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Monastery Murders #3
An Unholy Communion
The third installment in the best-selling Monastery Murders series Following the ancient tradition, ordinands from the College of the Transfiguration gather at first light on Ascension morning to sing their praises from the top of the college's tallest tower. Not one to miss any liturgy, Felicity finds herself swept up in worship as she listens to the timeless words.
But her delight quickly turns to horror when a black-robed body hurtles over the precipice and lands at her feet. Her investigative instincts immediately kick in when she sees a double-headed snake emblem clutched in the lifeless hand. Was this suicide? Or murder?
This time, though, Felicity will leave the investigating to someone else. She and her fiance, Antony, are off to lead a youth pilgrimage through Wales. Yet even in this remote, mystical land, lurking figures follow Felicity and Antony, and Felicity finds herself haunted by the writhing snakes. Then an ancient holy well reveals another body . . .
Ingeniously plotted by a master of contemporary suspense, An Unholy Communion weaves Great Britain's holy places and history with an intricate mystery that will keep readers guessing to the very end.
But her delight quickly turns to horror when a black-robed body hurtles over the precipice and lands at her feet. Her investigative instincts immediately kick in when she sees a double-headed snake emblem clutched in the lifeless hand. Was this suicide? Or murder?
This time, though, Felicity will leave the investigating to someone else. She and her fiance, Antony, are off to lead a youth pilgrimage through Wales. Yet even in this remote, mystical land, lurking figures follow Felicity and Antony, and Felicity finds herself haunted by the writhing snakes. Then an ancient holy well reveals another body . . .
Ingeniously plotted by a master of contemporary suspense, An Unholy Communion weaves Great Britain's holy places and history with an intricate mystery that will keep readers guessing to the very end.
383 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2013
14 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Donna Fletcher Crow
67 books125 followersDonna Fletcher Crow loves to give books away. If you would like a copy of one of her best-selling Lord Danvers Investigates series, go to her website: http://www.DonnaFletcherCrow.com
Donna is the author of 50 books, mostly novels dealing with British history. The award-winning GLASTONBURY, The Novel of Christian England is her best-known work, an Arthurian grail search epic covering 15 centuries of English history.
Donna authors 3 mystery series: The best-selling Lord Danvers Investigates Vitorian true-crime series; The Monastery Murders; and The Elizabeth and Richard Literary Suspense.
Donna and her husband have 4 adult children and 14 grandchildren. She is an inveterate researcher and an enthusiastic gardener. You can see pictures of her research trips and her garden, learn more about her books, subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and read her blog at: www.DonnaFletcherCrow.com
Donna is the author of 50 books, mostly novels dealing with British history. The award-winning GLASTONBURY, The Novel of Christian England is her best-known work, an Arthurian grail search epic covering 15 centuries of English history.
Donna authors 3 mystery series: The best-selling Lord Danvers Investigates Vitorian true-crime series; The Monastery Murders; and The Elizabeth and Richard Literary Suspense.
Donna and her husband have 4 adult children and 14 grandchildren. She is an inveterate researcher and an enthusiastic gardener. You can see pictures of her research trips and her garden, learn more about her books, subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and read her blog at: www.DonnaFletcherCrow.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 24, 2023
Not my favorite of the series. The plot was thinner and the secondary characters flatter. I've never said this before, but--there was perhaps too much church history. The Welsh revivals combined with St David and medieval bishops was a bit too much.
Takes place in the stretch between Ascension and Trinity, for those interested in how the series follows the liturgical year.
Takes place in the stretch between Ascension and Trinity, for those interested in how the series follows the liturgical year.
September 6, 2013
While attending the dawn service of Ascension, Felicity is horrified to see someone fall from the tower and land at her feet. It seems there is another mystery when she picks up a piece of paper with a strange symbol that dropped from the victim’s fingers and it bursts into flame as she opens it. Although it looks like an accident or suicide, it’s obviously a murder (otherwise why is it the opening scene in a book series called The Monastery Murders?).
Felicity agrees to accompany her fiancé, Antony, to supervise a pilgrimage to Wales for teenagers as a way to get her mind off the fatal fall, but that’s not easy with her dreams. And when she finds the strange symbol represents an ancient heretical society, it seems escaping might be harder than she thought.
This is a murder mystery, and starts well with a body appearing almost immediately. But the mystery of poor Hwyl’s death is then ignored as Antony and Felicity go walking in Wales, and apart from the obvious fact that Hwyl is Welsh, this has no apparent relevance to the mystery. In fact, I was about 75% of the way through the novel before they started to address the mystery at all, and then it was quickly apparent (to me at least) who was behind it.
The walk, as described, was much like I imagine a real walk across Wales would be: long and boring, with occasional short bursts of action. It was supposed to be ecumenical (i.e. representing all the Christian world), but was actually Anglican—and high Anglican at that, complete with bells and smells, praying exclusively out of the prayer book, and saying the Stations of the Cross at regular intervals. This wouldn’t have bothered me except the characters made a point of saying the walk was ecumenical, and it detracted from what was supposed to be the mystery of Hywl’s death.
An Unholy Communion made a lot of references to deliverance, exorcism and demonic powers working against Christianity. While this was relatively well explained, I didn’t feel either of the main characters had real understanding. Antony displayed a solid practical understanding (e.g. knowing which prayers to pray), but didn’t seem to see the bigger picture linkages (like wondering if two teenagers who wear black decorated with black and constantly quote Twilight are actually Christians). And Felicity seemed to be entirely ignorant of the dark side—she reminded me a little of some of Dr Who’s companions from the 1960’s.
One bugbear I constantly have with American authors setting books in Britain is their research and language. I was happy to find the research in An Unholy Communion was excellent (as I expected it to be. I’ve read several of her historical fiction epics, and they were outstanding). Given all the excellent research, it was distracting to see language issues: the reference to Cwm Rhondda spelled incorrectly, and the very English Antony using several Americanisms (gotten, granola bar, grill).
An Unholy Communion is the third in The Monastery Murders series, the first one I’ve read and probably the last. It didn’t work for me as a murder mystery, and I didn’t like the characters sufficiently to care what happens next.
Thanks to ARCBA, Lion Fiction and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Felicity agrees to accompany her fiancé, Antony, to supervise a pilgrimage to Wales for teenagers as a way to get her mind off the fatal fall, but that’s not easy with her dreams. And when she finds the strange symbol represents an ancient heretical society, it seems escaping might be harder than she thought.
This is a murder mystery, and starts well with a body appearing almost immediately. But the mystery of poor Hwyl’s death is then ignored as Antony and Felicity go walking in Wales, and apart from the obvious fact that Hwyl is Welsh, this has no apparent relevance to the mystery. In fact, I was about 75% of the way through the novel before they started to address the mystery at all, and then it was quickly apparent (to me at least) who was behind it.
The walk, as described, was much like I imagine a real walk across Wales would be: long and boring, with occasional short bursts of action. It was supposed to be ecumenical (i.e. representing all the Christian world), but was actually Anglican—and high Anglican at that, complete with bells and smells, praying exclusively out of the prayer book, and saying the Stations of the Cross at regular intervals. This wouldn’t have bothered me except the characters made a point of saying the walk was ecumenical, and it detracted from what was supposed to be the mystery of Hywl’s death.
An Unholy Communion made a lot of references to deliverance, exorcism and demonic powers working against Christianity. While this was relatively well explained, I didn’t feel either of the main characters had real understanding. Antony displayed a solid practical understanding (e.g. knowing which prayers to pray), but didn’t seem to see the bigger picture linkages (like wondering if two teenagers who wear black decorated with black and constantly quote Twilight are actually Christians). And Felicity seemed to be entirely ignorant of the dark side—she reminded me a little of some of Dr Who’s companions from the 1960’s.
One bugbear I constantly have with American authors setting books in Britain is their research and language. I was happy to find the research in An Unholy Communion was excellent (as I expected it to be. I’ve read several of her historical fiction epics, and they were outstanding). Given all the excellent research, it was distracting to see language issues: the reference to Cwm Rhondda spelled incorrectly, and the very English Antony using several Americanisms (gotten, granola bar, grill).
An Unholy Communion is the third in The Monastery Murders series, the first one I’ve read and probably the last. It didn’t work for me as a murder mystery, and I didn’t like the characters sufficiently to care what happens next.
Thanks to ARCBA, Lion Fiction and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
July 9, 2013
The hero’s journey or the pilgrim’s progress, Donna Fletcher Crow’s An Unholy Communion leads Felicity and her fiancé, Father Anthony, into the third murder investigation of the Monastery Murders series. As in the earlier books, the novel’s settings are beautifully researched, and the manners and customs of the Church of England are pleasingly depicted. This author’s writing does justice to faith, tradition and ecumenism, giving her novels a unique appeal to serious Christians and general readers alike.
The story follows Saint David’s travels through the Welsh countryside, accompanied by fascinating retellings of historical details—Father Anthony’s speciality—as the year turns from Ascension’s glory to the wonder of Pentecost. But a darker theme lies behind these feasts and places, and dread forces are afoot. The dead body might be suicide, murder, or supernatural destruction. And a quiet pilgrimage might lead into danger instead of peace.
The pilgrims are a pleasingly mixed bunch, and the author blends them nicely into a team as they walk, talk and pray. Welsh weather plays its part. The Deliverance Ministry has a low-key and totally honest depth. Faith is multifaceted and sinister opposing forces are pleasingly three-dimensional—no cardboard cut-out horrors here; just fast-acting adventure, leisurely discovery, and that keynote touch of faith and mystery that characterizes the series.
An Unholy Communion is a pleasingly realistic venture into the supernatural, grounded in convincing real-world locations and people, and anchored in its characters’ genuine, unpreachy, honest faith—a thoroughly enjoyable mystery.
Disclosure: I got lucky. I won a copy of this book on a blog.
The story follows Saint David’s travels through the Welsh countryside, accompanied by fascinating retellings of historical details—Father Anthony’s speciality—as the year turns from Ascension’s glory to the wonder of Pentecost. But a darker theme lies behind these feasts and places, and dread forces are afoot. The dead body might be suicide, murder, or supernatural destruction. And a quiet pilgrimage might lead into danger instead of peace.
The pilgrims are a pleasingly mixed bunch, and the author blends them nicely into a team as they walk, talk and pray. Welsh weather plays its part. The Deliverance Ministry has a low-key and totally honest depth. Faith is multifaceted and sinister opposing forces are pleasingly three-dimensional—no cardboard cut-out horrors here; just fast-acting adventure, leisurely discovery, and that keynote touch of faith and mystery that characterizes the series.
An Unholy Communion is a pleasingly realistic venture into the supernatural, grounded in convincing real-world locations and people, and anchored in its characters’ genuine, unpreachy, honest faith—a thoroughly enjoyable mystery.
Disclosure: I got lucky. I won a copy of this book on a blog.
December 15, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book. I’ve read Book 1, A Very Private Grave, and it was good to journey with Felicity and Father Antony again. Felicity is an American who studies at an English monastery where Father Antony is a lecturer. This book differs to the typical Christian fiction book because it explores the historic Anglo-Catholic roots and traditions of the Anglican Church in England. The Monastery Murder series have plots that are connected to the early church in Britain, going back as far as the early centuries AD when the saints lived and the Christian faith spread through the known world from Rome.
Antony and Felicity are engaged to be married, and become embroiled in a modern day murder mystery when a dead body falls out of a church bell tower during the Ascension morning service and lands at Felicity’s feet. The man is holding a piece of paper with a distinctive snake emblem on it. Felicity reaches for the paper and it ignites, reducing to ashes for no apparent reason. Antony and Felicity embark on a youth pilgrimmage walking tour through Wales, following in the steps of Saint David. They are accompanied by a quirky group who add colour and flavour to the story. A series of unusual events occur that suggest a supernatural force may be at work. I recommend this book to those interested in reading a supernatural murder mystery that explores early British church history.
Many thanks to Lion Hudson for providing a review copy.
Antony and Felicity are engaged to be married, and become embroiled in a modern day murder mystery when a dead body falls out of a church bell tower during the Ascension morning service and lands at Felicity’s feet. The man is holding a piece of paper with a distinctive snake emblem on it. Felicity reaches for the paper and it ignites, reducing to ashes for no apparent reason. Antony and Felicity embark on a youth pilgrimmage walking tour through Wales, following in the steps of Saint David. They are accompanied by a quirky group who add colour and flavour to the story. A series of unusual events occur that suggest a supernatural force may be at work. I recommend this book to those interested in reading a supernatural murder mystery that explores early British church history.
Many thanks to Lion Hudson for providing a review copy.
April 25, 2013
An Unholy Communion: Donna Fletcher Crow
Erie feelings, strange happenings, premonitions and unexpected occurrences mark the many events depicted within this well researched, documented and crafted novel by author Donna Fletcher Crow. Unholy Communion is the next in the Monastery Murder’s Series and marks the union between Felicity and Father Antony but not in the way you might think. As the story unfolds Felicity is watching one of her fellow ordinands singing in Ascension Morn. But, before we get to what happens let’s focus on the prologue where we learn about Non, now older as she flashes back to the birth of St. David, his importance, a holy child born to her, proud and born during a great storm. But, let’s fast forward to the present before we learn more and hear the voices singing from the top of Pusey Tower at the College of Transfiguration when something happens that will change the world for so many and lead both Felicity and Father Antony on a journey along with some young Pilgrims that will bring to light much about the history of the church, the times, the places they visit and hopefully the young pilgrims. But, when Hwyl Pendry a former student of Father Antony falls over the precipice of the Tower the sight not only causes Felicity to freeze and focus her eyes on the horrific site but seeing the body fall and noticing something in his hand would set the stage for what has yet to come. Within his fingers he holds a paper that when Felicity takes it she screams. The mere touch makes her feel as if the paper is on fire. Just why and what this means is the job of Detective Inspector Nosterfield and would later become the concern of both Father Antony and Felicity.
Hwyl Pendry has been serving as Deliverance Minister in the diocese of St. David’s. When Felicity reveals what was drawn on the paper, a strange symbol of a double-headed snake curing across a triangle, meaning suicide, but was it? As the story continues Father Antony suggested that Felicity accompany him and a group of young people on a youth pilgrimage through rural Wales. But, what starts out as a youth trip leads to more unusual occurrences, the symbol of the snakes seem to follow them along the way and a strange happening with one of the nuns reminds Felicity of the paper held by the Hwyl. As the group assembles we meet Colin who seems to know a lot more than most adults about the history of the places they are visiting, the landscape and the architecture allowing readers to learn about time period, the past and the history through the eyes and mind of a teen. Added in one of the young people is found face down in a well and some figures seem to be following them on their path. Visiting many different monasteries you being to wonder what is really happening behind some of the closed doors and why these strange things seem to be reoccurring.
During an evening when things appeared quiet yet so dark, Felicity wakes with a start thinking she hears Antony calling her but in reality he is sleeping. Haunted by the snakes, worried that death or a bad omen is following her other things happen along the way including one of the pilgrims falling off some steep stones, needing medical attention and one young man named Jared, who most think is delinquent seems to save the day. Worshipping, praying saying the different Stations before each venture calms Felicity but only to a point as the words within the prayers and her instincts kick in as two young girls join the group and what they experience is short of a vampire movie filled with paranormal, unusual actions as one girl named Kaylyn and another named Evie try to enlighten Felicity about their religious education and their understanding of Zombies, the supernatural and when you read and visualize what happens next on pages 127-131 you being to wonder what who is controlling the events and why these two young girls became trancelike and enveloped in death and darkness.
Let’s recap the events so that we are clear as Felicity reminds the reader of the screams that awakened her, Sister Elspeth plunging over a cliff, the ghostly hand at the start of the book that grabbed her but was her murdered classmate, snakes, Nancy plunging down the coal tip and what happened to Sister Florence. But, will prayers help and just what will the end result be that remains to be seen as hear references to witchcraft and spells.
