even see coming. ;)
I do award an extra half star for the “they killed Kenny” joke that I didn’t even see coming. ;)
February 23, 2022
Fourth In Line
Wasn’t my favourite, but Had some fun unexpected twists and am looking forward to how these will play out as the population of St Germaine (such a wonderful liquor) makes it way thru one liturgical murder after another.
Of course looking forward to the next in the series.
Wasn’t my favourite, but Had some fun unexpected twists and am looking forward to how these will play out as the population of St Germaine (such a wonderful liquor) makes it way thru one liturgical murder after another.
Of course looking forward to the next in the series.
November 29, 2018
Hayden has stopped being the organist at St. Barnabas, but that doesn't stop people from dying. While I never watched a single episode of South Park, I am current enough to understand the humor from page 122! The soprano wore more than falsettos, by the way, but we probably all expected that.
March 9, 2020
It was supposed to be funny, I was told it was funny. I’ve never found anything funny about it. Other than, as a pastor, I think we’ve all wanted to murder our organists. But we rarely do. They are also, generally considerably more frustrated with us when we are with them.
February 24, 2017
Quite possibly the most racist, misogynist, transphobic piece of filth I have ever read. Truly horrible.
September 22, 2017
Love these.
December 16, 2019
Haden has to investigate the murder of Agnes Dei, the organist who is substituting for him at St. Barnabas.
April 5, 2020
Great book
Good for everyone that needs a short read with laughs, mystery, and music. It is 4 th in a series.
Good for everyone that needs a short read with laughs, mystery, and music. It is 4 th in a series.
September 29, 2021
Laugh out loud hilarity
April 1, 2023
who did it
I couldn’t put the book down. I didn’t figure out who did it until the organist did. Yes, I was an organist at one time
I couldn’t put the book down. I didn’t figure out who did it until the organist did. Yes, I was an organist at one time
January 23, 2024
A fun, amusing read.
August 15, 2024
Very funny!
March 27, 2015
This fourth chronicle in the exploits of Hayden Konig, Chief (and only) Detective of St Germaine NC and chief (formerly, now subbing) organist of St Barnabus Episcopal Church, gives us another mysterious murder and another of Hayden’s liturgical mysteries, written on Raymond Chandler’s old typewriter and running as an absurdist parallel to his real-life crime investigation. This time, organist Agnes Day, Hayden’s not-so-talented replacement at St Barnabus, is given a great wallop in head with a hand bell…yes, they are heavier than they look, as Hayden’s girlfriend, Meg, later demonstrates on a coconut.
Who wanted Agnes dead? Actually, the list of people who harbored feelings of goodwill toward her is a much more manageable list. She knew all sorts of secrets about people, cheated people (such as paying $800 to a cash-strapped farmer for a family heirloom violin, then selling it for $250,000), went out of her way to antagonize people, and was a harpy of a choir director. And a lousy organist. Additionally, she was the day nurse and advisor to a woman seeking to spend $16,000,000 on behalf of the church—some really shady types want large slices of that pie.
The mystery portion of the novel are well written and plotted, with Hayden explaining every step of the investigation, either directly to the reader or through conversations with Meg. Hayden’s metafictional absurdist take on the detective story also provides insights into the investigation as well as providing an occasional good belly laugh with just how awful it is—Hayden has high hopes of doing well in the Bulwar Lytton Bad Writing Contest this year. What lifts the book above mere detective fiction or droll humor is the extraordinary cast of supporting characters, equal to the didactic personalities of Canterbury or Vanity Faire, but re-imagined with modern sensibilities and infused with equal portions of hayseed, hallucinogens and foolishness.
Fans of village cozies will probably like this American take on the sub-genre, especially if they can withstand liberal doses of humor and irreverence, not to mention not getting offended by eccentricities such as a Pirate Eucharist service, or frequent pokes at our PC world. Each story is self-contained, so there is no absolute need to start with the first book in the series, but there is a natural progression of events and characters to the overall storyline, best prepared for by starting at the beginning. I definitely looking forward to the fifth in the series.
Who wanted Agnes dead? Actually, the list of people who harbored feelings of goodwill toward her is a much more manageable list. She knew all sorts of secrets about people, cheated people (such as paying $800 to a cash-strapped farmer for a family heirloom violin, then selling it for $250,000), went out of her way to antagonize people, and was a harpy of a choir director. And a lousy organist. Additionally, she was the day nurse and advisor to a woman seeking to spend $16,000,000 on behalf of the church—some really shady types want large slices of that pie.
The mystery portion of the novel are well written and plotted, with Hayden explaining every step of the investigation, either directly to the reader or through conversations with Meg. Hayden’s metafictional absurdist take on the detective story also provides insights into the investigation as well as providing an occasional good belly laugh with just how awful it is—Hayden has high hopes of doing well in the Bulwar Lytton Bad Writing Contest this year. What lifts the book above mere detective fiction or droll humor is the extraordinary cast of supporting characters, equal to the didactic personalities of Canterbury or Vanity Faire, but re-imagined with modern sensibilities and infused with equal portions of hayseed, hallucinogens and foolishness.
Fans of village cozies will probably like this American take on the sub-genre, especially if they can withstand liberal doses of humor and irreverence, not to mention not getting offended by eccentricities such as a Pirate Eucharist service, or frequent pokes at our PC world. Each story is self-contained, so there is no absolute need to start with the first book in the series, but there is a natural progression of events and characters to the overall storyline, best prepared for by starting at the beginning. I definitely looking forward to the fifth in the series.
