The Jigsaw Priest

by Margaret Belle

For nearly fifty years, the Grave’s End Catholic Church in Upstate New York has known no spiritual guide other than Father John Doyle. He has kept the secrets of his parishioners and provided comfort and solace. Now, as retirement looms and his health falters, he is faced with the biggest challenge of his career, as different pieces of a convoluted and chilling tale are told to him by several parishioners. Enter the world of Father Doyle and the forgotten town of Grave’s End, New York. Witness his struggle to reconcile his sacred oath to protect the seal of the confessional with his desperate need to help fractured lives within the church. Hold your breath as he receives a gift that drags him into his own personal crisis as his health continues to decline.

Genres: Mystery

293 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read! The main character is one you want to relate with and have in your own life as your priest. Such a good story that keeps you turning the page. Many mysteries which take you on a journey to the end! Characters are enjoyable and have a lot of development also. Only gets a three because the foreshadowing is very obvious but does not hinder the enjoyment of it!

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

More twists and turns than a country road!

I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were believable with all their faults, secrets and worries. The story kept
me guessing all the way through.

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. What a story.

[Cindy Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I thought, "What a pathetically depressing book!" But as I kept reading and all the pieces fell together, it turned into such an uplifting and wonderful book. It's definitely not my genre, but what a heartfelt story! Wonderful ❤️

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely heartwarming story. But such a dark dreary town setting it lent too much gloomy vibe.
I loved how the mysteries unfolded. But Jani was really an unlikable character and unrelatable.
It was great to see them all get together in the end, albeit it with a lot of bittersweet sadness.

Ms. Crawford needs her own story, miserable woman. Despite her heartbreak early in life, she never redeems herself, never cares for parishioners, never makes friends, it was one of the most callous characters.

Listening in on a confession is grounds for Excommunication though! A priest cannot offer forgiveness for someone who listens in to a confession, because the act of listening to a confession without the penitent's consent is a grave sin that violates the "seal of confession". Breaking this seal incurs an automatic excommunication that can only be pardoned by the Pope.

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The his was a fun book to read. The author used a sense of humor to write a remarkable story about life in a small town from the point of view of a priest who had served the same parish for fifty years. in small towns like Graves End you often find that everyone is related in some way. In this story, there are many connections between the characters. Most come as surprises as the puzzle unfolds. As a retired clergyman who served in some small towns, I could relate to the some of the challenges that Father Doyle faced as this story unfolded. The closing chapter reveals the meaning of the title. You will enjoy getting that far into the book to appreciate how Father Doyle embraced the puzzle that revealed all of the interconnections in his life.

[kathleen hennessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was different than most of what I read but I found it a book that was difficult to put down. The characters were believable and while it had an overtone of sadness it was a book about what life can often be. The twist and turns in the lives of the characters where not obvious which lead to the enjoyment of the reading.
The ending was one that would be something that you could imagine happening in life.

[Norma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Jigsaw Priest is a heartwarming novel that keeps you reading. Father John Doyle is planning
his retirement. The small-town parish, Grave's End, has filled him with tragic tales from some penitents. He is burdened but must not break his solemn vow that protects the seal of the confessional. Father Doyle is determined to find a way to put all the pieces together. Margaret Belle's characters are realistic, troubled, and unknowingly intertwined.

[Martha C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed

This book started with such promise. It was a great little mystery for the first half of the book. In the last half it seemed to struggle to bring almost everything to a perfect, happy ending. It became a chore for me to finish.

[mary e wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging

This book was a real page turner You really can get involved in the people's lives and father Doyle Is a priest all of us would love to have in our parish Excellent book

[Zammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked! (*spoiler)

This book had me hooked instantly. The plot, the characters being linked. The ending had me sobbing, I’ve witnessed first hand what Alzheimer can do, very hard to watch with a loved family member. Millie finding the what he left for her 😭😭😭

[Cristian Marrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice page. Definitely had me turning the pages. The idea was beautiful. Blessed a Father for being a vessel of secrets. Like jigsaw pieces, try to connect the pieces. The ending a was a bit too much for me. Thing's are bound to happy in a town named Grave's End.

[dorothy oczkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jigsaw Priest

First book in a long time that I couldn’t put down. Read it in a day. Unusual plot twist with mystery and interesting characters.

[Emily Short · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️, a cute, sweet (if somewhat unbelievable) book, but I loved the characters and the story.

[Marie Kovac · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jigsaw Priest

I enjoyed this book a clever topic, also enjoyed the Granddaughters. I haven't read Margaret Belle d's other books yet.

[Judy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Positive review

I chose this rating because I really liked the book, the characters and the thought of family members coming together. Amen.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I really enjoyed it. So many twists and turns. Little bit of humor. Liked all of the characters, especially Fr John and Doc.

[PATRICK J. PAGNI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting

This is a must read, it w!ill draw you in. It is heart warming and sad at the same time, live life to the fullest while you can!

[Dr Honora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists and characters

It's a tangled read to keep the players in line and discern what new family story or surprise will be found out next.

[Kathy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book very much. Fast read.

[ken wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartwarming

A beautiful story. The author did a fantastic job of weaving all the characters together. Had nice elements of surprise along the way.

[Li Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for a really fun read that keeps the pages turning. I was still left with a few questions, but this was a great read especially if you like a whodunnit kind of story line.

[Marcia Satryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with lots of twists and turns! Really enjoyed it.

[Regina M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! So many twists and turns. Kept me reading every chance I got Really enjoyed this fast read

[Kenn Goslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a series of scrambled conundrums!

The sacred silence of the Confessional can sometimes be breached, but that is a mortal sin? What are the chances?

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read the title tells all . This priests life and how the people he has been around for so long are part of him, interesting,sad too.

[susan cocco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read with so many twists and turns. I enjoyed it.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. Would read more of this author.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elaborate yet disciplined storylines that come together nicely.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! You have to pay attention
to this book. So many characters.
intertwined together. Loved this
Book!!!