Things calm down and then one young man gets sick from something he ate and it just might be that someone does not want this pilgrimage to continue or to be a success. Why? As the young people enlighten Felicity into the world of Gothic and the reader hears more prayers, learns more about Adam and what happened to cause him to get sick and they continue on. At each impasse or turn the author offers a prayer, a reading or historical event to calm the pilgrims and enlighten the reader. But, Felicity’s dreams are so vivid, so real what could be causing the dark figures to whisper to her within her consciousness and what is the dark veil or shadow that is following them? Antony’s disappearance, his search for Michael adds to the danger and the suspense. But, more history comes next as what it was like 900 years ago, an obscure legend, Ffodor ap Barris, a statue he states of Our Lady in a Tree, songs, prayers and leading to Our Lady of Penrhys leading the group to the Uniting Church in the present as dark clouds would come upon them but Antony continued with his story. But, when things change and get dangerous it seems the weather reacts not only to the story and the times but seems to foretell what might happen next. The history of this church just might bring to light more about the dangers they are encountering, the struggles of their past and then the symbol resurfaces as a blazing flame once again in the form of a card that someone drops. The pieces start to fall together as she gets reminded about a lecture the Orbis Astri are sponsoring and their goals quite different from most. But, things heat up even more as information comes to light, Kaylyn reacted to an exhibit quite differently than everyone else and the discussion moves to Deliverance ministers and negativity and remember that this society stands for Masters of Existence and that everyone has within them all the “good of the universe,” and that they feel you can “become the master of your life.” Just how this fits in will be revealed as one of the young people has a life threatening incident, all the events come into play for Antony and the fact that no one things Hwyl committed suicide still plays on their minds including the fact that Michael, their driver disappears at times but why? Antony was in way above his head, he had no answers just questions.
When all of the clues, the pieces and the final reveal come together you will not believe who is behind everything. One young man kidnapped, some drugged, the reason more than just evil and the end result murder but how many, whose and why you will have to read for yourself. One young girl creates the images, another member of the pilgrimage disappears and Antony will not dismiss his fear. What feast was coming up, what did their rituals have to do with the pilgrimage, where does fire fit in? Just who was behind everything and why you I promised Father Antony and St. David I would never tell.
Author Donna Fletcher Crow adds history, prayers, events in a fast paced mystery that reminds everyone the importance of believing, watching out for others and the true meaning of An Unholy Communion. A Holy Communion is something Christians do to remember what Jesus did for them, this is what his friends did the night before he was killed and it is known at the Last Supper. At Holy Communion there is breaking, sharing of bread which is a reminder of Jesus’ body being broken on the cross and do not forget the sharing of the wine which is a remind of his blood. Once again this author takes us deep within the walls of monasteries, churches, The Bishop Palace, across Wales and England to find the answer to what really happened at the Ascension. What did David find and what why did he want to keep it safe? Read the novel to find out and who knows what is in store for next for Father Antony and Felicity.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Erie feelings, strange happenings, premonitions and unexpected occurrences mark the many events depicted within this well researched, documented and crafted novel by author Donna Fletcher Crow. Unholy Communion is the next in the Monastery Murder’s Series and marks the union between Felicity and Father Antony but not in the way you might think. As the story unfolds Felicity is watching one of her fellow ordinands singing in Ascension Morn. But, before we get to what happens let’s focus on the prologue where we learn about Non, now older as she flashes back to the birth of St. David, his importance, a holy child born to her, proud and born during a great storm. But, let’s fast forward to the present before we learn more and hear the voices singing from the top of Pusey Tower at the College of Transfiguration when something happens that will change the world for so many and lead both Felicity and Father Antony on a journey along with some young Pilgrims that will bring to light much about the history of the church, the times, the places they visit and hopefully the young pilgrims. But, when Hwyl Pendry a former student of Father Antony falls over the precipice of the Tower the sight not only causes Felicity to freeze and focus her eyes on the horrific site but seeing the body fall and noticing something in his hand would set the stage for what has yet to come. Within his fingers he holds a paper that when Felicity takes it she screams. The mere touch makes her feel as if the paper is on fire. Just why and what this means is the job of Detective Inspector Nosterfield and would later become the concern of both Father Antony and Felicity.
Hwyl Pendry has been serving as Deliverance Minister in the diocese of St. David’s. When Felicity reveals what was drawn on the paper, a strange symbol of a double-headed snake curing across a triangle, meaning suicide, but was it? As the story continues Father Antony suggested that Felicity accompany him and a group of young people on a youth pilgrimage through rural Wales. But, what starts out as a youth trip leads to more unusual occurrences, the symbol of the snakes seem to follow them along the way and a strange happening with one of the nuns reminds Felicity of the paper held by the Hwyl. As the group assembles we meet Colin who seems to know a lot more than most adults about the history of the places they are visiting, the landscape and the architecture allowing readers to learn about time period, the past and the history through the eyes and mind of a teen. Added in one of the young people is found face down in a well and some figures seem to be following them on their path. Visiting many different monasteries you being to wonder what is really happening behind some of the closed doors and why these strange things seem to be reoccurring.
During an evening when things appeared quiet yet so dark, Felicity wakes with a start thinking she hears Antony calling her but in reality he is sleeping. Haunted by the snakes, worried that death or a bad omen is following her other things happen along the way including one of the pilgrims falling off some steep stones, needing medical attention and one young man named Jared, who most think is delinquent seems to save the day. Worshipping, praying saying the different Stations before each venture calms Felicity but only to a point as the words within the prayers and her instincts kick in as two young girls join the group and what they experience is short of a vampire movie filled with paranormal, unusual actions as one girl named Kaylyn and another named Evie try to enlighten Felicity about their religious education and their understanding of Zombies, the supernatural and when you read and visualize what happens next on pages 127-131 you being to wonder what who is controlling the events and why these two young girls became trancelike and enveloped in death and darkness.
Let’s recap the events so that we are clear as Felicity reminds the reader of the screams that awakened her, Sister Elspeth plunging over a cliff, the ghostly hand at the start of the book that grabbed her but was her murdered classmate, snakes, Nancy plunging down the coal tip and what happened to Sister Florence. But, will prayers help and just what will the end result be that remains to be seen as hear references to witchcraft and spells.
Things calm down and then one young man gets sick from something he ate and it just might be that someone does not want this pilgrimage to continue or to be a success. Why? As the young people enlighten Felicity into the world of Gothic and the reader hears more prayers, learns more about Adam and what happened to cause him to get sick and they continue on. At each impasse or turn the author offers a prayer, a reading or historical event to calm the pilgrims and enlighten the reader. But, Felicity’s dreams are so vivid, so real what could be causing the dark figures to whisper to her within her consciousness and what is the dark veil or shadow that is following them? Antony’s disappearance, his search for Michael adds to the danger and the suspense. But, more history comes next as what it was like 900 years ago, an obscure legend, Ffodor ap Barris, a statue he states of Our Lady in a Tree, songs, prayers and leading to Our Lady of Penrhys leading the group to the Uniting Church in the present as dark clouds would come upon them but Antony continued with his story. But, when things change and get dangerous it seems the weather reacts not only to the story and the times but seems to foretell what might happen next. The history of this church just might bring to light more about the dangers they are encountering, the struggles of their past and then the symbol resurfaces as a blazing flame once again in the form of a card that someone drops. The pieces start to fall together as she gets reminded about a lecture the Orbis Astri are sponsoring and their goals quite different from most. But, things heat up even more as information comes to light, Kaylyn reacted to an exhibit quite differently than everyone else and the discussion moves to Deliverance ministers and negativity and remember that this society stands for Masters of Existence and that everyone has within them all the “good of the universe,” and that they feel you can “become the master of your life.” Just how this fits in will be revealed as one of the young people has a life threatening incident, all the events come into play for Antony and the fact that no one things Hwyl committed suicide still plays on their minds including the fact that Michael, their driver disappears at times but why? Antony was in way above his head, he had no answers just questions.
When all of the clues, the pieces and the final reveal come together you will not believe who is behind everything. One young man kidnapped, some drugged, the reason more than just evil and the end result murder but how many, whose and why you will have to read for yourself. One young girl creates the images, another member of the pilgrimage disappears and Antony will not dismiss his fear. What feast was coming up, what did their rituals have to do with the pilgrimage, where does fire fit in? Just who was behind everything and why you I promised Father Antony and St. David I would never tell.
