The Bishop Goes to the University

Blackie Ryan #14

by Andrew M. Greeley

Bishop Black Ryan heads for a local Chicago university to investigate a baffling locked-room mystery involving the assassination of a Russian Orthodox monk in his office at the Divinity School, a case that ignites a storm of international intrigue, international crime, and dark secrets that may reach to the Vatican itself. Reissue.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Cozy Mystery, Detective

237 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

Andrew Greeley was a Roman Catholic priest, sociologist, journalist, and author of 50 best-selling novels and more than 100 works of nonfiction. For decades, Greeley entertained readers with such popular characters as the mystery-solving priest Blackie Ryan and the fey, amateur sleuth Nuala Anne McGrail. His books typically center on Irish-American Roman Catholics living or working in Chicago.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/andrew...

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 2 out of 5]

When a Rasputin like Russian monk is murdered, Blackie Ryan gets on the case.

Doesn't seem to ever get anywhere.

[Johnny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The late Andrew Greeley had the type of brilliant insights into the human condition that one wishes were possessed by all members of the caring professions. The Bishop Goes to The University is a rather lackluster mystery by that author’s own standards, but it does a great job of delivering the goods in terms of spiritual, psychological, and political insights. By placing the murder of the “murder mystery” in the confines of a fictionalized University of Chicago, Greeley is able to both parody some of the academic snobbery associated with The University and use his inside knowledge of Chicago to bring the story to life.

Unfortunately, The Bishop Goes to The University isn’t simply a murder mystery. It is the story of both a literal and figurative murder with an international background smacking of espionage. I type this without worry of “spoilage” because Greeley foreshadows this rather heavily from early on. For me, even though much of this book is incredibly improbable and, to use protagonist Blackie Ryan’s terminology, patently over the top, it was a joy to encounter this familiar character again. And, personally, there was a cathartic moment for me when Blackie remembered how much his missed his “Old Fella” and I remembered how much my Dad had enjoyed it when I told him about that appellation and announced my intention to celebrate our heritage (and his wisdom) by calling him that.

Of course, I don’t expect any other readers to associate themselves with that minor aspect of the book just as many will not appreciate the books use of Latin phrases like sicut grex, sicut rex (p. 148--a reference to Old Testament and intertestamental Wisdom Literature, but reversed from “As the king, thus the people (“flock”)) or Gaelic terms such as seanache (p. 54—an Irish storyteller). Some will not appreciate the witty summaries of theological arguments. In describing an apophatic theology, a professor responds to Blackie’s comparison of St. Semyon the New Theologian with Meister Eckhart with, “Yeah. All you can say about God is that there’s nothing you can say, so you say what He’s not.” To which Blackie rightly states: “Which is saying something, isn’t it?” (p. 78)

In another spot, a character claims that there is no point in arguing with God and Blackie answers: “Ah, but there is, so long as one does not expect to win, at least in the short run. God is pleased with argument as any lover.” (p. 102) In terms of the problem of evil, Blackie continues: “The complaint against God comes down to the basic issue of how a presumably loving God can permit His allegedly beloved creatures to die at all. …Only the argument, as tight as it is and as logical, misunderstands the deal with God that faith makes. The believer does not demand of God protection in the short run. The believer knows that bad things happen inevitably, sometimes very bad things. And they happen to good people. All the believer can do is cling to the faith that finally, when all the bad has happened, God does not abandon His people.” (pp. 102-103—italics mine) If such fare is appealing to you, you will rate The Bishop Goes to The University higher than the three stars I give it for general readers and the two stars I would give it for mystery readers who want less dialogue and more of a puzzle.

[Joanne]

As you can see looking at my book list, Andrew Greeley is one of my favorite authors. His Bishop Blackie mysteries always involve someone being killed in a locked-from-the-inside room. Maybe the plot is predictable, but it's a plot I enjoy. I also enjoy Bishop Blackie's wit, wisdom,and message that God really cares about each one of us.

[Paula Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. I liked that you didn't know the whole story line right away.

[Debra Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry. To much like a history lesson, not enough mystery.

[Donald Harwick · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was basically a good read. However, there was so much detail about the politics, and political machinations of the priesthood that the story became secondary and the book began to drag. The history of Catholicism in Europe is very interesting, but when the author interjected it the story stalled. Still, I would be willing to read it again, if just for the history.

[Diane Yonchuk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this more like 3.5. Admittedly not one of his best, mystery wise, but his insight into the politics of the Catholic Church is spot on. Blackie Ryan is a great character! The Church could use a lot more like him.

[Randal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no idea what the charm is?

The main character is an overly jocular know-it-all. He's also a world-level secret operative with contacts in capital cities around the globe.

There's not one but two raids on a university rectory ... one by an assault force that does not harm any of the lightly-armed cops dispatched to defend it, one spraying the building with automatic-weapons fire. Caricatures of organized crime, feminists, Irish.

