Idol Bones

Theodora Braithwaite #3

by D.M. Greenwood

To Vincent Stream his appointment as Dean of Bow St Aelfric is a gift from God. Here, if anywhere, there is a name to be made. But, as Deacon Theodora Braithwaite quickly perceives, when it comes to imposing order on the shambles left by his predecessor, Stream is unlikely to be offered a clear run. For the stubbornness of the cathedral clergy is legendary; contentious as terriers, for years them have worried away at the bones of power, and are unlikely to hand their trophies over without a fight - especially to one such as Stream.
Within a week of Stream's residence the clergy are faced with another challenge to their authority: a well-preserved head of the Roman god Janus is discovered in the cathedral close. And when a body is found laid out before the statue, its throat slashed like a sacrificial lamb's, it seems clear that the clergy's battle for power has proved more bloody than even Theodora expected...
The gap between clerical pretensions and human realities is beautifully caught in this finely observed comedy of clerical and provincial life. D. M. Greenwood's previous Theodora Braithwaite novels, Clerical Errors and Unholy Ghosts (also available from Headline) have been praised as "shiningly different" Observer, "stunning start...a sizzling debut" Mail on Sunday, "Greenwood writes like an affectionate but acid-penned angel...a rich and skilfully woven tapestry of deceit and mayhem" The Sunday Times and "affectionately, tellingly described...unusual and welcome" Financial Times.

Cover illustration by Fred Preston

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Dr D(iane) M Greenwood described herself as "a low level ecclesiastical civil servant". Coming originally from Norfolk in England, she took a first degree in classics at Oxford, then, as a mature student, a second degree in theology at London University. She taught at various schools before working for the diocese of Rochester. She was described by an ex-pupil as "a classics teacher of terrifying erudition and eccentricity". She retired as diocesan director of education for the diocese of Rochester in 2004. She published nine Theodora Braithwaite novels between 1991 and 1999. She was last heard of living in Greenwich with her lurcher bitch.

Reviews

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this out of order by mistake and I’m glad I did. I liked it more than the next one and it renewed my energy for the series. In this one the crime and the setting are well integrated. The exploration of relationships, motivation and culture in the church are integrated fairly well with the mystery, with the police figures as well as Theodora providing a familiar and consistent anchor.

I appreciate an interest in ecclesiastical matters is a prerequisite for enjoying this series, but for those who share the interest this is a gem.

[CAROL · Rating 4 out of 5]

an ecclesiastical mystery. Likes it.

This was excellent: really brings out the foible and attempted coverups of the clergy. Very interesting discussions of church function and responsibility.

see also "Heavenly Vices"

These 2 books loaned to me by my priest, Susan

[Anne Laugharne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too ecclesiastical.

Not my cup of tea I'm.afraid. Still had to read it to the end. Did not find it at all gripping.

[Helen Parkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this character. I couldn’t put the book down until I had finished reading. All of it. Can’t wait to read the next one.

[Damaskcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theodora Braithwaite has been sent to the East Anglian city of Bow to get involved in education for the laity. It quickly becomes clear to her that all is not as it should be in and around the cathedral and a scurrilous column in the local paper reflects this. Someone close to the church must be writing it and the Bishop asks Theodora if she will try and find out who is responsible.

When a body is found in the cathedral close with its throat cut and lying at the feet of a recently discovered pagan statue of Janus like a sacrificial offering it is obvious things have got out of hand. Inspector Spruce is on secondment to the Bow police force and he asks for Theodora's help in finding out what is going on.

This is an entertaining clerical mystery with some very dark undercurrents and some thoroughly unpleasant people. It is well plotted with plenty of touches of humour and some well drawn and all too human characters. It is the third book in the Theodora Braithwaite series but can be read as a standalone story.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hopeful....

May try again another time.

The writing felt garbled.