The Tentmaker

Lily Connor #1

by Michelle Blake

Lily James Connor, a female Episcopalian priest, takes an interim position, called a tentmaker, in a rich Boston parish, after the death of the much-loved old priest, and begins to suspect the circumstances surrounding his sudden death. A first novel.

Genres: Mystery, Religion

273 pages, Hardcover

First published August 30, 1999

About the author

Michelle Blake, who has also published under the name Michelle Blake Simons, is a poet and writer whose work has appeared in Ploughshares, Southern Review, and other publications. She received a master of fine arts degree from Goddard College and a master of theological studies degree from Harvard Divinity School, and at one time seriously considered becoming an Episcopal priset. Blake teaches at Tufts University and lives near Boston.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not quite sure why I kept reading this book to the end. What a waste of time!!! The main character is an Episcopalian Priest who has so many opportunities to make inroads for women and she wastes them all in indecision, etc. What a waste!!

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe because I was already a fan of Lily Conner and knew a lot about the characters from the second volume, but I was not as enthralled with this mystery by Michelle Blake. It was good, I am glad I read it, but I was able to put it down when necessary.

Lily Conner is an unusual Episcopal priest, who has the misfortune of having the issues of the church following her around. In this mystery, it is homosexuality. For me, the murder and solving it was secondary to the characters. I like Lily and her friends. I want to sit down and have a conversation with her.

I recommend this book to those for whom characterization is as important as the mystery, for people involved in mainstream churches and for those who might be interested in a book set in Boston.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a tentmaker, an ordained priest who works outside the church, Lilly Conner takes a temporary position as an interim priest at St. Mary’s, an Episcopal church in Boston whose priest has died. She is there only a short while before realizing that something in the church is amiss. Driven both by her curiosity and her concern for the parishioners, she sets out to find out what it is. Interesting characters, some endearing, others not and an opportunity to learn some things about Episcopalian beliefs.

[Chelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as mysteries go, this wasn’t one. It was entirely predictable, and any suspenseful moments were wrapped up in such a hasty, unexciting way. That being said, I actually really did enjoy Blake’s writing, and there was something compelling enough about the characters and their relationship dynamics to keep me reading until the end. I will likely read the rest of the series, although certainly not for the mystery and suspense.

[Mary Tuttle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting mystery. I did have trouble keeping some of the characters straight. Some were well-developed, but some were not. So when they would reappear, I would have to go back to check exactly who they were.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good grief. I could not even finish this book. This woman could not figure out what was happening... Do not waste your time.

[Terryjean · Rating 3 out of 5]

book started well and ended on a good note, perhaps too much faith inspection for me.

[Keryn Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Refreshingly open about emotion and spiritual aspects.
Loved the main character's honesty.
Will read more.

[Willa Guadalupe Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this series of books(of which this is the first) last month & didn't have time to read them so I renewed them at my library. Clearly there was a reason for it because I really needed to read The Tent Maker, now. It is a really wonderful book for an Episcopalian such as myself. I love Lily Connor, I love her messy, human faith & I love all the details about parish life. The bits of theology were just the things I needed to hear right now & I found Lily & the story compelling. I am going to start on the next one tonight!

[Julie Golding Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this murder mystery book about a female Episcopalian (Anglican) priest, enough to continue reading the series (I'm now on book 2). However, I did not find the novel to be up to par with the works of Julia Spencer-Fleming or Kate Charles, both of whom also feature female clerics in their mystery novels. Unfortunately, this book seemed so focused on the issues in the contemporary Anglican church that I did not find the story itself engaging enough nor the characters complex enough.

[Alice Persons · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am very glad to have found this book in the library. Maybe I like it so much partly because I'm female, Episcopalian and single, like Lily Connor, the protagonist priest. Well-written, decent plot, and multifaceted characters. The Boston setting is convincing. I will definitely read more of the series. It reminded me a bit of Julia Spencer-Fleming's excellent series with the woman priest and police chief - very "human" clerics dealing with gritty problems and crimes.

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a priest not entirely sure that is her calling after the death of her father. She struggles to do what is right and we see a very human person behind the collar she received upon being ordained. If you like a mystery and internal struggles this might be a good choice for you.

[Diane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a difficult time finishing this book. I just couldn't get into the characters. I plugged along. Started a while ago and finally got it done. Story line is important, but if I don't like the characters, I have trouble.

[Trudy Pomerantz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh - I got through it but will not be reading any other books in the series. I found the main character angsty and judgmental and therefore boring. The entire novel felt contrived with the actions of the various character not appearing believable and the final solution somewhat pat.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Word for interim pastor who has a full time job (from making tents.)
Now, here is a church with lots of problems.
Interim Lily Connor gets all straightened out.
Gay teen.
Did priest die or was he murdered?

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily Connor #1

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty good.

[Nancy Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

So so. I found the "sleuth," Lily Connor to be tedious and the plot improbable.

[Carolyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't like at all. If you want political propaganda, this is the book for you. Personally when I read a mystery, I want just that: a mystery. Would not read another book by this author.

[Barbaracase · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than Sue Grafton. Not as good as Louise Penny.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

New series that I really like! Independent woman --- minister who wears cowboy boots, has a drinking issue, and solves problems. AND lives in Boston. What's not to love!

[Margaret S.]

I enjoy Julia Spencer-Flemings books with her protagonist Episcopal priest so I tried these. They were an enjoyable read with some interesting characters, set in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts.

[Julia Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, these are fun but Sam is just too perfect - now he can sing in a rock band.

[Cajun97]

Lilly Connor series #1.

[Tonda E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Riveting.