Author Donna Fletcher Crow adds history, prayers, events in a fast paced mystery that reminds everyone the importance of believing, watching out for others and the true meaning of An Unholy Communion. A Holy Communion is something Christians do to remember what Jesus did for them, this is what his friends did the night before he was killed and it is known at the Last Supper. At Holy Communion there is breaking, sharing of bread which is a reminder of Jesus’ body being broken on the cross and do not forget the sharing of the wine which is a remind of his blood. Once again this author takes us deep within the walls of monasteries, churches, The Bishop Palace, across Wales and England to find the answer to what really happened at the Ascension. What did David find and what why did he want to keep it safe? Read the novel to find out and who knows what is in store for next for Father Antony and Felicity.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
April 15, 2025
This was a tough read. I've enjoyed this series (Monastery Murders) for its deep look at historical Christianity in the British Isles, and this one, set in Wales, covers that well also. Father Anthony and Felicity lead an eclectic group of young people on a historic pilgrimage in commemoration of the life of David (who defended Christian doctrine in the 5th century and was memorialized for centuries afterwards). A fellow priest has fallen to his death at the beginning of the novel, and a paper with an evil symbol is in his hand. The symbol continues to appear throughout the group's journey, and the group experiences extreme spiritual warfare -- storms, illnesses, trances, disappearances -- which Father Anthony seeks to refute through Catholic exorcism rites. To that end, the book is a long journey of confronting evil in many truly Satanic forms (withcraft, New Ageism, human sacrifice) and feels truly frightening at times. I would not lightly recommend this book for that reason. I did enjoy that the Pilgrims shared a different "Station of the Cross" as they walked the historic path, as I was reading this during Lent and found that meaningful.
July 29, 2017
Felicity and Antony are back at the College of Transfiguration getting ready to get married. Felicity was on her way to the tower on Ascension Day when a body fell off the tower and landed at her feet. A piece of paper fell out of his hand and she picked it up for it to immediately burst unto flames but not before she noticed a "Sign" on the paper. Det. Inspector Nosterfield came and took over the death of Hwyl Pendry. Antony was asked to take over Fr. Stephen's youth pilgrimage because he had an accident. Felicity went with Antony on the trip to relax and forget about Hwyl's death. They went to Wales to start the trip to all of St, David's Churches. Along the eay strange things began to happen that they thought were Satan's evil doings because they kept finding the sign that burst into flames.
Descriptions of the country and churches are so real that again this author had me not wanting to put the book down. Lots of excitement and twists to the end!
Descriptions of the country and churches are so real that again this author had me not wanting to put the book down. Lots of excitement and twists to the end!
October 6, 2018
Another amazing read
Intriguing, scary, and eye opening. Murder or was it suicide-the death of a former student of Antony's and, something else has followed Antony and Felicity on a pilgrimage with some very intelligent youth. There is the geologist, the archeologist, the nurse, the goths, and more following the steps of pilgrims for hundreds of years.
What should be an holy and uplifting experience is fraught with unexplained happenings and evil is in the air. Why does the minibus driver keep disappearing? Why does the nurse keep harping on her little brother who then goes missing? Nancy, on a pilgrimage of discernment, grounds the group by singing hymns at each unexplained event. And who are these new aged cult, whose symbol strikes fear in Felicity's heart.
Follow the pilgrimage and come to see good triumph over evil. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of Wales & Christianity.
Intriguing, scary, and eye opening. Murder or was it suicide-the death of a former student of Antony's and, something else has followed Antony and Felicity on a pilgrimage with some very intelligent youth. There is the geologist, the archeologist, the nurse, the goths, and more following the steps of pilgrims for hundreds of years.
What should be an holy and uplifting experience is fraught with unexplained happenings and evil is in the air. Why does the minibus driver keep disappearing? Why does the nurse keep harping on her little brother who then goes missing? Nancy, on a pilgrimage of discernment, grounds the group by singing hymns at each unexplained event. And who are these new aged cult, whose symbol strikes fear in Felicity's heart.
Follow the pilgrimage and come to see good triumph over evil. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of Wales & Christianity.
December 12, 2020
The mystery was at the beginning and in the last 100 pages. In between was an incredible amount of history and description of Wales. Usually I enjoy history as part of the story but not so much this time. If the reader isn’t familiar with high church Anglican, it can be confusing as to what denomination Father Antony belongs. The occult was disturbing. However, the author obviously spent a good deal of time doing research for this book
August 27, 2017
A mystery with some interesting history, this time of Wales. Good fun though a bit far fetched in places. The American author does a pretty good job of writing about Britain ( and is sensible enough to make her main protagonist an ex pat American) though just occasionally there's something a bit too American that jars.
March 28, 2018
Felicity wants to think about nothing but plans for her up-coming wedding--until a body falls off a tower and lands at her feet. Perhaps Anthony's invitation to join him on a pilgrimage through Wales isn't such a bad idea. But then inexplicable things start happening. Felicity's journey across an ancient pilgrim trail becomes a quest for understanding--and survival.
September 12, 2022
I just love the mixture of national and church history, faith, landscape description, relationships and crime mysteries in this series. This one seemed a little slow at first but the sense of threat built up and up and, although I wasn't surprised at the end by the murderer's identity, it was a natural culmination of a good plot.
September 8, 2020
Interesting read where Felicity and Antony take on the demonic realm. Not as mysterious a mystery as some of the previous, but still with the please end twists, and plenty of eerie story.
April 26, 2013
Donna Fletcher Crow in her new book, “An Unholy Communion” Book Three in The Monastery Murders series published by Lion Fiction returns us to the English countryside and Felicity and Father Antony.
From the back cover: First light, Ascension morning. From the top of the tower at the College of the Transfiguration, voices rise in song.
Felicity’s delight turns to horror when a black-robed body hurtles over the precipice and lands at her feet.
Her fiance Father Antony recognizes the corpse as Hwyl Pendry, a former student, who has been serving as Deliverance Minister in a Welsh diocese. The police, ignoring the strange emblem of a double-headed snake clutched in the dead man’s hand, label the death a suicide. But Hwyl’s widow is convinced otherwise, and pleads for Felicity and Antony to help her uncover the truth.
Matters grow murkier as Felicity and Antony, leading a youth pilgrimage through rural Wales, encounter the same sinister symbol as they travel. Lurking figures follow them. Then a body is found face down in a well . . .
Ingeniously plotted by a master of contemporary suspense, An Unholy Communion weaves Great Britain’s holy places and history with an intricate mystery that will keep readers guessing to the very end.
Here’s a question: who throws ministers off of college towers early in the morning? Then who does not want a walking tour of Wales to succeed? Is there some kind of cult involved or is there just one person? Okay that was three questions but this mystery is one of Ms. Crow’s best and pits Felicity and Father Anthony against a very dangerous foe. Ms. Crow has successfully blended history, religious history and mystery into a wonderful stew that will keep you guessing right up to the very end. Felicity and Father Antony are up there in great partners in crime-think Nick & Nora Charles or Jonathan & Jennifer Hart. Donna Fletcher Crow has created two very unique characters that get along so well together and make such a special team in investigating murder. “An Unholy Communion” is a very exciting book that will keep you engrossed in the characters as well as life in England. This is a wonderful series and I am glad I discovered Donna Fletcher Crow and her wonderful heroes. I recommend this book highly.
Win a Kindle Fire in The Monastery Mystery Giveaway!
Donna Fletcher Crow is celebrating the release of An Unholy Communion with a Kindle Fire Giveaway.
Unholy-communion300
One winner will receive:
A brand new Kindle Fire
Books 1-3 in The Monastery Murders series by Donna Fletcher Crow
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 12th. Winner will be announced on 5/14/13 {HERE}.
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: First light, Ascension morning. From the top of the tower at the College of the Transfiguration, voices rise in song.
Felicity’s delight turns to horror when a black-robed body hurtles over the precipice and lands at her feet.
Her fiance Father Antony recognizes the corpse as Hwyl Pendry, a former student, who has been serving as Deliverance Minister in a Welsh diocese. The police, ignoring the strange emblem of a double-headed snake clutched in the dead man’s hand, label the death a suicide. But Hwyl’s widow is convinced otherwise, and pleads for Felicity and Antony to help her uncover the truth.
Matters grow murkier as Felicity and Antony, leading a youth pilgrimage through rural Wales, encounter the same sinister symbol as they travel. Lurking figures follow them. Then a body is found face down in a well . . .