October 13, 2013
Book 4 in the Liturgical Mysteries: Reading the series in order, I've gone from sneaking a peak at guilty pleasures to devouring each word of these amusing and entertaining mysteries. The main character, Hayden Konig writes a Raymond-Chandleresque mystery within the story of a fascinating case he investigates as chief detective in the small Appalachian town of St. Germain, North Carolina. In this adventure, Hayden is on leave of absence from his part-time job as choir and musical director for St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, but still very much part of life in the small parish.
To pretend there is no irreverence, I'd be "lying like a Clinton commemorative impeachment rug." But I've grown accustomed to the cheeky attitude so now I merely cluck my tongue and move on to the next outrageous simile. Consider such examples as she "nagged at me like Mr. Ed's wife" or "her face had more tucks than a hospital bed sheet," or "they came and went quicker than Methodists in a liquor store." Priceless. Also, the addition of a Pirate Eucharist, electric shoe polishers instead of foot washing, and the Senior Liturgical Limbo finals make for very humorous "worship" situations.
The mystery is artfully told against a backdrop of small town antics, which magically tie together at the very end. As a writer, I appreciate the finesse of this seamless binding together of clues. The murder involves another mysterious death in the choir loft, which has already been done in book 1. Somehow Schweizer manages to make the 2 very different stories and keep the fun coming. Twists and turns there are a'plenty. I doubt even my husband could guess who the murderer is in this one and he always knows. I highly recommend this book as a delightful read. Can't wait to start book 5.
To pretend there is no irreverence, I'd be "lying like a Clinton commemorative impeachment rug." But I've grown accustomed to the cheeky attitude so now I merely cluck my tongue and move on to the next outrageous simile. Consider such examples as she "nagged at me like Mr. Ed's wife" or "her face had more tucks than a hospital bed sheet," or "they came and went quicker than Methodists in a liquor store." Priceless. Also, the addition of a Pirate Eucharist, electric shoe polishers instead of foot washing, and the Senior Liturgical Limbo finals make for very humorous "worship" situations.
The mystery is artfully told against a backdrop of small town antics, which magically tie together at the very end. As a writer, I appreciate the finesse of this seamless binding together of clues. The murder involves another mysterious death in the choir loft, which has already been done in book 1. Somehow Schweizer manages to make the 2 very different stories and keep the fun coming. Twists and turns there are a'plenty. I doubt even my husband could guess who the murderer is in this one and he always knows. I highly recommend this book as a delightful read. Can't wait to start book 5.
September 5, 2014
Love the liturgical mysteries about Chief Hayden Konig and the lovely village of St Germaine. Populated by colorful characters, the town does seem prone to mysterious deaths, but no fear, Chief Koenig is more than equal to the task of solving the mysteries. He is less adroit, however, in negotiating the ins and outs of modern liturgy at the Episcopal church where he is organist and choir director. From blessing of the animals to a Pirate mass, he watches bemusedly as one atrocity follows another. To maintain his equilibrium, he writes earnest attempts at hard-boiled detective fiction on a typewriter that once belonged to Raymond Chandler and puts his current chapter in the choir folders for the delight of his singers. If you have ever sung in a church choir or enjoyed a whimsical pastiche of detective fiction, laughed at the idea of a Weasel Cantata (check YouTube for performances), or wished you had an owl of your own, these books will delight you.
October 7, 2011
Another very funny entry in the Liturgical Mysteries! The Pirate's Eucharist is way better than the Clown Eucharist. Agnes Day (pun intended) has been the substitute organist ever since Hayden Konig quit his job as music director at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. He's called into church to investigate when the hapless organist is murdered by a handbell. Who did it? The new operatic soprano Renee Tatton? Kenny, the medicinal pot farmer? There are suspects galore. And how will the church spend the $16 million it's receiving? It's all up to the church's most generous donor - who's not Malcolm. The only thing I missed in this installment was Moosey --- not enough of him.
March 3, 2012
Schweizer is a N.C. author who writes liturgical mysteries. I thought parts of the story were very funny! The setting is reminiscent of the Jan Karon series but the plot is a mixture of small mountain community, money, murder, and church.
We discovered this book because I was tracing another author,Lilian Jackson Braun, in Tryon, N.C. Some of the humor might be lost if you were not clued in to church protocol. The ending surprised me. I did find that the style of two simultaneous story plots were confusing for a while.
We discovered this book because I was tracing another author,Lilian Jackson Braun, in Tryon, N.C. Some of the humor might be lost if you were not clued in to church protocol. The ending surprised me. I did find that the style of two simultaneous story plots were confusing for a while.
January 6, 2011
This book was hilarious. It's a murder-mystery set in an Episcopal church setting, with a lot to do with choral music (the narrator is an organist).
As I am an Episcopalian and have sung in the choir, it was very appealing to me. It was very unique in it's style, quite funny and entertaining. (I mean, they hold a Pirate Eucharist! How awesome is that?)
I'd recommend it to anyone who has church ties, be they Episcopalian or no.
As I am an Episcopalian and have sung in the choir, it was very appealing to me. It was very unique in it's style, quite funny and entertaining. (I mean, they hold a Pirate Eucharist! How awesome is that?)
I'd recommend it to anyone who has church ties, be they Episcopalian or no.
January 25, 2013
This is the fourth in the series of Liturgical Mysteries. They are hilarious but much more so if you understand the workings of churches. This one really had me laughing out loud at several points in luring during the pirate worship service. I thought I knew who the murderer was early on but then I changed my mind and wasn't sure. Turned out I was right the first time but ended up being surprised then.
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