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The Book of Answers: For readers who enjoy clergy sleuths!
Finalist for a Crime Writer's of Canada Award of ExcellenceA dead body falls out of a wall while the video crew for a reality tv show hunts for the ghost of Saint Mungo’s Church. Assistant pastor Tom Book, called back from vacation to cover for his missing boss, is suddenly in the midst of a murder investigation with links to long-buried secrets, and shady dealings in the present day.Even with the help of the church’s chair of property, a not as retired as he appears former undercover cop, and his best friend, a feisty funeral director who knows all the right and wrong people, Tom is nearly killed more than once. He’s also confronted with hard truths about his own past, and roused from the doldrums of grief to embrace a new chapter in his own life.
The Book of Answers is set in a mostly fictional United Church of Canada congregation, in the very real town of Oakville, Ontario. The author, a minister with decades of experience, claims only small parts of the story are based on actual events and people. Even so, the novel offers an honest and sometimes hilarious view of church life, except for the inconveniently placed corpses.
The Book of Answers is set in a mostly fictional United Church of Canada congregation, in the very real town of Oakville, Ontario. The author, a minister with decades of experience, claims only small parts of the story are based on actual events and people. Even so, the novel offers an honest and sometimes hilarious view of church life, except for the inconveniently placed corpses.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 10, 2023
Wow! This was a lot of fun! I bought it because it’s set in my church, and in the town where I live. There were so many lovely Easter egg moments, where characters went to places I’ve been in Bronte, both in the church and in the neighbourhood. I’m not sure it can be called a cozy mystery, because some of the crimes revolve around sex and drugs, and gosh! All those dead ministers! Much better than I expected!
July 4, 2023
This a wonderful book. I am not usually a mystery reader but this book had me hooked.
April 22, 2024
Darrow Woods' The Book of Answers is a captivating cozy mystery that expertly intertwines the charm of Oakville and the intimate dynamics of its United Church community. Set against a backdrop rich in local lore, the novel shines with well-crafted, relatable characters and explores the deeply meaningful relationship between a minister and their congregation. The protagonist, portrayed with a profound sense of generosity and kindness even amidst grief, brings a heartwarming depth to the narrative. The mystery unfolds with cleverly laid clues that lead to a genuinely surprising resolution, making this book not only a delightful read but also a smart, engaging puzzle. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a mystery that feels both comforting and intellectually stimulating!
April 17, 2026
This not quite a cozy mystery and not quite a thriller is an interesting read and the start of a potentially good series.
The topics this book deals with are what make the story compelling. It tackles abuse of power, buried family secrets, keeping up appearances at a steep cost, addiction, the Fentanyl issues, and the impacts bad parenting can have on children well into their adult years. It’s a large mix that Mr. Woods weaves together well.
The topics this book deals with are what make the story compelling. It tackles abuse of power, buried family secrets, keeping up appearances at a steep cost, addiction, the Fentanyl issues, and the impacts bad parenting can have on children well into their adult years. It’s a large mix that Mr. Woods weaves together well.
January 21, 2024
Loved it!
I am the historian at Bronte Historical Society and taught at Oakville Trafalgar High School for 32 years so the characters and landmarks came out so perfect for my lovely little village!
Well done Mr. Woods!
I am also a huge Louise Penny fan. The only thing I disliked was the ending. Where is Doug’s journal or is that for the next Rev. Thomas Book mystery?
I am the historian at Bronte Historical Society and taught at Oakville Trafalgar High School for 32 years so the characters and landmarks came out so perfect for my lovely little village!
Well done Mr. Woods!
I am also a huge Louise Penny fan. The only thing I disliked was the ending. Where is Doug’s journal or is that for the next Rev. Thomas Book mystery?
September 2, 2023
A Great Read!
At first, I thought the book started off a bit slow, but as it moved further into the story, my interest picked up and I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. It had enough twists and turns to keep me hooked.
At first, I thought the book started off a bit slow, but as it moved further into the story, my interest picked up and I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. It had enough twists and turns to keep me hooked.
November 9, 2023
This was fun to read. I enjoy mysteries and the church setting was intriguing. Took me a while to get into it, but once I did it was pretty easy to read and enjoy.
October 17, 2023
I am biased, but I think it's the best mystery I have ever written. If you read it, please let me know what you think!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews