The Story Knife

Father Mark Townsend Mystery #1

by Brad Reynolds

Blood Flows Northward A man lied dead in a Settle convention center--a lawyer with questionable ethics, brutally slain by a ceremonial knife from a village a thousand miles to the north. . .

As a Jesuit priest. Father Nark Townsend has spent much time among the native peoples who inhabit the merciless Alaskan tundra. He recognizes the deadly artifact--and knows the Eskimo tribe that carved the intricate pictures on its ivory handle. Now conscience and duty are calling him back to that place of harsh, frozen beauty and ancient spirits; a land where Inuit, environmentalists and corporate power structures collide. For there are secrets there that the blade can reveal--and a story it must tell of greed, betrayal. . .and murder.

Genres: Mystery

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 1996

About the author

Brad Reynolds, S.J. is a Jesuit priest at Portland, Oregon, where he served as the executive assistant to the Provincial for the Jesuits. Like his creation Father Mark Townsend, he used to live in Alaska, and writes about native life there with real understanding. He is the author of the four books, and has had over 300 articles published in numerous magazines and newspapers, including National Geographic, America, Alaska and American Scholar. These are often illustrated by his own photographs. In Fall 2006 he was artist-in-residence at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. His work for National Geographic helped form the basis for his first book, The Story Knife. He has described himself as "introvert and melancholic".

Reviews

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably, more accurately, a 2.5.

As usual, I enjoyed the mystery set in a village in Alaska. The ending was pretty good, with plenty of red herrings leading up to the solution to the cases. But, the story sometimes seemed disjointed and confused. There were also sections that were too much "lecturing" about Alaska and its history, rather than showing it as part of the story.

So, I'm torn between continuing the series or not. But I think there are definitely readers that would enjoy the various aspects of the novel. For those that might think it would be "too Catholic" because it's written by and about a priest, it's not.

[AngelaGay Kinkead · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a light mystery, easy to listen to, and had lots of false leads up to the end. I didn't figure it out quickly. The setting was enjoyable (a fishing village in western Alaska), where the amateur sleuth/Seattle priest had served as a 3 yr. intern before being ordained. I'm a sucker for mysteries with the lead character being a religious professional. This one was a double decker, as the author is a Jesuit.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried this book on a recommendation. The mystery was not bad but I had some problem with the language. I realize the book was published in 1996 but I felt it was not necessary to use certain words.
I also thought Peter’s attraction to two different women was a little silly.

[Sandra Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good series

[Alton Motobu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title refers to Eskimo carving of ivory - used as murder weapon of shady Seattle lawyer. He was swindling Alaskan natives out of millions in government grants. Not much mystery. This is mostly about rural Alaskan villages and hard life of the residents. Good flavor of the lifestyle and environment of that area.

[Amanda J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but not the best.

The story line is quite unique in setting (Alaska), but stereotypical as murder mysteries go. The expected rise, climax, and conclusion occurred. I don't have much else to say, read if you're bored but this book is nothing to seek out.

[Stsh88 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love reading books that take place in Alaska!