And the core crime at the center of the mystery, a locked-room murder, that is sloppily plotted and / or described: In all but one version, the profs arrive then someone asks Dave to call the dean to bring the keys. In Dave's version, he's already called her. Which one is it? It's a murder mystery; that should be a clue. Instead, it's sloppy writing. Then the solution is that there was an open window. I might not be a forensics guy, but if somebody's head is blown off with a shotgun from outside a window, there might be a splatter pattern that suggests where the shot came from (i.e. all over the inside wall). That's skipped. And somehow, the real priest was swapped with an impostor who escaped identification as a fraud despite being several inches taller than the real thing.

Nothing hangs together. 1.5 stars, generously rounded up. Cannot recommend.

[Jamie Huston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed something that I knew I would love to read, in order to take the bad taste out of my mouth from the last book I read, a huge disappointment.

Thus, this.

The narrator's voice--sardonic, literary, coy, smug--was almost always a treat (except for when it got a bit too twee). The mystery was likewise a pleasant dessert--ramped up to international, generational espionage in the second half, just when I thought it would be a mere campus whodunnit.

The university doesn't play into the mystery as much as I hoped it would, but the faculty characters are a delight, both the good and the bad. Though a chapter set in France dragged on for me, overall this was a sweet joy through and through! I think I can always count on Greeley to make me smile.

[Cathie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book though it got kind of long at the end. The plot and storyline was most interesting, especially since I have studied theology at St. John's University in Minnesota. As always, there is wonderful humor. I do like Blackie and the characters were most interesting. The twists and turns are subtle but intriguing. However, it just seemed a tad long at the end, but a most satisfying ending. Recommend.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

In all fairness, this book might earn 4 stars if I had started at the beginning of the series instead of starting in the middle. This happens when you spy a book for $1 at the library sale! An interesting who-done-it, especially if you are or care about someone who is Catholic and Irish! I often hear the main character speaking in my dad’s voice which is also a great help and makes me like the book even more.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I regret coming to almost the end of this series of well-told mysteries. One more to go.

[Robert Lariviere · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read in an interesting series.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of fun - except for the guy who got killed.

[mary santapaula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackie always figures out the solution

A wonderful story written by the late Father Greeley that remains a very enjoyable read. Delightful tale filled with great characters.

[Jennifer Gyuricska · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Greeley but this book I did not love.

[Lisette Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

It reminded me if Tom Clancy Jack Ryan and GK Chesterton Fr Brown collided Smart Witty writing. Enjoyed it 😀

[Colleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't bother. Lots of who cares about the various sects in the Catholic church. Not one of Greeley's better efforts.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was written by a priest who also teaches at Chicago University. The murder victim in this case is a visiting Greek Orthodox priest lecturing at the university. The local bishop is asked to investigate. All very filled with Latin phrases and church references, but entertaining and it's nice to read a book where the author doesn't talk down to the reader. Lots of internal church political intrigue that isn't too flattering!

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Same problem as with Nora Roberts. Characters are a little too cardboard, too perfect, too nice. The humor is a little self-satisfied. Lots of stereotypes. Same romantic scenarios over and over. The ecclesiastical setting is interesting, though, and Greeley has a lot of faith in the general goodness of most people (and thinks thugs are interestingly romantic figures). I prefer his Nuala Anne series, which is more clearly romantic fantasy at heart.

[Carmen Long · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know if it's me, or the fact that I'm not Catholic, or that I haven't read the previous books in this series, but I just really didn't get this book. I remember reading another of this author's books years ago. I don't remember much about it except the vague idea that I liked it. So when I saw this book in a thrift store, I thought "why not?".

I almost gave up on this book several times, but then it would get interesting again, and I'd keep going. Overall, it was only ok.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever since reading "The Cardinal" decades ago, I've been a fan of author Andrew Greeley. His books are always interesting reads, so when I want a reliable book, he is one of my go-to authors. I picked up several "Father Blackie" mysteries at a thrift store recently and this is the first I've read.

An interesting 'locked room' mystery, with lots of Roman Catholic/Russian Orthodox Catholic history thrown in.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop Blackwood "Blackie" Ryan is tasked by the Cardinal to investigate a locked room mystery at the University of Chicago. A monk has been assassinated in his locked office and four professors who had been in the building become suspects. Intelligence agents from around the world converge on the case.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun, educated mystery. I love how Bishop Blackie doesn't takes himself, his religion, or the church establishment too seriously but yet has a strong sense of faith. I hope to read more of Blackie this summer for relaxing fun.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting mystery involving the Catholic church, the Russian Orthodoxy, and even the U.S. government. Crazy plot, interesting dialogue and characters. Not sure if I like his style, though; a little too boastful, I think.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read. Bishop Blackie solves a locked room murder. The victim isn't who everyone thinks he is and involves the CIA and the Vatican. AND on top of everything else Blackie plays yente. Good bathtub book.

[Lindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite Father Greeley book. I do like the main character.

[Lanee · Rating 1 out of 5]

not as good as others;

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russian Orthodox monk is murdered in his office at "The University". Blackie solves the locked room mystery. A pleasant summer read.

[Ruth]

Another goofy mystery starring Bishop Blackie Ryan. They are preposterous, but I love the Irish dialogue and the wit of Father Greeley.