Ingeniously plotted by a master of contemporary suspense, An Unholy Communion weaves Great Britain’s holy places and history with an intricate mystery that will keep readers guessing to the very end.
Here’s a question: who throws ministers off of college towers early in the morning? Then who does not want a walking tour of Wales to succeed? Is there some kind of cult involved or is there just one person? Okay that was three questions but this mystery is one of Ms. Crow’s best and pits Felicity and Father Anthony against a very dangerous foe. Ms. Crow has successfully blended history, religious history and mystery into a wonderful stew that will keep you guessing right up to the very end. Felicity and Father Antony are up there in great partners in crime-think Nick & Nora Charles or Jonathan & Jennifer Hart. Donna Fletcher Crow has created two very unique characters that get along so well together and make such a special team in investigating murder. “An Unholy Communion” is a very exciting book that will keep you engrossed in the characters as well as life in England. This is a wonderful series and I am glad I discovered Donna Fletcher Crow and her wonderful heroes. I recommend this book highly.
Win a Kindle Fire in The Monastery Mystery Giveaway!
Donna Fletcher Crow is celebrating the release of An Unholy Communion with a Kindle Fire Giveaway.
Unholy-communion300
One winner will receive:
A brand new Kindle Fire
Books 1-3 in The Monastery Murders series by Donna Fletcher Crow
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 12th. Winner will be announced on 5/14/13 {HERE}.
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 28, 2013
Title: AN UNHOLY COMMUNION: Book 3 of The Monastery Murders
Author: Donna Fletcher Crow
Publisher: Lion Fiction
March 2013
ISBN: 978-1-78264-004-2
Fiction \ Christian\ Suspense
383 pages. £7.99 U.K. $14.99 U.S.
“The tower-top choir began, “Hail the day that sees Him rise . . . Christ, awhile to mortals given, Alleluia / Reascends His native heaven, Alle. . .”
The final Alleluia never registered in Felicity’s ears. It was extinguished by a much nearer shriek. Her own.
The piercing scream tore a second time from her throat as she watched in horrifying slow motion a cassock-clad figure from the back of the choir catapault across the parapet and arc over the side of the tower.”
Felicity Howard, according to Inspector Nosterfield, is “making a habit of this.” The “this” in question happens to be an association with murders, and the subsequent victims. The corpse in question was a former ordinand of Magdalen College, a Deliverance Minister, and a former student of Father Antony. He was also holding a strange emblem of a double-headed snake in his dead hand. The police ignore the telling clue and dismiss the death as a suicide. But Hwyl’s widow is convinced otherwise, and pleads for Felicity and Antony to help her uncover the truth.
Matters grow murkier as Felicity and Antony, leading a youth pilgrimage through rural Wales, encounter the same sinister symbol as they travel. Lurking figures follow them. Then a body is found face-down in a well . . .
Having never read a book by Donna Fletcher Crow, I was very excited to get the opportunity to review what has turned out to be a page-turner and a half. While the background is solidly rooted in the Catholic faith (hence The Monastery Murders), I feel AN UNHOLY COMMUNION has universal appeal. There are Catholic offices practiced throughout the book, and the leader of the intrepid group of pilgrims is a Deliverance Minister of the Catholic Church. Yet one is drawn into the story effortlessly, and soon becomes one of the pilgrims as well. AN UNHOLY COMMUNION is Book Three of The Monastery Murders series, and while references are made to the previous books, this book easily stands on its own. The characters are refreshing, true to life, and true to themselves throughout the book. The settings are vividly illustrated through the author’s exquisite command of the Queen’s English, and the pace never falters or runs away from the reader. History, romance and murder . . . an unbeatable combination guaranteed to keep you up nights!
Author: Donna Fletcher Crow
Publisher: Lion Fiction
March 2013
ISBN: 978-1-78264-004-2
Fiction \ Christian\ Suspense
383 pages. £7.99 U.K. $14.99 U.S.
“The tower-top choir began, “Hail the day that sees Him rise . . . Christ, awhile to mortals given, Alleluia / Reascends His native heaven, Alle. . .”
The final Alleluia never registered in Felicity’s ears. It was extinguished by a much nearer shriek. Her own.
The piercing scream tore a second time from her throat as she watched in horrifying slow motion a cassock-clad figure from the back of the choir catapault across the parapet and arc over the side of the tower.”
Felicity Howard, according to Inspector Nosterfield, is “making a habit of this.” The “this” in question happens to be an association with murders, and the subsequent victims. The corpse in question was a former ordinand of Magdalen College, a Deliverance Minister, and a former student of Father Antony. He was also holding a strange emblem of a double-headed snake in his dead hand. The police ignore the telling clue and dismiss the death as a suicide. But Hwyl’s widow is convinced otherwise, and pleads for Felicity and Antony to help her uncover the truth.
Matters grow murkier as Felicity and Antony, leading a youth pilgrimage through rural Wales, encounter the same sinister symbol as they travel. Lurking figures follow them. Then a body is found face-down in a well . . .
Having never read a book by Donna Fletcher Crow, I was very excited to get the opportunity to review what has turned out to be a page-turner and a half. While the background is solidly rooted in the Catholic faith (hence The Monastery Murders), I feel AN UNHOLY COMMUNION has universal appeal. There are Catholic offices practiced throughout the book, and the leader of the intrepid group of pilgrims is a Deliverance Minister of the Catholic Church. Yet one is drawn into the story effortlessly, and soon becomes one of the pilgrims as well. AN UNHOLY COMMUNION is Book Three of The Monastery Murders series, and while references are made to the previous books, this book easily stands on its own. The characters are refreshing, true to life, and true to themselves throughout the book. The settings are vividly illustrated through the author’s exquisite command of the Queen’s English, and the pace never falters or runs away from the reader. History, romance and murder . . . an unbeatable combination guaranteed to keep you up nights!
May 10, 2013
Summary:
Father Antony, and his fiancé Felicity, are the chaperone's and guides of a youth walking pilgrimage through Wales. Father Antony is a young Anglican priest and teacher at College of Transfiguration in Yorkshire, England. Felicity, is a young American living in England, and attending the same college that Father Antony is at. She is an ordinand, she also sings in the choir. They plan to marry at the end of the year. The walking pilgrimage takes place in June. It is a small group of youth and college students. They sleep in churches using sleeping bags. They are fed by the churches parishioner's. Before the pilgrimage begins Felicity suffers a frightful and shocking encounter. During the course of the pilgrimage various members of the group are plagued with illnesses, accidents, and strange occurrences.
An Unholy Communion is a mystery, in that Father Antony and Felicity are working to find the reason for these strange occurrences.
My Thoughts:
What I liked about An Unholy Communion is the story is based in Wales. My beloved Wales. Home of my ancestor's.
I also liked the premise of a pilgrimage walking tour. This tour traveled through Wales, exploring various landmarks and archeology sites, as well as the historical significance of each place.
I also liked reading a story that was of another denominational church rather than the usual Christian fiction books. I knew little about the Anglican Church when I began reading this story.
What I disliked about Unholy Communion was the supernatural focus. I believe that there are evil and dark forces that happen in this world. Jesus told us to expect it; although, Jesus said that He has overcome the world. This means we should not fear. Our focus and trust should be on Jesus Christ. I do not believe the evil one should get anymore attention than he already gets. I would have liked it if this book had given MORE attention---most of the attention, to Jesus Christ, not to the possible supernatural happenings or heinous plots from the evil one. I understand that many reader's enjoy supernatural type stories. I feel strongly that as a Christian I must be very careful what I ingest into my mind. To provoke fear and confusion is a large part in what the evil one does. Anything to take my eyes/our eyes off the Lord Jesus Christ, is a main goal of the evil one.
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and Lion Hudson/Kregel Publications for my FREE review copy!
Father Antony, and his fiancé Felicity, are the chaperone's and guides of a youth walking pilgrimage through Wales. Father Antony is a young Anglican priest and teacher at College of Transfiguration in Yorkshire, England. Felicity, is a young American living in England, and attending the same college that Father Antony is at. She is an ordinand, she also sings in the choir. They plan to marry at the end of the year. The walking pilgrimage takes place in June. It is a small group of youth and college students. They sleep in churches using sleeping bags. They are fed by the churches parishioner's. Before the pilgrimage begins Felicity suffers a frightful and shocking encounter. During the course of the pilgrimage various members of the group are plagued with illnesses, accidents, and strange occurrences.
An Unholy Communion is a mystery, in that Father Antony and Felicity are working to find the reason for these strange occurrences.
My Thoughts:
What I liked about An Unholy Communion is the story is based in Wales. My beloved Wales. Home of my ancestor's.
I also liked the premise of a pilgrimage walking tour. This tour traveled through Wales, exploring various landmarks and archeology sites, as well as the historical significance of each place.
I also liked reading a story that was of another denominational church rather than the usual Christian fiction books. I knew little about the Anglican Church when I began reading this story.
What I disliked about Unholy Communion was the supernatural focus. I believe that there are evil and dark forces that happen in this world. Jesus told us to expect it; although, Jesus said that He has overcome the world. This means we should not fear. Our focus and trust should be on Jesus Christ. I do not believe the evil one should get anymore attention than he already gets. I would have liked it if this book had given MORE attention---most of the attention, to Jesus Christ, not to the possible supernatural happenings or heinous plots from the evil one. I understand that many reader's enjoy supernatural type stories. I feel strongly that as a Christian I must be very careful what I ingest into my mind. To provoke fear and confusion is a large part in what the evil one does. Anything to take my eyes/our eyes off the Lord Jesus Christ, is a main goal of the evil one.
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and Lion Hudson/Kregel Publications for my FREE review copy!
May 9, 2013
The synopsis of the book is very enticing! And sure enough 4 pages into chapter one it happens! A body! We are thrust right into the action with a mystery in the opening pages. Murder or Suicide is now what we must read on to figure out! The book is full of religious history and it is obvious that the book, times, methods, ordinals, and sacraments have been thoroughly researched. The author did a superb job of describing the rolling hillsides of the pilgrimage as well as giving the reader an in-depth look at the Catholic/Welsh history. Research is very well done! Bravo! some of the character development is sparse but the way the group interacts together is well written. The author did a very good job of blending Catholic history with the welsh countryside, leaving the reader with very scenic imagery!
Unfortunately, this is where my praises end for this book. After the grand work up in the synopsis and despite the dead body in chapter one, the story is VERY LONG, and VERY OBTUSE! The descriptions of the NEVER-ENDING scenery is very wordy, verbose, and extremely long winded! I am a very fast reader and can read a book in a week or two depending on what is going on in my life at the time. It took me almost 2 MONTHS to get through this book. I actually put it down several times and I read three other complete books and came back to this one with dread! There was no ACTION, and no real MYSTERY! I found the heroine Felicity to be slow and un-knowledgeable about all things spiritual and I found Father Antony to be overly passive and stoic and slow to act, or even know when he should act! There are 30 chapters in this book and Father Antony did not really start actively investigating until chapter 24! And the body face down at the well was unneeded in chapter 27 because I was already brain dead from boredom by chapter 10! As a lover of mysteries it takes more then occasional whispery voices, and devil-like winds, to make a good mystery!An Unholy Communion
Unfortunately, this is where my praises end for this book. After the grand work up in the synopsis and despite the dead body in chapter one, the story is VERY LONG, and VERY OBTUSE! The descriptions of the NEVER-ENDING scenery is very wordy, verbose, and extremely long winded! I am a very fast reader and can read a book in a week or two depending on what is going on in my life at the time. It took me almost 2 MONTHS to get through this book. I actually put it down several times and I read three other complete books and came back to this one with dread! There was no ACTION, and no real MYSTERY! I found the heroine Felicity to be slow and un-knowledgeable about all things spiritual and I found Father Antony to be overly passive and stoic and slow to act, or even know when he should act! There are 30 chapters in this book and Father Antony did not really start actively investigating until chapter 24! And the body face down at the well was unneeded in chapter 27 because I was already brain dead from boredom by chapter 10! As a lover of mysteries it takes more then occasional whispery voices, and devil-like winds, to make a good mystery!An Unholy Communion
May 21, 2013
An Unholy Communion is the third book in Donna’s series, The Monastery Murders, and it’s just as delightful as A Very Private Grave and A Darkly Hidden Truth. As we have in the other books we are brought back into the lives of Antony and Felicity – who are now engaged to be married – and are thrown into yet another murder mystery, one that they try to ignore so that they can go on a pilgrimage with a group of young adults. If you’ve read the other book, then grab this one too – if you haven’t read the others it’s okay as each could technically stand alone, just make sure you go back and read the other two after.
There are parts that are slow – this is because of the history and details that Donna weaves into the story – and this gives it a richness that some novels just don’t have today. I must say that Donna’s books are right up there with another author who puts out controversial books about the Christian faith – however Donna’s are not controversial and even makes the reader want to know more about their faith, not having them turn away from it. This also isn’t a murder mystery with lots of gore and blood and nonsensical romance in it – the ‘murder’ is straight forward without a lot of detail going into the scene and while Antony and Felicity are in love and they do hold hands there isn’t anything that would be out of order for Christians or those who are ordained or becoming ordained.
It’s hard to write a review about a book when you’ve read the others and reviewed those as well, however each book of The Monastery Murders holds something different as An Unholy Communion does – as the whole scene setting is different and as I read it has me wanting to one day take my own pilgrimage to visit the land of my Lord and Savior. Also, I am allowing my 11 year old daughter to read it – that is how ‘safe’ I feel this book is, and I’m pretty picky on what I allow my children to read and she is enjoying it, even if some of the history is a little overwhelming.
**I was provided a physical copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.
There are parts that are slow – this is because of the history and details that Donna weaves into the story – and this gives it a richness that some novels just don’t have today. I must say that Donna’s books are right up there with another author who puts out controversial books about the Christian faith – however Donna’s are not controversial and even makes the reader want to know more about their faith, not having them turn away from it. This also isn’t a murder mystery with lots of gore and blood and nonsensical romance in it – the ‘murder’ is straight forward without a lot of detail going into the scene and while Antony and Felicity are in love and they do hold hands there isn’t anything that would be out of order for Christians or those who are ordained or becoming ordained.
It’s hard to write a review about a book when you’ve read the others and reviewed those as well, however each book of The Monastery Murders holds something different as An Unholy Communion does – as the whole scene setting is different and as I read it has me wanting to one day take my own pilgrimage to visit the land of my Lord and Savior. Also, I am allowing my 11 year old daughter to read it – that is how ‘safe’ I feel this book is, and I’m pretty picky on what I allow my children to read and she is enjoying it, even if some of the history is a little overwhelming.
**I was provided a physical copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.
April 26, 2013
Unholy Communion is the third book in The Monastery Murders by Donna Fletcher Crow. I have not read the first two and I am usually apprehensive reading a book that is not the first in a series. I was not disappointed and did not have any issues figuring out who is who and the past story-lines.
Felicity Howard, a young American studying for the Anglican priesthood at the College of the Transfiguration in Yorkshire, finds herself involved in another mystery. She is running late to participate in the Ascension festivities as she slept late. So instead of participating she is an observer and while observing she sees a black robed body come hurtling down and landing by her feet. The body has a note in his hand with an emblem that makes her wonder if this is an accident or was he murdered.
Felicity is engaged to be married to Father Anton, an Anglican priest, and they are both participating in a youth pilgrimage following in the footsteps of St.David, patron saint of Wales. While on this pilgrimage to the chapel of St.Non with a group of people varying in ages, Felicity and Father Anton find themselves being followed and other things happening en route that they find very disturbing. In trying to keep tract of everyone on the pilgrimage and keep everyone safe things become quite dangerous.
I found this story being very interesting for the historical aspects of Welsh history, Saint Non, mother of St.David. I feel that the author did an amazing job with historical details while keeping the mystery and not having the story getting too bogged down with historical facts. I enjoyed the book immensely so much that I have ordered the first two books in the series so I can get caught up in the lives of Felicity and Father Anton and I look forward to reading the fourth book in the series.
