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In the Name of the Father
Very good in very good dust jacket (discoloration from glue on endpapers, under dj flaps) Hardcover first edition - New New American Library - NAL,, (1987). Hardcover first edition -. Very good in very good dust jacket (discoloration from glue on endpapers, under dj flaps) . First printing. A stand-alone thriller involving the Kremlin and an attempted assassination of Pope John Paul. 324 pp.
324 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
51 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Quinnell
30 books146 followersA. J. Quinnell was the pen name of Philip Nicholson, a mystery and thriller writer. He is best known for his novel "Man on Fire", which has been adapted to film twice, most recently in 2004 featuring Denzel Washington.
When the author was preparing to publish his first book, "Man on Fire", he wanted to keep his real identity a secret. During a conversation in a bar, his agent, Chris Little, told him he could use a pseudonym. The author chose "Quinnell", after the rugby union player Derek Quinnell and "A. J." from the initials of the bartender's son.
Nicholson frequented Gleneagles bar in Mġarr, Gozo, the town where the Malta ferry disembarks. He could often be found drinking vodkas with soda. He wrote late at night and through until the morning, always standing up.
The author's best-known creation was the character of Marcus Creasy, an American-born former member of the French Foreign Legion.
When the author was preparing to publish his first book, "Man on Fire", he wanted to keep his real identity a secret. During a conversation in a bar, his agent, Chris Little, told him he could use a pseudonym. The author chose "Quinnell", after the rugby union player Derek Quinnell and "A. J." from the initials of the bartender's son.
Nicholson frequented Gleneagles bar in Mġarr, Gozo, the town where the Malta ferry disembarks. He could often be found drinking vodkas with soda. He wrote late at night and through until the morning, always standing up.
The author's best-known creation was the character of Marcus Creasy, an American-born former member of the French Foreign Legion.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 20, 2013
3 STARS
So I gave my reader a break and picked up an old paperback from the shelf which I haven't opened in a while, because I've been having mediocre reads as of late.
Can't say the rhinitis and the strange, furry brown things that fell off while I turned the pages were worth the revisit but it was still pretty entertaining. Not as impressed as I was when I was a teenager where I was all because let's face it, I have read some things that are far more insane since then, but whatevs.
This is not the book from which the Daniel Day-Lewis film is adapted from (was it adapted from a book?). Set in 1984, this is about the Vatican being tired of putting up with shit from Soviet Russia whose General Secretary Yuri Andropov is hell bent on killing Pope John Paul II. After the successive failed but increasingly close attempts at the pope's life, a covert group of high ranking priests (an archbishop, a Cardinal and a Bacon priest) who calls themselves Nostra Trinita decided to hire and train a secret papal envoy to be sent to Moscow and kill the Soviet premier.
They hired Mirek Scibor, a former major in the Polish Secret Police (whose actual Polish name refuses to get typed. Thanks autocorrect.), an atheist with a burning hatred for the Russian leader. He, together with Ania Krol, a Jesuit nun posing as his wife, will be traveling through the Vatican's covert pipeline of undercover priests, safe houses and the uncanniest of allies to get to Moscow and try to beat the Kremlin from assassinating the Pope himself when he travels to the Far East.
Dun-dun-dun!
I'm not sure how it worked in the 80's but one thing that was unusual for me is the use of real personalities (ie. John Paul II and Yuri Andropov) in the story. And not just as a passive casual mention, but as active participants, especially Andropov who was the main villain. I'm pretty sure some dialogue could be grounds for libel, but I have to admit I liked the imagination put into it, incorporating and tinkering with historical events to provide enough tension to credibly qualify this as a spy thriller with a little bit of drama and cheese that it could also be acceptably shelved as a romantic suspense novel.
This started strong, showing the machinery of the Nostra Trinita as men pulling the strings and it was quite fun to imagine the Vatican capable of sending someone to Camp Ibn Awad in Libya to train for their cause because that place sounds a lot like Hogwars for Terrorists (like, seriously). How awesome it is to imagine our friendly neighborhood priest isn't a dedicated gardener but is actually growing poisons the Vatican could use to kill wayward Catholics? I mean, why do we read books like Grave Mercy?
Exactly.
I liked how this delved in to the nitty gritty of executing a covert operation without making things too complex (sometimes to a fault). How Mirek trained, the clever ways they evaded the Russians' pursuit (i.e. transporting someone inside a vatful of milk in scuba gear), the secret handshakes and passwords… there was a certain magic to it. Though not the plot twists and the contrived creation of tension that felt seemingly simplistic and borderline ridiculous.
While there was some ease and confidence in the espionage aspect, the romantic angle just came across farcical and forced. The dialogue was severely cheesy and the chemistry between the protagonists felt hurried and illogical. For an attractive, bad-ass mofo, Mirek came across a tool and a perv who degenerated to a lovesick fool towards the end. There's this lengthy description of Mirek's sexual prowess and penile and scrotal features (it was a witness interrogation scene) that clearly illustrates the awkward effort to reach out to the romantic suspense fans.
Well thank God he's a sharer.
I remember being impressed with Ania's strength when I first read this but thirty-something me now recognizes a token heroine who needs to be rescued to better illustrate all that manly manliness and have a moral conflict to cry over. And yet… that freaking Epilogue still made me go and waste a heartfelt "Awww…"
So a decade after, yes, this was still pretty entertaining but probably not for the same reasons as I had before.
And right there, the comfort in the idea that (whodathunk?!) I'm an evolving reader, also makes me stare wistfully at my Francine Pascal collection.
"Your religion preaches that vengeance belongs to God… Well, I borrowed a little from him."
So I gave my reader a break and picked up an old paperback from the shelf which I haven't opened in a while, because I've been having mediocre reads as of late.
Can't say the rhinitis and the strange, furry brown things that fell off while I turned the pages were worth the revisit but it was still pretty entertaining. Not as impressed as I was when I was a teenager where I was all because let's face it, I have read some things that are far more insane since then, but whatevs.
This is not the book from which the Daniel Day-Lewis film is adapted from (was it adapted from a book?). Set in 1984, this is about the Vatican being tired of putting up with shit from Soviet Russia whose General Secretary Yuri Andropov is hell bent on killing Pope John Paul II. After the successive failed but increasingly close attempts at the pope's life, a covert group of high ranking priests (an archbishop, a Cardinal and a Bacon priest) who calls themselves Nostra Trinita decided to hire and train a secret papal envoy to be sent to Moscow and kill the Soviet premier.
They hired Mirek Scibor, a former major in the Polish Secret Police (whose actual Polish name refuses to get typed. Thanks autocorrect.), an atheist with a burning hatred for the Russian leader. He, together with Ania Krol, a Jesuit nun posing as his wife, will be traveling through the Vatican's covert pipeline of undercover priests, safe houses and the uncanniest of allies to get to Moscow and try to beat the Kremlin from assassinating the Pope himself when he travels to the Far East.
Dun-dun-dun!
I'm not sure how it worked in the 80's but one thing that was unusual for me is the use of real personalities (ie. John Paul II and Yuri Andropov) in the story. And not just as a passive casual mention, but as active participants, especially Andropov who was the main villain. I'm pretty sure some dialogue could be grounds for libel, but I have to admit I liked the imagination put into it, incorporating and tinkering with historical events to provide enough tension to credibly qualify this as a spy thriller with a little bit of drama and cheese that it could also be acceptably shelved as a romantic suspense novel.
This started strong, showing the machinery of the Nostra Trinita as men pulling the strings and it was quite fun to imagine the Vatican capable of sending someone to Camp Ibn Awad in Libya to train for their cause because that place sounds a lot like Hogwars for Terrorists (like, seriously). How awesome it is to imagine our friendly neighborhood priest isn't a dedicated gardener but is actually growing poisons the Vatican could use to kill wayward Catholics? I mean, why do we read books like Grave Mercy?
Exactly.
I liked how this delved in to the nitty gritty of executing a covert operation without making things too complex (sometimes to a fault). How Mirek trained, the clever ways they evaded the Russians' pursuit (i.e. transporting someone inside a vatful of milk in scuba gear), the secret handshakes and passwords… there was a certain magic to it. Though not the plot twists and the contrived creation of tension that felt seemingly simplistic and borderline ridiculous.
While there was some ease and confidence in the espionage aspect, the romantic angle just came across farcical and forced. The dialogue was severely cheesy and the chemistry between the protagonists felt hurried and illogical. For an attractive, bad-ass mofo, Mirek came across a tool and a perv who degenerated to a lovesick fool towards the end. There's this lengthy description of Mirek's sexual prowess and penile and scrotal features (it was a witness interrogation scene) that clearly illustrates the awkward effort to reach out to the romantic suspense fans.
"His virility is above average. He can have two full orgasms within twenty minutes and a third an hour later. But he is not selfish about it."
Well thank God he's a sharer.
I remember being impressed with Ania's strength when I first read this but thirty-something me now recognizes a token heroine who needs to be rescued to better illustrate all that manly manliness and have a moral conflict to cry over. And yet… that freaking Epilogue still made me go and waste a heartfelt "Awww…"
So a decade after, yes, this was still pretty entertaining but probably not for the same reasons as I had before.
And right there, the comfort in the idea that (whodathunk?!) I'm an evolving reader, also makes me stare wistfully at my Francine Pascal collection.
April 27, 2016
You know what? I was really set to say, "this book sucks!" but it doesn't. And I realized that toward the end when I was actually on the edge of my seat during a crucial scene. Somehow, the author, A.J. Quinnell, had gotten me engrossed enough to actually care about what was at stake for the protagonist. Up to that point, I thought I couldn't care less, but the author somehow managed to make me. I think that's the sign of a true master writer--he gets you to care without you even realizing it.
That said, the prose was kind of weak sometimes, especially in the sex scenes. Also, the story was a little played out. The plot of a secret envoy out to kill the man who wants to assassinate the Pope is a good idea in theory, but it kind of falls apart since it relies on so many of the tropes in the genre. But again, you know what? I liked it. Would I recommend it? Well, not really. Not unless you like thrillers. But if you do like thrillers, then you'll likely enjoy this. I've certainly read a lot worse.
That said, the prose was kind of weak sometimes, especially in the sex scenes. Also, the story was a little played out. The plot of a secret envoy out to kill the man who wants to assassinate the Pope is a good idea in theory, but it kind of falls apart since it relies on so many of the tropes in the genre. But again, you know what? I liked it. Would I recommend it? Well, not really. Not unless you like thrillers. But if you do like thrillers, then you'll likely enjoy this. I've certainly read a lot worse.
June 19, 2017
Cardboard characters, tedious plot, marginal violence, gratuitous sex. OK for a beach read if nothing better is available.
Read
March 26, 2009Another great book by Quinnell, this time with Mirek Scibor, the rogue Polish secret service officer. However improbable it might seem, an assassination attempt on Yuri Andropov in retaliation for plans to kill the pope make this a masterful book. Quinnell details the plans and plot from an insider's knowledge of tradecraft.
It's a shame his books are hard to find and or out of print.
It's a shame his books are hard to find and or out of print.
July 13, 2012
Perhaps the best thriller I ever read.
Currently reading
January 5, 2013you need to read this book! I have read it again and again, i just cant stop. Very interesting book.
January 20, 2020
Muy buena novela policiaca q sale totalmente de la zona de confort de las novelas de este tipo y plantea una trama conspiratoria nada más y nada menos q para matar al Papa, con personajes vestidos con hábito y sotana pero q no tienen nada q envidiar a los mejores agentes secretos de la CIA, la KGB y el Mossad, atribuyendo a miembros del Vaticano un conocimiento de las policías secretas, de sus métodos despiadados de actuar, de sus intrincadas mentes para planear asesinatos, que no es propio de sacerdotes ni de monjas pero como la idea es evitar q maten al Papa, se supone q todo se vale y de hecho, la ejecución del plan se acerca bastante a lo impropio.
