Desert Sinner: A Father Dowling Mystery

Father Dowling #15

by Ralph McInerny

When Stacey Wilson, a former Las Vegas showgirl, is jailed for the murder of her wealthy playboy husband, Father Dowling sets out to find out the truth about the killing. 20,000 first printing. $15,000 ad/promo.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

182 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Ralph Matthew McInerny was an American Catholic religious scholar and fiction writer, including mysteries and science fiction. Some of his fiction has appeared under the pseudonyms of Harry Austin, Matthew FitzRalph, Ernan Mackey, Edward Mackin, and Monica Quill. As a mystery writer he is best known as the creator of Father Dowling. He was Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Jacques Maritain Center, and Michael P. Grace Professor of Medieval Studies at the University of Notre Dame until his retirement in June 2009. He died of esophageal cancer on January 29, 2010.

Reviews

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I prefer the TV show...lol.

[Dad Bowers · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nightclub star is in jail for murdering her husband, but the evidence is slim. A young lady is fooled by a young man, but the priest, hero of the series, figures out the real danger and foils the next murder.
Humorous, well crafted, and McInerny puts in good points about justice and human character.

[Pamela Mclaren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Father Roger Dowling finds his hands full as he tends to the shenigans of his housekeeper Marie, who loves to meddle in his and his parishioners' affairs, and listens to Police Capt. Phil Keegan complain when questions once again arise about the murder conviction of Stacy Wilson.

Stacy, a Vegas showgirl married an rich, aging playboy, takes out an insurance policy on his life shortly before the man is discovered dead on his ship. Stacy tells police that she was home during the period when Marvin Wilson was likely killed — only at her trial there is a witness, a town drunkard, who says he saw her helping Marvin prepare for sailing.

Meanwhile, Keegan's secretary Elaine, has thrown over his unexciting beau for a handsome stranger who has captured her heart. Just who is the much younger man and why is he wooing the middle-aged spinster?

Did Stacy kill Marvin? Father Dowling doesn't think so, but there are plenty of mystery surrounding the murder. And before long, there is another mysterious death and Father Dowling fears that Elaine may be next. Can he solve the mystery and save Elaine?

First time of reading this book but I developed a fondness for the Catholic priest with the TV series long ago. As the amateur detective, Dowling is quietly smart, a good listener and active when the need arises. This was a very enjoyable read.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desert Sinner
by
Ralph Mcinnery

This is the third FR. Dowling Mystery I have read. It is number 14 of 30 FR.Dowling Mysteries he has written. This book starts out with a Vegas showgirl marrying a casino owner,she is found guilty of murdering her husband. Enter FR, Dowling and chief of police Phil Kegan. If you want to know more you will have to read it. Ican say this what an ending.

[Scott Drake · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hearing about thus series for years and familiar with the television show I eagerly jumped into my first Father Dowling mystery.
And my last.
If Agatha and Sir Arthur are masterpieces, then McInerny is a two year old scribbling.
Easily one of the worst mystery stories I've ever forced myself to finish.
No spoiler needed.

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desert Sinner: A Father Dowling Mystery by Ralph McInerny is an excellent whodunit. Readers enjoy getting to know the fascinating characters while sorting out all the possible suspects. This mystery is a quick read that truly satisfies.

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright. I've seen the old series, and the best character is Steve the reformed sinner nun. She's awesome! But she's not in the books. Disappointing.

[Cherie Waggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Father Dowling mysteries were some of my Mama's favorites. I've not read them. However, since I have them, I'll read them in memory of Mama.

[Rebecca Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't the worst book I've read, not the best either.

[Marti · Rating 2 out of 5]

actually, I was rather disappointed in this book. I had seen the father dowling tv show based on the books, and even read some of the books as well. there didn't seem to be much father dowling going on in this one. the characters weren't that interesting--just sort of ho hum.

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not good enough for me to even make a comment about.