I received this book for review and was not momentarily compensated for my review
Felicity Howard, a young American studying for the Anglican priesthood at the College of the Transfiguration in Yorkshire, finds herself involved in another mystery. She is running late to participate in the Ascension festivities as she slept late. So instead of participating she is an observer and while observing she sees a black robed body come hurtling down and landing by her feet. The body has a note in his hand with an emblem that makes her wonder if this is an accident or was he murdered.
Felicity is engaged to be married to Father Anton, an Anglican priest, and they are both participating in a youth pilgrimage following in the footsteps of St.David, patron saint of Wales. While on this pilgrimage to the chapel of St.Non with a group of people varying in ages, Felicity and Father Anton find themselves being followed and other things happening en route that they find very disturbing. In trying to keep tract of everyone on the pilgrimage and keep everyone safe things become quite dangerous.
I found this story being very interesting for the historical aspects of Welsh history, Saint Non, mother of St.David. I feel that the author did an amazing job with historical details while keeping the mystery and not having the story getting too bogged down with historical facts. I enjoyed the book immensely so much that I have ordered the first two books in the series so I can get caught up in the lives of Felicity and Father Anton and I look forward to reading the fourth book in the series.
I received this book for review and was not momentarily compensated for my review
April 21, 2013
I love a good mystery. Among my favorite mystery/suspense authors are Agatha Christie and Mary Higgins Clark because of their panache for placing twists in just the right spot so I never know who to suspect. There is something about ending a long day curled up with my light blanket and a good mystery that helps me to unwind from all the stress and to wrap my mind up in the make believe world inside the pages of the book I am reading and I am always on the lookout for a new great mystery/suspense author, especially one who writes wholesome fiction that is not riddled with sexual innuendos and foul language. In comes Donna Fletcher Crow.
An Unholy Communion is a Christian novel based on the Anglican religion and is set in Wales. The main character, Felicity, is an American country girl who is studying abroad and has a tendency to find herself involved in solving murders. This time, it is a Deliverance Minister who is visiting her college who finds his untimely death at her feet on Ascension morning. Although Felicity tries to flee from involvement, she finds herself mixed up in solving the murder along with her fiancé, Father Antony.
This book was truly a great mystery and had me guessing throughout the entire book. It was full of twists and turns and I learned a great deal of new information about the occult and spiritual warfare as well. The author most definitely did a lot of research and, although this book is a work of fiction, has included much fact in here so that it is not only a fun read but also a learning experience. I think this book would be a good choice for a teenager to adult because it is a clean and wholesome book. I highly recommend that you place this book on your summer reading list!
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review
Visit my blog at thrugh-my-is.blogspot.com to see this review!
An Unholy Communion is a Christian novel based on the Anglican religion and is set in Wales. The main character, Felicity, is an American country girl who is studying abroad and has a tendency to find herself involved in solving murders. This time, it is a Deliverance Minister who is visiting her college who finds his untimely death at her feet on Ascension morning. Although Felicity tries to flee from involvement, she finds herself mixed up in solving the murder along with her fiancé, Father Antony.
This book was truly a great mystery and had me guessing throughout the entire book. It was full of twists and turns and I learned a great deal of new information about the occult and spiritual warfare as well. The author most definitely did a lot of research and, although this book is a work of fiction, has included much fact in here so that it is not only a fun read but also a learning experience. I think this book would be a good choice for a teenager to adult because it is a clean and wholesome book. I highly recommend that you place this book on your summer reading list!
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review
Visit my blog at thrugh-my-is.blogspot.com to see this review!
April 23, 2013
An unholy communion is very well written and the author has a wonderful knack for setting the stage and building atmosphere so you feel like you are right there during the story. There were many different twists and turns in the story and the descriptions of various passages truly made you feel that spiritual warfare was involved. Unfortunately I didn’t really connect with this story as I found the book more of a history lesson with a mystery thrown in. I also had issues with some of the catholic parts of the book. Yes, it's called the monastary murders -but I found it to be very inconsistent since there are married priests in this story (the main character and the character that were murdered are both priests ~ one is married the other is engaged). It was interesting to hear some of the stories of the saints and reading the twists on the Stations of the Cross (not being Catholic I don't know much about the stations but it was interesting how he set up the little devotionals to fit the lives and needs of the teens in his care during the tour he was leading).
I was quite disappointed in this book as I thought I would connect with it right away due to the mystery, the setting and yes, the castle on the front drew me in too. You might check it out from the library and see what you think about it before you buy it - I hope to pick up one of her other books at the library and hopefully I’ll find it as enjoyable as I think Crow’s story’s can be.
I gave it a 3 star due to the level of the writing.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of An Unholy Communion to read and review on GivingNSharing. I was not required to have a positive review and no money exchanged hands. Thanks for reading!
I was quite disappointed in this book as I thought I would connect with it right away due to the mystery, the setting and yes, the castle on the front drew me in too. You might check it out from the library and see what you think about it before you buy it - I hope to pick up one of her other books at the library and hopefully I’ll find it as enjoyable as I think Crow’s story’s can be.
I gave it a 3 star due to the level of the writing.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of An Unholy Communion to read and review on GivingNSharing. I was not required to have a positive review and no money exchanged hands. Thanks for reading!
May 4, 2013
A gathering on Ascension morning to sing praises sounds wonderful to Felicity; an absolutely wonderful way to start the day. As the songs and worship fill the air, something more sinister is happening above them. A body falls over the precipice and lands at Felicity's feet. Was this accident, suicide, or murder? In this third installment of her "Monastery Murder Series," Donna Fletcher Crow provides the clues and the answer.
Felicity is horrified to find a body at her feet. It is black robed and one hand is holding an emblem of a two headed snake. Then, Father Antony, her fiance, said that this was a former student. Sadness joined the horror of the death. But, while so many others were willing to call it a suicide, Felicity and Father Antony thought differently. Thus began their journey to discover what really happened. Who could possibly want to kill Hwyl Pendry? Where do they see the symbol again, and how do they react? Is this the work of a cult or a hate group? Come along and join the journey through Wales and British history and see if you can discover the answers.
This is an interesting book full of not only the story Ms. Crow has written, but also British history. It definitely adds more life and truth to the lines in the book. I found myself drawn to the characters and mystery, working to solve it as clues came along. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries with the special touch of historical fact.
Felicity is horrified to find a body at her feet. It is black robed and one hand is holding an emblem of a two headed snake. Then, Father Antony, her fiance, said that this was a former student. Sadness joined the horror of the death. But, while so many others were willing to call it a suicide, Felicity and Father Antony thought differently. Thus began their journey to discover what really happened. Who could possibly want to kill Hwyl Pendry? Where do they see the symbol again, and how do they react? Is this the work of a cult or a hate group? Come along and join the journey through Wales and British history and see if you can discover the answers.
This is an interesting book full of not only the story Ms. Crow has written, but also British history. It definitely adds more life and truth to the lines in the book. I found myself drawn to the characters and mystery, working to solve it as clues came along. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries with the special touch of historical fact.
April 11, 2013
Drawn to this book because it promised an intriguing plot, I was disappointed with the seemingly forever walking journey that seemed to take as long to travel in the book as it would physically.
Felicity witnesses a murder the police label a suicide. While she and her fiancé, Father Antony, lead a youth pilgrimage through rural Wales, they make some startling discoveries regarding the victim and those who wanted him dead.
I got lost in the book several times and mostly couldn’t wait to get finished. This book was easily skimmed while retaining the general storyline. The incessant detail and observations were more about the author than the characters in the story. It was obvious the author did her homework and even travelled the same route she used in the book. The beauty of the area captured her imagination but she didn’t translate it to the written page very well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Felicity witnesses a murder the police label a suicide. While she and her fiancé, Father Antony, lead a youth pilgrimage through rural Wales, they make some startling discoveries regarding the victim and those who wanted him dead.
I got lost in the book several times and mostly couldn’t wait to get finished. This book was easily skimmed while retaining the general storyline. The incessant detail and observations were more about the author than the characters in the story. It was obvious the author did her homework and even travelled the same route she used in the book. The beauty of the area captured her imagination but she didn’t translate it to the written page very well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 30, 2013
This is one of those books that I really wanted to like. I fully enjoy mysteries, and Christian mysteries are often quite intriguing. The idea of this taking place in Wales made this even more intriguing. Or so I hoped it would be. And the blurb completely captured my attention.
While the historical portions of this book really did seem interesting, I could not get into this story at all. I didn't care about the characters, and I found some portions of the book way too Catholic for a Christian mystery. Now make sure you understand. I have nothing against Catholics. My problem is that when a book is published as a Christian book, I think it needs to be have a solid Christian message. It should not mention worshipping Mary and other controversial Catholic topics. If a book is going to have this, it needs to be published by a Catholic publishing company. But this is just a pet peeve of mine.
I will say there is no profanity and no sex. I just would have preferred a little more Christian message. It is possible that if I had read the first two books in the series, I may have enjoyed it more as well.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
While the historical portions of this book really did seem interesting, I could not get into this story at all. I didn't care about the characters, and I found some portions of the book way too Catholic for a Christian mystery. Now make sure you understand. I have nothing against Catholics. My problem is that when a book is published as a Christian book, I think it needs to be have a solid Christian message. It should not mention worshipping Mary and other controversial Catholic topics. If a book is going to have this, it needs to be published by a Catholic publishing company. But this is just a pet peeve of mine.
I will say there is no profanity and no sex. I just would have preferred a little more Christian message. It is possible that if I had read the first two books in the series, I may have enjoyed it more as well.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
May 9, 2013
An Unholy Communion is the third in the Monastery Murders series and my second. I have not yet read the first book. In my review of the previous book in the series I felt this left me at a disadvantage. I am glad I had A Darkly Hidden Truth under my reading belt.
Antony and Felicity are leading a group pilgrimage through Wales but can't escape clues for a suicide - or was it murder? - that happened just before they left. It seems that trouble will find her whether she wants it or not. As the two, now engaged, tour guides take their charges through the tour the reader learns much about the history of monasteries and ancient practices. Perhaps more than is necessary to keep the mystery moving forward. It did drag things down a bit.
The two main characters are well developed and I do like them. I love the historical aspects written about in the story but as interesting as they were at times they were more instruction rather than anything that moved the plot forward. They almost dragged it down. The mystery was interesting but not compelling. I am not sure that I would read another in the series.
Antony and Felicity are leading a group pilgrimage through Wales but can't escape clues for a suicide - or was it murder? - that happened just before they left. It seems that trouble will find her whether she wants it or not. As the two, now engaged, tour guides take their charges through the tour the reader learns much about the history of monasteries and ancient practices. Perhaps more than is necessary to keep the mystery moving forward. It did drag things down a bit.
The two main characters are well developed and I do like them. I love the historical aspects written about in the story but as interesting as they were at times they were more instruction rather than anything that moved the plot forward. They almost dragged it down. The mystery was interesting but not compelling. I am not sure that I would read another in the series.
August 14, 2015
This is my favorite of the Monastery Murders book so far. The way Crow writes in these stories really takes you there and delves into history, so writing about a mystery involving pilgrims is a natural fit for her style and for the series. The pilgrimage is written about with great relish and I like the idea. The idea of Antony and Felicity leading this group of young people through England does shake up the dynamic of the series in a very good way and also helps Felicity develop as a character.
The mystery is intriguing. We get right to the point with the murder in the first chapter and then tension builds throughout the novel as suspension rests on various pilgrims. Also, the novel touches on the idea of evil, oppressive spirits, and deliverance, and I really appreciated the way "An Unholy Communion" dealt with. It treats evil and demonic presences seriously without sensationalizing it or making it cartoony as so often happens. At the same time, the book does have some appropriately scary moments.
An Unholy Communion is thoughtfully written and well-researched. I heartily recommend it.
The mystery is intriguing. We get right to the point with the murder in the first chapter and then tension builds throughout the novel as suspension rests on various pilgrims. Also, the novel touches on the idea of evil, oppressive spirits, and deliverance, and I really appreciated the way "An Unholy Communion" dealt with. It treats evil and demonic presences seriously without sensationalizing it or making it cartoony as so often happens. At the same time, the book does have some appropriately scary moments.
An Unholy Communion is thoughtfully written and well-researched. I heartily recommend it.
April 30, 2013
I did have a bit of a hard time getting into this mystery, if you do, don't give up. It is a good read.
Can't imagine, singing and praying at the Feast of the Ascension, and having a body land at my feet. That does happen to Felicity, and the police rule Hwyl Pendry's death a suicide.
Felicity's Fiancé, Father Antony, is leading a youth pilgrimage through Wales. Felicity decides to go along. Traveling this historical countryside, some answers come to light. There are some that are going to surprise you.
Loved when the three nails are found, what they symbolize you will need to read the book. Head into a really good historical mystery. You will find that this is a very well researched book. It is also the third book in the series, and although it can be read alone, I would recommend you get to know everyone, and read the first one!
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Can't imagine, singing and praying at the Feast of the Ascension, and having a body land at my feet. That does happen to Felicity, and the police rule Hwyl Pendry's death a suicide.
Felicity's Fiancé, Father Antony, is leading a youth pilgrimage through Wales. Felicity decides to go along. Traveling this historical countryside, some answers come to light. There are some that are going to surprise you.
Loved when the three nails are found, what they symbolize you will need to read the book. Head into a really good historical mystery. You will find that this is a very well researched book. It is also the third book in the series, and although it can be read alone, I would recommend you get to know everyone, and read the first one!
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 29, 2013
I appreciate the level of craftsmanship and meticulous detail that went into this mystery. The series also boasts a couple of endearing main characters/sleuths, Felicity and Father Antony–who, in this book, are newly engaged.
I really wanted to like this mystery more than I did. It has all the makings of a book I’d love: a foreign setting (a Welsh one at that), the masterful weaving of historical fact with fiction, an eerie mystery, ancient Christian themes. But I’m wondering if perhaps this book attempts too much. The historical detail, which is wonderful in and of itself, slows the pace of the mystery. I got impatient with the long digressions into historical backstory. I also needed to feel more was at stake for the main characters. It wasn’t until the very end that I sensed any real risk to their well-being.
Thanks to Lion Hudson for providing me a copy to review. All opinions are mine.
I really wanted to like this mystery more than I did. It has all the makings of a book I’d love: a foreign setting (a Welsh one at that), the masterful weaving of historical fact with fiction, an eerie mystery, ancient Christian themes. But I’m wondering if perhaps this book attempts too much. The historical detail, which is wonderful in and of itself, slows the pace of the mystery. I got impatient with the long digressions into historical backstory. I also needed to feel more was at stake for the main characters. It wasn’t until the very end that I sensed any real risk to their well-being.
Thanks to Lion Hudson for providing me a copy to review. All opinions are mine.
June 9, 2013
A free copy was provided through Goodreads First Reads.
It took me a while to finish the An Unholy Communion. The writing is exquisite. Awesome details. The plot is very well developed. However, I had a hard time connecting with the characters. It could be because I have not read the first two books. History (not sure if it is entirely fictional - I did not bother to google) also has a big part in the plot. Although I was very intrigued to know who was behind all of those unfortunate events, the book failed to draw me in mostly because of the history involved and I found myself skimming through these parts. So, if you are not a fan of history like me, do not bother. But if you are looking for a mystery novel with a different twist, this book might be for you.
It took me a while to finish the An Unholy Communion. The writing is exquisite. Awesome details. The plot is very well developed. However, I had a hard time connecting with the characters. It could be because I have not read the first two books. History (not sure if it is entirely fictional - I did not bother to google) also has a big part in the plot. Although I was very intrigued to know who was behind all of those unfortunate events, the book failed to draw me in mostly because of the history involved and I found myself skimming through these parts. So, if you are not a fan of history like me, do not bother. But if you are looking for a mystery novel with a different twist, this book might be for you.
April 20, 2013
I consider myself extremely lucky to have won and read all three of the Monasteries Mysteries by Donna Fletcher Crow. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, A Very Private Grave, but felt that the second novel, A Darkly Hidden Truth was too close to reading a history textbook. The third novel, An Unholy Communion, shines as an interesting and historical mystery. I like the way that Crow incorporates ancient English history into the core of the novel. Of course, a little romance peaks through the pages. I like that Crow does not feel the need to adhere to the common idea that more sex and violence makes a better novel. Crow's novels are not quick reads, and therefore not the fodder of the masses.
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