Los dos protagonistas principales, Mirek Scibor y Ania la monja, escapan de manera inverosímil de la muerte segura en varias ocasiones, se van enamorando y al final unen sus vidas definitivamente en Zimbabwe. Se podría decir q me debería haber gustado más xq hay final feliz, pero lo cierto es q me pareció muy frío, no lo suficientemente romántico.
Pero la novela es muy entretenida, con muchas variantes de acción. La recomiendo altamente.
Los dos protagonistas principales, Mirek Scibor y Ania la monja, escapan de manera inverosímil de la muerte segura en varias ocasiones, se van enamorando y al final unen sus vidas definitivamente en Zimbabwe. Se podría decir q me debería haber gustado más xq hay final feliz, pero lo cierto es q me pareció muy frío, no lo suficientemente romántico.
Pero la novela es muy entretenida, con muchas variantes de acción. La recomiendo altamente.
January 12, 2018
I picked this book thinking it was the book of the film and almost put it down when I realised it wasn't. I read on for a short period then found myself hooked. I have never read any of Mr Quinnell's books but I will look for them in future. I enjoyed the build up of the hero to a lean mean fighting machine and the delicate nun. Not the pairing that is obvious. I was a bit dubious of the use of drugs setting a catatonic state (Even more so when this idea is used again later in the book) But for sheer edge of the "seatedness" in the run up to the end game, I found thisbook quite thrilling.
January 28, 2018
A Catholic envoy who is a refugee from Poland and a nun masquerading as his wife are sent to kill the Soviet President to avoid the assassination of the Pope. This is a standard but quite entertaining thriller, better than his Creasy novels which, for me, tend to go a bit over the top with violence and some cardboard characters. 2.5 stars.
July 28, 2017
An attempt to assassinate the Pope, is nothing compared to what else is discovered, the killer got orders from the Kremlin. This is a great action adventure with a twisted conspiracy and one to pick up.
January 25, 2018
Best thriller I’ve read so far!!
August 23, 2019
Excellent read. Keeps you interested from the start. Well developed characters and story. Twist and turns and so well written that it feels like you are right there with the characters in the story.
January 14, 2020
Oh I wish there was a sequel. A love story, a spirit that cannot be broken, drive that is unwavering. An Polish secret policeman, a nun and a pathway filled with intrigue and suspense.
June 18, 2020
Un libro genial.
October 8, 2020
Great intense read.
November 23, 2020
Read in 1989. Suspense novel about the attempted assassination of the Pope by the Kremlin.
December 8, 2021
Very good read
Exciting all the way. Kept me wanting to read more. I enjoy reading this authors books. Want to read more of his work.
Exciting all the way. Kept me wanting to read more. I enjoy reading this authors books. Want to read more of his work.
December 17, 2024
Epic Thriller
This is an Epic thriller and one of the best adventurous novels by A.J Quinnell.
A slow burn 🔥 love story, and a we'll researched book. I so enjoyed it 😊 👍
This is an Epic thriller and one of the best adventurous novels by A.J Quinnell.
A slow burn 🔥 love story, and a we'll researched book. I so enjoyed it 😊 👍
February 8, 2025
great read!!!!
Exciting from beginning to end. All you can ask for in a book. I’ll probably read it again down the road.
Exciting from beginning to end. All you can ask for in a book. I’ll probably read it again down the road.
June 14, 2025
When the author focused on the plot, it was great. When it verged into what read like the author’s sexual fantasies, it was cringy.
July 2, 2025
Great story
Wonderfully imaginative story. I am glad to have read it and hope many other readers find it as entertaining as I have.
Wonderfully imaginative story. I am glad to have read it and hope many other readers find it as entertaining as I have.
March 2, 2011
You have to hang in there at first, but once the momentum gets rolling on this thriller, it's a lot of fun. Ultimately, it's a love story, but I don't want to give away ANYTHING about how it turns out, only to say that the relationship involved treads a fine line between corruption and redemption and ultimately demonstrates the overpowering resolve of the latter. I found that story to be much more captivating than the political intrigue of the main plot, and I think that's because the Cold War is over and Russia is no longer quite the power to be feared that it once was. That, and I'm not Catholic, so papal intrigue and espionage doesn't matter to me. I worship Jesus, not a man, so whatever...I'm digressing. Quinnell keeps a good pace and tight narrative. The only major hitch in the enjoyment is the pornographic sex, and it is hardcore. A.J. Quinnell is a pseudonym, and I wonder if this is Clancy gone slumming so that he could give us a tutorial on all the clinical methods through which one can be penetrated. Call me a prude, but I have a hard time when somebody talks about earth-shattering sex like it's something that happens all the time when it's just as fictional as the rest of the story. Yeah, sure, tell me it's escapist, but escapism can sometimes be a bad thing.
September 23, 2013
I was pleasantly surprised by this thriller I read for a challenge. Two fascinating plots-one plot is Russian with the objective being to assassinate the Pope. The second plot iemanates from within the walls of the Vatican. Its objective is to murder the president of what was Soviet Russia, it the height of the Cold War era. A very interesting main character, who, early in the book, travels to a Middle Eastern terrorist training camp in order to learn the trade craft of assassination. Add in a nun as a traveling companion, lots of dangerous and clandestine travel, as well as plenty of anti-Soviet Polish nationalism. The plot kept me interested, in that the I read the last half of the book well into the night, in order to find out how the various story lines were resolved. Some may find the politics a bit dated, but as one who remembers the fear engendered by the Russian-American confrontation known historically as the Bay of Pigs, it seems right on the money, and well worth the time.
April 25, 2020
Mirek is an assassin. Ania is a nun. This strange pairing is trying to make it from Rome to Moscow to assassinate Andropov.
Written in the late 80’s in the thriller style of the time much like Frederick Forsyth, Robert Ludlum, or David Morrell. As it’s not part of a series , no recurring characters for the next novel, there is plenty of suspense at several levels. The chase by the KGB to thwart a plot against Andropov, the plot by members of the Vatican, unknown to the Pope, in an effort to thwart another attempted assassination by the Russians.
One of the main characters, the Bacon Priest, is every bit as cunning as any CIA, MI6, or Mossad agent in any of today’s spy thriller. The assassin, Mirek, is right on par with Gabriel Allon or any of the other contemporary fiction assassins.
A real pleasure to read. The author throws enough curves into the mix to keep the reader involved.
Written in the late 80’s in the thriller style of the time much like Frederick Forsyth, Robert Ludlum, or David Morrell. As it’s not part of a series , no recurring characters for the next novel, there is plenty of suspense at several levels. The chase by the KGB to thwart a plot against Andropov, the plot by members of the Vatican, unknown to the Pope, in an effort to thwart another attempted assassination by the Russians.
One of the main characters, the Bacon Priest, is every bit as cunning as any CIA, MI6, or Mossad agent in any of today’s spy thriller. The assassin, Mirek, is right on par with Gabriel Allon or any of the other contemporary fiction assassins.
A real pleasure to read. The author throws enough curves into the mix to keep the reader involved.
March 16, 2025
Something of a hotch-potch, is this a well researched novel in the style of the 'Day of the Jackal', or is our anti-hero a cardboard cut out James Bond caricature? Readable in places, in other places (especially the action sequences) I had to skim read and 'the coupling' descriptions are at best of their time or perhaps just truly horrific. I'll avoid the spoiler, but at one point our highly trained anti-hero makes an error so basic that it is laughable . Again without the spoiler, but had more tension been eked out of the race as to who bumps who off first, this may have been a better read.
July 16, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, I do remember reading it a very long time ago, however it was a very good read and it helped take some of the edge off of coming to shore duty in the navy after being at sea for 3 and a half years.
May 23, 2012
Excellent book, very suspenseful story about espionage during the cold war. It included players you wouldn't expect... like the Vatican.
Read
September 19, 2013I have no review as of yet. I am still reading. I wanted the correct edition to show up in my Books Being Read list, and so it would be accurate for my challenges..
August 21, 2012
One of the a solute best cold war thrillers ever written! 10 out of 10
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews